I usually mail in orders, wi***hey had a way to order/pay securely online. Otherwise no complaints. They originally were pretty much just Lionel equipment; I started buying when it was just a 3-4 line classified ad in Model Railroader from Peter Bianco back in the early-mid seventies. If a loco is announced that I know I want I’ll pre-order it from them, they usually have very good prices for pre-orders.
Just to confirm most of what has already been said. And I would never call them rude. A bit curt? Sometimes. They are a volume business. But unlike some discounters they stand behind their sales; I bought a Spectrum decapod several years ago that arrived with a broken stack; they replaced it immediately without a quibble.
Want rude, deal with a New York Car sales men, that is rude. The folks at Trainworld will bend over backwards for you to get your order out. I had them NDA 600ft of Atlas 83 it was in S.C at 10:00 am next day. That is service.
Wow thanks alot everybody!
I will definitely take all this advice and hav everything ready if I order something. Who cares if they are rude when you are getting great prices. Thanks guys!
John
If you know the number of the item you want, they might have a little patiience with you, but the prices are good.
I have only had one dealing with them,and it was not good. Alot can be said about first impressions.
and I have not done business with them since and I dought if I ever will.
The way I see it there are too many other places that want my business.
IF they have it, they’ll ship it - NEXT item?
Major gripe - “Various road’s” - you have to call to find if they have your road name.
Major plus - Closeou’ts - (if they have your roadname}.See above.
There are alternatives to Trainworld.You can get pretty much the same low prices at other shops, like Standard Hobby and 1st Place Hobbies, and with friendlier service.
You guys are right on the money for the ordering side of things. I did have a problem with something once though and they offered to replace the thing right away with no questions asked. I though that was pretty good. [8D]
I have delt with Trainworld many times and never a complaint. They have exchanged a couple of bad engines for me no questions asked. Prompt shipping and pretty good selection.
Tom
I have spent literally thousands of dollars with Trainworld over the past 20+ years and have never had a problem insofar as shipping and delivery goes. However, I recently ended all further dealings with them. Over the past several years, I have noticed a growing amount of rudeness from their operators. Now all I get is Attitude, Attitude, Attitude!!! The “Soup Nazi” comment had me rolling on the floor - that is EXACTLY the way I have been continually treated. It seems things have gone down hill since the founder passed away a few years ago. The final straw occured when I tried to order a BLI KCS E3 and a P2K E6 with sound. I was smugly told that the BLI engine had not yet been released even though I had ordered my first one from THEM a month earlier. The operator all but called me an idiot. But what really infuriated me was the E6. They would not honor the price listed in the Model Railroader ad AND on their OWN website!!! I was quoted a price $40 higher than the advertised price. When I questioned this, I was basically hung up on. They could be giving away engines and you couldn’t pay me to order from them again.
As an alternative to Trainworld, let me share a recent experience. A few weeks ago I found a dealer on eBay who would sell me 100 pieces of Atlas Code 83 flex track for $220, plus Atlas Code 83 #6 switches for $8.33 each. I wanted100 total - 50 right and 50 left. I inquired about, and was given FREE SHIPPING! When I called to pay with my Visa, I found out it was Nagengast Hardware and Hobby in Ridgewood, NY - - - a Local Hobby Shop!!!. This LHS used to advertise in Model Railroader, and has been in business since 1947!!! Hans, who I spoke with, was the nicest, friendliest and most courteous person I have ever had the pleasure of dealing with. Not only did I get Free Shipping, but he told me he would give me an additional discount for ordering so many switches($7.99 each)!!! He ALREADY