After measuring how much track I will need for my layout (click on the link in my signature to see plans), I have calculated that I will need 240± ft of Atlas N-scale code 55 flextrack.
My LHS sells it in 30" lengths at $4.50 CAD (about $3.92 USD). Since I need about 88 pieces, that brings the total cost to almost $460 CAD+ taxes (about $400 USD). That is a huge chunk of change ! While I like to support my LHS, I would rather save some money to put towards other things I need.
So, I am looking for a mail-order (internet) source for track that …
NOT Ebay;
is inexpensive;
is reliable (no silly or stupid shipping “errors” or delays); and
has low shipping costs to Canada.
I’d really like to hear from fellow Canadians and their experiences with on-line ordering.
What I will say is to beware cheap flextrack - I bought a few lengths of unknown origin a while ago and really wished I hadn’t. They looked awful and were of very poor quality compared to Peco. Spend a little more and get the good stuff, you’ll be rewarded with a better layout!
I’d have to go with Railroading Brit on this one. Be careful of a “deal”.
As far as where to get it, maybe trainworld could help. They have very good pricing and they do stock a lot of good stuff (there’s some not so good stuff too, so know what your after). The girls that answer the phone don’t have a clue what a train is though, so have a part number when you call. Their web site is;
You should try http://www.nscalesupply.com/CatalogTrackFlexTrack.html . Here is thier international order shipping page. INTERNATIONAL ORDERS: will be charged the actual US Air Parcel charge including insurance plus a $4.00 handling/packing fee. NOTE: magazines and books cannot be insured. We will only ship these items with a minimum of $50 in other general merchandise.
Two thoughts: Ask your LHS if they will give you a discount for ordering that much at one time. You never know.
Next I suggest you try out Internettrains. Thay have Atlas code 55 at $2.68 USD per length. If I am correct that be about $235 USD for your 88 pieces. Check this page from their site: http://www.internettrains.com/atcod55flext.html
They ship to Canada via USPS insured air for the actual cost plus $3.00.
I have used them a couple of times without problems and would use them again.
I’ve had the best luck at 4nscale. Plus, unlike a lot of other retailers, they will show something as OUT OF STOCK if they don’t have it, rather than taking your order and making you wait forever. [:D]
Thanks everyone for your suggestions. I’m not quite at the point where I need track yet; but, thanks to you, I now have a few options to consider when the time comes.
Thanks, also, for your warnings about cheap track. Since I want Atlas code 55 flex track, I’m not going to settle for anything else if they don’t have it.
I searched their site; but they don’t seem to carry N-scale track of any kind. Locomotives, yes; but not track.
My “LHS” is Davis Trains, they are about 75 miles from here in an eastern suburb of Cincinnati Ohio. Atlas code 55 is listed for $2.05 US a section. Email then about discounts and international shipping.
Why don’t you buy a little at a time so you can spread out the cash flow.
Obviously you’re not going to lay all of that track in one day so just buy a couple of dozen pieces at a time.
And remember, “You get what you pay for.”
gtr