Where to buy Kadee couplers?

Model Railroader General Discussion (Model Railroader)
1

Hi [:D]

I’m looking for an online dealer for a small bulk pack of kadee #148 couplers at a good price.

Thanks in advance.

Lee

2

Lots of them out there - Toy Train Heaven, Model Train Stuff, Caboose Hobbies, etc., etc.

I have to say, while buying online is usually cheaper than the LHS, you have a wait time for it to arrive and shipping expense (offset sorta by local sales tax).

I would recommend making your online orders as big as you can, which will make it worthwhile.

3

25 pair bulk pack at Walthers for $35.98. I believe that’s the smallest bulk pack they come in.

4

model train stuff,. (top notch company)

5

Hobby Shop! Even though it may be a few bucks more expensive than ebay, or walthers, or another online shop, purchasing from the local hobby shop allows you to:

  1. browse the aisles and see what else is out there. (you cant browse on the internet)
  2. talk with the owner. Hobby shop owners and employees are most often experienced hobbyists. You can chat with them about problems you are having and solutions to them. They also carry flyers to local train shows, and newsletters for local clubs, so you can join the local community too.
  3. support the hobby shop. Local hobby shops can usually special order items for you at lower prices. They often have other deals, and support the hobby at the same time. By purchasing more often from your local hobby shop, the products the owner orders will more likely reflect your niche in the hobby.
  4. Its fun! Who else here wants aisles and aisles of train stuff in their sights!
6

Unless you’re ordering several other items at the same time, shipping is probably going to make the Kadee couplers more expensive by mail order than through your local hobby shop.

I think Kadee is one of the companies that does not allow their couplers to be sold below a certain price point in order to help local hobby shops survive.

7

Hey guys.

I couldn’t find any #148s at my two local hobby shops (less than 10mls). I didn’t ask about ordering, because I would have to wait for that.

Thanks for the source’s.

Lee

8

John (IVRW) is right. I try to buy as much as I can through my LHS. I can order anything through him, I don’t pay shipping, and he gives me the Walthers sale price or 10-15% off, whichever is a better deal. Most of the time, I send him an e-mail with the order and I go to the shop to pick it up.

I also always pay in cash. That costs me no more, but it saves him the credit card fees, which are significant to a low-margin business like a hobby shop.

But - my LHS is only one town over, and it’s a short drive right on the way to the wine shop. Time and gas are therefore not much of an issue. As an “established” older guy with a good job, I’m not modeling on a budget, and I can afford to support the shop even if I could get a better deal elsewhere. We all need to remember that not everyone is in that situation.

9

YankeeDabbler has them for $30.50 plus shipping.

Len S.