I’m looking for a good online hobby shop. I don’t live close to really any good shops and would just like to get an opinion of where the online community gets their supplies. I would rather shop locally but since I can’t I’m looking online. Any links or stores would be helpful.
Thanks
Schom
www.discounttrainsonline.com
www.internettrains.com
www.istplacehobbies.com
www.tonystrains.com
All very good shops with mostly good service.
Ken.
schom, i"ve had REAL good luck with Walthers. i have bought tons of stuff from them and have had no problems.
NZRMac has a good list. I have had good luck with all of them.
REX
Don’t overlook the mail order firms that advertise in MR such as www.trainworld.com and www.standardhobby.com
See their hard copy ads. They also have a 1-800 # and discount approx 25-30% off MSP.
Be aware of shipping costs, out of stock/back order policy, extra shipping costs,returns,
restocking fees and defective out of the box policy.
Cherry creek hobbies has the cheapest peco turnout I have found ,
http://www.cchobbies.com/track/peco.htm
But I would’nt limit yourself to just one dealer , different sites have better prices on different items.
also buy in bulk to save on shipping cost and/or look for deals on free shipping.
just my [2c]
bill
Another good mailorder hobbystore is http://www.modelrailwaypo.com He has been in business since 1981.
His website is OK, but I have been dealing with him for a while and every order was packaged well and things were not broken. He specializes in HO. If he doesn’t have it, he will usually get it for you (if he can). He also has an E-bay store link on his webpage.
I use MB Kleins in Baltimore,
http://www.modeltrainstuff.com/manufacturer/athearnrtrhoengines.html?scale=ho
they always seems to have lower prices than anybody else (by a substantial amount), ships quickly and safely-low shipping charges also- huge selection-I’ve pre-ordered items months after the manufactures close date on taking reservations and have always received those items from Kleins.
I always call to order from them, they can be gruff at times as they are always busy. I find a good time to call is right after they open for the day. Mike and Wade in HO are nice guys and very helpful.
cheers, Bob Smith
Davis Trains is my LHS and my primary internet provider
http://www.davistrains.com/index1.asp
They are easy to talk to and the shipping is fast and reasonably priced. The online store takes a little getting used to but they all do.
I’m a little biased perhaps, since I am the owner of my LHS, but whenever possible, you really ought to buy at your LHS! If you don’t support the LHS, it may not be there next time you need a tube of glue, or a bottle of paint! [:(]
Most LHS’s will be glad to order the special item you need, and we can usually get it within 4-5 days, which is about the same as the mail order places. And most of us will be able to get close to the price you see on the mail order houses, and you WON’T have to pay shipping! [:D]
I understand not everyone has a LHS, and sometimes the ones that do, the proprietor may not stock the items you need. But give them a chance. There is no way to stock everything…there’s just way too much out there! But, if they are really trying to serve the customer, I’m sure they will get you what you want.
Just my [2c]
And thank you for your support! [;)]
Rotor
I’d love to support my LHS but he’s just too expensive for the higher line items, I go there for rail joiners and things. [:D]
Ken.
Have you mentioned this to the owner? Tell him you’d like to buy there, but you can get this item at Acme Hobby Supply for $XX.XX. I’ll bet he’d be willing to deal! I know I am!
Rotor
We hear you man, but increasingly for a lot of us there is no LHS. I admit I am only 30 miles from Cincinnati, but I would rather take a beating than drive down there.
If I can I save up an order and call my LHS guy because he has cut back to just orders and will meet you on a night or weekend.
I second Bob Smith’s suggestion. Buy from M.B. Kleins and get the best of both worlds. They are an internet seller as well as a local hobby shop.
So, you are supporting a LHS by buying on the internet.
I have never had any problems with them and have gotten the best savings anywhere.
I pretty much always use www.internettrains.com .
They always have great discounts and a big variety.
Personally, my LHS is my first choice. Maybe I’m luckly, but after figuring in shipping it usually is fairly close in price for what I am looking for. I use the internet to find items he cannot locate for me. If its broke or I change my mind, I can return it without paying return shipping.
But, just like shopping at two shops in person, if the internet dealer has a much better price, I will order from them. I can’t stand around shooting the bull and getting ideas and knowledge from the internet dealers. It gets me out of the house and the pilgramage to the shop is something I look forward to.
So, except for the occassional exceptional buy, I default to my local shop.
I use www.firsthobby.com. They have hooked me up with some pretty good deals.
The other good one missing from the list so far is Toy Train Heaven. Good prices, quick shipping, stuff is in stock, nice guy. http://www.toytrainheaven.com
I would use my LHS, but…
a) he doesn’t offer discounts - its just straight MSRP. Any internet store I have dealt with offers at least a 30% discount over MSRP.
b) he doesn’t stock much of what I buy because he doesn’t sell a lot of it, and that is understandable. He always tells me he can get it in, but the two times I’ve special ordered, its taken 4 - 6 weeks to get it. Even if he offered a good price, I’m not waiting that long for an item when I can have it in a week or less from an internet store.
c) he isn’t a model railroader, he is an R/C guy. He’s still pretty good with trains, but his #1 priority is R/C planes and cars and I know more about the products than most of the guys at the store do.
He really is a good guy, and if I had a little more gumption, I’d tell him how much he’s missing out on my business and why, but its just easier for me to order online. I really don’t think he has the capacity to improve his N scale stock because he just doesn’t sell enough - or is that the reason he doesn’t?
Oh, and I buy from http://www.1stplacehobbies.com - Haven’t found anything with better prices and selection and the best web site for ordering that I’ve seen.