I am sure this has been asked before, but here goes.
I’m getting started on my first layout and am looking to buy the track. I am sure my LHS has what I need, but I wanted to see if there are any good Internet vendors to use. Specifically, I am looking for Atlas code 100 nickel track.
I am not in a real big hurry and could stand to save a little cash if possible.
Obviously, I plan to continue to visit my LHS on a frequent, but if I know what I want and I can get it cheaper–it’s a no brainer.
I have found the advice of a good LHS worth the little extra, you will save more in the long run with the right advice and if your a regular, they alway look after you, that is a good LHS as some dont seem to care…
Scott, I have used these two online stores many times without any problems, but they are slow and you need to allow 2 weeks for delivery. Prices are very good and are usually 20% or better discount.
For what its worth, I’ve shopped with and have had super service from Pat at http://www.traintrack.net, as well as First Place Hobbies at http://www.1stplacehobbies.com. Both give good discounts, fast service, and safe shipping. Discounttrainsonline has been a good source also, but not a great advantage to me because of the California sales tax that gets added on.
I’m 25 (nasty) miles from my LHS, so buy most online. Most of that from 1st Place Hobbies in NE Indiana (I’m in Florida). They’re pretty quick, have $7.95 shipping via UPS ground (more for large or heavy orders). Good web site, lots of stock (if out, will e-mail when in). Prices very good – sometimes you can beat by a few cents elsewhere on some items, but generally the best.
I have order allot from Standard Hobby Supply, Trainworld, and Discount Trains Online.
They all carry ads in MR mag and have fair prices on shipping. You can call in an order or do it online. I buy from my LHS to as often as I can.
i buy from hobbylinc.com however i mainly just get construction materials from them(track, roadbed…) for buying cars and loco’s i greatly prefer my LHS because they have a “bargan bin” of freight cars and a cabinet full of used loco’s,plus other out of production stuff you didn’t know you had to have.
Most all of the mentioned internet companies listed are good and I have done business with many of them. I also use Firsthobby.com, which usually get the items I want at a decent price.
I know you specifically mentioned “Track”, but when you need special tools and little odds and ends, checkout “Micro-Mark.com”. They are quick and reasonably priced. They have tools that you won’t find at your LHS.
I have made many purchases from them with no problems. They even have some great sales on locomotives, like the Spectrum HO Shay I bought recently. Check them out and get on their mailing list for their catelog.
I’ve done business with both and had basically good results. But both have -at least once- made mistakes with my orders. Both made good on them with no problem. Pay attention every step of the way.
I used to recommend Trainworld, but have had several damaged shipments from them over the past couple of years, and even though I have made it especially clear that they need to be more careful when they pack and ship (by UPS who couldn’t care less about the word “Fragile”), Trainworld continues to do a very poor job in how they pack their shipments. The gal that usually answers the phone - you know the one that many have commented in the past that ‘has an attitude’, (the same one I have defended in the past when her typical NYC accent has annoyed some model RRers) does have a real attitude of not giving a rat that one has experienced a damaged shipment. After she defends the neanderthal in shipping perhaps her boyfriend), scolds the caller who’s complaining and stating that no one else has such complaints, and then talks to her ‘supervisor in the backroom’, she offers a return authorization that doesn’t reimburse any of the postage charges for the initial shipment or that required for the returned item, and then they’ll charge you postage again for that replacement item. Not too good of a discount after all, huh? They have lost any future business of mine.
everyone above have good internet places…another one where i’ve found the best deals on track is a store in the Model Railroader magazine called “Trainworld”…they have the best prices on track and cork roadbed and all you have to do is call in the order, just be sure you have the part number out of their advertisement at hand because they won’t look up stuff for you to buy…i’ve ordered from them for years and have never recieved anything damaged from them…chuck