Hello
Im just getting back into model railroading. Can anybody tell me who has the best prices on the internet for HO scale trains, track, and accessories. It has been since the mid 1980’s since my father and I have done anything with trains and it seem like quite a few things have changes since then.
Thanks for the help
I prefer www.1stplacehobbies.com They have a large selection in the most commonly used items.
Reed
i like internettrains.com …their track, locomotives, and roadbed are very reasonable…another good site is discounttrains.com
In general, Trainworld. They’ve got a large selection of train stuff (especially engines), and they usually match or beat anyone’s prices. Check out their blowouts section for $29 P2K diesels! Internet Trains has some decent bargains too, and carries a more diverse product line than Trainworld. And if you know what the MSRP is and what the discount stores are selling for, you can always get some great bargains on Ebay.
Unfortunately that is only half the question that needs to be asked. there have been numerous advertizers over the years that have a history of less than stellar service or delivery of goods. I would phrase the question as, “who are the cheapest and most dependable sources?”.
I have had good experiences with M.B. Klein, http://www.modeltrainstuff.com both in person at train shows and via mail order. Haven’t had a chance to visit the actual store yet, I don’t get to Baltimore that much.
–Randy
seven6twomm,
Ditto on the Trainworld and the blowouts on the Proto 2000 diesels. I’ve been VERY happy with my S1 switcher. Some of the other e-businesses mentioned are also good and have a better selection. It pays to shop around.
I also encourage you to find a GOOD local hobby store (LHS) in your area and give them some of your business. You can glean from the vast knowledge base of the staff and see and hold the merchandise that you really can’t from an Internet business. I’m willing to pay a little extra for the help and suggestions I get from my LHS. However, saving 66% on a larger ticket item is a no brainer. I do try and balance it out. I’ve probably done about 75% of my business at my LHS. I like to see the “little guys” to well and give them as much support as I can.
Tom
I had a bad experience with them my first (and last) time using their website to order stuff. I ordered close to $100 worth of stuff, got an email acknowledging the order, and never heard from them again. I sent at least 3 or 4 emails asking about the status of the order, starting about 3 weeks after I placed it, and NEVER got a response. Finally just sent them a message canceling the order, and never got a response to that, either. I wasn’t impressed.
I’ll stick with Internet Trains, Discount Trains Online, and even the Walther’s site (their sales are pretty good when they have them).
See www.firsthobby.com, as well.
I have the pleasure of going to MB Kliens , ( www.modeltrainstuff.com ) usually why I am late getting home as they are just off the highway I use to get out of downtown Baltimore. THey are alway very nice and truly into what they are doing and the prices are just about the same as a few web sites… Enjoy Joseph
For ‘N’ highball to Wig-Wag-Trains.com
great service and willing advice
Hi again.
Thank you for all the help you guys. The sites you mentioned were very helpful. The local hobby shop is expensive, however you are right about have knowledgeable people just down the road… Happy Railroading Everyone : )
seven6twomm
www.toytrainheaven.com has very good prices and almost a 100% fill rate.
Don’t forget Tony’s Train Exchange. Their prices for DCC systems are unbeatable, and NO-ONE has more info available on a web site.
I use internethobbies.com and discounttrainsonline.com. Both have good prices and dont
screw around when it comes to shipping .
FAdkins
Route Rock
I’ve been buying from Toy Train Heaven & Standard Hobbies for years. The service is fast & they don’t do back orders. I always call ahead on their 800 numbers to find out
if they have the item I need & then give them my credit card # & order it. With-in about 5 to 10 days or less I get my order. They never substitute an item unless I OK it.
I have ordered from Walthers once or twice & have had excellent service, but, they are full retail on most items unless you can get in on their once a year sales, usually in Sept. or Oct.
I also buy from train shows, but only if I get a good deal. Hobby shops are not in my
language unless I’m building a custom layout for someone else & they want me to buy from their local hobby store.
Buying mail order is sometimes higher than a hobby shop when you figure in the shipping charges.
Larry66
It is always worth a trip to a Train Show. They aren’t frequent in most areas, a few times a year at best, but even if you aren’t buying anything they are a lot of fun. Many have working layouts, too. The vendors are typically well below shop prices, and many will bargain below their posted prices. You may find good used or discontinued items, too. “Model Train Shows” on Google will net you a bunch of choices, and you can further refine your search by entering your state in the search line. DO IT NOW! This is the big season, and I know there are 2 big shows the next 2 weekends here in Massachusetts.
Check walthers.com etc. if you see something nice check with internettrains.com
Their price will usually be lower. Of coust if you can find a lower priced item after ordering from internettrains let them know the lower price, and if it’s within 30 day’s of ordering from them they will match the lower price. Example: Walthers new 130’ turntable sales for $299. Internettrains price $229. I have asked walthers to price match the drop they told me they couldn’t meet that price. Internettrains.com has underpriced other venders also. Another cite to look at is Internethobbies.com
I have found no problem with delivery from these cites. These cites also offer cite discount coupons, and have further lowered their prices on special items for time limited sales.
FYI, Walthers.com is running a sale on a lot of items now, and their prices on most of the sale items are lower than internettrains.com.
I mostly try Hobbytown USA. But really, it just depends on the model your buying and the condition too.