Online Train Store

[lescar]

Can any one recommend a good online store that has decent customer service,selection and shipping.  I have looked at quite a few sites, but not sure which one to use.  So I was hoping that I could find one from your experiences. 

Thanks
Les

[hotrainlover]

I use Trainworld, most of the time.  I have NEVER had a bad experience with them.  It does depend on what you are purchasing though, as to the TYPE of store you use.  I have only used them to purchase my motive power, and a few accessories. 

[CNE Runner]

Lescar - I have used the following on-line retailers with no problems at all:
http://www.discounttrainsonline.com/
http://www.toytrainheaven.com/
http://valleymodeltrains.com/catalog/

Of course the Walthers website is a good one as well. If you are interested in hobby-appropriate tools then Micro Mark is a good place to start (be sure to get on their free catalog mailing list). Micro Mark's website is http://www.micromark.com/ and their service is outstanding. Keep in mind that all these retailers will charge you shipping and handling...sometimes that can be more than the price of the items itself - so use discretion when ordering. I usually wait until I have a substantial order and then proceed.

Ray

[GCTTowerA]

I use ModelTrainStuff.com. They are quick, their prices are amazing and they have great service.

[lescar]

Thanks everyone, I haven't bought anything yet.  Still in the designing stages, so far it's going to be a 4' X 8' HO DCC layout with a Union Pacific theme.

Thanks
Les

[rich1998]

I use caboose hobbies also.
http://www.caboosehobbies.com/catalog/index.php

Litchfield Station is who I get my DCC stuff from. Very good service and free shipping over $75.00.
I just saw a message in another forum from a person who lives in Belgium, Europe. He ordered a tsunami decoder online the 8th of Jan and it arrived in his mailbox the 15th.
They answer email also.

http://www.litchfieldstation.com/DCC-University/index.htm
lex

[jward]

i noticed train world is advertising the new bachmann gp7 for 49.99

[mabloodhound]

http://stores.ebay.com/THE-FAVORITE-SPOT is one of the best e-bay stores.   Carry all gauges and great for On30 items.
Great prices, good shipping, Auth. Bachmann retailer

[Heave]

I use the Ebay "The Favorite Spot" also. It is the best.

Be sure to do your buying in batches of 5 units that way shipping is only 12 to 15 dollars for the lot.

[Michigan Railfan]

modeltrainstuff.com is the best for me. Their prices are amazing, and they ship pretty fast. It only took about 4 days to ship 2 Athearn engines from their store to his house, in Michigan. Their prices are the best I've ever seen so far.

[Pacific Northern]

I use ModelTrainStuff.com. They are quick, their prices are amazing and they have great service.

I have tried a number of on line stores and prefer

http://www.modeltrainstuff.com/

I always check their site before buying anywhere else.

[ABC]

If considering ebay, I recommend the Favorite Spot.

[Rashputin]

   The majority of the Bachmann engines I have I've gotten from The Favorite Spot on EBay because they've had consistently great prices and great service.  I did get my Bachman Berks from Peach Creek Shops which is where I get my steel mill related buildings and hard to find steel industry equipment.  For everything else I use Model Train Stuff.  I've been buying from Model Train Stuff since the mid seventies when I used to visit their store on a regular basis.  They have a live inventory on their website, so if you see it in stock and put it in your cart, you'll get it without ever having to give backorders a thought.

   There are several other places that get high praise from friends of mine but the three I mention are the ones I've ordered from frequently enough to know for sure that they have excellent service and prices.  I don't think any one place has everything you'll need for a layout when you need it, though, but Model Train Stuff comes close and will order just about anything you can think of.

  Regards

[Pacific Northern]

If considering ebay, I recommend the Favorite Spot.

Favorite Spot is a great e-Bay place for Bachmann items and a limited number of Rivarossi items.  Great service and fast shipping.

Just do not get carried away with the bidding. Have seen a lot of instances where people were actually bidding over the "Buy Me Now" prices.

[jbsmith]

pricewise modeltrainstuff is tough to beat.
A bit flakey when it comes to notifying me about when my order ships.
I lost count of how many times they emailed me to notify me that the order has just shipped even though the package arrived the day before! 

i also like trainsets only, they are usually competitive in prices and have monthly specials plus they are close to me so shipping is quick, if i order on a Monday i normally have the package by Wednesday. this outfit is in the chicago area.
http://www.trainsetsonly.com/

I have used Horizons site a Few times. Great Service . Never had a problem or hassle with them   but that comes With a Price .
http://www.horizonhobby.com/
BUT--I only do business with them as a last resort, like when no one else has what i am looking for.
Expect to shell out full M$RP, they RARELY if ever offer any price break or discount on model RR goods .
Except for the full M$RP part,,they ARE a good outfit to do business with