Has anyone got any experiences with this place. I'm thinking of placing an order, but I don't really like surprises. How long to ship? Items ok? Customer service quality? Those kinds of things. Thanks in advance for any help you may give.
Although I hate to give any model railroad seller a black eye, these guys seem to go out of their way to earn it. I have placed (and cancelled) two orders. Although they list the stuff as "in stock", it may take over six months for them to actually "allocate" the material from their warehouse (as far as I can tell, it's about 1200 square feet) to your order and then an additional 6 or so weeks to deliver. I have chosen to avoid them. I do know that some people have had good luck. If you want to see lots of comments, there is a message string some 17 pages long at the Model Railroader message board about other people's experience.
Thanks
http://www.internettrains.com/merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=CTGY&Store_Code=IT&Category_Code=HSCLOCSTLATGFES&Featured=NEW
Are you talking about this place, they have EVERYTHING,
and since I figured out to manage with school, I think I might do "I'll find anything, thing."
BUT I HATE IT WHEN YOU GUYS HAVE FUN WITH IT, but you still can, except I can't promise that I will find your locos.
Check out Caboose Hobbies in Denver. They are very honest and won't promise what they can't deliver.
Must be true to their word, I like that.
They've been in business for 70 years, must be doing something right. They don't have a so called warehouse in another building, everything they stock is in the store. If you have a question about an item, they will grab one off the shelf and answer your concerns.
http://www.caboosehobbies.com/catalog/index_home.php
When you call ask for Bill Johnson, tell him Bob referred you. He is a member of the local club, he knows trains.
Bob
Here's all the rare things I found on Caboose hobbies-all in HO
http://www.caboosehobbies.com/catalog/popup_image.php?pID=18721&prod_image_ext=gif
http://www.caboosehobbies.com/catalog/popup_image.php?pID=4572&prod_image_ext=jpg
They are pretty good, but my dad won't ever let me internet shop even straight from the manufacturer...
Quote from: Santa Fe buff on May 01, 2008, 01:06:23 PM
They are pretty good, but my dad won't ever let me internet shop even straight from the manufacturer...
On the Trains.com forum I see many complaints about Internet Model Trains. Some have had decent service. It sounds like a gamble. They might be good for reference.
Don't EVER buy directly from the manufacturer. You will pay top dollar most of the time. Spend some time looking at the HO scale for ebay. The Favorite Stop has excellent prices for Spectrum.
Compare Caboose Hobbies prices with manufacturers prices as a start. Generally, The Favorite Spot on ebay has better prices. I just won a bid for $30.50 including shipping for a new Spectrum 44 ton diesel that retails for $90.00 at Horizon Hobbies and it is brand new, plus The Favorite Spot has very good customer service.
At least, learn to shop wisely on the 'Net even if you cannot buy now.
Rich
Rich,
Shopping wisely is a perfect skill, your right, besides the internet is fun, you don't always have to shop, you can do anything!-almost.
I agree, I may not be able to shop, but fraud is visable, Internet Model Trains, I could tell instantly that most of their stuff isn't quality. Some is, but most isn't. Accuallty it's my age, if you've read my older posts, I may of stated I'm only 12 or a preteen. And eBay, That place is awesome, they have stuff you can never find, trust me, when I have a job and have some extra money, I won't buy until I know the best deal. Oh and that 44 ton, I really need one in ATSF, the only reason I'm asking, is because for when I'm older, I'll have a better idea.
-Yes, some of your tips were written down.
Rich
You will no doubt have the 44 apart to install a decoder. When you do, would you please compare the chassis/running gear to that of the GE 70 Ton?
They appear to be the same, if so it brings up an interesting question. The 44 is a Spectrum, but only DCC ready and retails for $90.
The GE is not a Spectrum, yet is DCC equipped and sells for only $65.??
I would like a picture of the 44 chassis if we can hook up with email. I also have some other questions.
Thanks
Bob
Bob
In reply to your query, the chassis are not the same.
The frame on the 70 ton'r is slightly wider and 3/16th in longer.
Also the wheels are larger diameter than the 44 ton'r.
Wheel dia. 44 ton = .376" 70 ton = .412' .
Sorry a body swap won't work.
Tim Anders
Souderton, PA
Hi Tim
I'm not considering a body swap, although I frequently bash bodies. I use the GE 70 for all my special powered car projects. Some are pretty weird but lots of fun to build. I am more concerned about the price disparity between similar units.
http://www.bachmanntrains.com/home-usa/board/index.php/topic,4422.0.html
I am just curious about the wheelbase, height profile, and possibility of stretching the two trucks to special lengths. In other words, instead of chopping a body to fit the chassis, make the chassis adjustable in length. Stretching chassis are no problem as I make my own driveshafts from R/C car parts. I stretched one for a 40' box car.
I use the 70 because I buy them for $40 DCC equipped and are easily adaptable. With extra weight it can pull 20 cars with ease.
Sorry to "pirate" your thread Paul, the note about the 44 caught my attention.
Bob
No worries Bob!
Santa Fe,
For a 12 year old your command of written English is quite good. Better than most of the teens here - with the exception of gg, and a lot of adults, not to mention those whose age remains a total mystery. I bet you are taking Pre-Algebra, if it's offered in your school, and doing well. You may tell your L/A teacher that if you want.
Gene
I would like to add to Gene's comments. I have also noticed an increasing maturity in Santa Fe's writing and contribution to the forum.
He is very exuberant and that's good. Life and learning should be exciting.
Bob
Quote from: Yampa Bob on May 01, 2008, 04:35:47 PM
Rich
You will no doubt have the 44 apart to install a decoder. When you do, would you please compare the chassis/running gear to that of the GE 70 Ton?
They appear to be the same, if so it brings up an interesting question. The 44 is a Spectrum, but only DCC ready and retails for $90.
The GE is not a Spectrum, yet is DCC equipped and sells for only $65.??
I would like a picture of the 44 chassis if we can hook up with email. I also have some other questions.
Thanks
Bob
Hi Bob
This 44 ton link is right out of the Bachmann products section up top.
http://www.bachmanntrains.com/home-usa/products/index.php?act=viewProd&productId=68
Here is a link to the 70 ton diesel. I do not have a diagram of the 70 ton parts.
http://www.bachmanntrains.com/home-usa/products/index.php?act=viewProd&productId=1478
I am not into diesels but I will try to answer some of your questions. The loco is a Spectrum DCC ready which for this loco means only an isolated motor. You have to hard wire the decoder. There is no plug. I just want this 44 ton as a base for a Climax loco using the old MDC Climax shell. A couple others have done this. Another person is installing the old MDC box cab ovee the 44 ton chassis.
It is a good idea to cut out the two yellow capacitors if you go to DCC.
The side frames come off the trucks and you can install frames that you make up.
(http://i98.photobucket.com/albums/l267/richg1998/Spectrum44toninside.jpg)
(http://i98.photobucket.com/albums/l267/richg1998/Spectrum44tonB.jpg)
From the top of the grear tower to the top of the rail is 0.760 inches. The truck wheelbase measures about 6 1/2 feet.
Again, go to The Favorite Spot on ebay. They carry a large assortment of Bachmann products. The Spectrum 44 ton is GE. I just paid $30 with shipping for a new one and they have very good customer service. Their Buy It Now is $34 plus shipping.
http://toys.search.ebay.com/BACHMANN-SPECTRUM-GE-44-HO_HO-Scale_W0QQcatrefZC6QQflocZ1QQfposZQ5AIPQ2fPostalQQfromZR10QQfsooZ1QQfsopZ1QQftrtZ1QQftrvZ1QQsabfmtsZ1QQsacatZ19128QQsadisZ200QQsaobfmtsZinsifQQsargnZQ2d1QQsaslcZ1QQsbrftogZ1QQsofocusZbsQQsubmitsearchZSearch
They are single motor types.
Look at this tread.
http://cs.trains.com/forums/1/1424824/ShowPost.aspx#1424824
Rich
*Raises Hand* Ooooh Ooooh, can I tell my teacher tooo! Oooh Oooh, PLEASE! *Lowers Hand*
I don't buy from the Spot.
My specific question is, why does the 44 cost so much more than the 70.?
I appreciate your posting the chassis picture. The one piece casting rules out stretching.
The 70 has separate trucks, so it's easy to add extensions for wheelbase adjustment, and
add longer driveshafts.
Thanks
Bob
Quote from: Yampa Bob on May 01, 2008, 06:43:42 PM
I would like to add to Gene's comments. I have also noticed an increasing maturity in Santa Fe's writing and contribution to the forum.
He is very exuberant and that's good. Life and learning should be exciting.
Bob
Well I did start this at 11, and I'm 12, but I guess that dosen't count...
And I have more experince with trains now.
Did you know before this fourm, I didn't even know steam locomotives had wheel alinment numbers!
After I ran around looking for engines in the topic, "Anyone need anything", I can tell what the loco is by just a glance.
To go back to the beginning of the thread. The 44 tonner is advertised at $39.99 at Trainworld. I just used a hobby shop that I had never heard of -Golf Manor Hobbies. They have parts for all kinds of discontinued and obsolete loco's. Their service is good and prices reasonable. They also do repairs if yyou are not inclined to do them yourself.
Don
That would be "... wheel arrangement..." :D
Golf Manor does do work on locos - bring your checkbook. I have actually been in their shop. Quite a place.
Gene
I figured this out!
Weathering made 'E-Z' <get it?>
I was toying around with my low-set open hopper car, Southern Railroad and Bachman mineral brown/red, and I had two bags of artifically made coal. I inspected it with my hands and noticed I left a black powered-like stain on your hands. I filled 1/4 of a gallon-sized bag, put my Southern 3-bay hopper inside the baggie with the coal, then closed it. I turned it over and over like a dryer, and took it out, with shaking of the leftover 'coal' of the hopper back into the bag. I inspected it, it was weathered with coal black slightly over it, which meant it was 'weathered'.
That the 'E-Z' way of weathering- if you like it like that.
I always find more tips occasionally... :D
Dullcote to seal.
Gene
To the more front of the topic,
I remember that 'Chopped Goat' thing, it was the first on the list when I started. :)
You never will forget things-
your mind just really misplaces them in the half of your brain your body doesn't use.
The easiest way to weather is to buy from someone who has had their stuff on display on open shelves for a number of years.
Don
Like Ed's hobbies in Oak Lawn,IL. He buys junkers or newbies and leaves them on open shelves. Once I saw an ATSF EMD F7 locomotive, it was mint. Then a couple more months later, it was having some grease smuges here and there. It looked professionally weathered. :D Plus it wasn't even out of the box, the box was on the shelves, they must of touched it, they also seem to have a dirty place!
Ok friends,
I placed a little test order with this place. I like to give everyone a fair shot. Here are my results so far:
1. Placed order for 4 items on 4/29/08.
Atlas HO Scale Unpainted Figures (24)
(Clearance) Walthers Trainline HO Scale Ready-to-Run Gondolas
(Clearance) Model Die-Casting HO Scale 40' Gondola
Woodland Scenics Realistic 2-1/2" to 6" Pine Tree
With the $12.00 USPS Express Mail shiping the order came to about $60.00
2. On 5/1/08 The order status page says that all items are allocated and order is processing.
3. On 5/2/08 I receive this email from a Bea Schweder of Internet Trains:
"Order 136205- the woodland scenics item just came in today- your order should ship on Monday. I am sorry for the delay. You will get an email with trcking info when it ships.
Yours Truly,
Bea Schweder
bea@internettrains.com
Internet Trains, Inc.
1-800-369-0878 (North America)
(714) 256-9401 (Outside North America)
M-F 10am-4pm PST (1pm-7pm EST)
Fax: (978) 945-7766"
4. Called them yesterday 5/5/08 and spoke with Bea who said that they were still waiting on the trees. I told her that I received the email from her stating that the trees were already in. She said, "Oh. Then I guess your order will ship today. But the $12.00 you paid was only a deposit for the express mail."
I told here to ship it standard FedEx then.
5. Received this email from the president of IMT today 5/6/08:
"Hi Paul,
I do apologize for the delay. The reason for the delay was that the $12 shipping deposit did not cover the shipping cost for this order.
The actually shipping cost was $13.34 plus $3 for a total of $16.45
Since this was not relayed correctly to you, I have gone ahead and had them ship your order and I will cover the $4.45 that was short.
Tracking info has been added to your order and should update sometime this evening.
I hope this acceptable to you.
Sincerely,
Steve Guccione
"
Hmmm. A week is not too bad to get my order out. But I kept getting a different story.
I deal with 3 or 4 shops over the internert and it has never take a week to get an order out In fact I have sometimes received the order in a week and that is shipping cross borders into Canada. I placed an order with Trainworld on May 2 and they told me that my order would go the same day.Let us know when yours arrives .
Don
Since I started buying from Caboose Hobbies, I couldn't be happier. When I order on the phone, Bill checks his
computer to see if it's in stock. Then he goes to the showroom to make sure, brings it to his desk so he can
answer any questions I might have. If he doesn't have the answer, he will get someone on the phone that does.
If he's on the phone when I call, they will give him a message and he calls back, none of this voice mail garbage,
or push 1 for this or 2 for that.
With standard UPS shipping I get the item the next day if ordered before Friday. Of course I'm only about
250 miles away, but most items are shipped the same day as ordered.
I may pay more, but I don't care. We live by the ABC policy "Always Buy Colorado".
By the way, we all complain about not having good hobby shops close by. Well, you can blame that on the
cutthroat internet companies, especially one that sells locos dirt cheap on Ebay.
I'm off topic, but I keep reading the nightmares modelers are going through with some of these companies, the
answer is don't buy from them.
Bob
I have a hobby shop near me called
hobbies R 4 U, they have stuff for bad prices,
but the big things are good priced.
Order received today, 10 days after I placed it. It was complete, well packed and in good condition. Too bad the Roundhouse gondolas I bought a total crap!
I would not order from them again, due to the misleading ways they answered my questions.
ROUNDHOUSE IS CRAP!
So is Life-like.
Buff, I have a lot of Roundhouse products that are very good.
You have been replying to every single post in every single thread. These posts are mostly superfluous and detract others from reading the main issue or question. Relax and read awhile until you learn what is going on. The forum is not a contest to count the number of posts.
I've run the Roundhouse 4-4-0's, and 2-6-0's, and the Overland Coaches. I was impressed! The older roundhouse RS3's handrails were a pain to install.
Well, they do have a lot of very good items, but a few stink...
but life-like- they run somewhat good, but are very crappy, I can prove life-like.
I guess Santa Fe Buff doesn't have any Proto 2000 locomotives. Except for the gear problem on a few models they are usually very good runners & I have had very few problems with them. The Proto cars are also nice.
I have the Rounhouse Overland coaches and and a couple of locos with DCC and sound and I am pleased wiith all of them.
Don :)
Oh, I don't but I've seen them, the Proto 2000 locomotives blow out the regular ones I have! They are top brand, but still don't beat Bachmann. The Proto 1000 is pretty okay, but nothing like the 2000 series.
Quote from: Santa Fe buff on May 11, 2008, 11:42:15 AM
Oh, I don't but I've seen them, the Proto 2000 locomotives blow out the regular ones I have! They are top brand, but still don't beat Bachmann. The Proto 1000 is pretty okay, but nothing like the 2000 series.
I have some Roundhouse steamers that are very good runners.
How many Proto 2000 locomotives do you have and how do they run? DC or DCC?
Rich
IMHO, P2k diesels are superior to Bachmann Spectrum Diesels, and their Steam is just as good.
The items I referred to are Roundhouse Products, 40' gondolas. The the threaded stud where the coupler attaches breaks off with the slightest force. It is just very cheap pot metal.
Quote from: richG on May 11, 2008, 02:45:05 PM
Quote from: Santa Fe buff on May 11, 2008, 11:42:15 AM
Oh, I don't but I've seen them, the Proto 2000 locomotives blow out the regular ones I have! They are top brand, but still don't beat Bachmann. The Proto 1000 is pretty okay, but nothing like the 2000 series.
I have some Roundhouse steamers that are very good runners.
How many Proto 2000 locomotives do you have and how do they run? DC or DCC?
Rich
I have none, but two standard Life-Like locomotives that run pretty good until one's wiring fell apart and the other one has engine trouble, I use my powered Spectrum by Bachmann Amtrak F40PH to help it. The one that broke was an GP38-2 with only two-wheeled trunks and the engine troubled one is an EMD F7 with a NASCAR logo on it.