RailRoadFan.com

Well guys, I've had it with Walthers. Seems like every time I go to place an order with them more than half the things I need are out of stock. I don't want to get into a big rant here, but I'm sure lots of you know exactly what I'm talking about. So, I'd like some suggestions on who to try for my MRR supplies. Mainly detailing parts, paint, that sort of thing... I would love to use a local hobby shop, but these days, there are none (at least not around here), thanks in large part to Walthers...
Thanks,
Todd

I noticed to type into google shopping exactly what your looking for and it will bring up prices of the same products from many different sites. There are countless. Most of the sites are not just model trains, they sell other hobby things like RCs, rockets, etc.

I use www.modeltrainstuff.com when ordering most of my trains. I'm not sure how much detail/paint supplies they have, but when it comes to the actual models, they have the lowest prices I've seen online, other than auction sites.

Caboose Hobbies is a good one, Horizon Hobby is also another good distributor

I like model train stuff too....best pricing I usually see on Kato....but for track and all that stuff...can't be Bill's Trains and Track in Florida http://www.billstrains.com/ He claims he can order anything for you too, but i never have asked him too, so I don't know how good that works

I like http://www.discounttrainsonline.com. Primarily for details and close-outs.

Well, that all depends on what you are looking for.

DCC- http://www.tonystrains.com/ - they have good pricing and sometimes some real steals on clearance items. Lots of good info.
http://www.internethobbies.com/inmodtrain.html- large selections, pricing was lower than most others, but now about the same. Shipping is reasonable / reliable.
http://stores.ebay.com/Dans-Train-Depot- good prices
http://stores.ebay.com/a1funnypagehobby- in michigan
http://www.thefavoritespot.com/-good loco prices

I use factory direct trains, have had problems and they give good service.

conrailman75 wrote:I use factory direct trains, have had problems and they give good service.

Did ya mean no problems?

I have used Trainworld.com a number of times. Really good prices, nice selection and the few times I have ordered stuff. It was on my door step in less then three days.

bctrainfan wrote:

conrailman75 wrote:I use factory direct trains, have had problems and they give good service.

Did ya mean no problems?

sorry, that's what I meant.

AC60CW wrote:I have used Trainworld.com a number of times. Really good prices, nice selection and the few times I have ordered stuff. It was on my door step in less then three days.

My experience with Trainworld is that relying on their so-called online inventory is a waste of time. Three times in a row I placed orders on their site, only to get a reply back a few hours later that "no, despite the site saying we have that in stock, we don't really any more."

Perhaps if I'd been ordering some high-turnover commodity, like track, or something released over the previous two or three weeks, it would have been more accurate, but I tend to be looking for specific pieces of equipment when I shop online.

If you want something from Trainworld, have the item number handy, then call them on the phone. The people who answer the phone can actually tell you if something's in stock.

fmilhaupt wrote:

AC60CW wrote:I have used Trainworld.com a number of times. Really good prices, nice selection and the few times I have ordered stuff. It was on my door step in less then three days.

My experience with Trainworld is that relying on their so-called online inventory is a waste of time. Three times in a row I placed orders on their site, only to get a reply back a few hours later that "no, despite the site saying we have that in stock, we don't really any more."

Perhaps if I'd been ordering some high-turnover commodity, like track, or something released over the previous two or three weeks, it would have been more accurate, but I tend to be looking for specific pieces of equipment when I shop online.

If you want something from Trainworld, have the item number handy, then call them on the phone. The people who answer the phone can actually tell you if something's in stock.

Yea, I ordered my MRC Wireless DCC system and an addition cab the first time. The next time was a couple of decoders. Can't remember what else I ordered from them, seems like it wasn't something that would be high turn around.

I have used Trainworld.com a few times, with only positive experiences. I also use Trainz.com. I have had 15+ positive experiences with them through both their retail site, and their eBay store. They also offer decent deals on preorder items.