Is the price for an FEF-3 at Trainworld correct?

[Denver Road Doug]

Lots of places (not just Hobby shops) have lower pre-order prices.  It's an incentive to order early so they know how many to get and they have a guaranteed sale.  The higher prices are a hedge against them having to inventory the item for a while before it actually sells.  Granted, not likely with this product, but in general practice it's not uncommon.

This sums up the issue.   You cannot expect to be entitled to a "best price" from a shop, ESPECIALLY if you didn't reserve it in the first place.   You pay a price for waiting to see how a product turns out before committing your money.   Taking risk on either side had dollar amounts associated with it...if you don't get stuck with that cost, you should feel very fortunate....versus shunned/ripped off if you have to pony up.

[BeastofTheEast]

Yeah its a gamble. But I've been stung by preording steam in HO 3 separate times in the past. So I remain cautious now.

MBKline just got some more in stock $180. Like it should be. Lombard Hobbies at $170. They didnt jump on the gouging wagon.

And I do feel "loyal" to a degree to a couple of internet dealers as my LHS no longer exist. Trainworld was my go-to place for most items.