What are some good online sources for N Gauge items?

[Bart1701]

I damaged one of my NJ International crossing gates (# 2164) beyond my ability to repair. Trying to find another set of these, but I am not having any luck. Apparently, NJ International has issues getting what they need from their sources. Tried my local hobby shop, Walthers, Fifer Hobby, N Gauge Supply, and Wig-Wag Hobbies.

What are some other good online stores I could check. I'd prefer the ones that actually tell you whether they have it in stock or not.

Thanks,
Bart

[randgust]

Wow, pretty much all the go-to sources have been covered here that I'd recommend.

As much as some people cringe, you may have to go to the auction sites.    At least you know it's in stock.   For the oddball old stuff, sometimes that's the only place you'll find it.     I did a quick search and found a set of 2165's (black stripes) there, the 2164's are the red stripes, so the easy way out  may be to do it that way and either repaint the gate arms or swap them if that isn't the damaged part.

[wazzou]

MB Klein?

[MVW]

N Scale Supply lists 'em in stock.

https://www.nscalesupply.com/Nji/NJI.html

Jim

[Bart1701]

N Scale Supply lists 'em in stock.

https://www.nscalesupply.com/Nji/NJI.html

Jim

Thanks! I guess I missed them when I was checking all of the different sites last week. I just put an order in for them.

Bart

[NtheBasement]

Googled it: https://www.modeltrainstuff.com/n-j-international-n-2173-crossing-gate-bar-arm-type-black-white-2/

[Viperjim1]

Feebay usually has them for about 30$ or so buy it now.

[Maletrain]

N Scale Supply lists 'em in stock.

https://www.nscalesupply.com/Nji/NJI.html

Jim

Just because N Scale Supply lists something, that does not mean that it is in-stock.  His business model seems to be to stock some items and to wait for orders before getting some other items from distributors.  I have had a couple of cases where it took months for him to send me an item or, in one case, he ended-up telling me (after a long wait) that the item was discontinued and he could not get it for me.

So, I suggest that you contact him to make sure that he actually has it, rather than wait for a long time to find out that he does not.  Those things could be coming up on eBay while you wait.

[OldEastRR]

Can't order them direct from NJI?

[Bart1701]

Just because N Scale Supply lists something, that does not mean that it is in-stock.  His business model seems to be to stock some items and to wait for orders before getting some other items from distributors.  I have had a couple of cases where it took months for him to send me an item or, in one case, he ended-up telling me (after a long wait) that the item was discontinued and he could not get it for me.

So, I suggest that you contact him to make sure that he actually has it, rather than wait for a long time to find out that he does not.  Those things could be coming up on eBay while you wait.

You're right. I do remember ordering items from N Scale Supply in the past only to find out they were not in stock. That's why I prefer sites that show you the quantity they actually have in stock. However, I was lucky on this one! Within 15 minutes of placing my order, I have emails from N Scale Supply telling me they had filled and shipped my order already with a shipping confirmation number!

Can't order them direct from NJI?

I believe you can order direct from the, but NJI was showing that this item was out of stock.

Thanks,
Bart