Best, Safest, Most Reliable N-Scale Online Shops?

[Virginia Atlantic]

Looking for recommendations on Online-Sales Shops that are safe, secure, reliable and carry a good variety of products.

As my local stores have all closed in the years I've been out of the hobby, I find my interest in a return slightly wounded by no local options, but I'd like to see what options exist online.

Because I just notced some gloriously nice looking Atlat Boxcars that came out in August, and they might make a nice "first purchase since back" if I have an online shop to buy from.

[keeper]

I buy from MB Klein - http://www.modeltrainstuff.com/. Never had a problem.

Thomas

[Van Horne]

Feather River Trains.  Chuck is a first class act.

Dave

[Catt]

I will second M B Klein and add Feather River - http://www.featherrivertrains.com/ and Fifers - http://www.fiferhobby.com/ both of which are owned by N scalers.

[Kisatchie]

I have used these online shops with excellent results:

http://featherrivertrains.com

http://www.fiferhobby.com/index.html

http://www.modeltrainstuff.com/


Hmm... you'd be surprised
how hard it is to order
termites online...

[davefoxx]

I have used these online shops with excellent results:

http://featherrivertrains.com

http://www.fiferhobby.com/index.html

http://www.modeltrainstuff.com/

I will merely add a +5 to this thread.

[C855B]

To the fine stores the others have mentioned, add:

  http://www.nscalesupply.com

  http://www.brooklynlocomotiveworks.com/

These two are also N-scale-only stores. N scale is especially fortunate in our having a good selection of well-run and responsive online shops. We really do have some very nice folks who support us well.

[Kisatchie]

To the fine stores the others have mentioned, add:

  http://www.nscalesupply.com

  http://www.brooklynlocomotiveworks.com/

D'OH! How could I forget them?


Hmm... it's easy when you
have a brain the size of
Kiz's...

[pjm20]

I have ordered from Brooklyn Locomotive Works and have had only great experiences.

[dualgauge]

Have used all of the above with good results. One more is Wig Wag
at www.wig-wag-trains.com Could check around for swaps in your area.
Good luck on all your shoping.

[Philip H]

http://featherrivertrains.com

http://www.fiferhobby.com/index.html

http://www.modeltrainstuff.com/

These, and these:

  http://www.nscalesupply.com

  http://www.brooklynlocomotiveworks.com/

I really never visit a LHS anymore except Kleins, and they aren't exactly local to me.

[Baronjutter]

They're all good.  Just compare prices/shipping totals and go with the best deal.  I usually buy from model train stuff though, but only because they are usually always the cheapest overall. 


yardsaletrains.com is good for 2nd hand deals sometimes too!

[peteski]

All the ones mentioned above are good - never had any problems with any of them.  Or I should say, if there was a problem, it was resolved quickly without any grumblings.  I have also dealt with Caboose Hobbies in Denver.  For some really good bargains (when they have them)  I deal with Trainworld in NY. I usually call the (just a habit), but they do have online store.  I also deal with Toy Train Heaven (usually over the phone, for their phone-only specials).

But the 2 places that I deal with the most are BLW and MB Klein.

[Rossford Yard]

All of the above, plus wig wag in New Mexico.  I will agree on the Model Train Stuff inventory list that lets you know if its in stock, for sure.

I am kind of in the spread the wealth mode, including still using my very nice LHS whenever I can.  Of course, mostly it depends on who has what and at what price when I want it.

Honestly, more reliable shipping, more reliable products that nearly eliminate the need for returns (key word is nearly....) and better communications via the shopping carts on the web now, and reliability isn't near the issue it was 30 years ago.

I recall a mail order to build a layout in high school.  Got nothing, sent the $500 check for all the supplies (Dad's check, my allowance money) and never got any satisfaction.  Hard to imagine that happening today, but I suppose it could if a web dealer happened to go out of biz between taking your money and delivering product.

[FloridaBoy]

I buy from MB Klein - http://www.modeltrainstuff.com/. Never had a problem.

Thomas

Me too.  If you buy from them, they send you a newsletter with new arrivals.  You know what is out there. Plus they keep you informed as to stock levels, have good special orders, great customer services, discount and mail promptly.

As for local mail order site, I also use Tex-N-Rails, same to say about the above, only more family oriented.

Ken "FloridaBoy" Willaman