Favorite Internet Hobby Store

For those who buy your supplies from an on-line hobby store, who is the best?

I'm asking because I have no experince with any, and am about to begin construction on my layout. Need I say more?

 

I have had good experience with internetrains.com (the trainboard advertiser) and I say this not because they advertise here, but because I have ordered from them a few times and have had no problems at all.

 

I would have to say that Brinsons Branchline is my favorite shop.But then again it is the only online shop I have used.They stock Alan's kits there.

 

My favorite hobby shop (only about 20 min from here, so I drive there) is about to have online ordering from what I've heard.

It's called the Little Choo Choo Shop and it's in Spencer, NC right across from the NC Transportation museum. I can't seem to find their site right now.

 

Try https://secure.scale-trains.com they have ALOT of cool stuff !!!

[ 18 February 2002, 00:16: Message edited by: Ralph Otis ]

 

Rio Grande Hobbies' Internet store is called 4nscale and can be found at http://www.4nscale.com/. Prices are competitve with the lowest including Brooklyn Locomotive Works plus, and just as important, their service is the best I've experienced - trustworthy and always helpful.

 

I too like Rio Grande Hobbies. Mark is very pleasant and helpful, and his prices and service are excellent.

Bill

 

I have used quite a few even though we have a great one here in Wichita. (Engine House Hobbies) The top three in my book are as listed here with reason for each.

1. Rio Grande/4nscale.com - Great service, great prices and easy to use. Great place to find out when new products are released.

2. Brooklyn Locomotive works - Price and service, web site not as good in my opinion not as straight forward as #1

3. N-scale supply - Good selection, good upkeep but not as competitive price wise. If you can't find something elsewhere try here. Good service.

Runner up and maybe the best on price but I just don't use them as much is Tex-N-rails. Located in Florida (not Texas) these guys have a good site also. www.texnrails.com

Good Luck and don't spend all your money in one place.
Bryan

 

So far, I've had the best luck with Brooklyn Locomotive Works for engines and cars on-line. MicroMark is supplying many of my other needs in the tool and parts department.

Bob-in-NM

 

Rio Grande Hobbies, #1 all N Scale supplier!
Loy's Toys for DCC.
Alan Curtis Models for those specialty Items.

 

1) Rio Grande - friendly and knowlegable service OK prices

2) TexnRails - Great prices and selection - fast shipping

3) Aplushobbies (unfortunately out of business)

Theres a new one out there - 1stplacehobbies - looks to have great prices - has anyone tried them? I think they may be Aplus hobbies reincarnated.

Be careful with BLW - they have a cult like following - but not everyone pleased with them - prices mysteriously increase after ordering- items shown in stock not shipped - quanities messed up on orders - never respond to emails and don't answer the phone- hype and scare tactics to generate sales - Reservations taken but not fulfilled. The only thing I use them for is price comparisons.

[ 20 February 2002, 11:57: Message edited by: ajb ]

 

Caboose Hobbies has many out-of-production items. I found a Con-Cor B&M E-7A from 1995. Use their "800" number and talk with a "human" to find a specific item, they don't list everything online.

 

Rio Grande is my main dealer of choice. The nicest people I've dealt with. Always answer the phone and emails promptly. I'm not about to go elsewhere to save a buck or two.

I have purchased from BLW (no complaints) and N-Scale Supply as well. NSS isn't open Sunday thru Tuesday, so you'll have to wait sometimes.

But.....Stay away from that dealer in California...they are nuthin' but trouble.

For DCC, I go with Loy's Toys. Good prices on Digitrax, and friendly tech support. TexNRails and BLW also have good prices.

 

I'll put in a vote for N Scale Supply. They usually ship the day you order, photos of products most helpful. I think their prices are as good as/better than most.

 

I guess I'm fortunate in that I have Tex n Rails less than 25 miles south of me. I've been dealing with Harry & Brad almost since they opened their doors. No need for me to go anywhere else, their prices are competitive with anyone in the good old US of A.

Mark

 

Hey Guys,

Since I do PRR, I like this one a lot. Have a dozen Bowser H-21a's pre-ordered. The prices are competitive and delivery was quick on previous orders.

"Specializing in Central Pennsylvania roads: Pennsylvania, Reading, Penn Central, Amtrak, Conrail, and Norfolk Southern"

If one of these is one of yours, you might want to have a look.

http://merchandise.pennsyrr.com

Paul
PRR in Atlanta

 

My first choice is BLW , I have never had a problem and his prices are some of the lowest. I have also used Caboose Hobbies and I am happy with them.

 

Rio Grande Hobbies (4NScale). Mark is friendly and easy to work with, especially in out-of-the-ordinary situations.

[ 02 March 2002, 03:05: Message edited by: Hank Coolidge ]

 

check out

https://secure.scale-trains.com they have alot of cool stuff !!!