Hobby shop stories.

[eZAK]

I was at a couple of hobby stores last weekend looking for parts & such and thought I would relate my experience to you all.
This has nothing to do with bashing
I just thought you might relate to it and have your own experience.

So here goes; I went into hobby store '#1' with a list of six parts. The parts were for a 3927 track cleaner and a 8650 U36B. Some he had and some he did not. No big deal. I told him to order the rest. he took down the numbers but seemed perplexed at one item, a #8010-118 bearing. Well we will see what happens. While there I also checked out the 'new' track cleaner. I ask for a demo and while he tried to do this he stated that the cover was hard to get off and he was afraid he'd break it but it does have a resevoir and two motors. (b/c the wheels moved the sponges) [:0]

Now at hobby store # 2, I was still looking for some of the 3927 parts and the bearings. He said that the parts for the track cleaner are not available and I would be better off buying a junker for parts. As far as the bearings go he said the 8010 truck was junk and a throw a way truck and not worth fixing.

I'm soooooooooo confused!

Anyone care to coment or share their own experience?

[Anonymous]

What's one man's junk is another man's treasures. Simple as that. But as far as MY hobby store adventure of the week:

Eother no one knows how to order or Lionel does not ship properly, or both. That's all I'm going to say. G' night.

[cnw1995]

I had a blissful experience last Friday of going to three hobby stores in an afternoon. It was fun to browse without being rushed and ended up buying something at every stop (for my family to give me for my birthday, you understand ;) ) Usually I take the train to the particular town, run in, buy something, and run out to get the next train.

[cwburfle]

You certainly aren't going to obtain many original Lionel parts for 3927 track cleaning cars. Maybe the knuckle, and wheels. But many of the parts have been reproduced, and are available through parts dealers. Common parts that have been reproduced include the wiper carriage, sponge arbor, sponge backing plate, and sponge. The plate that holds the coupler on is also available. As to whether an item should be fixed or junked, that's always a matter of opinion. Sometimes it's less expensive just to purchase a good one, rather than buy a bunch of parts. This is particularly true of 3927 track cleaner cars, because they don't bring much money (at least in my area).

If you need a bushing for your 8010, then try to get one. Bushing generally are inexpensive, less than $2.00, but Lionel charges a $5.00 minimum on shipping. I would be surprized if a parts dealer had that bushing in stock, because I don't think there is much demand. for it.

[Anonymous]

I went to my local hobby store this past weekend and found they were having a going out of business sale!! Good thing they still had a few Atlas O items left that HAD to have......:)

Now I need to become the MTH dealer in town......

[FJ and G]

One of the nice things about visiting hobby shops is hobnobbing with the other customers. It's impossible to tell who in your neighborhood runs 3-rail trains unless you meet up w/them at the hobby shop. I have 3 hobby shops in my tiny town that specialize in 3-rail trains.

dav

[Anonymous]

The hobby has become rough for the dealers by me. The dealer by me (the only one left), has stopped buying stuff. He is converting to an antique store. Hes just selling his inventory off . He told me his son won't take the store over, and he has no grand children. No good news for the buyer, hes still selling at regular price.

[dougdagrump]

In our town we only have two hobby shops that are really train related but they only carry tree-rail as a sideline. They are predominatly oriented towards HO and G. Fortunatly San Diego has some real good shops about an hour away, depending on the traffic.