Looking for on-line Lionel vendor

[egmurphy]

Hi folks,

Please excuse my lack of knowledge on the subject.  I haven't had anything to do with Lionel trains since I had my set as a youngster.  But now I find myself in the position of considering buying a small starter set for my grandson.

Unfortunately I don't live anywhere close to a Lionel dealer.  I can find some on-line sources, but I was wondering if a couple of you might be able to recommend reliable on-line vendors for Lionel trains that you have had experience with.

Normally I hang out over at the Model Railroader Forum and answer questions like this asking about reputable N scale on-line vendors.  This time I'm the one in the dark.

Yes, I did try searching the forum first.

Thanks

Ed

[Anonymous]

My favorite is http://www.grandcentralltd.com/ they are out of Nebraska

I have also used, but don't particularly care for their customer service http://www.charlesro.com/

Others are:
http://www.trainworld.com/
http://www.grzyboskitrains.com/
http://www.hobbystation.net

Hope this helps and to the forum!

Brent

[dbaker48]

Ed,

I have had very good success with Just Trains, located in Delaware.

http://www.justrains.com/

Dependant upon your grandson's age you might want to consider Thomas the Tank Engine section.

 

 

[Anonymous]

I bought mine from http://www.charlesro.com/welcome_to_charles_ro.htm.  The list price on the Polar Express I bought is about $289, I got mine on sale from Charles Ro for $217 delivered.  Their non-sale price on it is still only $219, either way a big savings for my wallet, and they shipped it 3 day FedEx for only $7.  In my short time of buying and searching prices, I haven't found many online retailers that can beat Ro's prices and selection.  I was actually a little cautious about buying from them, but then my father told me that he visits their store all the time and assured me that they are very reputable.  In short, no complaints about Ro from me.

[Anonymous]

I use Charles Ro, JusTrains, and Trainworld for the majority of my online O gauge purchases (no local hobby shop here).  I have had good experiences with all of them, as well as a few others.

[Anonymous]

I like www.legacystation.com

My wife preordered the polar express when it first came out and everyone was paying large amounts of money to have it. The guys wife is from the town I live in, so he sent it right to my wife for my birthday!!! I had to be one of the first ones to get it!!! The hobby shops around here were impressed because they could not get them because of such demand.

Thought that was cool.

 

[Jumijo]

Grzyboski's trains. GREAT service.

Treasured Toys. EXCELLENT service. 

[egmurphy]

Thanks to all of you who replied.  That's a bunch of good leads, and I appreciate the help.

Best regards,

Ed