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My answer depends upon how you would categorize traditional mail-order suppliers. For about 10 years, I used mail order almost exclusively (the end of this period was at the very beginning of the web as we know it today, as opposed to the old bulletin boards, etc.), because there was no decent train-oriented hobby shop within a 45-minute drive. (I'm not big on driving in general, and especially not in Northern Virginia where I live). I still used LHSs for basics like paint, glue, styrene, etc., but for anything more complicated I mail-ordered. It was nice to save a few bucks but the far greater in-stock selection and the convenience of door-to-door delivery were the key factors. These LHS guys couldn't understand that "we can get it for you" [in four to ten weeks, at full list, without any ability to preview] just doesn't cut it when progress on your layout depends upon what you need at the time. <br /> <br />Then a shop called GrandDad's opened up, and within a year or two developed into an excellent hobby shop that is heavily oriented toward model railroading (their military section looks pretty good, too, but I'm not really in a position to judge). They have good stock; they are knowledgeable, friendly and helpful; I have even seen useful products there that I had not seen or heard of it from other sources such as the magazines. Although I wish it were closer, I buy things there that I know I could obtain more cheaply via mail-order, because I want them to stay in business. To those who (fairly) say, they don't owe anything to their LHS, I agree: see my first paragraph above. However, a GOOD LHS actually offers service and other features that I choose to place a value upon. Its also important to note that for items like hot new locomotives, this shop often offers very competitive prices. <br /> <br />I use the web extensively but mostly for research. I haven't personally tried any of the "pure" .com train retailers, but a mail order house that doesn't have a good web site will no longer get my business.
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