Walthers seems to need some cash, or else they need to clear some space...not sure. But trainworld just sent out an email, and I thought the prices were pretty good for someone who won't bid on items at those other sites.
I have wanted to flesh out my NYC Niagara's consist for some time, and decided that the prices are good enough to order one each of the tail-end lounge-sleeper car and an RPO. I have been tempted to deal with trainworld for years, but the one time I phoned they seemed (now I know typically) New York abrupt, and they would not take my order over the phone...I had to download and mail in or fax an order form. This was back in 2005. They seem to have caught up with other sites and it is as easy as pie.
Maybe too easy, given some of the blowout prices they show.
My next big purchase of passenger cars, probably in a couple of years, will the be Santa Fe cars because my 4-8-4 has no cars to pull at present. Hopefully the prices come down to close to the prices of today, but I intend to breath regularly in the interim.
Crandell
selector Walthers seems to need some cash, or else they need to clear some space...not sure. But trainworld just sent out an email, and I thought the prices were pretty good for someone who won't bid on items at those other sites. I have wanted to flesh out my NYC Niagara's consist for some time, and decided that the prices are good enough to order one each of the tail-end lounge-sleeper car and an RPO. I have been tempted to deal with trainworld for years, but the one time I phoned they seemed (now I know typically) New York abrupt, and they would not take my order over the phone...I had to download and mail in or fax an order form. This was back in 2005. They seem to have caught up with other sites and it is as easy as pie. Maybe too easy, given some of the blowout prices they show. My next big purchase of passenger cars, probably in a couple of years, will the be Santa Fe cars because my 4-8-4 has no cars to pull at present. Hopefully the prices come down to close to the prices of today, but I intend to breath regularly in the interim. Crandell
I have always had good response from Trainworld. They certainly have trains in stock and a lots of them!
CZ
Uh oh. They don't have everything in stock that they have on their website.
I placed an order, oh about a year ago. For a BLI AC6000. Website said it was in stock. I ordered. Credit card was charged immediately.
10 days went by, so I called them to ask where it was. They said it would take another 7 days to ship.
I told them to just cancel the order. They got mad, were very rude, basically blamed me.
I will never deal with them again.
Good luck Crandell, I hope you don't have any problems.
Michael
CEO- Mile-HI-RailroadPrototype: D&RGW Moffat Line 1989
LION has never had any problem with them. But then I've been dealing with them for more than 40 years. They have always taken my order on the phone (if I called), usually I walk in the front door and pay cash, or I mail a postal money order with my paper order. I used a credit card when I ordered a bundle of track. That needed permission from the Abbot.
ROAR
The Route of the Broadway Lion The Largest Subway Layout in North Dakota.
Here there be cats. LIONS with CAMERAS
I've been buying from Trainworld from when it was just Peter Bianco with a tiny ad in the back section of MR. Note that I think they have a different number to call with orders as opposed to calling with questions.
One bad thing is their website is a mess compared to many other online sellers. I keep hoping at some time they'll get their website cleaned up and set it up to take online orders etc.
Motley Uh oh. They don't have everything in stock that they have on their website. I placed an order, oh about a year ago. For a BLI AC6000. Website said it was in stock. I ordered. Credit card was charged immediately. 10 days went by, so I called them to ask where it was. They said it would take another 7 days to ship. I told them to just cancel the order. They got mad, were very rude, basically blamed me. I will never deal with them again. Good luck Crandell, I hope you don't have any problems.
Your credit card wasn't charged, because they didn't ship the order. What they did was electronically hold the funds. The actual charge to your card occurs when the merchant's charge slip hits your bank. If you look at your account detail on line, these usually show up as "pending" rather than with an actual transaction number.These holds clear automatically after a couple of days (depends on your bank) if no charge shows up from the merchant. This is done to prevent people from taking advantage of the invoicing delay to run up huge bills over their credit limit. This is a common misconception about credit card usage.
I will not comment on the rest of your experience, because I wasn't there, but I have my own opinions about these situations.
Personally, I have ordered from them dozens of times, with nary a problem. 3-5 days is the norm (although I'm sure mistakes do happen, and they don't have a real-time inventory on their web site, so you might have had something sold out from under you). I'm sure Crandall will be well taken care of.
Connecticut Valley Railroad A Branch of the New York, New Haven, and Hartford
"If you think you can do a thing or think you can't do a thing, you're right." -- Henry Ford
I have purchased from them several times. I order by phone, usually after getting an e-mail but sometimes after reading their ad in MR.
Yes, they act like they are in a hurry, and expect you to know what you want but they are polite, if not overly friendly. They always tell me on the spot if the item is in stock. Upon completing the order they always tell me it will be shipped today via UPS or they say it will ship next business day via UPS. I always have it in 3 to 4 business days.
I would order from them again in a heartbeat.
Dave
Lackawanna Route of the Phoebe Snow
I've tried to order from them online twice. Neither time did they actually have the item they showed on the web site.
I'll give them credit for getting back to me within an hour of my placing my orders to tell me that the items weren't in stock and were not expected to be restocked.
Frankly I don't see myself wasting any more of my time visiting their web site again.
-Fritz Milhaupt, Publications Editor, Pere Marquette Historical Society, Inc.http://www.pmhistsoc.org
Crandell,
I had a problem the first time I ordered as they wouldn't take a Canadian credit card unless I faxed them a photocopy of it.
I then sent them a bank draft in US funds with a paper order form. They shipped right away and although I hadn't sent quite enough to cover the shipping, they just billed me the difference.
Now that I'm a 'customer' I just phone and give them my CC number and they ship.
Just be sure not to use the toll free number otherwise they won't answer any questions. Yes they are abrupt but they have always been polite. I always ask if the item is in stock.
CN Charlie
I have ordered from them a couple of times with no problem, but I have to admit the difficulty in figuring out if the items are in stock or not does put me off. I will most likely place any orders over the phone if I'm in doubt. They do ship very quickly and have great prices.
My only issues with train world are that:
1. They show items in stock online that aren't in stock, and they dont let you know this sometimes when you place your order.
2. They don't tell you the total (after shipping). The shipping charges are put in later and you have to look on your debit/credit card statement to see what the total was. Sometimes, shipping is unusually high.
Phoebe Vet Yes, they act like they are in a hurry, and expect you to know what you want but they are polite, if not overly friendly. They always tell me on the spot if the item is in stock. Upon completing the order they always tell me it will be shipped today via UPS or they say it will ship next business day via UPS. I always have it in 3 to 4 business days. I would order from them again in a heartbeat.
They *are* from New York. From Brooklyn, no less. The have two women answering the phone and keeping an eye on the counter. So frequently there are many things going on in front of them at once.
Their computers in the store track stock very reliably, but their web site *is* a mess.
They do have more trains than they have web site designers.
johngriffey18ca1 My only issues with train world are that: 1. They show items in stock online that aren't in stock, and they dont let you know this sometimes when you place your order. 2. They don't tell you the total (after shipping). The shipping charges are put in later and you have to look on your debit/credit card statement to see what the total was. Sometimes, shipping is unusually high.
They do not charge a standard shipping fee, but wait to find out what the shipping costs (including packing etc.) really are before adding it to the bill. To do otherwise would require more programing skills than they have in house, Track always costs an arm and a leg to ship but other things are reasonable enough.
BroadwayLion johngriffey18ca1: My only issues with train world are that: 1. They show items in stock online that aren't in stock, and they dont let you know this sometimes when you place your order. 2. They don't tell you the total (after shipping). The shipping charges are put in later and you have to look on your debit/credit card statement to see what the total was. Sometimes, shipping is unusually high. They do not charge a standard shipping fee, but wait to find out what the shipping costs (including packing etc.) really are before adding it to the bill. To do otherwise would require more programing skills than they have in house, Track always costs an arm and a leg to ship but other things are reasonable enough.
johngriffey18ca1: My only issues with train world are that: 1. They show items in stock online that aren't in stock, and they dont let you know this sometimes when you place your order. 2. They don't tell you the total (after shipping). The shipping charges are put in later and you have to look on your debit/credit card statement to see what the total was. Sometimes, shipping is unusually high.
Lion makes a very good point (over several posts) in that these guys are a retail store (you know, the old fashioned brick and mortar type), and they're trying to make a go of the Internet, but it's not their strong suit. There are many better interfaces out there. I guess the question is, can you put up with the foibles of the web site (and of New Yorkers) for the sake of the prices? If not, shop elsewhere.
Someday, they'll probably hire some young kid with amazing computer skills and put him to work on the website in slow moments (if there are any.... the two times I was actually in the store, it was a zoo).
It is more than just a brick and mortar store. They occupy three, maybe four buildings, upstairs and down stairs. They do have many people working there. They have their big ads in MR, but since they went to color, it is one page instead of four. So they are geared up for taking orders over the telephone.
Unless you happen to get a hold of Paul, they cannot really answer any questions for you, since most of the employees are phone talkers or warehouse men who do not know beans about trains, but only about boxes with numbers on them. (That is why there was an extra charge for a specific road name back in those days.) They do not have the automated warehouse system that Walther's has.
I have ordered from them quite a bit and they are my primary source of model railroad items. On one occasion I received a call back from them and found that there was a problem with some of the items I had ordered. We ended up redoing the entire order and the folks were very nice about it. The items always arrive in good shape and the order has always been complete and accurate. Shipping seems to be reasonable. I also buy from my local hobby shop and a few other on line sites and consider them to be the best of the online folks for price.
selector Maybe too easy, given some of the blowout prices they show. Crandell
Crandell, as you well know from being here, there are threads about any given dealer and their practices.
Some people have glowing things to say about their experiences, and others are loath to even talk about their disappointment.
I wish you luck, I have never dealt with them, but I am skeptical based on what I have read about them in the past....
I wish you good service from them and a happy purchasing experience.
-G .
Just my thoughts, ideas, opinions and experiences. Others may vary.
HO and N Scale.
After long and careful thought, they have convinced me. I have come to the conclusion that they are right. The aliens did it.
Wow, when I read about all the pros and cons of dealing with trainworld, I think of only one name when it comes to outstanding pricing, user friendly web site, and a clear cut status of item availability: MB Klein, aka, www.modeltrainstuff.com
Rich
Alton Junction
Hum, just checked out there cost for a Bachmann EM 1, the highest I have found on line.
Cuda Ken
I hate Rust
Thanks for all your comments. Ken, I have noted that when a new loco comes on line, or when it is prospective and they are taking orders, trainworld tends to match the usual discounted price that Factory Direct or M.B. Klein's would announce. However, when it comes to real blowouts, it would seem to me that there is a very stiff contest between at least trainworld and M. B. Klein. If I am interested in something and it is being blown out at trainworld, Klein's is usually within a few dollars, but trainworld often beats them. Other times, trainworld offers a hefty discount, but it never changes on an item, wherease suddenly Klein's announces that they have dropped the item to a few tens of dollars. I recall them unloading the Spectrum E-33's for about $39 two years ago.
They supposedly have a Athearn GP35 in stock that I been wanting but,I'm a little gun shy because of the conflicting comments I have read over the years.
I may give them a call and see if the road name is indeed in stock.
Larry
Conductor.
Summerset Ry.
"Stay Alert, Don't get hurt Safety First!"
I haven't purchased anything all winter so after getting a 7% discount offer by e-mail I thought I"d go for it. A paragon Q-2!!Darn,undecorated only.Oh well.Went with the new bachmann pennsy FA.,a box of road bed and some flex track.
A few thoughts on Trainworld:
Yes they are New Yorkers, they don't mean to sound abrupt, it is just the pace of one of the worlds largest cities.
If you know EXACTLY what you want, and understand their numbering system (which is derived from the mfr #'s , but not the same) call the 800 number and place your order.
BUT understand the girls who answer that line are not NEAR the trains and don't know anything about trains.
OR, call the regular number if you have questions. They have always answered my questions, checked stock and taken whatever time I needed, and taken my order over the phone - not sure why you had a problem doing that Crandell?
Motley, I'll get in trouble for this, but get over yourself. You're not the only customer they have and no operation that large can always "garrantee" that everything is in stock just because some computer says it is. Generally Trainworld has incredibly fast shipping, but things can happen. I know why you got treated poorly - they could see you would be a problem customer the next time - something they really don't need - their phone is ringing off the hook with people happy to get stuff at such low prices and fast shipping - why spend time arguing with you over 3 days vs 10 days? Maybe you should have bought it some place where you can just carry it home yourself.
YES, they have been slow to get with the modern "online" ordering thing. But if something is not broke (their old way of doing business) why be in a hurry to change it? Abrupt or not, I always enjoy calling there and talking with a REAL person.
I have bought a lot from them over the years, some things at unbelievably low prices on closeout, other things at just a good discount and great service.
I spread my hobby dollars around to lots of different dealers, both by mail/phone/internet and in person. But most all are operations who have brick and mortar stores like Trainworld, even if they are far enough away that I'm not going there in person.
And Trainworld is allways on my list of sources when I need or want something for the hobby.
Again, at the risk of getting in trouble, too many of you are just spoiled in this "give it to me now" world.
Remember Veruca in Willy Wonka? "I want it now!"
Well guess what, the way Trainworld does such a good gob most of the time shipping orders so fast and having such LOW prices is by being "abrupt, rude New Yorkers" and taking your order and then getting on with picking it, shipping it, and then getting on to taking the next order - not by holding your hand and making you feel warm and fuzzy.
I would suggest that "you can't have your cake and eat it too"
I live in MARYLAND, not real far from NYC, 4-5 hours drive. I have ordered stuff from Trainworld in the AM and had it show up here the next DAY! - that's fast service.
But if it took a week, I would not be complaining - maybe I was just raised different.
Sheldon
cudaken Hum, just checked out there cost for a Bachmann EM 1, the highest I have found on line. Cuda Ken
Neather Trainworld or Kleins has the best prices on these, but I suspect Star Hobby in Annapolis MD will remain one of the lowest priced Bachmann dealers with a brick and mortar store.
There is some guy on EBAY now giving them away for $212, what a fool.
Sheldon, I have no problem dealing with trainworld via the phone. In fact, this early time six years ago, I initiated the phone call to place an order, but they refused it. They insisted that I had to download the PDF order form and either fax it (I have no fax capability) or mail it. I don't recall the item, probably a BLI K4. I ended up getting one from Canadian Model Trains.
This time, things have gone smoothly, except for one minor glitch attributable to me. I entered the wrong card expiration. A lady called me just this morning to verify, and when she ran the new information, it went through. I apologized and she responded cheerfully that it was no big deal. A bit of a change from my first experience.
ATLANTIC CENTRAL Motley, I'll get in trouble for this, but get over yourself. You're not the only customer they have and no operation that large can always "garrantee" that everything is in stock just because some computer says it is. Generally Trainworld has incredibly fast shipping, but things can happen. I know why you got treated poorly - they could see you would be a problem customer the next time - something they really don't need - their phone is ringing off the hook with people happy to get stuff at such low prices and fast shipping - why spend time arguing with you over 3 days vs 10 days? Maybe you should have bought it some place where you can just carry it home yourself. Sheldon
Sheldon, Get over yourself. What are you the official Trainworld public relations rep or something? First of all, being a "New Yorker" does not give you the leniency to treat customers like A-Holes.
Second of all, I was explaining my experience with them. They lost me as a customer for life. And I spend a lot of money on trains. If you are saying they don't care because their phone is ringing off the hook, great that explains why they treated me this way.
Get over yourself already, and stop with the attitude.
Motley:
I have dealt many times with Trainworld. They have always treated me with respect. What kind of problem did you have that made you think they were treating you like an "A-Hole" (sic)?
selector Sheldon, I have no problem dealing with trainworld via the phone. In fact, this early time six years ago, I initiated the phone call to place an order, but they refused it. They insisted that I had to download the PDF order form and either fax it (I have no fax capability) or mail it. I don't recall the item, probably a BLI K4. I ended up getting one from Canadian Model Trains. This time, things have gone smoothly, except for one minor glitch attributable to me. I entered the wrong card expiration. A lady called me just this morning to verify, and when she ran the new information, it went through. I apologized and she responded cheerfully that it was no big deal. A bit of a change from my first experience. Crandell
I wonder if that first experiance you had was some sort of "Canada" thing, because I have delt with them for nearly two decades by phone - long before your 2006 experiance - with out ever a problem of any kind or being asked to fax/mail and order.
Motley, Still sounds to me like you called them with an "attitude" because of your preception of the credit card thing - which if I remember correctly, you have complained about before and others have explained to you before.
I have worked in retail a fair portion of my life, in hobbies, electronics, auto service and tools, and have been self employed most of my life. Guess what, I always try to treat customers with respect, but customers often don't treat sales people with respect - and customers are not always right.
Some people cannot be made happy after a problem, some have unreasonable expectations - like the old cartoon where the store manager says to the unhappy customer - "would you be happy if we give you a new one, give you double your money back, and shoot the clerk who sold you this one?"
Businesses are generally better off if that kind of customer takes his business elsewhere.
On a similar note, I've known the owner of MB Klein since I was a teen. I am a life long central Marylander and they are located not far from where I live. I have shopped there a fair amount in the last 40 years, and I recommend them as well to people looking for good places to do business. BUT not every transaction with them has been perfect - am I bashing them on here and swearing to never go back again? - NO.
One missunderstanding, one human error, one curcumstance beyond human control should not define any of us - let he who is without sin cast the first stone. I judge by the perponderance of the evidence, not on one isolated event.
So I don't complain about the one bad experiance at Kleins (except maybe to my close friends).
And I don't condem Athearn for Genesis Mikados, or Proto2000 for cracked gears, because these problems have been the exception not the rule with those companies - and so it usually is with people as well.
Phoebe Vet Motley: I have dealt many times with Trainworld. They have always treated me with respect. What kind of problem did you have that made you think they were treating you like an "A-Hole" (sic)?
First of all, after I waited 10 days, I called them to find out about my order, they were very rude. When they told me it will not ship for at least another 7 days. I told them to cancel my order. That's when they got even more rude, asked me things like "why did you even place the order". I told them I didn't want to wait 17 days before the item shipped. They acted like I was the problem. Then I received a very short rude email from who I believe was the owner. They acted like canceling the order was a huge ordeal or something.
I don't care if you're from New York, you should not be treating customers like that.
Now if I would have received an email, or a phone call explaining when it will be shipping, and that they are sorry for the delay. I would have kept the order, and probably would have made more purchases from them. But hey, with their phone ringing off the hook, I guess they don't have time for that.
I ordered from Tony's one time, and they didn't have the items in stock. Tony himself sent me an email explaining this, and when I can expect the items to ship, and apologize for the delay. I was OK with that, and I continue to order from Tony's all the time! How about that for customer service!
First of Trainworld is awsome as is Model train stuff. At Trainwold they move at a very fast pace, no time for anything and they have always come through but shipping can be delayed by many things, most often people who are shipping to them and then there is a delay (this is New York after all and trucking is still somewhat controled, not as bad as it used to be but still).