Two years ago I preordered an N scale U23B from Atlas. I learned quickly after returning to the hobby after a break that new release items disappear fast so figured need to preorder. Still waiting and just saw Trainworld is taking orders on the same engine for $80 less than Atlas. Trainworld actually says due in June. Do I risk it and cancel sure thing with Atlas and save $80 or just ride it out. I never dealt with Trainworld. Darn internet, too much info. Thanks.
Trainworld is one of the best. That being said I have never ordered from them anything that was not in stock.
When I do preorder, almost a necessary evil in the hobby today, I try to spread them out among several dealers. Mainly Overland Hobbies, Factory Direct Trains and Trainworld.
One nice thing that Trainworld will do is call you when your item arrives and ask if you are still interested. I like that feature.
Good Luck, Ed
I've always had pretty good experiences at Trainworld. Once I ordered the wrong item (silent Bachman GG1 for $99 -- the sound ones were selling for $89!) and they let me return it, even though I screwed up, not them. I was visiting NY that week and did the return in person.
I have had broken parts on a locomotive (didn't bother to return it, I just re-attached them) --I think they have a lot of older and close-out stock. But man, it's hard to beat their prices. Always funny when Walthers.com has something on sale for less than TW's price. :)
Aaron
For months, TW was taking backorders for Athearn Genesis GP40-2 CSX on their website. I was going to wait until they came in. The ATHG GP40-2 CSXs came up for sale all over the internet and other dealers in stock and sold out quickly.
TW never changed the status on their website showing that they ever got them in stock...always backordered. I dont know if this means they never got any units to have in stock, just missed the window somehow, or they sold everything before they could change the backorder status on their website.
I have also noticed that TW lists a couple of locos "taking backorders" Due June 2021, where the producer has cancelled the new run.
Put them both together and I don't know if TW keeps up on production cycles or stays in touch with producers very well.
I would call Atlas and find out when your loco is due. I'll bet you can get cheaper prices from other dealers.
- Douglas
A tough call. $80 is way more than $8 but have waited two plus years and have been burned before in a similar situation with Atlas code 55 switches and waiting for better priced dealer stock. I preordered the engine when it came out so was in the guaranteed window and hate to move to a maybe status and lose out.
WPA A tough call. $80 is way more than $8 but have waited two plus years and have been burned before in a similar situation with Atlas code 55 switches and waiting for better priced dealer stock. I preordered the engine when it came out so was in the guaranteed window and hate to move to a maybe status and lose out.
Ed, they actually *called* you, in this day and age? You must be a good client .
Simon
I preordered a Mantua 2-6-6-2 Logger from Train World many years ago and thought they forgot me. A little over a year later I received a email from them wanting to know if I still wanted it.The Mantua price had increased quite a bit by then but Train World honored the original price offered in the preorder. I said YES and received it quickly for the preordered price. I would say that Train World is an outstanding business to order from!! Mel My Model Railroad http://melvineperry.blogspot.com/ Bakersfield, California I'm beginning to realize that aging is not for wimps.
snjroyEd, they actually *called* you, in this day and age?
Yes, and they even provided a genuine Brooklyn accent!
This was for two separate orders, the Rapido RDC first run and later another order for the Rapido RS-11, so it was a few years ago on the RDC and maybe a little over a year for the RS-11.
For me the downside of preordering is that I'll forget if and when I made an order. Sometimes I get surprised by duplicate items OR not getting something I wanted because I thought I had one reserved.
Some sellers are good about showing what I have ordered when checking "my account" but others will not list an order until it is fulfilled.
The new normal...
Regards, Ed
I am new to pre-ordering, and I do not like this way at all.
Currently, I have five items on pre-order, four at Rapido and one at Intermountain.
I chose to go directly to the manufacturer for the Rapido X-31s and the Intermountain caboose so I will hopefully have better success.
One Rapido model is pre-ordered through Model Train Stuff because they were accepting pre-orders after Rapido said it was too late.
We will see how this all works out.
-Kevin
Living the dream.
You are always going to pay more if you order direct from a manufacturer. However not all manufactures distribute to the discount mail order houses
I backordered a Bowser RS3 from Trainworld 3 or 4 years ago, canceled it 2 years ago. Bowser claims it will go into production this month.
Henry
COB Potomac & Northern
Shenandoah Valley
On new releases, sound equipped locomotives are higher in price compared to the non sound/dcc ready ones.
I have also done preorders from a few different locations, including TrainWorld.
Like Ed, I have received a phone call prior to being charged and shipped.
Some of their's take a smidge longer than through the manufacturer, or even certain other shops, but I can put up with a few day delay when I save that amount.
Ricky W.
HO scale Proto-freelancer.
My Railroad rules:
1: It's my railroad, my rules.
2: It's for having fun and enjoyment.
3: Any objections, consult above rules.
When I ordered Kato Transition Sleeper when their website said in stock. One week later I get a call from them about my item. Shipped the next day I believe.
I also preordered for the new releases Atlas 8-40B/BW locomotives. I'm getting the Amtrak Pepsi Can, (believe me They Are HARD To Find.) including Santa Fe units. Afterwards I'll get the Southern Pacific and Conrail.
I would like to get the Crystal Pepsi Amtrak too but it's out of my timeframe. Red not white sill.
Amtrak America, 1971-Present.
TW does not forget I have noticed and they are good business to deal with IMHO.
A year or two ago they called me about a back ordered caboose I had requested 2 years earlier.
They also took back no questions asked a boxcar that arrived with a broken truck.
Joe Staten Island West