What is it with Olsen's?

[Jumijo]

Lexington. See his web page for details.

http://www.drtinkertrains.com/ 

His address is listed at the bottom of the page.

Jim

How did a guy named Bubba end up in Massachusetts? I thought all the Bubbas lived down south. Like in Nawth Carolina. 

 

[Bubba]

Hey Jaabat where is dr tinkers im from mass to.  thanks Bubba

[bfskinner]

It never ceases to amaze me that so many people, especially newbies to the hobby, seem to feel that eBay is the best place to find repair parts. 

Olsen's website does have its problems from time to time, but who else gives you the "Library" with all the exploded views of locos and accessories? In my humble opinion, they are worth supporting for that service alone. They also have a space for comments, etc. If you appreciate the library, and/or are frustrated by the amount of down-time on the server, you might want to tell them. The library can't be cheap to maintain, and if we want it to continue we have to support it. If they ever take it down, it is likely to be gone forever.

[Jumijo]

I can vouch for most of the vendors listed in this thread. Yes, I've also experienced problems with Olsen's web site. But I've also experienced first-rate customer service from them as well. I ordered a new smoke element for a 2025. It arrived damaged, but I didn't notice until well after a month had gone by. I called Olsen's expecting and willing to pay for a new one, but the guy insisted on sending me one for free. I didn't even have to pay shipping.

Since I work right down the street from Dr. Tinker's house, I usually go there when I need parts. He's a very nice guy, and truth be told, I enjoy visiting with him. I also save with no shipping charges.

And Granpa down in Kentucky is another very nice guy to deal with. I've spoken with him at length about cleaning motors, etc. And he sends you what you ask for before he receives payment! Talk about a throw back to the good old days! 

Jim 

[ben10ben]

Give Granpa's Toy Train Parts in Union, KY a try.

P.O. Box 736
Union, KY, 41091
[phone]

Although he doesn't have a website, his selection of parts is nearly as extensive as Olsens and his prices are comparable or sometimes even a bit cheaper. Plus, he ships very quickly and doesn't require payment up front-he bills you when he sends the parts.

 

[Anonymous]

Guys,

   Try this link.  I haven't had the problems with this address that we have experienced with the other one.

 http://pictures.olsenstoy.com/

 

 

[1688torpedo]

 Hello All!     Olsen's Hours are not very consistent either!  The best Parts Guys on the Web are Jeff Kane at The Train Tender & Dr.Tinker's Toy Train Parts & both of them are very helpful & have fast shipping also. They are the ones I get most of my parts from. Take Care.

[Frank53]

Think working through their website is tough?

Try getting A-N-Y-B-O-D-Y there on the phone.

Can't count how many times I have tried and just given up.

[csxt30]

It usually opens for me but when ever I have sent them a question with an email, to see if they have it, they have never answered.   I just go there now when I need info & automatically order somewhere else !!

Thanks, John  

[kpolak]

I just ordered from them today...The site is a little slow even with my 100Mbps connection.

They have always had what I wanted, great service, are very fast in shipping.

Kurt

PS  I stand corrected...Their site must be down, I couldn't get thru. 

[stubbsO]

It seems that every time I go to Olsen's Toy Trains site, it doesn't/never opens? Im surprised that he can even stay in biz with such a bad server! Any body else have this problem?