jjdamnitKadee has suspended shipments
Not only suspended shipments but it appears they aren't producing couplers either.
According to their website notice posted March 31:
our office and manufacturing plant will be closed until further notice! What this means to our customers and vendors, is that any orders that were placed prior to {March 31, 2020} will be fulfilled and shipped by the end of the day! Our website will remain active and we will continue to take orders online ONLY, however, these orders may not be fulfilled until our staff is allowed to return to work! Moreover, no one will be available to answer phones or emails as well.
What this means to our customers and vendors, is that any orders that were placed prior to {March 31, 2020} will be fulfilled and shipped by the end of the day! Our website will remain active and we will continue to take orders online ONLY, however, these orders may not be fulfilled until our staff is allowed to return to work! Moreover, no one will be available to answer phones or emails as well.
The Kadee shut down is reportely going to delay shipping of some models that are sold equipped with Kadee's. Here are comments from on manufacturer I corresponded with:
Production in China is starting to roll - which is good news. Bad news is my US supplier of couplers (Kadee) is shut down due to Coronavirus and won’t restart until sometime in May.
The restart is probably a guess and might be longer.
Considering Kadee's are a major staple for many of us including myself, I've ordered a couple of 50 bulk packs to make sure I have plenty on-hand. I know for sure I have well over 100 Athearn and Atlas freight cars that need to replace their plastic crappy clones, so I was going to need that many anyway. Probably more. Can't really have too many Kadee's on hand.
Maybe Kadee's will be the next Toilet Paper!
Rio Grande. The Action Road - Focus 1977-1983
BTW, I just got an email from MB Klein on order delays. They report today April 16 that they are currently processing and shipping orders made on April 9.
So it appears right now there is about a week delay due to limited staff etc.
Before the delays began, I might wait a couple days before I saw my order status changed to shipped. So it looks like there is an additional 5 day lag, give or take.
I put in a Walthers order last Friday. They warn on their website that they're working with reduced staff, so orders could be delayed. However, the order arrived this morning, so that's normal time.
It sounds like the manufacturers / importers are more the ones closing down. I see ESU's website says it's US offices are closed down, they can accept orders and questions but apparently aren't shipping anything or taking in repair / warranty submissions.
It's case by case. I put in an order on April 12 for an Exactrail Cargill 4427 hopper before the last ones were sold out. It arrived today from Utah.
So somethings are shipping pretty fast, others slower.
My order for a couple bulk packs of Kadee's probably won't arrive until late next week or Saturday the 25th, but thats ok. I have some on hand if I decide to work on coupler conversions. I also added some Atlas flex track for staging as I will likely need to add on to what I recovered from the last layout.
I just called Trainworld and got a recording that suggested that, while they were closed for the duration, they were taking orders via the internet but would be withholding shipment until they opened up again. I attempted to place the order and provided all of my credit card information. I expected to get to checkout and be told that the order had been placed but that shipping would be delayed. Instead, nothing happened and I'm now sitting in limbo with an incomplete transaction. My credit information apparantly shows up on their server...not happy!
Tim
Late to the model railroad party but playing catch-up.....
CapnCrunchI just called Trainworld and got a recording that suggested that, while they were closed for the duration, they were taking orders via the internet but would be withholding shipment until they opened up again.
I dont really see the point in order stuff and paying when the order may not ship for who knows how long, possibly a month or two. I suppose the only useful thing is the item(s) will be held or reserved if it's something that is popular and may sell out.
My orders from Lombard Hobby are filled and shipped just as quickly as ever. Ordered Tuesday, shipped yesterday.
Can't say the same for the MBKlein order I placed Monday. Still waiting for the shipping order to be processed.
- Douglas
Doughless My orders from Lombard Hobby are filled and shipped just as quickly as ever. Ordered Tuesday, shipped yesterday. Can't say the same for the MBKlein order I placed Monday. Still waiting for the shipping order to be processed.
But... Your paying the standard ~$14 shipping at Lombards where as I'm getting free shipping and $20 off my order at modeltrainstuff via their rewards program. It helps cut my hobby cost going with mbk. The extra few days aren't going to hold me back since I have enough things on hand to work on in the mean time with bench work etc..
riogrande5761 Doughless My orders from Lombard Hobby are filled and shipped just as quickly as ever. Ordered Tuesday, shipped yesterday. Can't say the same for the MBKlein order I placed Monday. Still waiting for the shipping order to be processed. But... Your paying the standard ~$14 shipping at Lombards where as I'm getting free shipping and $20 off my order at modeltrainstuff via their rewards program. It helps cut my hobby cost going with mbk. The extra few days aren't going to hold me back since I have enough things on hand to work on in the mean time with bench work etc..
Rich
Alton Junction
richhotrainOne thing that I will say though about Lombard Hobbies. When they put a "sale price" on an item, it is a real sale price and not likely to be beaten by MBK or anybody else. I speak from experience. Rich
I have experience too Rich. And I have taken advantage of Lombards sale prices a number of times, especially for Tangent rolling stock sales. There are generally two reasons I have ordered from Lombards. 1) because they have something still in stock that most others are out of and 2) they have good sale prices that help offset their consistantly high shipping. And even when I did buy things from Lombards that was out of stock most other places, I'd usualyl have to spend enough to justify the shipping and make it a smaller percentage of the overall hit.
I take into account the total coast (items plus shipping) and Lombards shipping has consistently been high as long as I can remember. It's about $14 whether you order a pack of Kadees or a large order. With MBK's rewards club, shipping is free over $100 because I have enough points, right through 2021. You have to get a certain quantity of on-sale items a Lombards to offset the shipping and then you are breaking even with MBK with it's free shipping. Of course buy quite a few on-sale items and you may beat MBK, but that's likely to be a "one-off". Since MBK has instituted their rewards program, they are pretty hard to beat on a regular basis.
Bottom line for me, I still order from Lombards, but infrequently. MBK, now pretty regular. I ordered my 4 Genesis SDP40F's from MBK, and got free shipping and $25 off last month. I just put in an order for two 50 packs of Kadee's and a bundle of 10 Atlas flextrack; got $20 off that order and free shipping. I've used about $85 in rewards coupons in the last 3 or so months (thats $85 less I paid for items than otherwise, and again free shipping). That's basically like a sale when you look at money spent. MBK is a juggernaut now.
riogrande5761 richhotrain One thing that I will say though about Lombard Hobbies. When they put a "sale price" on an item, it is a real sale price and not likely to be beaten by MBK or anybody else. I speak from experience. Rich I have taken advantage of Lombards sale prices a number of times, but usually because it it helps offset the considerably higher standard ~$14 shipping. I take into account the total coast (items plus shipping) and Lombards shipping has consistently been high as long as I can remember. It's about $14 whether you order a pack of Kadees or a large order. With MBK's rewards club, shipping is free over $100 because I have enough points, right through 2021. You have to get a quantity of on-sale items a Lombards to offset the shipping and then you are breaking even with MBK with it's free shipping.
richhotrain One thing that I will say though about Lombard Hobbies. When they put a "sale price" on an item, it is a real sale price and not likely to be beaten by MBK or anybody else. I speak from experience. Rich
I have taken advantage of Lombards sale prices a number of times, but usually because it it helps offset the considerably higher standard ~$14 shipping. I take into account the total coast (items plus shipping) and Lombards shipping has consistently been high as long as I can remember. It's about $14 whether you order a pack of Kadees or a large order. With MBK's rewards club, shipping is free over $100 because I have enough points, right through 2021. You have to get a quantity of on-sale items a Lombards to offset the shipping and then you are breaking even with MBK with it's free shipping.
That said, try DesPlaines Hobby Shop. I live about 25 miles from that store. I once ordered a Bowser HO V-1000 Switcher. Shipping cost? $19.95. I paid it because I really wanted that switcher. But, otherwise, I avoid DesPlaines Hobby Shop.
richhotrain Lombard Hobbies is an interesting brick and mortar hobby shop. Most of their inventory is along the lines of locomotives, rolling stock and track. There is very little else stocked in the store. So, it makes sense that the shipping cost will be in the $14 range for long distance shipping. I only live about 20 miles from the store, so I typically drive there but I have on occasion had items shipped for about $10. That said, try DesPlaines Hobby Shop. I live about 25 miles from that store. I once ordered a Bowser HO V-1000 Switcher. Shipping cost? $19.95. I paid it because I really wanted that switcher. But, otherwise, I avoid DesPlaines Hobby Shop. Rich
Lombard Hobbies is an interesting brick and mortar hobby shop. Most of their inventory is along the lines of locomotives, rolling stock and track. There is very little else stocked in the store. So, it makes sense that the shipping cost will be in the $14 range for long distance shipping. I only live about 20 miles from the store, so I typically drive there but I have on occasion had items shipped for about $10.
$19.95 for shipping for one engine is high. I probably would have cancelled the order when getting a price quote. I've ordered fairly regular over the years from Spring Creek Hobbies in Nebraska, which ain't next door to Virginia by any means and they usually charge me around $10 or $11 for shipping and thats for engines or whatever. They have very often had things in stock that MBK was long sold out of so that has been the draw. They have given me really good service too. And Nebraska is twice as far as Lombards from me geographically as well and still charge less.
The reason their shipping has been high, higher than other distance ships I've ordered from, is they historically have used exclusively UPS for shipping, which costs more than the US Postal Service. A couple years ago I spoke with a guy who had become a partner in the business. Prior to that it was single owner I believe. I told him on the phone I liked doing business with Lombards but their shipping was consistantly higher than other vendors and due to that I tended to not order very often. Maybe a couple times a year, and that just because they had certain items others didn't I told him I'd order more often if the shipping was less. He admitted they used UPS but would look into USPS as an alternate.
I've been told (correct me if I'm wrong) the reason UPS has been used is the single owner (Jeff?) is handicapped and UPS was something he could physically manage. USPS would be harder. Anyway, with the additional parnters, USPS seemed feasible and IIRC, it is now an option on the shipping when ordering but for some reason the prices have remained standard shipping $13.95, regardless if you are ordering a pack of Kadee fiber washers or 4 engines. Obviosuly it's insane to pay $13.95 shipping on a pack of Kadee fiber washers. One price doesn't really fit all. Maybe Lombards does that to "encourage" shoppers to spend more. Well, it encourages me to spend more to off set the bloody high shipping. But also means I only order from them once in a blue moon! Their choice and MBK gets most of my business.
USPS shipping should be based on weight and distance (zip code) and vary. For me, MBK orders under $100 I do pay shipping and it's typically around $8. I have been disappointed the Lombards hasn't changed the shipping options, so while I remain their customer, again, MBK gets the lions share, Spring Creek gets some fairly regular orders and Lombards maybe a couple times a year when I can grudginlg justify their shipping, which is the highest among the regular venders I've used over the years.
Speaking of sale, I know Lombards does them fairly regular but MBK has done some really good sales too in the last couple years. For example, they've had the sound equipped Athearn SD40T-2 for $139.95, normally discounted to $177. MBK has discounted Tangent covered hoppers, normally $42.79 to $29.99 each. They had the Tangent UP quad hoppers for $29.99.
Anyway, there is an old saying, money talks, sh.. walks. MBK does the money talk and I'm listening and spending.
Jim, one of the owners has a disability which limits his mobility. Super nice guy. My only advice is to compare the total price including shipping before making a purchase just to be sure that MBK is beating Lombard. A recent example was a sale price of $176 on a BLI Paragon 3 CNW E6. I have never seen a price even close to that price anywhere else.
I wish Lombard still came to Trainfest in Milwaukee They always had NOS Kato locos for $65.
Mike.
My You Tube
riogrande5761 I've ordered fairly regular over the years from Spring Creek Hobbies in Nebraska, which ain't next door to Virginia by any means and they usually charge me around $10 or $11 for shipping and thats for engines or whatever. They have very often had things in stock that MBK was long sold out of so that has been the draw. They have given me really good service too.
I live about an hour away from Spring Creek Model Train store, and I was just there on Wednesday. They are great people, and will work to find you something if they don't have it.
They are just now starting to put stuff on their website. They do a large business over the phone and at train shows.
It's in the middle of flyover country, but if you ever travel across the country on I-80, it's about 50 miles south in a town of less than 800 people. It's worth the time and effort to see the store.
York1 John
richhotrain Jim, one of the owners has a disability which limits his mobility. Super nice guy. My only advice is to compare the total price including shipping before making a purchase just to be sure that MBK is beating Lombard. A recent example was a sale price of $176 on a BLI Paragon 3 CNW E6. I have never seen a price even close to that price anywhere else. Rich
Jim, one of the owners has a disability which limits his mobility. Super nice guy.
My only advice is to compare the total price including shipping before making a purchase just to be sure that MBK is beating Lombard. A recent example was a sale price of $176 on a BLI Paragon 3 CNW E6. I have never seen a price even close to that price anywhere else.
Yes, that's what I've heard and already acknowledged it in my previous post. I've been told there were 3 additional partners who joined so the USPS option should be available and a correspondingly lower cost shipping option. At least that is what I discussed with one of the new partners. For some reason, the high shipping cost remains and that is their choice of course.
As for best deal. My last order from MBK was for 2 x 50 bulk packs of Kadee couplers and a 10 pack of Atlas code 100 flex (for staging). Lombards has neither instock. Lombards has no Genesis SDP40F's but when I bought them, I did some price comparisons with lower priced several vendors including Lombards. Pretty much everyone had the non-sound version priced at $199 and for some reason MBK had them at $175. I almost wondered if it was a mistake but who was I to argue. As for the sound versions, all the better discount vendors were within about a dollar of the same discount price. So between the free shipping and the 25 dollar discount I was able to apply, MBK was definitely the best deal. Even aside from that order, with the free shipping that most often makes them best price in most cases. It's simple math.
Occasionally, if I buy maybe a couple of on-sale Tangent models at Lombards, their sale price can offset the expensive shipping and it can be cheaper than MBK - those are usually the couple times a year I do order from Lombards.
Also, and maybe this is because MBK simply does more business, they are often sold out of items that Lombards still has in stock, so if I miss out on an item MBK had sold out of, Lombards can be a fall-back shop as things seem to linger in stock there much longer. I've gotten some Moloco and Atlas freight cars that were long sold out at MBK for example, or Athearn or Genesis flat car, same.
York1 riogrande5761 I've ordered fairly regular over the years from Spring Creek Hobbies in Nebraska, which ain't next door to Virginia by any means and they usually charge me around $10 or $11 for shipping and thats for engines or whatever. They have very often had things in stock that MBK was long sold out of so that has been the draw. They have given me really good service too. I live about an hour away from Spring Creek Model Train store, and I was just there on Wednesday. They are great people, and will work to find you something if they don't have it. They are just now starting to put stuff on their website. They do a large business over the phone and at train shows. It's in the middle of flyover country, but if you ever travel across the country on I-80, it's about 50 miles south in a town of less than 800 people. It's worth the time and effort to see the store.
If I were within striking distance, I'd definitely visit. Otherwise I'm a remote customer! I expect the next time I do get out west, I'll be flying over them since it's a five days of all day driving to get to the west coast from where I live. I've done it a number of times in the past, that's how I know!
Sure, I can do math before I buy. Road number 9601 at MBKlein was $180. Road number 9619 of the same loco at LH was $170. Wish either place had both numbers, but thems the breaks.
Generally, I don't buy enough to get on anyone's rewards list, if volume buying has anything to do with it. Just the oddball thing here and there that beats ebay prices.
Well, all I can say is, the less you guys buy at Lombard Hobbies, the more there is for me.
richhotrain Well, all I can say is, the less you guys buy at Lombard Hobbies, the more there is for me. Rich
Love Lombard. Before my recent purchase of the aformentioned single loco with the correct road number, I bought 3 locos that had TW and MBK beat buy $67 each ($170 vs $237, Athearn Genesis w/LEDs, actually TW was $246).
But sometimes TW has Lombard beat too. MBK is rare. I think they sell out too quickly.
DoughlessSure, I can do math before I buy. Road number 9601 at MBKlein was $180. Road number 9619 of the same loco at LH was $170. Wish either place had both numbers, but thems the breaks. Generally, I don't buy enough to get on anyone's rewards list, if volume buying has anything to do with it. Just the oddball thing here and there that beats ebay prices.
Ok y'all. Gather round. Cause if this doesn't seem good, I can't help you!
First @ doughless: If you were member of the Yardmaster club ... total cost at MBK for 9601 shipped $180, maybe cheaper if you had points to redeem. LH, $184. Now for some more math . . .
You'd be surprised at how fast the points add up to reach MBK Yardmaster status at MB which requires 1500 points.
https://www.modeltrainstuff.com/reward-society/
You join and start at the lowest tier - Passenger, you get 2 points for every dollar spent, and 500 points added on your birthday.
You reach the 2nd tier, Engineer, after you have have spent $275, which isn't hard in this hobby at all. When you reach Engineer status, you will have at least 550 points from spending the $275. At that level you start earning 3 points for every dollar spent and you get 5% off a single purchase. If you have a birthday while at Engineer status, you get 750 points added.
Time to really level-up. Now, doing them math, spend another $316.68 (because you are now earning 3 points per dollar) that will will bring you to Yardmaster status by adding 950 points to the 550. That's assuming you didn't have a birthday during the period, otherwise you'd be their sooner without spending.
Once at yard master status you get free shiping for orders of $100 or more for the rest of the calendar year. You can also trade in you 1500 points for a $15 off coupon to redeem on an order. You keep Yardmaster status still. Now at Yardmaster status, you earn 1000 points your birthday and 4 points for every dollar spent. Then you are on the gravy train so to speak. Points add up fast from buying and for birthdays.
In short, to reach Yardmaster status, you need 1500 points, but you only have to spend about $592 based on the points earned, to reach that status. Not hard really in this hobby.
For me it really snowballed and since last fall, I've gotten enough points to redeem a number of discount coupons and free shipping for orders over $100 through the end of 2021.
As they say, YMMV. Don't shoot me, I'm just a happy customer!
And I've already acknowedged if MBK is out of things I need, I have two back up shops, Lombards and Spring Creek, but it usually costs me more.
riogrande5761 Doughless Sure, I can do math before I buy. Road number 9601 at MBKlein was $180. Road number 9619 of the same loco at LH was $170. Wish either place had both numbers, but thems the breaks. Generally, I don't buy enough to get on anyone's rewards list, if volume buying has anything to do with it. Just the oddball thing here and there that beats ebay prices. Ok y'all. Gather round. Cause if this doesn't seem good, I can't help you! First @ doughless: If you were member of the Yardmaster club ... total cost at MBK for 9601 shipped $180, maybe cheaper if you had points to redeem. LH, $184. Now for some more math . . . You'd be surprised at how fast the points add up to reach MBK Yardmaster status at MB which requires 1500 points. You join and start at the lowest tier - Passenger, you get 2 points for every dollar spent, and 500 points added on your birthday. You reach the 2nd tier, Engineer, after you have have spent $275, which isn't hard in this hobby at all. When you reach Engineer status, you will have at least 550 points from spending the $275. At that level you start earning 3 points for every dollar spent and you get 5% off a single purchase. If you have a birthday while at Engineer status, you get 750 points added. Time to really level-up. Now, doing them math, spend another $316.68 (because you are now earning 3 points per dollar) that will will bring you to Yardmaster status by adding 950 points to the 550. That's assuming you didn't have a birthday during the period, otherwise you'd be their sooner without spending. Once at yard master status you get free shiping for orders of $100 or more for the rest of the calendar year. You can also trade in you 1500 points for a $15 off coupon to redeem on an order. You keep Yardmaster status still. Now at Yardmaster status, you earn 1000 points your birthday and 4 points for every dollar spent. Then you are on the gravy train so to speak. Points add up fast from buying and for birthdays. For me it really snowballed and since last fall, I've gotten enough points to redeem a number of discount coupons and free shipping for orders over $100 through the end of 2021. As they say, YMMV. Don't shoot me, I'm just a happy customer! And I've already acknowedged if MBK is out of things I need, I have two back up shops, Lombards and Spring Creek, but it usually costs me more.
Doughless Sure, I can do math before I buy. Road number 9601 at MBKlein was $180. Road number 9619 of the same loco at LH was $170. Wish either place had both numbers, but thems the breaks. Generally, I don't buy enough to get on anyone's rewards list, if volume buying has anything to do with it. Just the oddball thing here and there that beats ebay prices.
That's fine. I was just looking at the shipping times of the two locos I purchased, not complaining or taking favorites about either and didn't really want to bore anybody with the details of my situation at first.
My situation is that I hardly ever buy new from the retailers. But Athearn Genesis finally has started putting LEDs in their locos, and since I can program the T2 sound decoder to run slow as well as loksound, without the annoying buzz of the ESU, I bought 8 locos this month (ouch).
LH, TW, and MBK had 6 of the locos. All 6 were $237 at MBK. TW had 3 at $170 and LH had the other 3 for $170. The last two I described above, LH had the one road number for $170 and MBK had the other road number for $180.
I bought only 1 of 8 at MBK because the other retailers had the same locos for $67 per loco cheaper.
Sounds like MBK has a nice program for its loyal recurring customers. I'll keep that in mind for down the road.
DoughlessLove Lombard.
Russell
Normally when I've checked, TW, prices were not much diff than mbk. I've I've only ordered from them a few times and because they happened to have items I couldn't find elsewhere. I've never seen a engine $67 cheaper than Klein's but sometimes shops blow items out of have specials. With the free ship at mbk usually it's a slam dunk. Exceptions occur. Lombards had six packs of Arrowhead hoppers at half price so I paid the bloody shipping!
Anyway, for regular ordering of new items, the mbk rewards program is pretty good. Most of the engines I've been buying are new release so not available used or secondary market.
riogrande5761mbk rewards program
Hello All,
In the past two days I have received my shipments from Horizon Hobbies; Athearn's parts supplier, and eBay.
Just placed an order with Micro-Mark and I'm expecting it some time next week.
I got a USPS shipping update that the Plymouth Switcher I ordered from Walthers will arrive a week from this Saturday.
Bachmann has not updated me on their repair and shipping status.
Hope this helps.
"Uhh...I didn’t know it was 'impossible' I just made it work...sorry"
riogrande5761 Normally when I've checked, TW, prices were not much diff than mbk. I've I've only ordered from them a few times and because they happened to have items I couldn't find elsewhere. I've never seen a engine $67 cheaper than Klein's but sometimes shops blow items out of have specials. And the free ship with mbk usually it's a slam dunk. Exceptions occur. Lombards had six packs of Arrowhead hoppers at half price so I paid the bloody shipping!
Normally when I've checked, TW, prices were not much diff than mbk. I've I've only ordered from them a few times and because they happened to have items I couldn't find elsewhere. I've never seen a engine $67 cheaper than Klein's but sometimes shops blow items out of have specials. And the free ship with mbk usually it's a slam dunk. Exceptions occur. Lombards had six packs of Arrowhead hoppers at half price so I paid the bloody shipping!
I started my first layout about two years ago.
I ordered some things online, and I felt the shipping prices were too high.
Last year, my wife had me mail some small packages to someone. I found out that the shipping prices I had been paying were about exactly right.
When you figure out the packing, boxes or envelopes, and mailing for the suppliers, there really aren't too many places that are charging too much.
riogrande5761 Normally when I've checked, TW, prices were not much diff than mbk. I've I've only ordered from them a few times and because they happened to have items I couldn't find elsewhere. I've never seen a engine $67 cheaper than Klein's but sometimes shops blow items out of have specials. With the free ship at mbk usually it's a slam dunk. Exceptions occur. Lombards had six packs of Arrowhead hoppers at half price so I paid the bloody shipping! Anyway, for regular ordering of new items, the mbk rewards program is pretty good. Most of the engines I've been buying are new release so not available used or secondary market.
I miscounted. I must have bought 9 over the past two months. I bought 2 of the C&NW GP9Rs and 2 BNSF/ATSF GP7u's shown here before TW stopped shipping. Tsunami2, LEDS, flashing beacon or ditchlights. Not sure why they are marked down since all Athearn LED locos they are pretty recent releases.
https://www.trainworld.com/manufacturers/athearn/genesis-ho-scale/athearn-athearn-athearn-diesel-engines-1/gp7/
Bought the 3 I&O GP50s listed here at TW for 170 at Lombard. Again, T2, LEDS, ditchlights, recent release. Can't link Lombard since I bought the 3 they had.
https://www.trainworld.com/manufacturers/athearn/genesis-ho-scale/athearn-athearn-athearn-diesel-engines-1/athearn-athearn-gp50-1/
I have no idea why they would be on sale either. But they fit my theme of a free lanced modern shortline, and I used to see TP&W (I&O) GP50 #5010 in Kokomo IN. Its still there.
Planets aligned for me I guess. I'm set for a pretty long while. I have to be after this COVID splurge.
csxns riogrande5761 mbk rewards program Never seem to get the rewards to work for me so how long do you have before you loose them.
riogrande5761 mbk rewards program
Never seem to get the rewards to work for me so how long do you have before you loose them.
There is a blue button that says Rewards with a conductors hat that shows on the lower right hand of the screen when on their website. I've been on a different computer where the button doesn't show up and I'm not sure why. I used Chrome on all instances. The blue button shows up on my smart phone and my laptop. I wonder if you've had that issue. I do think you have to sign up first before you start accumulating points on purchases. But if you have done that and aren't seening the points etc. you can call them and get help.
richhotrain riogrande5761 Normally when I've checked, TW, prices were not much diff than mbk. I've I've only ordered from them a few times and because they happened to have items I couldn't find elsewhere. I've never seen a engine $67 cheaper than Klein's but sometimes shops blow items out of have specials. And the free ship with mbk usually it's a slam dunk. Exceptions occur. Lombards had six packs of Arrowhead hoppers at half price so I paid the bloody shipping! Jim, you are spoiled by free shipping. $14 to ship a loco or a 6-pack of freight cars from Illinois to Virginia is not exhorbitant. Rich
Jim, you are spoiled by free shipping. $14 to ship a loco or a 6-pack of freight cars from Illinois to Virginia is not exhorbitant.
It is to me. It like a Brit saying Americans are spoiled because we pay on the average about 1/3 the cost for gasoline. But it's the norm to us. The norm for me is to pay less for shipping than what Lombards charges.
Even before MBK started the reward club $14 was more than most I was patronizing, which is why I've always commented on Lombards being the most expensive for shipping. Sping Creek is much farther away, has charged me less for shipping for engines. Exactrail charges me $8 to ship a freight car all the way from freaking Utah. They both use the cheaper USPS. But Lombards has been using UPS, which is consistantly higher than USPS so thats why they haven't been competititve on shipping.
Anyway, why pay more if you don't have to and generally I don't. But with the free shipping with the MBK reward club, well, that's a no brainer!