Trainworld/Trainland

[maandg]

I have spent literally thousands of dollars with Trainworld over the past 20+ years and have never had a problem insofar as shipping and delivery goes. However, I recently ended all further dealings with them. Over the past several years, I have noticed a growing amount of rudeness from their operators. Now all I get is Attitude, Attitude, Attitude!!!!!!!! The "Soup Nazi" comment had me rolling on the floor - that is EXACTLY the way I have been continually treated. It seems things have gone down hill since the founder passed away a few years ago. The final straw occured when I tried to order a BLI KCS E3 and a P2K E6 with sound. I was smugly told that the BLI engine had not yet been released even though I had ordered my first one from THEM a month earlier. The operator all but called me an idiot. But what really infuriated me was the E6. They would not honor the price listed in the Model Railroader ad AND on their OWN website!!! I was quoted a price $40 higher than the advertised price. When I questioned this, I was basically hung up on. They could be giving away engines and you couldn't pay me to order from them again.

As an alternative to Trainworld, let me share a recent experience. A few weeks ago I found a dealer on eBay who would sell me 100 pieces of Atlas Code 83 flex track for $220, plus Atlas Code 83 #6 switches for $8.33 each. I wanted100 total - 50 right and 50 left. I inquired about, and was given FREE SHIPPING! When I called to pay with my Visa, I found out it was Nagengast Hardware and Hobby in Ridgewood, NY - - - a Local Hobby Shop!!!!. This LHS used to advertise in Model Railroader, and has been in business since 1947!!!! Hans, who I spoke with, was the nicest, friendliest and most courteous person I have ever had the pleasure of dealing with. Not only did I get Free Shipping, but he told me he would give me an additional discount for ordering so many switches($7.99 each)!!! He ALREADY had my business, so what did he gain by furthering my discount? How about a customer for LIFE!!! It is NO WONDER that this LHS has been going strong for nearly 60 years!!!!!!!! So much for the excuse of having a "typical New York attitude"!

Nagengast Hardware and Hobby has perfected the blueprint for a successful LHS in these changing times….a friendly, competitive local presence with a strong, equally friendly and competitive internet presence. For the cost of a slightly smaller profit margin, they not only closed a $1000 + sale, but gained a big-spending customer for the long haul. Even though I live in Mississippi, my friendly LHS is in New York!!!

Hey Trainworld.......no soup for YOU!!!!!!!!!!

[hd8091]

I have delt with Trainworld many times and never a complaint. They have exchanged a couple of bad engines for me no questions asked. Prompt shipping and pretty good selection.
Tom

[pcarrell]

QUOTE: Originally posted by electron

QUOTE: Originally posted by joeyegarner

They have good prices, but the people are just a bit rude if you don't have all your ducks in a row when you call. So, make sure you know exactly what you want and have an item # when you call. They do seem to act like they don't have time for the customer some times. Now you have the downside !!

This is so true! Almost like the "soup nazi" on the Seinfeld show.

You guys are right on the money for the ordering side of things. I did have a problem with something once though and they offered to replace the thing right away with no questions asked. I though that was pretty good. [8D]

[electron]

There are alternatives to Trainworld.You can get pretty much the same low prices at other shops, like Standard Hobby and 1st Place Hobbies, and with friendlier service.

[Don Gibson]

IF they have it, they'll ship it - NEXT item?

Major gripe - "Various road's" - you have to call to find if they have your road name.
Major plus - Closeou'ts - (if they have your roadname}.See above.

[red p]

I have only had one dealing with them,and it was not good. Alot can be said about first impressions.
and I have not done business with them since and I dought if I ever will.
The way I see it there are too many other places that want my business.

[Anonymous]

QUOTE: Originally posted by UPJohn

Is this a good place to order from?

John

If you know the number of the item you want, they might have a little patiience with you, but the prices are good.

[UPJohn]

Wow thanks alot everybody!
I will definitely take all this advice and hav everything ready if I order something. Who cares if they are rude when you are getting great prices. Thanks guys!

John

[claycts]

Want rude, deal with a New York Car sales men, that is rude. The folks at Trainworld will bend over backwards for you to get your order out. I had them NDA 600ft of Atlas 83 it was in S.C at 10:00 am next day. That is service.

[Anonymous]

Just to confirm most of what has already been said. And I would never call them rude. A bit curt? Sometimes. They are a volume business. But unlike some discounters they stand behind their sales; I bought a Spectrum decapod several years ago that arrived with a broken stack; they replaced it immediately without a quibble.

[wjstix]

I usually mail in orders, wi***hey had a way to order/pay securely online. Otherwise no complaints. They originally were pretty much just Lionel equipment; I started buying when it was just a 3-4 line classified ad in Model Railroader from Peter Bianco back in the early-mid seventies. If a loco is announced that I know I want I'll pre-order it from them, they usually have very good prices for pre-orders.

[csmith9474]

Just for more affirmation, I have heard great things about them through several folks.

[chutton01]

Heh, I have the luxury of Trainland being only a short drive from me (although I am more of a Willis Hobby man myself). It is quite clear that they are a discounter with sometimes limited selection, but if they have what you need (like a Atlas SEPTA AEM-7 - I purchased it for a third or less of the generally advertised price, although later I did find out they were selling like cold-cakes...). Trainland recently had a sale (10% off), so I stocked up on several building kits and detail sets I will eventually need.
About a third or so of the store is dedicated to Lionel and similar 0 scale items (by this I mean collectibles, not modern day Weaver stock - although there is that), the rest HO and N, plus a few vehicle model kits. Never really had a problem with them, usually everthings cool, I guess since they are not the site taking the large number of phone orders...

[davekelly]

Yeah, they are a little, to use a term, "curt." Knowing this I once called to get a couple Proto RDC's. I figured at that price i would take whatever roadname was available (need to strip and repaint them anyways) and the woman on the phone asked what roadname I wanted and told me what they had. Same with some Proto tankers I purchased on another occasion.

A little curt? Yes. Perhaps bordering on rude? Maybe. Worth the price? Yup. With the money I save I can handle a little New York "attitude."

[Anonymous]

I have often looked at there web site, never bought anything from them but I have from Discount trains online (click on link below) and these guys were realy friendly and have exellent postage rates

http://www.discounttrainsonline.com/n-scale-model-trains.html

The other online store I visit is BLW...... the cap'n blaster specials are great if your quick enough, link: http://www.blwnscale.com/

Chow
Mike....

[Anonymous]

I went in person to the storefront. In their defense, everyone who works there is on the phone constantly taking orders. They are even quick with customers who are browsing. They are very New York, something people from other parts of the country who are not used to New Yorkers interpret as rudeness.

[Anonymous]

Remember there are need to knows when ordering.
That the item(s) is in stock.
Be aware of their back order policy.
Be aware of shipping charges and subsequent charges if item is back ordered.
Be aware of returnable policy if you change your mind.
Be aware of their re-stocking fees.
Be aware of returnable item if defective out of the box and who eats all the extra postage, returning & replacing.
Loco manufacturers usually offer a 60+ day warranty should you elect to return it to the manufacturer.

YES, Trainworld is a good place to order from. Know their rules. Once you get the order confirmation # you can call back the next day and get their UPS routing # and track your shipment to your front door.

[selector]

I inquired of a loco, and was told, by that same woman, that a first-timer must download their order form and either fax or mail it to them; no orders taken for a first-time customer over the phone.

I hope it wasn't just because I am from Canada. [%-)]

[pushnshove]

I've ordered several times from them and everything said here is true. Their prices and service are good. They are New Yawkahs...better be completely ready to order and have a back up plan just in case.

[MisterBeasley]

I ordered from them one Wednesday night about dinner time. The trains were at my door the following Friday, standard shipping, New York to the Boston Burbs.

I called once about GP-9's where they said "limited paint scheme availability" or something similar. I asked if they had the road I wanted, and they politely told me they didn't. I thought their attitude was just fine, and they were quite friendly, even if I didn't end up ordering. Maybe the "train nazi" had the night off.

You might also look at MB Klein (http://www.modeltrainstuff.com) for similar bargains. Like Trainworld, it's a place you can order from with complete confidence.

In case you're wondering, both of these dealers offer discontinued models, like older P2K GP-9's for $40. They are new, in the box, and they are just fine.

[AggroJones]

They usually have the cheapest prices for big ticket items. And when they have those '10% off everything instock' sales, you can save even more. Thats when I buy my stuff. During sales.
But when I order, the lady that anwsers the phone acts like I'm bothering them by trying to place an order. Cocking an attitude with me. Probably the same woman each time.(scoff) But thats about the only problem with Trainworld. Otherwise, they're all peachy.

[nbrodar]

I use Trainworld often. I e-mail them first to see if the have what I'm looking for. Then I call with "all my ducks is a row". I've never found them rude, but they are all business. Trainworld usually has the lowest price around. Shipping is average, and shipping time is fast. (I live outside Philadelphia.)

Nick

[Fergmiester]

I've bought several Locos from them in the past and yes they have that New York Cabbie attitude but they are good and cheap. Ordered a Loco from them yesterday and the woman was actually courteous and polite....
Thought I had the wrong place for a second or two but the accent was unmistakenable New York!

I highly recommend them!

Fergie

[Texas Zepher]

Yes, I order from them all the time. They have two numbers, one for questions and one for orders. Don't call them on the wrong number. Even then they don't want to just chat. I always have my order (with back up options) all figured out before I call. I wouldn't go so far to say that they are rude, just a bit more curt than us Westerner's are used to [;)]

[electron]

QUOTE: Originally posted by joeyegarner

They have good prices, but the people are just a bit rude if you don't have all your ducks in a row when you call. So, make sure you know exactly what you want and have an item # when you call. They do seem to act like they don't have time for the customer some times. Now you have the downside !!

This is so true! Almost like the "soup nazi" on the Seinfeld show.

[joeyegarner]

They have good prices, but the people are just a bit rude if you don't have all your ducks in a row when you call. So, make sure you know exactly what you want and have an item # when you call. They do seem to act like they don't have time for the customer some times. Now you have the downside !!

[Anonymous]

Yes. Track and other misc. items. They're great to deal with.

[Anonymous]

One of the best places for good prices. Keep in mind they are business and all business, not a hobby shop where you call and chat for a while. If you want something, have their part number(s) and your credit card handy when you call. You can also download their order form online, fill it out and e-mail it back to them. Several of us locally have placed combined orders with Trainworld several times and have had great successes.

Bob Boudreau

[timthechef]

I baught an IHC Consolidation from them two years ago for $45 and had no problem with them.