Support your local train shop ?...

[bsteel4065]

I would support a local hobby shop if I had one. Living in the UK and being a US model railroader is a somewhat isolated hobby. The few shops there are over here that deal in US railroads are very few and are miles and miles away. And they tend to charge pound for dollar which is no joke. But, the internet is a dream for me. Just bought a Broadway 2-10-4 PRR at a cheaper price (including postage) than I would have to pay over here. Also, I have a friend in New York who will shop for me and then mail it on.

[Anonymous]

QUOTE: Originally posted by Tracklayer

A friend and I went to our favorite train shop Thursday and were horrified to find that everything in the place had been marked up 25% and then some since our last visit two weeks earlier. When we made a comment to the owner about it, he popped off and said - What can I say guys, inflation... But in his case it's not so much inflation as it is just plain old greed...
I drove over fifty miles up there that day through some of the worst traffic in the southern US to buy a steam loco there that was $100.00 two weeks earlier that was now $125.00. Then to make things worse, I found a freight car with a broken coupler and asked him if he'd be willing to come down on it a little, but he replied - Nope, it can be fixed. Lay it down over here on the counter and I'll get to it later.
I didn't buy anything that day there and I'm not ever going to again. To hell with him and his shop!. From now on I'm buying everything off the web - namely ebay, which by the way I won that same loco on earlier tonight for $78.00 that he wanted $125.00 for... And train shop owners wonder why their businesses are going down the drain.

If you have a good train shop in your area with reasonable prices and an easy going owner, you're lucky...

Tracklayer

Who really cares if you buy anything from him or not? I'll bet he doesn't, with that pleasant attitute you have. Ever been in bidness? It ain't easy. It might be inflation more than greed than you think.

Driving 50 miles in Texas? That ain't crap in Texas. I drove 200 miles round trip yesterday to visit my LHS in Houston, and I'm not griping at all! Had a great time too. Of course, I went in there with the attitude that I was GONNA have a great time, I knew he had what I wanted, he had it at a fair price, and I shop there often enough that he gives me a discount. Not a lot, but he appreciates me coming in. Once he opened early for me and a friend because we forgot what time his store opened up and we got there early. Put on a pot of coffee, and let us look around to our heart's content. Spent over $200 with him that day. That cup of coffee was a pretty good investment for him, don't you think?

One other thing he said that I found interesting and kind of amusing. The Great American Train ripoff, oops, I mean Show was in Houston several weeks ago. He said there had been a steady stream of guys who had bought stuff at the show bringing it in to be fixed. Most of it never ran when they bought it, but they didn't know that. The vendors at the show didn't have a test track like he does. So when I pay a little more for a locomotive at the LHS, I tell em to take it out and let me see it run. Never had a problem.

Now, where you gonna go when your $78 locomotive has trouble? Call the guy back on e-bay and see if he'll fix it for you, or take it back to the horrible man at the store so he can fix it for you for next to nothing? So what DO you buy from this horrible ogre when you go into his shop? You aren't one of those guys who buys paint and gets your locomotives and rolling stock cheaper somewhere else are you? Oh wait, you already told us you do that.

You sure whine a lot for being a Texan.


dirt

[warhammerdriver]

Wish I had a LHS to do business with. [:(]

[phisig03]

It is frustrating. About 5 years ago I started somewhat dabbling in the hobby and I went to "Riders" which is the hobby shop around here of which they have numerous locations. I went to the one in Ypsilanti (it is pronounced IPS-A-LAN-TEE) which was near my school at Eastern Michigan University and their whole one side of their store was train stuff. Of course being in college, and a "frat boy," not to mention a new apartment every fall, I put MRR on the backburner. When I wanted to get some more stuff for it about a year later, they swapped it out and put the trains on the other side of the store and greatly reduced the size.

When moving into my house in Dearborn Heights, I visted the Riders in Canton and they had a good selection. Then I also visited the Riders in Livonia which had a smaller selection (they appeared to specilize in telescopes at this one). Thinking Canton had the best selection, I went back to that one and to my horror found it gone. I stopped in the Taylor store and they have the worst selection yet!!

So I had the luxury of going around and seeing which is the best for me. I am sure most of my stuff will come from ebay or other sites, but it will still be nice to just go and peruse all the things on the shelf, something you can't do without costant clicking on he computer. So I guess I'll stick with the Livonia store, they have a decent selection, nice staff and reasonable prices.

There is also a hardware store around me that is also a hobby shop but they seem to be the most expensive. I was also discusted to discover another independent hobby shop by my house which had not one train or train related product. And you call yourself a HOBBY SHOP?????

[Anonymous]

I shopped a Hobbytown USA in Augusta, GA. The owner opened early when I saw me outside, it was cold. Then I saw that some of his track, same item, different price. He said prices were always going up and he didn't have time to change prices. He sold it for the retail price it came in for. I shopped with him again the next time I was in town and will do so again when I am in town. Oh, I almost forgot. He gave me a discout the last time I was there. He says he doesn't carry a lot of sets but after Christmas he does a great business in add on's and repairs. Really a great guy to do business with. Phil

[Anonymous]

QUOTE: Originally posted by older than dirt

Who really cares if you buy anything from him or not? I'll bet he doesn't, with that pleasant attitute you have. Ever been in bidness? It ain't easy. It might be inflation more than greed than you think.

...{most of rant deleted for brevity}...

So what DO you buy from this horrible ogre when you go into his shop?

...{more worthless drivel deleted}

dirt

Oh. My. God. Do you even realize how ridiculous you are? I laughed myself sick at you after reading your post... I can't even know where to begin... Oh wait, I do know, I left it there above this in your quote just to remind me:

Bidness? Bidness??? You actually typed "bidness" on purpose? And your handle is 'older than dirt'... So what are you the world's oldest gangsta pimp wannabe? Grand Pappy O.G? Yeah, I'm taking you seriously.

And how terribly amusing... You used the word "ogre"... Aren't ogres sort of like cousins to... trolls?

In any case, wow. In only 5 days and 6 posts, you have definitely figured out that insults, condescension, and snottiness are the BEST way to get started on the right foot around here. It's a SURE WAY to make people pay a LOT of attention to your posts!

A lot of folks are going to tell me "DNFTT," and I'll heed their advice from now on. But on the off chance you're really just someone who just don't get it... BZZZZZT. The buzzer just went off and the giant red "not the way to go, dude" sign lit up... Sit the next turn out then try again. We like to see new folks come join the party, as long as they don't decide pi&&ing on the floor is the best way to introduce themselves...

But regardless, thanks for the laugh. I'm still getting a kick out of "bidness."

[tommyr]

Amen. Could'nt have said it better myself.
Tom

[Anonymous]

There are customers out there that know the prices of everything and the value of nothing. Then there are hobby shop owners who haven't a clue how to run a retail business. And then there is everything in between.

I shop everywhere. Local, internet dealers, mailorder and Ebay. I do what makes sense for me. For example, it might be worth it for me to buy my Digitrax system from my local dealer and pay full price. Why? Because I know if I have a question, and lord knows I have many when it comes to DCC, he's always happy to help me. If I want a new loco, I'll orobably shop the net or Ebay. If I need some Woodland Scenic stuff or some other odds and ends, I'll go local.

It's a give and take. If you have a local dealer who knows what he's doing, it's always good business to keep him as your friend - and that means give him some business in exchange for the service.

[Anonymous]

QUOTE: Originally posted by older than dirt

QUOTE: Originally posted by Tracklayer

A friend and I went to our favorite train shop Thursday and were horrified to find that everything in the place had been marked up 25% and then some since our last visit two weeks earlier. When we made a comment to the owner about it, he popped off and said - What can I say guys, inflation... But in his case it's not so much inflation as it is just plain old greed...
I drove over fifty miles up there that day through some of the worst traffic in the southern US to buy a steam loco there that was $100.00 two weeks earlier that was now $125.00. Then to make things worse, I found a freight car with a broken coupler and asked him if he'd be willing to come down on it a little, but he replied - Nope, it can be fixed. Lay it down over here on the counter and I'll get to it later.
I didn't buy anything that day there and I'm not ever going to again. To hell with him and his shop!. From now on I'm buying everything off the web - namely ebay, which by the way I won that same loco on earlier tonight for $78.00 that he wanted $125.00 for... And train shop owners wonder why their businesses are going down the drain.

If you have a good train shop in your area with reasonable prices and an easy going owner, you're lucky...

Tracklayer

Who really cares if you buy anything from him or not? I'll bet he doesn't, with that pleasant attitute you have. Ever been in bidness? It ain't easy. It might be inflation more than greed than you think.

Driving 50 miles in Texas? That ain't crap in Texas. I drove 200 miles round trip yesterday to visit my LHS in Houston, and I'm not griping at all! Had a great time too. Of course, I went in there with the attitude that I was GONNA have a great time, I knew he had what I wanted, he had it at a fair price, and I shop there often enough that he gives me a discount. Not a lot, but he appreciates me coming in. Once he opened early for me and a friend because we forgot what time his store opened up and we got there early. Put on a pot of coffee, and let us look around to our heart's content. Spent over $200 with him that day. That cup of coffee was a pretty good investment for him, don't you think?

One other thing he said that I found interesting and kind of amusing. The Great American Train ripoff, oops, I mean Show was in Houston several weeks ago. He said there had been a steady stream of guys who had bought stuff at the show bringing it in to be fixed. Most of it never ran when they bought it, but they didn't know that. The vendors at the show didn't have a test track like he does. So when I pay a little more for a locomotive at the LHS, I tell em to take it out and let me see it run. Never had a problem.

Now, where you gonna go when your $78 locomotive has trouble? Call the guy back on e-bay and see if he'll fix it for you, or take it back to the horrible man at the store so he can fix it for you for next to nothing? So what DO you buy from this horrible ogre when you go into his shop? You aren't one of those guys who buys paint and gets your locomotives and rolling stock cheaper somewhere else are you? Oh wait, you already told us you do that.

You sure whine a lot for being a Texan.


dirt

I agree with you Dirt - and I izz from Karlifornia - how'd ya like that!

[Anonymous]

QUOTE: Originally posted by kchronister

QUOTE: Originally posted by older than dirt

Who really cares if you buy anything from him or not? I'll bet he doesn't, with that pleasant attitute you have. Ever been in bidness? It ain't easy. It might be inflation more than greed than you think.

...{most of rant deleted for brevity}...

So what DO you buy from this horrible ogre when you go into his shop?

...{more worthless drivel deleted}

dirt

Oh. My. God. Do you even realize how ridiculous you are? I laughed myself sick at you after reading your post... I can't even know where to begin... Oh wait, I do know, I left it there above this in your quote just to remind me:

Bidness? Bidness??? You actually typed "bidness" on purpose? And your handle is 'older than dirt'... So what are you the world's oldest gangsta pimp wannabe? Grand Pappy O.G? Yeah, I'm taking you seriously.

And how terribly amusing... You used the word "ogre"... Aren't ogres sort of like cousins to... trolls?

In any case, wow. In only 5 days and 6 posts, you have definitely figured out that insults, condescension, and snottiness are the BEST way to get started on the right foot around here. It's a SURE WAY to make people pay a LOT of attention to your posts!

A lot of folks are going to tell me "DNFTT," and I'll heed their advice from now on. But on the off chance you're really just someone who just don't get it... BZZZZZT. The buzzer just went off and the giant red "not the way to go, dude" sign lit up... Sit the next turn out then try again. We like to see new folks come join the party, as long as they don't decide pi&&ing on the floor is the best way to introduce themselves...

But regardless, thanks for the laugh. I'm still getting a kick out of "bidness."

I hear what you are saying Kchronister, but the quantity of posts a person has is irrelevant. Dirt had an opinion and he expressed it. At least the dude has some cahonnies (sp?) [;)]

[selector]

200 miles just for a whim...,wow. I'm sure that has nothing to do with being in Texas. But I sure as aitch eeee double hockeysticks wouldn't drive around the corner to do bidnessness with no snarly bidnessman poser, and that was our thread initiator's point.

Y'all have a nice day.

[chateauricher]

QUOTE: Originally posted by kchronister

QUOTE: Originally posted by older than dirt
Who really cares if you buy anything from him or not? I'll bet he doesn't, with that pleasant attitute you have. Ever been in bidness? It ain't easy. It might be inflation more than greed than you think.

Bidness? Bidness??? You actually typed "bidness" on purpose?

And I suppose you're so perfect that you've never made any typing errors. [:(!]

On the standard English-language keyboard, the letters S and D are adjacent to each other. Because of that, it is very easy to accidentally hit the wrong key. Even the best proof-readers among us can miss correcting a mistake now and then. We're only human, after all. Well... most of us are, anyways. [alien]

I also find it quite inappropriate for someone to laugh at another person's mistakes. Is pointing out another person's short-comings the only way you can feel good about yourself ? [V] I wonder how you would feel when people laugh at you for making a mistake.


I'm done now. Could someone be so kind as to help me down off this [soapbox] ? [swg]

[jecorbett]

I am lucky in that my primary LHS is very customer friendly and has great selection which is why they have been in business about 30 years. They can't compete with online retailers on price so I buy a lot of my big ticket items online although sometimes they have a sale price that I take advantage of. Some items, like rolling stock, I like to see exactly what I am getting I buy most of my freight cars there. The bottom line is I am going to shop where I get the most value for my money but service and convenience have to be taken into that equation.

[Anonymous]

Ya see, in the oilfield and in Texas we do bidness. Kind of a colloquialism. You might have to look word that up. Ogre is another word you might have to look up. Troll, I'm not, I just changed name, for the fun of it (remember fun). I've actually been around here since January of 2004. It's kind of like changing into (insert name of old, out of shape super hero wanna be here), I'm still old mild mannered Clark Kent, but I can hide behind the cape if the mood strikes me, which is, in effect what happened. Speaking of you, why isn't there anything in your profile? I kinda learned from an old pro, Ed Blysard that you can find out a lot about what a person thinks about himself and is willing to let others know who they really are if they're willing to put some information about themselves in their profile. Trolls don't take the time to do that. If you would have taken the time to read mine, you would know that I KNOW I'm full of crap, and just showed that side of myself . And by the way, a lot, if not all, of what I said to that guy was true. This hobby is supposed to be fun, and a lot of guys have forgotten that. This subject comes up all the time, in the same or similar form. I just wanted to stir the pot a little bit. "Scuse me, the nurse is coming with the meds now.

mike, the Old grandpa pimp daddy wanna be.

[Pruitt]

QUOTE: Originally posted by Tracklayer

Okay bwfex. The first time I see you expressing your anger or disappointment on this forum if or when someone wrongs you, I'll be sure and remind you of your "wise words"...

TL

The guy "wronged" you? How? Because he didn't make the deal youwanted?
And you drove fifty miles so how dare him not give you the deal you wanted? Being disappointed that you didn't get the deal you wanted is one thing, but claiming you were "wronged" seems a little bit out there. You'd have been wronged if he agreed to the deal then reneged.

I'm not trying to take you to task or anything, but while I have seen bad shops and worse owners, in this case I can't help wondering what the other side of the story might sound like....

[Anonymous]

Driving 200 miles for no reason is a waste of gas. No wonder we are having high prices and hurricanes.

[Anonymous]

There is a place in Manchester, Connecticut called The Time Machine Hobby shop. It looks cool and even has a club layout in the back. But their prices!! Wow they are always way over retail. They are always more than any other hobby shop. They must not care that there is competition out there. Its like trying to buy a new car and the serach to get the best price from dealer to dealer, BUT the dealers are always much closer to each other.

[Anonymous]

While we're on the topic... Anyone shop at "The Station" in New Cumberland (i.e. Harrisburg area), PA? Several have told me it's the only "decent" hobby shop in the vicinity, but before I spend an hour driving each way, I wonder if there are any opinions here...???

[Anonymous]

QUOTE: Originally posted by kchronister

While we're on the topic... Anyone shop at "The Station" in New Cumberland (i.e. Harrisburg area), PA? Several have told me it's the only "decent" hobby shop in the vicinity, but before I spend an hour driving each way, I wonder if there are any opinions here...???

I did a Google for that store, and although it didn't come up, I was redirected to the NMRA site which lists train stores by states. That store didn't come up on their list either, but it did have a lot of stores listed in PA.


m

[rolleiman]

QUOTE: Originally posted by phisig03

It is frustrating. About 5 years ago I started somewhat dabbling in the hobby and I went to "Riders" which is the hobby shop around here of which they have numerous locations. I went to the one in Ypsilanti (it is pronounced IPS-A-LAN-TEE) which was near my school at Eastern Michigan University and their whole one side of their store was train stuff. Of course being in college, and a "frat boy," not to mention a new apartment every fall, I put MRR on the backburner. When I wanted to get some more stuff for it about a year later, they swapped it out and put the trains on the other side of the store and greatly reduced the size.

When moving into my house in Dearborn Heights, I visted the Riders in Canton and they had a good selection. Then I also visited the Riders in Livonia which had a smaller selection (they appeared to specilize in telescopes at this one). Thinking Canton had the best selection, I went back to that one and to my horror found it gone. I stopped in the Taylor store and they have the worst selection yet!!

So I had the luxury of going around and seeing which is the best for me. I am sure most of my stuff will come from ebay or other sites, but it will still be nice to just go and peruse all the things on the shelf, something you can't do without costant clicking on he computer. So I guess I'll stick with the Livonia store, they have a decent selection, nice staff and reasonable prices.

There is also a hardware store around me that is also a hobby shop but they seem to be the most expensive. I was also discusted to discover another independent hobby shop by my house which had not one train or train related product. And you call yourself a HOBBY SHOP?????

Where in Livonia is there a Riders?? I know there's Merri-Seven at Merriman and 7 Mile (or was).. Rounds up to even $$ amounts from full list though. $9.95=$10 in there. Canton store is gone?? They slid downhill years ago.. One would think that being next to a chuck-e-cheeze (I hate that place) they could have done a brisk business if they'd done more to attract the kiddies (big and small). You're right, Taylor store sucks, for trains anymore that is.. Didn't use to be that way though. When they first opened, they had a train guy who knew how to draw the customers in.. A table full of mark down items.. He knew the trains too and was relatively friendly. Don't know why but he didn't last too long. I'm amazed that place is even still open. The best Riders in the area Used to be the one on John R south of 14mile.. I don't even know if it's still there though, haven't been out there in about 7 years.

On Our side of town, the best place (again) Use to be Joes Hobby on Grand River at Drake in Farmington Hills. May still be, I just haven't been out there in a number of years. They charge full price on newer items but are well stocked, will get you anything you want (hobby related), even if they have to hunt the internet and tell you where to mail order it.. The hardware store you refer to, I think, is Nankin Hardware on Ford Road.. Again, Once was a great place to go, especially around Christmas.. Couldn't get near the place. Last time I was in there, they pretty much sucked.. That may have changed though, depending on who is running the hobby department.. It comes and goes.

[rolleiman]

QUOTE: Originally posted by chateauricher

QUOTE: Originally posted by kchronister

QUOTE: Originally posted by older than dirt
Who really cares if you buy anything from him or not? I'll bet he doesn't, with that pleasant attitute you have. Ever been in bidness? It ain't easy. It might be inflation more than greed than you think.

Bidness? Bidness??? You actually typed "bidness" on purpose?

And I suppose you're so perfect that you've never made any typing errors. [:(!]

On the standard English-language keyboard, the letters S and D are adjacent to each other. Because of that, it is very easy to accidentally hit the wrong key. Even the best proof-readers among us can miss correcting a mistake now and then. We're only human, after all. Well... most of us are, anyways. [alien]

I also find it quite inappropriate for someone to laugh at another person's mistakes. Is pointing out another person's short-comings the only way you can feel good about yourself ? [V] I wonder how you would feel when people laugh at you for making a mistake.


I'm done now. Could someone be so kind as to help me down off this [soapbox] ? [swg]

Here... I'll knock you off the [soapbox] .. I don't think that was a simple S-D typing error.. Even if it was, BUSINESS... Around here, Bidness is sometimes slang for business.. And yes, I sumtimz make spellin erors to.

[phisig03]

Jeff, Yes there is one across from the Merri-bowl on Merriman and 5 mile. Like I said, make do with what you got. That is the best one in the area. As for the Taylor store, I was SHOCKED how little their train section was. Starting out I have been getting pieces here or there and the reason for going to the Canton store on Sunday was for a grass mat to put on my plywood. That’s when I discovered they were gone. Apparently it’s recent as I ran into other people who asked me if I knew they were gone. Then I went to the Taylor one and they didn't even have a grass mat!!!

You are correct, Nankin Hardware. My brother-in-law has told me for years about the train layout they have there. And I just recently went there one Sunday right before they closed so the trains weren’t on. But then I went there during the early afternoon on a Sunday and no trains running. In fact it looked like their trains did not move since I was there about 2 weeks earlier. Not sure why you would have such a handsome layout there if you don’t use it. Just dismantle it and sell the pieces for their insane prices. They had a train set that I looked at there was $179. The same one at Riders was marked $129!!!!!!!!!!! $50 mark-up?????

I’ll have to try the hobby shop you suggested. Thanks!

[rolleiman]

[(-D].. Last time I was in there, 2 - 3x5 or so peg boards.. One for HO, one for N and I think they had a shelf for the lionel type stuff (taylor Riders) but even it was empty... Magazine rack was empty and no word of when it would be restocked.. Has it shrunk further?? When they first opened, the store was half the size and packed with stock. Then they expanded and don't appear to have ever restocked it. At the time the focus of the place appeared to be going towards gamers, Not the video type but the role playing games.. I think even that has dwindled. And people wonder why hobby shops die off. Oh well..

Yes, I think that layout at Nankin has been static for about 5 or 6 years. One I forgot to mention, if you Really want to take a drive, P&D Hobby.. It's on Grosebeck (sp?) at around 16 mile.. Probably an hour, even in fast traffic from Dearborn Hts.

[grayfox1119]

It never ceases to amaze me how little some people really know about business. I can understand our younger modelers, under age 21 or so, not understanding, and maybe even folks under age 35 who have lived a "sheltered financial life", but for the rest of us, here is what you need to remember:
1. Companies are in business to MAKE MONEY, if not, they go under.
2. The stock they purchase is at one price, and when the restock, the price may well be higher from the mfgr. So, they must raise their prices.
3. Did you notice that your real estate taxes, heating/cooling costs, and electrical costs have gone through the roof? Is the company supposed to "eat" that increase? If they do, it comes out of something called "profits". If the "profits" go into the red ink, what do think happens to the business? They go under!!!

Now , the second part of this discussion: the store owner and his attitude. If any business owner who deals with the public, wants his business to stay profitable, he MUST treat all the buying public with RESPECT..END OF STORY, no arguing this point.
If he chooses to rip off the public, how long do you think he will survive in business? He WON'T !!!! So it is in his best interest to satisfy his customers.

The final part: The glorious internet. We cannot touch it, we have to hoipe it arrives in one piece, we have to pay shipping, and sales taxes in some cases also. We sometimes go through pain and anger if we have to return the item.

I use my LHS's as much as possible. I like to see and touch the items that I buy, I like to converse with some of the great guys who run these stores, or their helpers. I want to take it home NOW if I choose to buy.

When we make our choices in life, we always have to give up something to hopefully gain something...just think about that for a while guys.

[bwftex]

QUOTE: Originally posted by older than dirt

Ya see, in the oilfield and in Texas we do bidness. Kind of a colloquialism.

mike, the Old grandpa pimp daddy wanna be.

Hey dirt,
What part of the state are you working in? We've been out in Concho County since last May in an area a little west of Eden. Bruce

[ozzy01]

Grayfox , I think you hit the nail on the head with your comments. Seems that more than a few of you have had bad experiences with the lhs. I must be in the minority. I guess I've been lucky. I do go to my lhs. We had one where the owner was friendly and knowledgeable ,guess he quit or moved. (We have hobbytown and one which opens at noon ,usually on my way home by then ,btw , lhs are 60 miles away).The magazine rack was basically empty , especially kalmbach's mags (said needed to sell 25 copies at least). RMC,Railfan&Railroad ,Railmodel Journal and Model Railroading weren't carried. Mainline Modeler and N Scale Magazine were. His selection of rolling stock ,engines,etc. at times was good. A lot of stuff sat on the shelves for years and he raised the price to reflect the recent selling price for the item. I stopped going in because I got tired of seeing the same old stuff. He would order for you but it could be a week or a month before he would order. He had to get a big enough order to send to his distributor. Don't know why?

[ozzy01]

Does anybody know of a good hobby shop in the Lexington,Ky. area besides hobbytown and berkshire(opens at noon).

[Anonymous]

QUOTE: Originally posted by bwftex

QUOTE: Originally posted by older than dirt

Ya see, in the oilfield and in Texas we do bidness. Kind of a colloquialism.

mike, the Old grandpa pimp daddy wanna be.

Hey dirt,
What part of the state are you working in? We've been out in Concho County since last May in an area a little west of Eden. Bruce

Bruce,
I don't do that any more. Used to work in downhole tool manufacturing then sold production chemicals out of Yorktown. Most of my bidness was down south of Corpus on down to the valley. I live in Schulenburg now.


mike

[RoyalOaker]

phisig03

I have never gone to check out Joe's but they are still in the yellow pages and maybe I'll have to head on over there.

The Riders/Ryders on John R between 13 and 14 (in the Target strip mall) is pretty good. They really don't offer any kits to speak of. Mostly RTR stuff. But they have an OK amount of stock. Mostly MSRP. Very few items discounted. They also have an OK supply of woodland scenic stuff.

There is a store up north called Great Lakes Hobby. Its on Van*** north of M59. I think the town is Shelby up there. This is a big store with many hobby items. The is an isle full of N, and two or three isles of O and HO stuff. They also have lots of woodland senic stuff and styreen pieces. Not bad if you can hande the drive. Again, mostly MSRP. They did have a sale before Christmas of Buy one get one half off of Athearn engines.

Merri Seven is OK, Sometimes you can find old stuff in the boxes below the shelves, but it is really crowed in there and it is hard to get service unless you are an old friend of the owner.

I like the various train shows this time of year. I am looking forward to the Gratiot Valley show on 03/05. There is one in Saline this weekend, but I can't make it.

[Anonymous]

I have to agree. Support your LHS. Model railroading isn't some fad thing like Ipods and such of today that's replaced by something bright and shinny tomorrow. This hobby has been around for many many years and is charished these days by few. More and more localy owned hobby shops are going out of business and I don't think the majority are because of owners being jackasses and purposely ripping people off.

One good reason is simply people of today are into electronics, computers, too much tv, instant gratification things. Too many people today think a hobby is sipping a beer while watching football.

The other good reason is because of the internet. As great as it may be, being able to get things dirt cheap via websites like E-Bay, then doing nothing more than sitting on your lazy assses waiting for it to be brought to you via UPS man, is killing buisiness for any locally owned business much less LHS's.

I consider myself lucky cause my town has two LHS's, one strickly sells model railroading merchandise galore. Is their stuff priced a few bucks higher than what I might find on the internet??? Sure it probably is, but how the heck do you expect them to make a profit and continue to run their busiess and earn their own paychecks and pay their bills for running the store??? Your LHS is your means of getting what you want NOW. It costs more because of that convience. No different than you going to Detroit MI, standing at the end of the assembly line and buying the next car that rolls off compaired to going to your LCD (local car dealorship) and paying a little more because it had to be shipped and handled!

I don't trust buying anything I can't see, touch, examin in person before I buy. Would you buy your next 25,000 car soley from a pic and a paragraph describing it off the internet?? Would you take that risk without actually looking that car over and driving it just because it's cheaper than what the dealership has sitting on his lot?? The price between that and a 125 dollar model engine is a extreme comparision but the concept and idea behind it is still the same.

You spend 100 bucks for an engine off E-Bay from someone, you spend that much of your hard earned money, do you really trust the person your buying it from you don't know, that it really does work and it's not broke, that their going to package it up good enough so it don't get broke on it's way to you? Do you really want to intrust your purchase to the many delivery men/women's hands and trucks it gets thrown around on, on it's way to you??

For me I may spend an extra 25 bucks for an engine but at least I know exactly what I'm buying when I take it up to the counter and pay for it cause I personaly checked it out BEFORE I bought it. Not bought it then seen if it was broke when I finally got it If it's an 'as is' item, your screwed if it gets broke by the time you get it.

If I buy an engine from my LHS, I instantly have it in my possition, if I get it home and it don't work, I can instantly take it back to my LHS and have them fix it right then and there or get another one.

LHS's are going out of business cause too many people these days don't care about doing hobbies and because for everyone person who buys off the internet, that's one less person supporting their LHS to help them stay in business.

How many of you got started in this hobby because you fathers or grandfathers did this, or you walked into a hobby shop when you was a kid and saw all the cool stuff?? You didn't start this hobby based on pictures off of E-Bay and who sold things the cheapest.

I don't consider Hobby Lobby, Hobby Town USA true hobby shops, it's your ma and pop hobby shops that have always been the backbone of this hobby. Once there all gone, so will this hobby be as generations pass.

Spend the extra few bucks and support your LHS !!