[Tosh]

Where do you all shop online or where to avoid

There are quite a lot of online retailers but ive been bitten more than once through buying various things and we dont need the hassle but i would say out of one bad one you get ten good ones.

 

[Doug]

It depends what you're looking for. I buy most of my modelling items online and apart from one shop in Blackpool that I had a bad experience with I'm all for online shopping as long as you are careful with your passwords and shop carefully. Use PayPal as much as possible as it avoids leaving your credit card details all over the place.

I use:
Lokshop in Germany for track
The Favorite Spot in the USA for Bachmann Spektrum and other US trains
Scenery Express in the USA for some scenic items
International Models in Wales for some other scenic needs
For UK and continental stock, I've used Ontracks over the last few years without any problems.
Also, Time Tunnel Models for good priced DCC decoders.

All of these shops offer easy to use and secure online service.

 

[Bilbo]

Hattons of Liverpool

 

[gdaysydney]

QUOTE (Tosh @ 13 Oct 2008, 06:16) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>Where do you all shop online or where to avoid

There are quite a lot of online retailers but ive been bitten more than once through buying various things and we dont need the hassle but i would say out of one bad one you get ten good ones.

Living in Australia and modelling british outline I have been shopping online for many years as retailers that I advertised in the rail magazines introduced online shops.

Just as with buying direct from your local store I have had one or two issues, but to date I have found that a phone call has resolved any potential problem satisfactorily.

Dave

 

[Lancashire Fusilier]

My first point of call for everything technical (track, controls, wiring, lighting, kits, soldering etc) is Richard at DCC Concepts and then City Models here in Perth for the Ratio kits, paints, etc

 

[randolph]

For rolling-stock and track I have found Hattons, Signal Box and Kernow to be excellent in that their prices are competitive,if they are out of stock they inform you and their delivery is quick.

For DCC items I have found Digitrains to be the best in that they give friendly advice, their prices are very competitive and their delivery excellent.

I have used a number of other companies which I have found in the magazines and no one has let me down except one DCC specialist who I am not prepared to name as my inexperience in the hobby was a contributing factor.

One tip is to subscribe to suppliers who send out regular e-mails on special items.This way you get information on bargains and new stock as soon as it is released, and of course use this forum!

 

[hairyhandedfool]

QUOTE (Bilbo @ 12 Oct 2008, 21:15) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>Hattons of Liverpool

Agree, I have never had a problem with Hattons. I really liked their policy of not advertising stock that isn't there, although they do it now for some stock, they atleast say it is advanced orders.

 

[alanb]

I use Hattons and Signal Box.

The test of a good retailer is when you have a problem.

When Hattons sold Lenz decoders, if one went wrong, it was instantly replaced. On one occassion, they had no stock, so they credited my card so that I could buy elsewhere if needed. That is service.

I had to return a problem Hornby engine to Signal Box recently, and it was immediately replaced. On my next order, they did not charge postage as they had credited me with the return postage for the duff engine. Again, excellent service.

Both retailers also have very competitive prices.

AlanB

 

[61215 billy carver]

hattons and kernow ,good quick service.i dont know if its me but allways waiting for totally trains to react

 

[5696Arethusa]

Agreed about the service at Hattons, I've only had to send one loco back to them and the service went like this,
Order placed on Friday afternoon, Loco arrived Saturday morning I inspected it and found a sbstantial rub to the paintworkright through to the plastic, I phoned them to let them know of the problem and was told to post it back to them and mark it as "Returns" I did this lunchtime Saturday. Got the replacement loco in the post Tuesday Morning.
That's service.

Andii

 

[Chinahand]

As I live in Dubai, all of my purchasing is done on line and, so far, I've only had one bad experience which wasn't from a railway modelling store. I ordered some jeweller's circular saw blades from Cookson Gold which never arrived and for which I have not had either a refund or offer of resupply. Needless to say I won't be using them again.

My DCC Equipment has all been bought from Digitrains though it is actually better to give Chris a call as he doesn't always pick up e-mails.

Of course my Masterswitches & various other sundry items have been bought from Richard at DCC Concepts.

For general locos and rolling stock I tend to shop around but I have also found Hattons to be pretty good. Their prices are not always the best though and I have found MRE at Milton Keynes and Antics on Line offer some very good special deals. To get the best prices from MRE you need to join their Club but it's free anyway so that's not a problem.

Tools have generally been bought from either Expo or Gaugemaster and for other 'one off' items it's just a case of getting them where I can. I've probably used 20 different on line shops in all.

I tend to use the N Gauge Society for Specialist N Gauge items but orders have to be placed by snail mail so maybe that doesn't count as 'on line' shopping.

Hope this helps,

Expat.

 

[80class]

I use Rails of Sheffield for most of my shopping. I have had to return a few items over the years and have always been more than satisfied with the level of service.

For dcc I use Bromsgrove models and dccsupplies.

For scenery I've recently started using Ec Scenics.

I have also used DCC Concepts in the past and I'm sure I will again in the future!

All come highly recommended!

Rob

 

[eddscott]

So far I've used Hattons, DCC Concepts and Signal Box. No problems with any of them.

 

[poliss]

One I just found and had superb service from is Model Junction. Cheaper than at least one of the big boys and you get a £2.50 voucher for every £50.00 you spend.

 

[Tosh]

Many thanks chaps,ive had a quick browse through most of the suggestions and added them to my favourites.

The possibilities are endless

 

[new22361]

Hello evryone,
I am very new to the forums having only signed up last week. I have dealt with Hattons.Southampton Model Railway Centre and a few other places. All are excellent to deal with. Never had any problems, except on e-bay, and that was a minor problem on an inexpensive item which paypal sorted out for me. On a lighter note there is a new retailer in the Paisley area called Trains on Time, check out the website www.trainsontime.co.uk or give them a call. Next day delivery of items in stock is available and if you have a confirmed price on an item they will do their best to match it if not beat it. Give em a ring and ask! you don't ask you don't get ! Hornby, Heljan and Bachmann all stocked. DCC fitted locos from £15.00 and starter Train Sets from £35.00. The level of service is very good. The website does give prices but it is always better to phone up and talk to the guys. If you are in the paisley area why not call in and have a look. Not open weekends which is a bit dissapointing but otherwise the pricing is extremely pleasing and more than makes up for the week day only opening hours.

New22361 (Jim)