How many of you

I don't ever buy or even see my trains at the hobby store, let alone test anything. When my mail orders show up I never rush to open or test them. I have brand new trains bought five years ago still factory sealed. Just not ready to put them on the layout.

Now that's patience, Elliot !

It is Dan. I've had my theater car for over a month, the only reason I've even seen it is it has a window style box. Just got a couple new Bluetooth diesels the other day. I opened the outer box just to see the packing slip. The inner brown shippers are still sealed, but I do want to try them out. My wife will have trains to run with her phone. I don't have a phone or tablet, but they'll be nice for guests. And not being controlled via the track signal may be a real advantage. We'll see, soon. I promise.

Like Elliot I have some Lionel, MTH, Williams and Weaver  locomotives that were bought 8 or so years ago that are still in the original sealed boxes.  Maybe I'll run them in 2019.

I've never bought one at a local hobby shop.  When I buy one off the web, I run it as soon as it arrives.

Nick, it's like Christmas whenever you want. Open up a brand new train that you may have even forgotten about.

My reason for not putting things on the layout is, I'm still working on it. Too many trains just get in the way, and I'd rather they not get them dirty or worse broken. My Lionel Milwaukee Road 261 and set of K-line 21" cars have yet to hit the rails for that reason. I don't have display shelves.

I never see or test anything being 16,000 miles away just hope everything will be alright when it arrives, I read about horror stories but for me so far so good. Roo.

I only buy electronic engines from hobby stores anymore. First off to support them. Second to make sure everything works. A big part of the fun in the hobby is running new engines. I try to ensure that the experience is a positive one. 

ChiTown Steve posted:

I only buy electronic engines from hobby stores anymore. First off to support them. Second to make sure everything works. A big part of the fun in the hobby is running new engines. I try to ensure that the experience is a positive one. 

I feel the same way. My LHS will work with me if something goes wrong, and I want it to stay in business. Last time I bought an engine at LHS, I bought a scale Hudson that was too big, and would not run on my 031 curves. I exchanged it for a new engine that I love, that runs great on my layout.

Personally I think it’s not a great idea to buy a 1500+ locomotive and not know it’s perfect before you lay down that kind of money or at least know the people you buy it from will take it back with no hassles if it’s not right— seems like a lot will make you go through the manufacturers 

I did the same thing as you Elliot. Buy and not take them out of the box. But lately with the way Quality control has been going along with warranties I now open and test run them. Then put them back in the box. Hope the two of you had a nice Christmas.........And a Happy New Year.........Paul