North Lima Trainworks

Well, it appears it expires in August, but there has been recent activity.  Not any contact info however.

I suppose this could be good or bad...  I have grave doubts about checking back tomorrow and finding anything.

From what I can tell from other threads, these guys had a lot of stuff. Yeah, tomorrow never came for the website. Is there an email (preferable) or phone number to get ahold of someone?

I don't know if there is for North Lima Trainworks. But the hardware store next to NLT is related to it somehow if I understand correctly. I believe they're called Krouse True Value.

@BillYo414,

Thanks.  I sent an email to one address I found for North Lima, and it bounced.  I'm trying another address, but not holding out hope.

The website for the store you mention does list trains, and it has pictures of Lionel stuff.  If the email I just sent fails, I'll give them a holler.

Thanks again.

UPDATE:  All emails to various addresses I had for North Lima have bounced.

If North Lima Trainworks is related to the Crouse True Value hardware store the lack of contact is probably because Jack Crouse, owner and model railroader, passed away a couple of years ago. I believe it's his family that is still runnning the hardware business but I don't know their level of commitment to the train department.

Joe Shipbaugh

I thought it was connected to the Crouses. Jack Crouse's passing would explain the change in the model train inventory. The Lionel stuff is marked as final sale, no returns at all. I've scooped up most of the stuff that interests me (like a Vernors Boxcar haha) but they mostly have older stock. It's pretty cool because it's setup inside some boxcars. I'm pretty sure my first trainset came from there via my grandparents.

I have a hardware store down the street from me so I don't often go to North Lima for hardware but I will stop in and see if I can find anything out next time I'm over that way. It could be a while though.

@BillYo414,

Yeah, it doesn't feel right to me to make a cold call to them from Texas and ask about the parts business if that's something that a family member did that has since passed away, especially if it seems like they just want it to go away.  If you do stop by, let us know.

I mean the family has always been nice to me when I'm in the shop. I think/hope they would understand if you're just asking. Especially if it was a chance to make some money.

Regardless, I'll make a stop in the next few weeks.

Based on your reply, I did call.  The guy that takes care of their Lionel stuff is John.  He'll be in later this afternoon.  I'll let y'all know how it goes.

Well, I just had a very pleasant conversation with John at Crouse True Value.  Yep, that's where North Lima Trainworks ended up.  He said that NLTW had 2 principals, and they both passed.  They are in the process of moving the business legally to them (a slow process).  Their web guy moved to North Carolina (I think), and the website got away from them.  They're trying to get that going again too.

For right now they have 1 person that works a couple of hours a day on train stuff based on email requests.  So, if you want to get in touch with them, send something to

nltrainworks_at_gmail_dot_com

John said they do do local train shows, and also something in Monroeville, PA.  He's planning on going to York, but won't have a booth.  He's looking to buy stuff there.

That's good! I'm glad it went well. That is an old business there. I'm 30 and my grandparents took me there when I was 5. There are also some cool black and white photos of the building somewhere.

I know they have had shows/swap meets in their parking lot. I just haven't made it to one yet.

I forgot to add that John said that they won't be able to respond very quickly in the next 3-4 weeks due to multiple people being away at the same time.  I sent them an email for a part, and remembered that little detail after I sent it.

I hope he can do something with it all. I'd like to see another dealer grow but we'll see I suppose.

John and his associates had several tables at the Mt. Hope show a few weeks ago. He is an extremely nice fellow and we chatted for quite a while.  Just keep in mind that the TrueValue hardware store is the money maker. From what he related to me, the train parts are a sideline and he tries his best to keep up with both.

@pc cr ns yard rat posted:

...snip...From what he related to me, the train parts are a sideline and he tries his best to keep up with both.

Sounds a lot like Side Track Hobbies in MD.

Good luck. Yada yada on the excuses. Incompetence has reigned at NLT for years.

@pc cr ns yard rat posted:

John and his associates had several tables at the Mt. Hope show a few weeks ago. He is an extremely nice fellow and we chatted for quite a while.  Just keep in mind that the TrueValue hardware store is the money maker. From what he related to me, the train parts are a sideline and he tries his best to keep up with both.

I second this, …I know John personally, he’s literally a one man band, …..super nice guy but the hardware store has to come first, ….unfortunate for us, but business sense for him,…..the Tru Value store is what puts the bread on his table …..

Pat