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Hello Fellow Members,

I need your help if you don't mind Please. Unfortunately I live in a town that at one-time the city had at least 5 Train Stores evenly spaced apart. One by one they started closing down the Stores lack of Business in model railroading. The only store in my area carries a large selection of Lionel Fastrak Tracks and Switches the problem is the Stores prices are above the Catalog prices and they won't give you a small discount even if you buy a great number of pieces for my Layout.

What I'm trying to find out in the back of Classic Toy Trains Magazine I looked up a few Train Stores to see what they might have in Stock and if they ship the merchandise again no luck either they didn't have everything I was looking for or the price and shipping cost was too high. I hope someone out there might be able to help me.

Thank you for your time

Sincerely

Allan

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I don't think you'll receive much actionable data.  First, you need to accept that prices are what they are and shipping a large quantity of track is going to be expensive.  The best overall price will most likely depend on where you live and where the store you're purchasing from is located.   The best item price could very well end up costing you more when shipping is factored in.   You're best bet is to purchase from a place that offers free shipping such as Mario's Trains and/or buy your items from different vendors as frequently one will have a better price on track sections while another has a better price on switches.

Your cheapest price would come from a local show as you'd avoid shipping and most likely taxes if paying cash.

-Greg

Last edited by Greg Houser

I agree with Greg, the cheapest prices will be found at a show if you are near one. I bought a good amount at the Wheaton show very cheap, less than half price. This can end up saving you quite a bit of $ over new. One vender had many of the various sized filler pcs as well which cost darn near the same as full length pcs when bought new from a store.  I've had very few issues with FT and those issue came from pcs I bought new from a store. FT is pricey when purchased from a store so hitting the shows will save you some $$.

Allan,

If you know what you need in advance, you can put together a spreadsheet (or text document) of the items and quantities you need and then shop that around to various places like Mr. Muffins, The Train Shop (at Brentwood Antiques), etc... and see who comes back with the best price for both the items and shipping.

Anthony

@A. Wells posted:

Allan,

If you know what you need in advance, you can put together a spreadsheet (or text document) of the items and quantities you need and then shop that around to various places like Mr. Muffins, The Train Shop (at Brentwood Antiques), etc... and see who comes back with the best price for both the items and shipping.

Anthony

You should also include one of our Forum sponsors, Charles Ro, in that inquiry.

They have reasonable shipping prices and used to run specials where, if you bought a certain quantity (dollar value) of track, you might qualify for a discount. Not sure if they still do that or have any specials coming up for the holidays, but worth asking about.

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