side track hobbies site?

It seems to be a low priority - for years.   I think others here have posted best to call store.  I do know someone that has bought a lot from them and swears by them.  Seems that the internet is just a means to bookmark their existence but not a means to sell items. 

 I did order an Amtrak G gauge car from them just a few months back. I clicked on it and added it to the cart. It almost seemed like the order didn't take. A few days later I was online looking for a way to confirm and it showed up at my door!

 I thought I'd try it again but I get a server error notice on each manufacturer on the site.

I love Side Track Hobbies. There online store is another question tho. I have been there in person several times. The cool part is its in the middle of no where. Leonardtown, MD you can drive for about 25 minutes west and your in Maryland Amish Country (wow, right). Most of there customers come from the Patuxent Naval Base around 15 to 20 miles away. Anyway, the people running side track hobbies (not to be mean) are pretty old. Internet is not something not know down there, but its just the people running it haven't brought out the full potentially of the internet through there eyes. I would suggest calling them during regular business hours. Let me know if you need there number. RJ   

It took me three trips down that way to find them open.  I'll admit I didn't check their hours of operation before I attempted to find the store.  The first time I was in the area I found the place by accident and it was on a Sunday and the store is closed on Sundays.  The next time I was driving back from Florida and I tried to visit the store.  I made it by four, but they closed at three that day.  Third time was a charm and I was impressed with the selections available.  Their about 2 1/2 hours south of me.

 I have purchased several items from them and their service and items are always first class.

I am also a fan of Sidetrack. I have bought from them over the phone and in person. I Make it to their shoP every Christmas season, and really enjoy it. Of course, I usually have a gift certificate in hand when we go, so that makes it that much better. 

It seems to be pretty well known that their website is the week point of their business. So when I mail order, I look at their website for the price, and then call to order. Unless one is working odd hours, I think this is a pretty simple solution to a minor "problem". 

J White

I sent an e-mail to Al Rudman a couple of minutes ago to advise him of a problem with the "Shopping" section of their site.  I imagine the problem will be attended to on Monday or so.

I have bought from them a number of times.  Great folks to deal with, and they have a stock of tinplate matched by few, if any, others.

Even when their site is working alright, I still call them to place an order.

They are very pleasant to talk to over the phone, plus every time I have ordered from them, they double check to make sure the item I'm buying is in stock.

"Anyway, the people running side track hobbies (not to be mean) are pretty old. Internet is not something not know down there, but its just the people running it haven't brought out the full potentially of the internet through there eyes"

C'mon, they're not that much older than me!   Might even be younger! (63)

Sidetrack is always my first stop at York.  I was impressed that Al and Libby's children are involved in the business and was really impressed when I bought a tinplate set and one of the "kids" carried it out to my car for me!

Ed

I've bought from them in the past, but have to call.

Yes, you have to call. Great people, but their website is near worthless. I would suggest that in it's present state may produce more harm than good.

Great folks on the phone.  Website, not so much.

I don't have a problem calling, while not the best format and is "glitchy at times" their website provides a good listing of what they have.

I think the best deals I have ever gotten on anything were from Sidetrack. It pays to look around there occassionally, the $17 Lionel scale steelsided reefers I bought come to mind. The buy one get one discount deals are steals as well.

Seems we want to do everything else by phone,  even control our trains, but calling is "for the birds".

I have dealt with the fine people at Sidetrack on a couple of occasions and have found them to be incredibly helpful and friendly.  As Allan Miller stated they have a fantastic inventory of tinplate.  As far as ordering on line is concerned I would quite frankly prefer to deal and hear the warm friendly voice of a human being from the hobby shop with whom I am conducting business.  The voice on the other end of the telephone line can provide me with some insight as to their sense of courtesy and business acumen.  A computer can't do that for me.

I live in Leonardtown and know Al and Libby. Yes their site isn't the greatest by any means, but they are the best people to deal with!

I buy all my things from them and if there is a problem they will help you. I am one of the lucky ones who can just stop by and get what I need.

There are times when I must use repro parts. Most of the new parts do work on my prewar toys. The quality is much better too. I have to get up early (0400 PST) to beat the telephone rush. One of these days their website will be up to snuff. Until then the old fashioned land-line will have to do.