Where Are You Buying Your Tinplate From?

pretty much the same for me Tom. I had one local (20 minutes) hobby shop that carried trains, but not much. It was a joke, not real people oriented, closed up several years ago. Next was 45 minutes, real good hobby shop, not a ton of old stuff, but still worth the drive. Closed up a few years ago. Next is about 10 minutes from the last, a decent amount of used, worth the drive usually. My favorite is Lou Palumbo's place, but he's a good hour and a half, so I don't get up there very often. Local shows had been few and far between. So mostly e bay. There has been a really good show an hour away I've been getting too, up to two shows in the late winter/early spring. And have found some gems on the forum lately.

I'm a newbie to tinplate yet have been active in the hobby for the last 5-7 years. I have to say that most of my recent purchases have been online either through EBay or online auctions. I have been satisfied with both. Local hobby shops in my area are always selling stuff at MSRP prices. If I happen to get to know the 'train' guy they will give me a discount but not as much as the online price. The only advantage here is that you can pick it up and take it home that day. I have picked up some items at the trains shows but most of the dealers there are all offering the same stuff.  To wrap it up it's Ebay or auctions....times have changed .....

Agree on the point of not paying more to keep local shops in business. My funds are too limited to not look for the best price.

Ebay & York.

Ebay, and a few from the sale page on this forum.  On occasion I will pick stuff up at antique stores etc.  Used to buy stuff from hobby shops when available.  Long time ago, like early 80's used to buy some trains at the Ft Lauderdale Flea Market and the Margot Flea Market in South Fla.  Neat stuff there some times. Never been to York.  Bought from a some of the Great Train Shows  and  so forth.  I guess I am equal opportunity.

I would say that Ebay has made it possible for me to buy a few specific European trains that I would otherwise not have had the opportunity to own.  I mean Ebay Germany and Ebay France for example.

I buy a lot on eBay and sometimes from the same sellers. Trainz sells on eBay too. I also buy on this forum and will be attending York. I also buy MTH tinplate from forum sponsors with websites. There are a few that are well stocked. There is also a train store in St Louis that specializes in postwar and prewar items. We have three good hobby shops in the Chicago area and a couple in Wisconsin, but not too much tinplate at those.

George

George, can you tell me about the one in St Louis, I drive through there a few times a year and would love to stop in some time.  You can send me an email if you want.  Thanks!

I do not use the "bay" for any train purchases! I prefer new and shiny repros: Lionel Classics & early MTH Tinplate Traditions. Had problems with paint finish on several LCT items, so no more dealings with them! Favorite dealers are Grzysboski's, Ready to Roll, Western Depot, Sidetracks and Roundhouse South. I have also purchased from some OGR Forum members.

I buy wherever find it.  Left western Pa. and my antique shop friend so lately it has been a little at shows and the forum. Not buying as much as before but still like to look. Really like the shows, like to see what I am buying and interacting with the seller. No e Bay, no auctions and nothing at stores. A shame hobby shops  are fading away but old age and  mediocre  business practices are catching up.

Being in SoCal, not a lot of shows.

85% eBay, bal shows, meets, forum,  and very occasionally a hobby shop. My weird tastes make hobby shops difficult.

Steve

I'm in White Plains, NY and we are so luck to have a great store, Tom's Trains. I buy 75% of my new trains from him and by that I mean Legacy trains. All my engines come from him! I may pay extra not sure but, its the service and lack of bouncing in a truck is another reason. But there are so many train stores in the metro area we are spoiled, Train Land, Nassau Hobby, The Train Station, etc...My postwar can come from Tom, Ebay. I go to Pennsylvania a lot and hit Nicholas Smith and Hennings when in Philly!.

I am curious what store in Westchester you were talking about that closed in 2000?

As an addendum, two Thursday's ago I was in Philly and hit Hennings. They have a FANTASTIC parts and repair department. They had a new MPC driver for my Blue Comet, couldn't believe it. But, while I was waiting one of there employee's was working on parts orders. He had about 20 sheets of people's orders and he said it is like that every day. This was just an observation.

I agree with EBay. There are only a few train shops in my area and they mostly sell new stuff. I haven't been to a show in quite some time but may try one again. Sadly since neither my wife or I drive we will probably never make it to York. George (or anyone else) can you give me  the info on that shop in St. Louis that has older stuff? I might be in that area this summer.

thanks

Cincytrains posted:

I'm in White Plains, NY and we are so luck to have a great store, Tom's Trains. I buy 75% of my new trains from him and buy that I mean Legacy trains. All my engines come from him! I may pay extra not sure but, its the service and lack of bouncing in a truck is another reason. But there are so many train stores in the metro area we are spoiled, Train Land, Nassau Hobby, The Train Station, etc...My postwar can come from Tom, Ebay. I go to Pennsylvania a lot and hit Nicholas Smith and Hennings when in Philly!.

I am curious what store in Westchester you were talking about that closed in 2000?

Hey, Have not heard from you in a while...I know not many were fans of Trent's Trains (in Tuckahoe, NY in the mid-1990's, then Harney Road in Scarsdale, then renamed to something else on Scarsdale/Yonkers area). So, Trent's Trains was really my first train store when I got back into the hobby in 1994. Started off with a 1615 postwar switcher and eventually a Williams brass B6 switcher from them with other things in-between. I may have been the only customer that actually liked the store...mostly from when they were in Tuckahoe. After they started moving around I bought less. I think I bought just as much from the antique store. 

I know Tom's Trains is a good store because I've been in there a few times, but I'm not buying much nowadays and I never thought they had too much of a selection of old stuff, especially pre-war, but that's just my observations. I know many customers that like them, including friends of mine, for new stuff and they have a well deserved reputation. 

Tom 

Sidetrack hobbies 

b and f hobbies 

ogr forum

ebay

Between my job and family getting out to shows is few and far between.  I have gotten a piece from Mercer Junction and Cool Trains.  I have ordered parts from Hennings, train tender, and the bay.

Yes Tom's is primarily a "new" trainstore.  But, he has some great postwar, I was there today. He also has a gorgeous Flying Yankee that looks perfect. I remember Trent's Train, I remember his father had it in the early 90's. I went to the store on Harney rd. when I used to visit my parents. I heard a lot of rumors about him skipping town etc. when he had the Yonkers store.

York, primarily.

OGR forum

Local train shows.

Never have bought on ebay.  Paid 423.00 a few years ago and got no merchandise.  A powerful teaching tool for me.

MNCW posted:

Cincytrains posted:

I'm in White Plains, NY and we are so luck to have a great store, Tom's Trains. I buy 75% of my new trains from him and buy that I mean Legacy trains. All my engines come from him! I may pay extra not sure but, its the service and lack of bouncing in a truck is another reason. But there are so many train stores in the metro area we are spoiled, Train Land, Nassau Hobby, The Train Station, etc...My postwar can come from Tom, Ebay. I go to Pennsylvania a lot and hit Nicholas Smith and Hennings when in Philly!.

I am curious what store in Westchester you were talking about that closed in 2000?

Hey, Have not heard from you in a while...I know not many were fans of Trent's Trains (in Tuckahoe, NY in the mid-1990's, then Harney Road in Scarsdale, then renamed to something else on Scarsdale/Yonkers area). So, Trent's Trains was really my first train store when I got back into the hobby in 1994. Started off with a 1615 postwar switcher and eventually a Williams brass B6 switcher from them with other things in-between. I may have been the only customer that actually liked the store...mostly from when they were in Tuckahoe. After they started moving around I bought less. I think I bought just as much from the antique store. 

I know Tom's Trains is a good store because I've been in there a few times, but I'm not buying much nowadays and I never thought they had too much of a selection of old stuff, especially pre-war, but that's just my observations. I know many customers that like them, including friends of mine, for new stuff and they have a well deserved reputation. 

Tom 

I bought my first O gauge trains from Trent's Trains in Tuckahoe back in 1995. I believe the owner's name was Gene. He helped me very much with all my novice questions. I really liked him and he had a phenomenal knowledge of old O gauge and Standard gauge trains. His son Eric wound up taking over the business, moved it and started selling more RC items than trains. They probably closed a good ten years ago now.

Dennis Holler posted:

I would say that Ebay has made it possible for me to buy a few specific European trains that I would otherwise not have had the opportunity to own.  I mean Ebay Germany and Ebay France for example.

 

I bet Rob English can tell you which store I'm talking about. 

It's Train Town on Manchester, just SW of downtown.

George

Gerry posted:

MNCW posted:

Cincytrains posted:

I'm in White Plains, NY and we are so luck to have a great store, Tom's Trains. I buy 75% of my new trains from him and buy that I mean Legacy trains. All my engines come from him! I may pay extra not sure but, its the service and lack of bouncing in a truck is another reason. But there are so many train stores in the metro area we are spoiled, Train Land, Nassau Hobby, The Train Station, etc...My postwar can come from Tom, Ebay. I go to Pennsylvania a lot and hit Nicholas Smith and Hennings when in Philly!.

I am curious what store in Westchester you were talking about that closed in 2000?

Hey, Have not heard from you in a while...I know not many were fans of Trent's Trains (in Tuckahoe, NY in the mid-1990's, then Harney Road in Scarsdale, then renamed to something else on Scarsdale/Yonkers area). So, Trent's Trains was really my first train store when I got back into the hobby in 1994. Started off with a 1615 postwar switcher and eventually a Williams brass B6 switcher from them with other things in-between. I may have been the only customer that actually liked the store...mostly from when they were in Tuckahoe. After they started moving around I bought less. I think I bought just as much from the antique store. 

I know Tom's Trains is a good store because I've been in there a few times, but I'm not buying much nowadays and I never thought they had too much of a selection of old stuff, especially pre-war, but that's just my observations. I know many customers that like them, including friends of mine, for new stuff and they have a well deserved reputation. 

Tom 

I bought my first O gauge trains from Trent's Trains in Tuckahoe back in 1995. I believe the owner's name was Gene. He helped me very much with all my novice questions. I really liked him and he had a phenomenal knowledge of old O gauge and Standard gauge trains. His son Eric wound up taking over the business, moved it and started selling more RC items than trains. They probably closed a good ten years ago now.

A good Saturday at Trent's was (for me at least) being able to stare at his wall of used toy trains, when they were in Tuckahoe. 

Tom 

Local train shows are the best site for me.

no shipping, cash and carry out, instant gratification.

The only Tinplate Standard Gauge full stocking dealer in Northern California is Western Depot, over 100 miles away.

I will drive there, if I want it bad enough.

Tom,

   I purchase a lot at the Train shows, especially Engines and Tenders in perfect shape.  We have a lot of Train Shows here in the Pittsburgh, Pa area, along with some nice Antique Shops.

 I also purchase from other forum members, who have original Lionel Rolling Stock, like I picked up from Jim Lawson.  Finally I will purchase Rolling Stock off the Bay, if it looks really pristine.  Most of my really nice original rolling stock comes from the Train Shows and Antique Shops.  

My newer Tin, when I see something I really like, comes from all the big companies, from Pat's in WVa, Western Depot in Ca, and other local stores like Brady's, Lenny's along with Bill & Walts for original Lionel stuff, all here in the Pittsburgh, Pa area.  

Can't even begin to explain how much I miss the old Iron Horse and Jim's Train Shop also.

PCRR/Dave

done pretty good at antique shops too.

I've found a few prewar cars and a Gateman not too long ago at a large outdoor flea market (Stormville, NY). The place is huge and I wasn't expecting to find anything.  The show "Flea Market Flip" with Lara Spencer sometimes films there and was filming that day. 

Tom 

Part of the fun of pre and early post war trains is the search.  Finding something in the flesh that you really like, want and need (??) then doing the deal. I bought my Lionel 402E engine and a Raleigh, NC show, not real big, but I knew I wanted to get it. Needed work and there was a guy there who took it home and did a nice job fixing it up.  Buying  big box of Standard gauge cars (14) at a Pittsburgh show for about $12 each was a high for me.

I live in South Jersey and up until about 10 or 15 years ago I had at least five good Hobby shops where I did all of my shopping.  Nevertheless, when looking for that periodic most desired piece I often times came up empty handed especially if it was a prized prewar or postwar item.  When these sources dried up I began searching the internet for sales as well as E-Bay.  The product which became available was practically dizzying.  Items which I could never find have been available in huge amounts and if  I searched long enough most of the time at a very good price.   In short E-Bay and internet sales and auctions have been a God send for me.  I miss my local hobby shops terribly and the great companionship they offered but price wise and product wise they really couldn't compete.  I also have purchased many items at York and Allentown but they come only twice a year and if I normally want something I want it now.  E-Bay and the internet fill that void nicely.  

You would think living in the Lancaster, Pa area, 20 minutes from the TCA museum would be a mecca for tinplate. If it is, I haven't found it yet or perhaps someone could enlighten me.  Cool Trains and Strasburg Train shop are the only two who have survived. B&E Junction in York was a good place to stop but is now closed for good.

York & Timonium, MD. shows, E-bay, OGR forum, train shop,occasional antique store find- pretty much in that order. The York show is a must for me- gotta stock up on parts and projects for the next six months till the next show!

John H. Shetler posted:

You would think living in the Lancaster, Pa area, 20 minutes from the TCA museum would be a mecca for tinplate. If it is, I haven't found it yet or perhaps someone could enlighten me.  Cool Trains and Strasburg Train shop are the only two who have survived. B&E Junction in York was a good place to stop but is now closed for good.

York & Timonium, MD. shows, E-bay, OGR forum, train shop,occasional antique store find- pretty much in that order. The York show is a must for me- gotta stock up on parts and projects for the next six months till the next show!

 

Not a huge shop but there is still Iron Horse hobby haus in downtown Reading.  No tinplate except occasional used stuff. I grew up on this store so I still throw them some business, including an occasional repair.

York, EBAY, Mr Muffins Trains, The Train Room and my local hobby shop; The Rail Yard.

Scott Smith

I'm in the "new and shiny" league myself, so most of the tinplate I have is of recent vintage, and some of it was sold to one individual prior to my move late last year. I still have a good amount of O tinplate though (mostly LCT and MTH) that I plan to sell in the near future while holding onto only a very few favorites. Even with a dedicated and decent-size train room and lounge area, I have run out of layout, display, and storage space.

My earlier buying pretty much all was done at a local train store, at York, and via e-mail or online orders with several dealers around the country. I avoid eBay and auction sites, although I was an early eBay seller and buyer. Haven't used them for years now...too much hassle and too many fees. I nowdo most of my selling via our forum or personal contacts.

There are only a hand full of train stores in Arkansas and none that carry Standard Gauge trains.  The nearest store that does is out of state and hundreds of miles away.  As a result, I choose to shop and buy most of my SG tinplate online, mainly off ebay!

Bob Nelson

The Western Depot, Sidetracks, and Ready to Roll have always taken excellent care of my "new and shiny" SG tinplate needs!

Sidetrack Hobbies as well as OGR's own Mr. Terry Hudon.

Sunrise

All three (ebay, shops, shows) for me but I'm fortunate to have access to all of them in northern New Jersey.  Greenberg's quarterly shows in Edison are 45 minutes south; the National Collector's Club's quarterly Wayne show is 30 minutes north; I help run the semi-annual Metca show 30 minutes west in East Rutherford (early April and November; please come visit when you're in town); The Train Station store, 30 minutes west in Mountain Lakes, carries lots of pre- and post-war at sometimes reasonable prices.  We may be known as the armpit of the nation but, boy, do we got trains!!

George S posted:

Dennis Holler posted:

I would say that Ebay has made it possible for me to buy a few specific European trains that I would otherwise not have had the opportunity to own.  I mean Ebay Germany and Ebay France for example.

 

I bet Rob English can tell you which store I'm talking about. 

It's Train Town on Manchester, just SW of downtown.

George

Now George, why would you give EVERYBODY the name of my haunt?  

Seriously folks, Traintown here in St. Louis is a prewar and postwar specialist... their inventory turns pretty good due to their prices. Prewar comes and goes, the nicer stuff gets snapped up pretty fast, and they maintain a large postwar inventory.

Cincytrains posted:

As an addendum, two Thursday's ago I was in Philly and hit Hennings. They have a FANTASTIC parts and repair department. They had a new MPC driver for my Blue Comet, couldn't believe it. But, while I was waiting one of there employee's was working on parts orders. He had about 20 sheets of people's orders and he said it is like that every day. This was just an observation.

Hennings is an amazing store. Harry and his folks helped me out with the switcher that I posted the picture of (and I created a topic about its return from the dead line). They are so honest...I still think they charged me in 1939 prices! 

Tom 

It seems hobby shops are in with the trend of the passing of brick and mortar stores. I deal with one area hobby shop that is 30 miles away, another that's 15 miles but more difficult to get too. As traffic keeps getting worse around Seattle I find myself doing a lot more purchasing online from a store all the way across the country in Virginia, Ebay, and train shows.

Same thing goes for hot rod parts, I purchased a transmission last year having it shipped from Florida to get the features I wanted at a price I could afford. Harley parts much the same way I just got some parts from Brooklyn, New York for a way better price including shipping and Wa. state tax than I could get locally. In fact I got some automotive toggle switches, panel lights, switch cover guards, Weather Pack connectors, and brass fittings from China for a quarter to a third the cost of these same parts at local stores with same day, free shipping. So I'm reaping the financial rewards of all those American companies that moved to China and taught them all about modern materials and manufacturing.

I guess I'm part of the problem but electronic shopping from all over the country, if not the world, sure is easy, saves money, and given what it takes to drive around a modern American city saves a ton of time. I even changed dentists as he was 30 miles in the opposite direction from my work which is 30 miles from my home that is located between the two. Used to be no big deal years ago, but the city has grown big time and that 60 miles has gone from an hour drive to 3 or 4 or more which is a time beating I just can't tolerate. So adjustments have to be made.

Wandering through Sears the other day it came to me that 20 years ago they should have ditched the clothes, housewares, and jewelry for an indoor lumber yard. Instead the Captians of Industry that run that operation sold off the parts that made money like DieHard, Craftsman, and Kenmore to finance the parts that don't and probably never will make money.  I expect there will be a continuing place for Home Depot, Lowes, and Menards simply because the stuff they sell is sometimes difficult to ship by mail.

Bogie

Yard sales and Craigslist. I have learned to go straight to the person running the yard sale, and ask, "Do you have any old electric trains, or do you know anybody that does." That generic question got me a "no" response last summer, but a lady who was just visiting said, "Well, I do!" Long story short, that's how I became the third owner of a 1937-38 Blue Comet set, complete with history and names!

Craigslist works too, but as with yard sales, you have to be Johnny on the spot! 

I hit ten or so train shows throughout the year, but they yield mostly parts for me