Where to Look for Rolling Stock?

I search on the part number too - that's hit or miss.   Next I look on MTH's site - they have a "find it locally' feature which is around 50% in my experience.  "Locally" is virtually anywhere.   Then I check specific dealer websites - Pat's Trains is usually pretty good, as is T&K Hobbies.  There are many others.   Sometimes it's best to just call; especially the smaller dealers - they typically know exactly what they have.   For whatever reason, dealers in the Western PA area often have hard to find items.  Also try Stockyard Express, Imperial Trains, Marios, Western Depot, and Mr. Muffin's.  Sometimes a really small, obscure shop will have something that sits around because they don't do much/any web business and traffic is slow - stuff sits around.   

FYI, the MTH site says that the caboose and smoking tank car you're looking for might be in stock at Imperial Trains - give them a call.  Then call the others.   Check around at shows near you as well.   The bay as a last resort, but there are some decent dealers there if you find what you need.    Post a WTB on this site - you never know....

Also FYI: The flat car you're looking for shows as unavailable at the MTH site - I think these were popular and might be pretty hard to find new.    

Wow, that is great advice and I will follow up with the your recommendations.  I've been focusing on ebay and noticed that prices for the same item, even NIB, have some wild swings. Really appreciative of your feedback. I am going to the Amherst Rails show - 1st ever train show for me - next Saturday.

Rick Becker at Grand Central, a forum sponsor has been great at finding things for me!

Forgot to mention that - a good dealer who you have a relationship with will look for you.  They know people who know people... and so it goes....

Where to look for CHRISTMAS rolling stock?

Christmas Rolling Stock is cheaper when you wait for the Clearance Sales after Christmas.

Andrew

Mike, sorry your enthusiasm for the hobby has diminished. I'm just getting started and hoped that this forum was both friendly and helpful. So far, so good. I asked the question about where to buy because we don't have a local store with anything good in it so I have to go to the internet to buy what I want. I asked about venues because a Christmas box car I wanted was on ebay for $65 plus shipping. Seemed very high for an older novelty car. I did find it on another site for $22 plus shipping. Hope to make more of those type of buys and less of the $65 so knowing where to look/shop is helpful.

Thanks to everyone who chimed in. Have learned a ton on this site already!

I actually put that post in the wrong thread.  My apologies!