Who are you going to pre order from?

If I decide to order something, it will be from my LHS. They are not a big player in the MTH/LCC arena but for one or two items a year they get my business. We have known each other for years, so he does not require a deposit from me. We have had too many train/hobby shops disappear so I prefer to keep my $$$ local if possible so they will be there when I need them.

 

Steve

I've preordered from Justrains and Ready to Roll with good results. Justrains seems to be getting back on track after the death of its owner. 

I have ordered with SideTrack for many years and as many has said they are great people. Their store is unbelievable in how large and how much they have in stock. The store is a two and a half hour drive one way from my house but I make the trip every couple months because the store is that great. They never use to require a deposit but just started asking for one due to customers changing their mind since usually the shipping dates always get pushed out and by the time the item you ordered comes in people have spent money on other items and decide to not purchase the ordered item. Still a great hobby shop to purchase items.

I haven't pre-ordered or ordered for a while. But the standard gauge Red Comet & the Red Presidents Special has my attention. I feel committed to ordering the red Presidents Special because I used to fill those cards, many of them and write "look at the cover of the 1928 American Flyer catalog, there's a red Presidents Special, it never got made, it should". So I guess they really do listen to their customers. My train budget is tighter than ten years ago. So the best price is my main issue. It sounds like Side Tracks does. I used to deal with Kirk at JustTrains. I don't mind paying a deposit as long as it is not for (how do I say this) larger scale, heavier gauge metal train that was used as a push toy for outdoor back yard railroads. OK I'll say it Buddy L. Most of you know what I mean. So who has the lowest price, regardless of paying deposit.

Looks like no preorders from me. Same O gauge repeats. How many 260E , 263E, or 256 engines and sets can you have before you just say enough. For 20 years, I asked Mike and company in person and thru e-mails to please take the standard gauge they produce and dowsize to O gauge. In this catalog alone I would preorder 6-8 sets of their standard gauge offerings if they were in o gauge, but I wont order more of the same ole presentations. I hope they are listening. We in O gauge tinplate need more variety, just like their standard gauge customers.

Larry S

So if I preorder $4,000 worth of stuff, and the guy goes broke, I am out $400 with a 10% deposit, or I could spread the risk and order from 2 different places.  I would have to say that the risk from the dealers is far less that buying off the bay.  How many times have you been burned on quality issues off that?  If I were a dealer I would sure be tempted to ask for something down.  A lot of businesses require something up front if the service is not covered by insurance or a lien on the item in for repair. 

Hi Sean. My opinion is you have been as loyal as possible. If you want it get it while you can!

I agree with Chris.  Support your local hobby shop to the extent that you can, but if they are not big on tinplate (in this case) find one of the larger dealers who is regarded as a major tinplate player and place your order with them.  My advance orders have been placed with a dealer I know and trust, and who does not require a deposit.  Even if he did, I likely would stick with him because I know the person and have full faith in him.

Hi Sean, when Lionel and most other manufacturers release an item, your dealer should have several distributor relationships to supply them.  With Lionel, I like options, so like the consumer, I shop for the best deal.  The only exception to that rule is with very small runs, sometimes distributors allocate, and special limited items can be tough to get.

 

The 2012 LCT catalog is now online for viewing!

I'm preordering wth Jason's trains.  A stand up guy, good prices and a pleasure to chat with.

 

Sunrise

Here's my little story:

 

One of the dealers mentioned here has three cars in stock I found on the MTH product locator.  I called them up three days in a row.  Each time I was told they were busy and could I please call back later in the afternoon.  Each time I did, and was told they were pretty sure they had the cars, but could I call back at another time to get a shipping quote.  On the last call, I was asked for my number.  I assumed they would call back, but that was three weeks ago.  I was also looking for a handful of illumintaed lockons.

 

I ended up buying two of the cars on ebay since, and will continue searching for the third car.

 

If all went well I would have place my preorders for the #6 set and passenger cars with them.

 

Guess I'm still looking for good dealer.

Ready to Roll pricing is up ! 

 

They just posted their 2012 Lionel Corporation Tinplate pricing sheet.  Preorder prices good until 5/25/12.

 

Go to their web site and click on the catalog cover:

 

http://www.readytorolltrains.com/