ModelRailroadForums.com is a free Model Railroad Discussion Forum and photo gallery. We cover all scales and sizes of model railroads. Online since 2002, it's one of the oldest and largest model railroad forums on the web. Whether you're a master model railroader or just getting started, you'll find something of interest here.
I finally found these P2K models. The steam-boiler equipped (5894 - 5895)units came from Trainworld (New-old-stock) if you have also been looking for something like these. They still have a few.
The freight-only geep was traded for. I had to replace all the cracked axle gears. They all need to have SP headlight groups installed. But meanwhile they run great. I ran all three togehter with 50 cars last week and they all pull with equal effort.
Nice looking units and a good find. I've always loved high hood locomotives, and had my eye on two Proto GP7's that have been at my local hobby shop since Oct 2008. The problem is they retailed for $149.99 USD and they are still asking a marked up $175.00 CDN. On a model that is almost 3 years old and a Canadian Dollar that is on par with the US green back, I am not willing to part with that kind of money.
Nice looking layout by the way and I like the weathered flats! All you need is some paint on that fascia and you are set.
Thanks. I picked these up for about 89 USD. DC-no sound. I'll deal with that later and frankly I'd rather use a different brand of electronics. I'm just glad to buy a smooth running chassis and shells that have real grabirons. I spent too many years in the old days - LOL.
Does it pay to buy from online US suppliers in Canada? Or do they have customs to deal with in shipping?
By the way... Does "Tip & Ring" come from a telephone-tech background?
I hate to say it, but it really does. I personally buy my stuff from MB Klein (modeltrainstuff.com). For example I recently bought three Also C420 high nose in N&W. Atlas list was $159.99. MB Klein retailed for $104.99 and I usually watch the quantities from day to day on something I like. The units went on sale for $79.99 USD and that’s when I jumped on it. Shipping for one unit was $23.99, for a total of $103.98 and on that one package I didn't pay any duty or taxes when it arrived. I have ordered a similar priced loco from them and I think I paid $15 CDN duty.
Anyway I ordered one by itself and two together for a total of $299.97 and I think I paid $35 CDN in duty on the second shipment.
My local hobby shop always charges the list of $159.99 and a markup percentage to $175.99 so times 3 locos and I would have paid $527.97 before tax which is 13% right now so $596.61.
God bless America
Don't get me wrong, I like to support my local hobby shop and I do with paint and decals but not for locomotives and big ticket items.
Oh yeah and your right, the Tip and Ring is Telco. I have been a technician with Bell Canada now for 10 years.
Well it's a shame that NAFTA didn't do much for us. Especially postal rates trans-border. I think they need to work on that one from both sides of the border.
