The American Dream

[Bruno Belém]

If someone had told me a few years ago that I would be buying American (North American) merchandise, I wouldn't have believed them.
However, as the years go by, tastes tend to change. I don't know if it's an exact science, but it happened to me. Afternoons spent watching the History Channel series (on YouTube), Extreme Trains, are partly to blame.
So, I started researching, trying to understand the concept of freight transport and more in Uncle Sam's land.
With Southern Pacific's GE 70 (a yard locomotive), it's already the third one I've acquired since the beginning of the year.
All of these were purchased from private individuals in Portugal. For now, ordering directly from the States is crazy.
May we live the American dream in 2026.

Greetings from Portugal!

 

[RhB Michael]

When I started modeling German, Swiss, and Austrian railroads I had very little idea of what I was doing as far as buying the correct locomotives, rolling stock, etc. But I learned fast with the help of several German railroad forums that I still visit regularly, lots of photos, and You Tube videos.

You will learn the stuff you need to know.

 

[Bruno Belém]

When I started modeling German, Swiss, and Austrian railroads I had very little idea of what I was doing as far as buying the correct locomotives, rolling stock, etc. But I learned fast with the help of several German railroad forums that I still visit regularly, lots of photos, and You Tube videos.

You will learn the stuff you need to know.

Exactly. It's still a new world for me. However, here in Portugal, it's not very easy to find individuals selling American equipment. Whatever I find (as long as it's of some quality), I buy.

 

[RhB Michael]

It's the same in the States for Euro equipment. Every retailer that does carry Euro equipment gouges the price badly. I order everything from Germany and save at least 30%.

There are only two retailers that I know of in the States selling Euro stuff. There is also one in Canada in Vancouver too, but they are not only high priced, but unreliable. Inventory is always low, selection is extremely limited so they have to order everything and you'll wait a long time until they get a large enough order to make it worthwhile for them.