Hey guys, my name is Matt and I live in North GA. There are some talented people on this site for sure. I am planning on building a table for a 5 x 9 layout in the next few weeks. On March 13-14 in Atlanta there is going to be a large show (250 tables). I was wondering if I can get better deals on kato unitrack and locos at shows rather than at shops? If so, I'll wait to get my gear at the time. Thanks guys, glad to be here.
Hi Matt, I'm relatively new here myself. You can get good deals at shows sometimes. It depends on the dealers. I've been to shows where the dealers offer good discounts and others that are MSRP or very close to it. Someone from your area whose been to the shows could give better advice. 5x9 is a nice size layout. Do you have a plan in mind already?
Welcome aboard Matt; let your hair down look around some; mainly have fun. In reference to better prices at the show; with 250 tables I would hold my money for that show. If you don't get a deal there then you still have your money and the LHS/ or etailer prices didn't change.:tb-wink: And don't forget your camera along with your wallet:thumbs_up:
Welcome to TrainBoard Matt! I myself would rather buy motive power from a well known and reputable specialty store. Check out the list of TrainBoard advertisers for some good names. For other things like rolling stock and Unitrack, you can usually find great deals at shows. Happy modeling!
In my experience, you can almost always match "train show" prices, if not do better, as to new stuff with any of the excellent on-line vendors like N Scale Supply, Wig-Wag Trains, Brooklyn Locomotive Works, Fifer Hobby, etc. Plus, these guys will be around long after the train show in Atlanta is gone, and will be able to provide service and help if you need it. If, on the other hand, you're willing to take a risk on used items and know exactly what you want, you can sometimes find bargains at shows. But my advice is that if you're starting out in the hobby, buy new from an established vendor (and note, some of the established on-line vendors, like Wig-Wag, attend some shows; most do not). There used to be a couple of very well-stocked hobby shops in Atlanta that were willing to give decent discounts when I lived there; but that's been 20 years ago. Don't know if they still exist. If they do, however, then I'd at least take a look there for the same reasons: particularly when starting out, the help and advice of someone local can be invaluable, even if it means paying 5% more. John C.
You might as well wait for the show. Only about 3 weeks away. If you don't find a deal there, go with plan "B".
Hey Matt...Welcome aboard. :thumbs_up: A 5' X 9' layout is nice. You can get a lot of stuff in that large of a space. Normally I'm not much for train shows but there are some good deals to be had at times. You just have to know what you're looking for, what those things go for at the LHS and on the Internet and then you have a game plan! Have fun!
Go to the online mail order dealers, hobby shops and even ebay. check out the prices for what you want. This way you will know if you are able to get a good deal at the show. Remember to include taxes and shipping charges in the various prices you get where appropriate.
Welcome to the Trainboard, Matt. I'll be attending the Atlanta show myself. I'd echo what everyone else has said. Plus its a great place to get layout ideas and have some hands on with the stuff you are interested in acquiring. Bring Cash. Have fun!
Thanks for the recommendations guys, I appreciate it. Country Joe, I haven't chosen the layout that I want just yet, but I will definitely be taking pictures when when the time comes. I'm just trying to soak it all in and decide which way to go.
A lot of times, local hobby stores/vendors will attend shows and offer "show specials". The advantage here is that you will find a good deal, and some local to do business with in the future. We have a couple of hobby shops in our area that will price match for their preferred customers. If the vendors know what your working on, they'll keep you updated as to whats coming down the pike. I get calls whenever any new transition era railroad or logging equipment is announced. You won't find that service from traveling vendors.
Welcome Dawg, These guys have said it all (well, I'd stop there if I really meant that). Take your time. Between now and the show, do some planning for what you want, check all the resources mentioned for prices and a sense of whats out there. Go to the show look at stuff, then decide how and what to buy. Googling Kato Unitrak part numbers will give you price hits. Our advertizers are great (as is woo woo woo woo woo woo and the other mentioned guys). The thing I would add is get yourself some simple track planning software. I like RRtrack 4. It's relatively expensive, but for me, it paid for itself because I am buying what i need, not samples to play with. There is freeware and their are other brands you can buy. Again welcome Marty
Depending on how you feel about eBay (Yes, I know some people love it and some people hate it.), you can sometimes score some good prices on used Unitrack. I personally have had good experiences and found some real bargains. It is important to know what you want and to take into account any shipping charges. Having said that, I'd still go to the show because I find I get some great ideas at shows. Also, if you have the price list from an online hobby shop, you can sometimes get the show vendors to match or beat the online pricing. I hope you have a lot of fun both at the show and building the new layout. Andy "Tetsu Uma"
Since you don't have a plan yet you could follow the railroad that grows concept. Kalmbach came out with the HO railroad that grows about 40-50 years ago and the N Scale Railroad that Grows about 15-20 years ago. The idea is that you start with a loop of track with maybe a passing siding and a couple of spurs and some simple scenery. Play with it for a while and then add to it. Keep adding until you reach a point where you're happy with it as is. I think the book (N version) is out of print but might be available. It's worth reading as it presents a lot of good idea even if you don't build the layout. With Unitrack you can start with a basic set and add variation sets for passing sidings, yards, double track, etc. You can see them on the Katousa web site. With Unitrack you can operate a layout and then easily change or expand it at any time.
Support Trainboard Advertisers Just my opinion but all of the advertisers on trainboard have good pricing and service records. Folks, please don't let this devolve into which shop is the best. You have mail.
I have some golden rules, only because I have been burned before. 1. Purchase locomotives only new in box and from a LHS or reputable on line dealer. You never know what you are getting. 2. If you have not planned your layout, you don't know exactly how many and which sections of track you are going to need. No matter how much of bargain you may think you are getting, you may very well be purchasing too many or wrong pieces. Plan ahead.
Atlas' Planning Software is RTS, I think version 8. Just make sure you upload and use the Kato track pieces if that is what you will be using.
