Re: Updates

["Ira Schneider" <ira_schneider@iname.com>]

I second Ron's recommendation that we thank Craig for his efforts by patronizing his store.

For those of you who don't know, Craig (i.e. The Collectible Caboose) is now an authorized
Lionel and MTH dealer (and I think also K-Line).  I asked him one day if he could order
Ross Custom Switches or Gargraves track and he started the paperwork to become
an authorized dealer for them also.  If I decide to use RCS or Gargraves products in
the future, I know where I will order them.

In general, if you want something, ask Craig.  He is willing to work with us to get whatever
we want.  For example, I asked him about 40" Lionel track, which many of the mail-order
hobby stores will only sell in quantities of 10 or more.  He said that if someone needed
just a couple of sections he would order the track in whatever the minimum quanitity was
necessary and he would keep (and sell) the rest.  He is great to deal with.

I had several items on order through one of the mail-order hobby stores.  I asked Craig
what price he could sell me the same items for.  Most were only a couple of dollars higher
through Craig.  He said he would order the items and if I didn't want them he would just
sell them.  I told him that I would buy them from the supplier that could deliver first.  Guess
what?  My old supplier wasn't being very responsive so I recently cancelled my order
through them since Craig is able to get the items faster.  I just got a new MTH Southern
Pacific GS-4 w/Protosound 2.0 from Craig.  Also, you probably noticed the new additions
to my carnival rides - the hot dog stand and the playground - I got them through Craig also.

There is a lot of value in dealing with a reliable local dealer who is also genuinely interested
in model railroading.  We should support him any way possible.


Ira