North Lima Trainworks?

I believe Lionel sold all their parts inventory that was over a certain age to NLTW. I was looking for a part on the Lionel site and I believe Lionel's listing for the part referred me to NLTW. I tried to call them several times with no success.

 

As I recall, at the time I tried to call they were not taking online orders and apparently not answering the phone either. Haven't looked at their site or tried to call in quite some time, sorta gave up after the first several attempts. They may be up and running just fine now though. I need to look again myself.

They used to have a master list available to download, but have since dropped that feature. I found that more convenient than hen pecking through the parts the way it is set up now.

Very hard to get a hold of anyone there. They have recently cleaned out allot of the early Lionel parts via the bay. They basically had Lionel overstocked parts, but I don't believe with the Parts department move they are carrying any of the latest Lionel parts.

I wonder if they are still in business or are they waning out?

It's hard to believe that this site sells any parts. The level of communications offered. The site structure itself stinks to say the least. I was on the site the other night. I simply turned off the computer and gave up.

 

 

Tried once to order parts from them. After placing an order on the web I got a call that one item was out of stock and to call them about it. After about 20 tries with only a busy signal I get a voice message that said they don't take orders on the phone nor do they reply to email. One of the most bizarre outfits I have ever tried to deal with.

 

Pete

I placed an order with them this past week and received an order conformation e-mail from them so they are up and running online.   Earl G.

My experience was similar, except I never got an order placed, just the no phone calls and no email stuff. I did not know the part number for what I was looking for. I gave up. Definitely a strange way to run a rail road, so to speak.

I've had the same (strange) experience as others - the message at the given phone # says there is no voicemail and my many emails have never been answered. NO WAY would I ever order parts from such an outfit.

 

I called Lionel and tried to get the scoop. All I could get Lionel to admit to was that thet are not associated with NL in any way. I was sure to tell Lionel it was bad business to reference a non entity on their site.

 

My guess is it's a one-person show and it's treated as a hobby, not a business.

I think others have had success, but I agree it has been weird.  The one time we tried using the site when I was at the LHS, the site was infected with a Virus.   G

So apparently its not a "normal" train dealer...one you can order the newest releases from...or walk in and visit.

From their website...

 

"Specializing in electronic model trains, North Lima Train Works Inc. sells new (older parts) for model trains.  Such as springs, gears, frames, for a customer to repair a train engine.   North Lima Train Works Inc. was founded by two friends that had collected model trains for many years. Several years ago we found it hard to find replacement parts for our trains and started North Lima Train Works Inc. There are thoundsands of part numbers in our inventory and as time allows it we add more items to the website. This is a hobby for us more so than a business. We are both still full time self employed at our own business and do the parts on the side. Please email us with any questions you might have since it is hard to remember where we set the phone down at our old age."

My particular pet hate is that Lionel farmed out the parts to a organisation that only ships within the USA. 

Luckily so far I have always been able to find a equivalent part on Lionel's own parts site.

 

I do realise they appear to run this as a sideline however people who are not aware of this  are obviously getting frustrated, especially as the website appears to give the impression of a Lionel Subsidiary.

 

Nick

Nick12DMC - don't feel like the Lone Ranger - I live in one of the 50, and see below:

 

Tried to buy from them, but never had any luck. E-mails went unanswered; no one 

home at the phone. I don't expect Super 21st Century Interaction, but, some...?

 

Haven't tried in a while (1+ years), and would like to give them some business, but

I shouldn't have to beg someone to take my money. Ran out of patience.

I've bought several times and although it usually took a couple weeks without much communication, I had great success getting the parts.

I'd be curious to know what the rationale was for Lionel to shove some of their parts inventory over to NLTW. As well set up as Lionel's parts dept. is, it makes no sense that I can see. What purpose does this serve? I dread it when I see the words Contact NLTW beside a part item; like others, I have never gotten any response to my inquiries.

One story I have heard is that upper management wanted to limit parts stock to something around ten years from intial release date. If it was up to the service staff they would have kept them all. Anyone with who can confirm or deny this please chime in.

 

Pete

 

 

Hello cjack............

 

This sounds more like Madison Hardware like the old one in NY.

 

Tiffany

NLTW is run out of a warehouse as a sideline for the owners.  If your order requires any type of human interaction, get ready for an interesting ride.  Otherwise, you can sometimes get what you need from them but I would only use them as a last resort. 

 

 

I think some of the parts that say to contact NLTW are much newer than 10 years, aren't they?

Does a corporation have to pay tax on inventory?  Storage?  If so that may have been a reason.  Low turn over stock, in most businesses, becomes an expense that doesn't generate much revenue.  G

I've ordered once; several months ago, via on line.  No problems.

 

Asking questions about availability or otherwise, communication is poor to non-existent.

Yes, according to a large company I worked for that greatly reduced their inventory back in the early '80s. They said they were taxed on inventory and that was their reason for greatly reducing it.

I have never had a problem.
Always get exactly what I order and quickly.
I always use PayPal.

I usually Search the Lionel site to see pics and get part numbers of what I need.
A lot of hard to find K-line stuff is available.


I recently got a great assortment of Diesel interiors. Some with people, some without.
Recently upgraded my K-line ABA FAs to Tmcc and was able to find correct interiors.
Prices are a little weird.  Sometimes the same part in a different color with people is less expensive than the same without people in another color. Shells are also reasonable if you want to change railroads and not deal with painting and decals.