Reply to "Cashier's Check for trains??"

I've used cashier's checks and commercial money orders for years with no issues. They are essentially cash when deposited by the named recipient; cashiers' checks carry the extra guarantee of being certified funds from my credit union -- which is why they cost extra. Using these kinds of financial instruments protects me (my personal bank account never really enters the transaction for my safety), as well as the merchant I'm dealing with -- they should get their funds quicker than with a personal check. Some banks tend to hold personal checks longer than other sources of funds.