I agree with catnap. There is a better chance of MTH having more a skilled repair staff than a dealer. Plus, if the dealer were to get it, good chance they'd send it to MTH. I'd rather communicate directly with the repair staff, even at the price of a few bucks postage.
About a year ago Just Trains fo Delaware had a good sale (with free shipping) on an MTH PRR MU set. I ordered one and it came in. I found that the sound Chinese engineering had resulted in a headlight bulb at the wrong end of one of the cars. I called MTH as a courtesy so they could track down any problems. They told me to send it in but I thanked them and said it was siimple and I'd do it. I mentioned this to Jule of Just Trains at York, and she said why didn't I send it to her and she's have had it fixed. That's good service. However, knowing what her shipping it to me would have cost, and what she had paid for the set, I could determine her margin and thus I told her that, given the margin, I decided to take care of it myself. If a dealer gives an excellent price, why saddle them with shipping charges back to the manufacturer if there is a problem. If an item was damaged in shipment, I would contact the dealer because then they have other recourse.
I have bought many locos by mail from Sidetrack in southern Maryland. I was always satisfied with them. But when there was a minor defect in one loco about 6 years ago, I elected to deal directly with the manufacturer.
If a dealer gives an excellent price, why saddle them with shipping charges back to the manufacturer if there is a problem. If an item was damaged in shipment, I would contact the dealer because then they have other recourse.
A few years ago I needed a LIonel part. I traveled 30 miles to a large dealewr, who said he would only sell parts on a weekend, even though there were no other customers in the store. I went back that weekend, bought the part (a roller), and never went back again.
