Frequently Asked Questions
FAQs
GENERAL QUESTIONS
Please see our policies page for policy questions!
What are your store hours? Are hours different for the holidays?
Please see our website for current store hours. Business hours do vary throughout the year.
Do you offer local pickup?
We offer local pickup for customers who would like to pick up their online orders at our physical store (1046 S Main St Greensburg PA). You can choose local pickup when you reach the shipping step at checkout. You will be notified when your products are ready to be picked up. Orders are typically ready within 1-2 business days.
If you would like to pick up items in store that are listed on our website, please place an order at least 48hr in advance to allow the items to be pulled from our warehouse location.
Do you buy trains?
Yes, we buy trains. If you are looking to sell model trains or accessories, contact the store at bradystrains@gmail.com or 724-420-3808 and we’ll talk with you about pricing. We purchase the items outright, rather than the consignment system used by some of our competitors.
Do you offer used items?
We are pleased to offer used items on our website now-- see the Secondhand bargains listings at Second Hand Bargains. Every used item is in excellent condition, and we pride ourselves on offering a wide variety of unique model train cars and toy train accessories. If you’ve been searching for that one unique, discontinued model train car, Brady’s Train Outlet is just the place to look!
Can I use the online discount in the store?
No, the discount codes are only applicable to eligible online items. The store runs separate sales offers and promotions.
Do you offer gift cards?
Gift cards are available for purchase in the store only. We anticipate having online gift cards available soon.
Do you price match?
No, we will not price match another dealer's price. If their price is better than ours, you are welcome to buy from them. Prices at another shop may be lower for a variety of reasons-- some dealers purchase more stock from the distributor and receive a larger quantity discount, or (as frequently happens) the item is actually out of stock on their site.
Additional factors also prohibit us from price matching. Some manufacturers have a MAP price that we must adhere to for a certain period.
Minimum Advertised Price or MAP is the lowest price at which a retailer can advertise a particular product. Set by the manufacturer, MAP pricing helps protect the brand’s value and profits by ensuring that the products cannot be priced below a pre-decided amount. If an engine is MAP priced by Lionel at $1,200, that is the absolute lowest price we can offer. That means that even if you see a lower price online (such as through a reseller), Brady's Train Outlet is not allowed to offer you that price or we could lose our dealer status with Lionel or other manufacturers.
We also do not offer returns or warranty repairs (meaning fully covered, no cost repairs) for products purchased at other stores. WE ARE NOT BRAD'S TRAINS and we do not sell on E-Bay.
Why is Shipping So Expensive?
We understand that shipping costs can feel high, and we want to be transparent about why. Several factors contribute to shipping expenses:
- Rising Carrier Rates: Shipping carriers have steadily increased their rates due to fuel costs, labor expenses, and logistical challenges.
- Remote Delivery Locations: Shipping to rural or hard-to-reach areas often incurs additional fees from carriers.
- Oversized or Heavy Items: If your products are bulky or heavy, carriers may charge extra for handling and transportation.
- Fuel Surcharges: Carriers often add fuel surcharges that fluctuate with market conditions, affecting shipping costs.
- Quality Packaging Materials: To ensure your products arrive safely, we use high-quality packaging materials, which come at a premium.
- Shipping Insurance: We include insurance to protect your order during transit, providing peace of mind for both you and us.
- Employee Time: Picking, packing, and preparing your order for shipment requires dedicated time and effort from our team to ensure everything is accurate and secure.
We’re committed to offering the best service possible while keeping shipping costs as fair and competitive as we can.
We do not participate in programs like PirateShip or allow customer-generated labels. This policy ensures all shipments are handled consistently through our trusted systems, which prioritize accuracy and reliability. Customer-generated labels are not subject to our rigorous agreement with UPS regarding insurance claims and damages.
We only ship via UPS.
How do you grade items?
Item conditions are based on the items' physical appearance, according to the Train Collectors' Association TCA standards (see here). Items are also graded based on their box and operability (if able to be determined). As with any rating system, it is inherently subjective. We strive to provide a large quantity of photos to help you assess the condition as well. If you are not satisfied with the item condition, you may inquire with us about a return, however it is up to the discretion of Brady's Train Outlet whether the return will be accepted. This determination will be primarily based on the description and photos provided and whether the defect or issue is notable in the photos . Certain items are sold AS IS, noted in the listing and often the title. These items are not eligible for returns.
What standards do you use to determine scale?
We recognize that there is a difference between scale and gauge (with the latter referring to the distance between the outside rails of the track). However, in accordance with industry standards with comparable retailers, we use SCALE and GAUGE interchangeably. Lionel, for example, has a line of O scale products that ranges from O-27 (traditional O, smaller in size) to true scale products. All of these items are O scale based on the manufacturers' description because they all run on O gauge tracks. We recognize that some of our customers may feel differently about our use of scale vs gauge, however we are not able to provide specific distinctions based on the volume of products we list and time limitations. We include manufacturers' descriptions when available, which will often help you determine whether an item aligns with the dimensions you prefer. However, it is not always possible for us to find manufacturer descriptions. Returns based on dissatisfaction with scale dimensions will be assessed on a case by case basis, and subject to a 15% restocking fee.
QUESTIONS ABOUT THE ONLINE STORE
I tried applying a discount code but it did not work. Why?
Not all items are eligible for discount, such as new releases or hard to find items. Please see the product description to determine if the discount can be applied.
Why is an item priced differently in store and online?
Items may be listed at different prices in the store and online for a variety of reasons. For example, an item may cost slightly more online due to factors that impact shipping costs, such as weight or size.
An item is out of stock on your website. Do you have any more?
Please contact us at bradystrains@gmail.com to determine availability. It is possible that we have more in inventory even if it says that we are sold out online. Check back often as we purchase collections and are listing new items daily.
Do you have [a specific item]? I don’t see it listed on your website.
Please contact us at bradystrains@gmail.com to determine availability.
What does preorder mean?
Please note that preorder items are not yet available.
Items with “Preorder” listed in the title and product description have been ordered by Brady’s Train Outlet but are not in the store yet as the manufacturer is in the process of making them.
Preorder items will be shipped when they arrive--however, there may be delays. An estimated arrival time is provided by the manufacturer.
Preordering an item ensures that you will receive one--often, these items are in demand and go quickly once released on our store website.
If you have a question about preorders, please contact us at bradystrains@gmail.com or 724-838-8448
Preorders are non-refundable. Many preorder items are built to order, meaning that the manufacturer only produces as many items as are ordered.
Preorders require a 10% deposit or $50 down, whichever is greater. For more information see our Polices page.
What is your return policy?
Please see Polices page.
SHIPPING QUESTIONS
When do you ship items?
We are a small business. We try our best to ship products within 3 business days from day of purchase (unless it's a pre-order). We often do most of our shipping on Saturdays when we have more staff dedicated to shipping. If you are shopping for a present and want to be sure it will arrive by a specific date, please email or call. The shipping time displayed at checkout is the estimate time it will take to receive from UPS or USPS AFTER it is shipped.
During the Christmas holiday season, we ship more regularly. If you need your items shipped expedited, and/or paid for faster shipping, please contact us to ensure your order will be shipping in the time frame you desire.
If you place two orders within 24 hours we will do our best to combine shipping when possible. After 24 hours your orders will be shipped in the order they were placed.
Please be aware that shipping delays may occur if a pallet shows up, or if it is a busy time for the postal service. The high volume of orders during the winter holiday season may also cause delays along with bad weather.
If your order contains items that are both in-stock and pre-order we may hold your in-stock item for the pre-order item to come in, if possible to combine shipping.
Do you send physical invoices?
We include a packing slip with our packages. The prices are not included on the packing slip.
My product arrived damaged. What should I do?
Please inspect your order upon reception and contact us immediately if the item is defective, damaged or if you receive the wrong item, so that we can evaluate the issue and make it right. Brady's Train Outlet is not liable for any products damaged or lost during shipping. If you received your order damaged, please contact the shipment carrier (UPS or USPS) to file a claim. We insure packages for the price you paid for the item(s). Please save all packaging materials and damaged goods before filing a claim. Please see our Policies page for more information
Do you offer free shipping?
Free shipping is available for eligible items totaling over $400 that are shipped within the U.S., with the exception of orders to Alaska or Hawaii, heavy sets, heavy engines, and larger oversize items.
Do you ship to Canada? YES upon request
Do you ship internationally? YES upon request
We work with customers on an individual basis to ship orders internationally. You will not see an option at checkout for international shipping; you must contact the store directly for international shipping. We have shipped to Canada, Germany, Switzerland, and several European countries in the past, and are open to shipping worldwide in the future! Please note that shipping prices for international orders can be high and tariff/duty fees likely will apply. If you live in another country, please email us at bradystrains@gmail.com with the list of items you would like to purchase and we would be happy to work with you.
REPAIR QUESTIONS
Do you repair trains?
Yes, we repair O, S, and G scale trains. We contract with several local repair persons that specialize in different scales or eras.
If you would like your train repaired, please bring it into the store or call to discuss shipping options (customer pays shipping unless it's a warranty repair).
Repair tag charge is $10 plus tax in the store, plus the cost of your repair once completed. Delays may occur due to the availability of parts or a backlog of repairs (common during the holiday season). The repair person will contact you when the repair is complete, and you can pick it up in store when it's ready or contact the store to arrange shipping. If a customer fails to pay for repairs and pick up their item(s) within 60 days of being contacted, Brady's Train Outlet will consider the property abandoned and has the right to sell, dispose of, or use any such products in any way it chooses.
PLEASE REVIEW WARRANTY INFORMATION FOR VARIOUS MANUFACTURERS BELOW
What types of trains do you repair?
We repair electric trains that are O, S, and G scale. We repair old trains, including prewar and postwar items, as well as modern trains. If our repair person cannot complete the repair, you will be contacted.
We do not repair battery trains. We do not sell battery trains.
LIONEL WARRANTY REPAIRS
PLEASE NOTE-- Lionel handles its warranty repairs in house now. You will need to contact Lionel if your item is defective or arrived damaged.
FROM LIONEL:
This Lionel product, including all mechanical and electrical components, moving parts, motors and structural components, with the exception of TRACTION TIRES are warranted to the original owner-purchaser for a period of one year from the original date of purchase against original defects in materials or workmanship when purchased through a Lionel Authorized Retailer*.
This warranty does NOT cover the following:
- Normal wear and tear
- Defects appearing in the course of commercial use
- Damage resulting from abuse/misuse of the product
- Damage resulting from consumer or unauthorized attempted repair or modification
Transfer of this product by the original owner-purchaser to another person voids this warranty in its entirety. Modification of this product in any way; visually, mechanically or electronically, voids the warranty in its entirety.
Any warranted product which is defective in original materials or workmanship and is delivered by the original owner-purchaser (this warranty is non-transferrable) to Lionel LLC MUST be accompanied by the original receipt for purchase (or copy) from an Authorized Lionel Retailer*, will at the discretion of Lionel LLC, be repaired or replaced, without charge for parts or labor. In the event the defective product cannot be repaired, and a suitable replacement is not available, Lionel will offer to replace the product with a comparable model (determined by Lionel LLC), if available. In the event a comparable model is not available the customer will be refunded the original purchase price (requires proof of purchase from the Authorized Lionel Retailer* it was originally purchased). Any products on which warranty service is sought must be sent with prior Return Authorization # from Lionel freight or postage prepaid (Lionel will refuse any package when postage is due). Lionel is not responsible for any unauthorized contents of the package or shipping packaging or materials or any package sent with-out prior authorization. Transportation and shipping charges are not covered as part of this warranty.
NOTE: Products that require service that do not have a receipt will not be serviced by Lionel. Any product sent to Lionel under a Return Authorization and not accompanied by a receipt; the return shipping costs will be the responsibility of the customer.
In No Event Shall Lionel LLC Be Held Liable For Incidental Or Consequential Damages.
https://www.lionelsupport.com/warranty
MTH WARRANTY REPAIRS
FROM MTH:
Items shipped after May 31, 2021, will carry a one-year warranty from the date of manufacture for the MTH Authorized Retailer who sold the product. Any defective items should be returned to the dealer where purchased. If the dealer has trained service techs, they can offer to repair the locomotive (MTH will supply warranty parts as needed free of charge. If parts are not available a refund will be given to the dealer). MTH will no longer provide repair service on any products at its corporate headquarters.
https://mthtrains.com/news/002
BACHMANN WARRANTY REPAIRS
Warranty Information
Effective 1-1-2022. Prices subject to change.
This warranty is valid for ORIGINAL PRODUCT OWNERS ONLY in the US and CANADA. This warranty does not apply to any other persons or locations.
Bachmann's Lifetime Limited Warranty covers motorized motive power units only. Under the warranty, Bachmann can decide whether to repair or replace an item at their discretion.Items less than a year old are fully covered and will be serviced or replaced at no charge when accompanied with registration card and proof of purchase.
Items less than a year old are fully covered and will be serviced or replaced at no charge when accompanied with proof of purchase (sales receipt). User modification to units voids the product warranty. Note: even if in original packaging, units purchased at flea markets, railroad swap meets, garage sales, online auctions of previously owned products, and similar venues are NOT covered by this or any other warranty.
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All accessories, power packs and speed controllers, and Plasticville USA® items are covered for 90 days only.
Contacting Service
Please pack your item to protect from rough handling during shipping. When possible, please use the original packaging to return you item for repair. Please include a note with your return address, daytime telephone number, e-mail address, and a description of the issue with your product.
Also before returning your product(s), you must remove any customer-installed DCC decoders. Failure to remove a customer-installed decoder will automatically void the warranty.
Repair inquiries, or general inquiries may also be sent to:
1400 East Erie Avenue
Philadelphia, PA 19124
Bachmann's Service Department is available Monday through Friday from 8:30 am to 4:00 pm (All Times Eastern). Customer Service for all scales can be reached at 215-533-1600 or Fax at 215-554-6734.
https://www.bachmanntrains.com/home-usa/service.php
ATLAS WARRANTY REPAIRS
Atlas Model Railroad Company Limited Warranty Information
Congratulations on the purchase of your Atlas Model Railroad product(s). The following limited warranty/non-warranty policies and procedures are effective September 12th, 2022, and applies to Atlas All Scale products including locomotives, rolling stock, track and accessories. Atlas Trainkids sets have an exclusive limited warranty.
Important Tips:
-Save your receipt/sales slip since you will need it for an approved warranty claim.
-Save the original locomotive or rolling stock packaging for shipping to Atlas, if
needed.
-At the time of purchase, fill out and send in the warranty registration card or, go
to warranty.atlasrr.com and register online.
Introduction:
-Atlas products are covered for one year from the date of purchase when bought
from an Atlas Authorized Dealer*.
-Distribution date exclusions are three years for locomotives, and five years for
rolling stock, track and accessories.
-This warranty covers the original purchaser of the product and is not
transferable.
-A copy of the original sales receipt must accompany any returned product.
-Products must be warranty registered to be considered under a warranty claim.
*Atlas Authorized Dealers can be found online at the Atlas Dealer Locator,
(shop.atlasrr.com/storeLocator.aspx)
Coverage Details:
-Atlas products are warranted against defects in material or workmanship.
-This warranty excludes damages caused in transit, commercial use, product
modification, customization, improper operation, maintenance, abuse, handling
or self-repair attempts. Excessive voltage applied to any electronic circuitry or
soldering of any electronic components is not covered. Coverage excludes
regular maintenance and parts that undergo normal wear and tear, (i.e.
batteries, bulbs, LEDs, pick up wires, traction tires, etc.). Malfunction or damage
due to fire, earthquake, flood, lightning, or any disturbance, unforeseen
accidents, or any other factors beyond the control of the original
manufacturer, producer, distributor, or dealer are also excluded.
-For approved Atlas warranty claims, Atlas in its discretion, will credit, replace or
repair the defective part(s) without charge for parts and/or labor. Credits are
redeemable directly from Atlas only. Replacement is subject to product
availability and will be of like-kind merchandise if same item is unavailable.
Return Procedures:
-For either a Warranty or Non-Warranty repair, the customer must first contact
Atlas Customer Service for a Return Merchandise Authorization number
(R.M.A.#), used to track a products return and repair at Atlas. Customer Service
can be reached at 908-687-0880, or csdept@atlasrr.com.
-Include a brief description of what is believed to be the problem.
-Warranty claims must include the original dated sales receipt and the name of
the Atlas Authorized Dealer from whom it was purchased.
-Package your locomotive or rolling stock in the original display box to help
prevent damage during shipment.
-Products should be sent prepaid by the carrier of your choice. We recommend
the package be insured and shipped with a tracking number.
-Due to Atlas Covid policies, in-person drop-offs and pick-ups are not allowed.
Atlas does not have a retail store location in Hillside.
Repair Procedures:
-Upon arrival, Atlas reviews each product to determine whether a warranty or
non-warranty claim is applicable.
-If for stated reason(s), a returned product cannot be repaired under a warranty
claim Atlas, if possible, will provide a non-warranty parts/labor/return shipping
estimate to repair the product.
-Customers have 21 days following receipt of the repair estimate to give Atlas
approval to proceed with the repair.
-Atlas provides a limited product warranty on the specific repair work for 90 days
following return to the customer.
-Atlas is not liable for incidental and consequential damages. This limited
warranty gives you specific legal rights and you may have other rights which vary
from state to state.
Contact Atlas Customer Service at 908-687-0880 for questions regarding the Limited Warranty/Non-Warranty Policies and Procedures.
https://shop.atlasrr.com/t-warranty.aspx
Please refer to the manufacturers' websites for most current repair/ warranty information!
Other Manufacturers' Warranties available online, please refer to their websites as needed.
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