Largest model train store in Western PA • Shipping nationwide & to 18 countries • Questions? Call 724-838-8448
Help center

Frequently Asked Questions

Store pickup, shipping, preorders, repairs and more. For return and order rules, see our policies.

General

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. We are typically open more days in the winter to accommodate the holiday rush.

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 USA). 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. Wait for the pickup notification to come to the store to get your order.

Do you buy trains?

Yes, we buy trains. If you are looking to sell your collection of model trains and accessories, we make the process easy! Click here to fill out our survey and get started:

You can also 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 have a lot of used items available. items are graded on appearance and functionality using the Train Collector Association TCA guidelines

Can I use the online discount in the store?

No, the discount codes are only applicable to eligible online items unless otherwise noted. The store runs separate sales offers and promotions.

Do you offer gift cards?

Gift cards are available for purchase in store or online upon request. Just contact customerservice@bradystrains.com to purchase an online gift card.

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. Beware of scam sites posing as our store. We are not responsible for orders you make there.

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 largely 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.

Additional clarification: (9/17/25) -- Items marked as "New" or "Like New" etc. are labeled as such based solely on visual inspection. We have no definitive way to verify usage history.

This grading method follows industry standards and is common practice across the resale market. We make every effort to provide accurate descriptions, but buyers should understand that "New" does not necessarily mean unused.

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.

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. Items with the word "limited" or "preorder" in the title are generally not available for discount, unless a specific sale or promotion is being used.

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. Add the item to your wishlist here and you will be notified when it is in stock!

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. for the most up-to-date information about our return policy.

Shipping

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). The shipping time displayed at checkout is the estimate time it will take to receive from UPS 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 typically ship the in-stock item and the preorder item upon arrival, unless otherwise requested.

We also delay shipping upon request (please contact the store as soon as possible, or include the request in your order notes)

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?

No, we do not. We used to run promotions with free shipping, but the cost has become prohibitive for us as a small business.

Do you ship to Canada?

YES! We are pleased to offer shipping to our neighbors to the north!

Do you ship internationally?

YES! See our shipping page for more information

As of August 2026, we are pleased to offer international shipping and checkout for customers in 18 countries. These countries are: Austria, Belgium, Canada, Czechia, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Norway, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom (UK). We may expand to further countries in the future should demand arise.

Other international orders may be fulfilled upon request. Contact us at +1 724 838 8448 or customerservice@bradystrains.com to order if your country is not on this list.

Please note that shipping prices for international orders can be high and tariff/duty fees likely will apply. We don't control either of these factors.

We have just started this program, and are working to reduce costs for our international customers whenever available. We would love to hear more about your experience as well as any concerns or questions you may have-- please contact us at customerservice@bradystrains.com

Please note:

International customers are responsible for ensuring that products purchased from Brady’s Train Outlet meet the electrical requirements, safety standards, and operating requirements of their country or region. O Gauge locomotives in particular are designed for use with 3-rail O Gauge systems and North American electrical standards

Customers should consult manufacturer documentation and verify compatibility before operating any product. If you have questions about compatibility, please contact us before purchasing and we will be happy to assist.

Repair

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.

Manufacturer warranties

Warranty repairs are handled by each manufacturer. See the latest terms here: Lionel, MTH, Bachmann. For Atlas and others, call the store and we'll point you the right way.

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