Roundhouse Train Store Mail Order

Are they still open? I went in February to say my goodbyes but it seems they are still open.

Went by last week and the guy who opened the store was 25 minutes late and was a wierd guy with long hair and a rude attitude. He muttered an expletive when I bid him good morning so I turned around and left. The old guy who used to be there was much nicer so I would not go here anymore where customer service is terrible!

Nice little Train shop. I’ve recently got back into the Hobby. I recently found out that Allied in Culver City closed down as that was my train shop as a Kid so when Driving along Victory Blvd today I decided to stop on by.
The shop was fairly small, and looked even smaller entering as you can’t come in from the front of the store but in the back instead from the parking lot.
The have a nice selection of model starter sets in different scales.
With many Lionel sets and HO such as Bachmann, Atheran, life like and many more behind the display cases. The prices seemed very reasonable for items sold and the Gentleman behind the counter was very nice and friendly.
Though I don’t live in the area, I do see myself going back here in the future.

Was let down. Twice.
I purchased my first locomotive here. A new purchase.
Unfortunately for me I didn’t open the box and inspect it for a couple of months, this until I purchased a layout on Craigslist. The loco had manufacturing defects in the paint. Nothing to lose one’s mind over, but what the heck I paid for new, free of defects, it’s what I should get right?
I brought it back. Bill accepted it but not without mentioning in a round about way It was something I could have done.
Well I didn’t. Anyone with common sense can see it was a manufacturing issue. He offered to exchange it for something else. Cool. I chose another, a different railroad name altogether, one from the display case as it was the only I thought they had in stock. Bill mentioned to make sure it is okay. I placed it on the short test track, it worked fine, everything is miniaturized so it’s a little tough to tell.
We’re good– or so I thought.
2 days later I noticed one of the headlights is missing the housing that surrounds it. The light was there but the housing on one of them was missing. I explained this to Gabby a few days later who really seemed she didn’t want to know about it. To add to this, I purchased something at the same time only to find it was on sale and Bill charged me full price. No biggie as it was only a couple of dollars but — it is the point of it all.
The locomotive was defective, I’d like to believe Bill didn’t know it, however he should have as he was selling it. Maybe he did and remained quiet hoping to pass it to someone like me, a newbie in the hobby.
I’d also like to believe these guys mean well, Norm, Bill, Gabby. but, it’s like dealing with Grumpy Old Men.
Bill is older and maybe can’t keep an eye out for people who look at something, break it and don’t say anything about it. I don’t believe he catches this stuff, so I guess caveat emptor is in full effect here. I should also mention this locomotive was $ 50.00 less than their competitors in Burbank. Now I know why. You know the saying — «If something is too good to be true, etc.,»
Their knowledge is limited.
I asked Norm about DCC Controllers, he flat out told me «He didn’t know anything about them» along with the attitude I was the bad guy trying to screw him regarding his defective train.
Prices are decent, however for me, I’d rather spend the extra to get quality goods and the 411.
Sad too, as this place is close by.
I won’t be going back anytime soon. (If at all)
And by the looks of the place, I wouldn’t be surprised to see a Going Out of Business Sale within the next yr or 2 if not sooner.
You’re asking why not bring it back? I was going too. When I placed it in the box for return, the surrounding styrofoam with the train inside slipped out of the box.
(Just my luck)
One of the front railings snapped off, I glued it but now it appears I could have broken the light. I’ll eat it, maybe MTH can send a replacement «ditch light base»
And oh, I asked Gabby if they could fix or order me one.
«No we can’t» as she chuckled.
Me: «Really. According to MTH you guy’s are listed as an authorized repair facility».
PS: Wouldn’t you know when I mentioned it to Gabby there was another locomotive, brand new with both headlights complete
. Wow…

This shop has Character! It is worth the visit. Very friendly and helpful. Pricing for a retail operation is very good. These guys know trains. This truly a wonderful store and they are well worthy of support.

I’ve only been here a couple of times, so I’m no expert. The guys that run the store are named Alan and Uncle Bill. Very nice older gentlemen. They really know their stuff and can give you tons of good advice. When you buy stuff from them, they give you raffle tickets. They have a monthly raffle where they give away stuff, and have free drinks and cookies. The catch is, you have to go back to the store on the day of the raffle — it can get pretty crowded.
They have a lot of nice train stuff. Prices aren’t super low, but like I said the customer service is very good. Free parking in the back.