.Com TLD trainz.com

trainz.com

November 18, 2025

What is Trainz.com

Trainz.com is an online retailer based in the U.S. (Flowery Branch, Georgia) specialising in model trains and related hobby supplies. (Trainz) The business began as a small operation in a garage, founded by Scott Griggs when he was a teenager. (Trainz) Over time it evolved into a larger e-commerce business, occupying a large facility (73,000 sq ft) and serving hobbyists looking for both new and collectible model trains. (Trainz)

Their site lists a wide variety of trains, parts, tracks, accessories and both new and pre-owned items. For example: stocks from brands like Lionel, Bachmann, Marklin etc. (Trainz)

The business model & operations

  • They buy and sell collectible and pre-owned model trains, as well as new products. The “pre-owned” angle allows hobbyists to find items that are harder to source new. (Trainz)

  • They maintain “an ever-changing inventory” of collectible trains — the business emphasises support for those looking for both entry-level and high end items. (Trainz)

  • As an online business, they are largely e-commerce, shipping nationwide (and apparently internationally to some extent). Their scope has grown from a “garage” business to larger scale. (Great Place To Work®)

  • They emphasise experience in the hobby (their team are often train-collectors themselves) and claim that gives them an advantage in knowledge over generic hobby stores. (Trainz)

Strengths & what stands out

  • Broad selection: Because they cover so many brands, scales, and both new & collectible items, Trainz.com is likely to offer harder-to-find model trains and parts. That’s useful if you’re hunting for a rare model.

  • Specialisation: They are niche-focused (model trains) rather than general hobby or toy stores, which can mean deeper inventory, better knowledge, and more support for the hobbyist.

  • Credibility in work culture: Interestingly, the company received high scores on employee satisfaction (87 % say it’s a great place to work) from Great Place to Work certification. (Great Place To Work®) While that doesn’t guarantee perfect customer service, it suggests a stable business environment.

  • Experience/heritage: The founder started very early (in the 1970s, though the business proper emerged later) and the company emphasises decades of hobby experience. (Trainz)

Some caveats / things to check

  • Pre-owned condition matters: When dealing in collectible / preowned items, condition, parts, completeness, and accuracy of listing matter a lot. The risk of issues (missing parts, wear, mis-listing) is higher than with brand-new items.

  • Mixed reviews: I found at least one comment in a hobby forum (Facebook group) expressing dissatisfaction: one person wrote:

    “Over five years I have made six purchases … Only one of the six was any good. They have sent wrong parts contrary …” (Facebook)
    That’s only one voice, but worth noting: as with any retailer of collectibles, inspect listings carefully, ask questions, check return policy.

  • International shipping / duties: Although they ship worldwide (to some extent) according to one source, there may be added cost, duty/tax, shipping time when ordering from outside US. (Especially relevant if you’re based in Indonesia or elsewhere.)

  • Inventory changes: Because part of their value proposition is “ever-changing inventory” of collectibles, items may be unique/one-offs — if you hesitate, you might lose the item. On the flip side, stock may move fast or listings may disappear.

  • Price vs condition: In the world of collectibles, a “good find” may cost more because of condition or rarity — always compare to other sellers and check authenticity.

What to look for when buying from Trainz.com

If you decide to use them, here are some practical things you should check to reduce risk:

  • Verify the scale, brand, model number and condition (new vs used) of the train/item.

  • Ask for close-up photos if the listing doesn’t show them (especially for pre-owned).

  • Confirm what parts/accessories are included (boxes, instructions, manual, extras) and what is missing.

  • Check shipping cost, delivery time, international considerations (if you’re outside US).

  • Look at return policy: Can you return if item doesn’t match description? Are you responsible for return shipping?

  • Compare price to similar items in other retailers or auction sites to ensure you’re getting fair value.

  • If collectible, check for authenticity, original packaging, any damage or missing pieces.

  • Understand any currency/exchange issues or additional import duties if importing into your country.

My take

Trainz.com seems like a good specialised retailer for model train hobbyists, especially if you’re looking for something beyond mainstream store stock. Their niche focus and considerable size help. But— the “collectible / pre-owned” nature means you should approach with typical hobby-buyer caution. If you’re new to the model-train hobby it might be wise to start with new items or thoroughly vetted listings, build up trust. If you’re experienced and comfortable evaluating condition, then you might find very good deals or rare finds.

Key takeaways

  • Trainz.com is an e-commerce retailer specialising in model trains (new & collectible).

  • They started small but now operate large scale (73,000 sq ft facility) and decades of experience.

  • Strong selection of brands, scales, and both track/accessory gear.

  • Because collectibles are involved, condition, parts, authenticity matter a lot.

  • Mixed user feedback means you should scrutinise listings and policies.

  • Especially important if ordering internationally: shipping, duties, returns may complicate.

  • Good potential if you’re hunting rare items; less risk if you stay with well-documented listings.

FAQ

What kinds of trains/brands does Trainz.com carry?
They carry a broad set of brands, including Lionel, MTH, K-Line, Bachmann, Marklin, American Flyer, Weaver among others. (Trainz) They also carry tracks, parts, accessories for different gauges and scales.

Are items new or used?
Both. They offer new trains and accessories, and also “pre-owned” / collectible items. (Trainz) If you’re buying used items, you’ll want to examine condition carefully.

Where is the company located?
The company is based in Flowery Branch, Georgia, USA. (Trainz)

Is Trainz.com reliable?
They appear to be a legitimate business with decades of experience. However, as with any specialist retailer of collectibles and pre-owned items, there’s higher risk than buying a sealed new product from a mass-market retailer. There are at least some customer complaints (wrong parts etc.). So do your due-diligence.

Does shipping internationally work?
They state they ship worldwide (they expanded to 10 countries in 2024) according to one source. (Great Place To Work®) But shipping cost, customs/import duty, transit time will vary—so check upfront how that applies to your country.

Any tips for first-time buyers?
Yes: start with something relatively simple/new; inspect listing detail; ask questions; compare price; check return policy; confirm shipping and duties; keep records of what you expect vs what you receive.