How do you find commercial detail parts for your needs?

[bridgeline]

Is there a useful reference anymore? Was a Walthers catalog ever useful in this respect? Do you have to spend hours searching the internet to find a detail part that hasn't been cataloged or advertised in 30 years? 

[icghogger]

While the Walthers catalog may be useful to help identify something you are looking for, they don't always have what you need in stock. I keep a file in my web browser with all of the web sites and email addresses of parts makers (Soo-much-stuff, Cannon, Plano, PSC, Bowser, etc.) and order directly from them, when possible.  However, responses from them can be spotty as many of the companies are one-man operations, while others have gone out of business. I do spend a lot of time on internet searches, and our forum, even though it is not as active as it was 10 years ago, has been a good source for locating parts or vendors. If you have a particular need, just ask, either here or on our Facebook page, and we will try to help.

[EMDX6043]

I'd like to add that in addition to Robert's suggestions, Shapeways (3-d printed items) has many detail parts available as well.

[bridgeline]

Thanks guys,

When my kids were young I could go to any train show and scour the tables for detail parts, most times buying handfuls of parts for a couple of bucks. My how times have changed. Last show I attended, nothing to be found in HO details unless you were prepared to pay eBay fantasy prices. I suppose the trend toward Genesis or Rapido level models reduces the need. I don't know.

I remember waiting 4 weeks to get $40 worth of detail parts from Gil Mack at Tiger Valley and thought I was set for life. Handrail stantions for 10 cents apiece and headlight casting for not much more.

Regarding Facebook, I have fought the phenomenon with all my being. I know there are attractive benefits but I don't care to pay the price. Wife has become a FB Zombie. Sleeps with her phone so she won't miss a thing.