Based on checking the website, Blueridgehobbies.com appears to be a legitimate online hobby store primarily focused on model railroading. However, its current operational status, as clearly stated on its homepage, indicates that online ordering will return in 2025, and as of April 16th, the website is not taking new orders due to the owner’s impending retirement and extensive travel plans. This significantly impacts its usability for new customers looking to make purchases immediately. The site emphasizes its long history 22 years, BBB A+ rating, and a commitment to customer service, despite detailing numerous personal frustrations with shipping carriers and suppliers.
Overall Review Summary:
- Operational Status: Currently not accepting new online orders. resuming in mid-2025.
- Product Focus: Model railroading supplies trains, tracks, animated signs.
- Customer Service: Owner expresses strong commitment despite external challenges.
- Website Design: Appears dated, with extensive text-based updates.
- Pricing: Advertises “low prices” and “everything 15% below cost” for clearance items.
- Transparency: Highly transparent about business challenges and operational changes.
- BBB Rating: A+ accredited business.
- Shipping: Details significant past issues with carriers FedEx, UPS, USPS impacting delivery times.
- Order Minimum: $50.00 for online shopping cart orders.
- Fees: 5% fee for phone orders, $2.00 minimum handling fee for shipped orders.
- Product Availability: Significant challenges cited, with only 25,000 out of 130,000 database items available daily. Back orders can take years to fulfill.
The website provides a into the owner’s journey, from founding Blue Ridge Hobbies in 2003 to navigating the Great Recession, factory closures in China, dwindling product availability, and the COVID-19 pandemic.
This candid narrative offers a rare look into the realities of running a specialized retail business, particularly in a niche market.
While the transparency is commendable, the current inability to place new orders makes it unsuitable for immediate purchasing needs.
Here are some of the best alternatives for hobbyists seeking model railroading supplies or other ethical, non-edible hobbies:
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- Key Features: One of the largest and most comprehensive sources for model railroading, offering a vast catalog of locomotives, rolling stock, track, structures, and accessories from numerous manufacturers. They also provide tools, scenery materials, and books.
- Average Price: Varies widely depending on the item, from a few dollars for small accessories to hundreds for locomotives.
- Pros: Enormous selection, reputable industry leader, reliable shipping, frequent new product announcements.
- Cons: Can be overwhelming for beginners, some items might be backordered from manufacturers.
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- Key Features: Long-standing retailer specializing in model trains and related hobby products. Offers a wide range of scales, brands, and types of model railroading items, often at competitive prices. They also have a physical store in Brooklyn, NY.
- Average Price: Competitive pricing, often running sales and promotions.
- Pros: Extensive inventory, good customer service reputation, frequent discounts, family-owned business with a long history.
- Cons: Website navigation can be a bit clunky, some products might be out of stock quickly due to demand.
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- Key Features: Online hobby store with a strong focus on models, including model trains, planes, cars, and other kits. They offer a diverse selection of brands, scales, and accessories, along with paints, tools, and supplies for hobbyists.
- Average Price: Generally competitive with various price points.
- Pros: Wide variety of hobby categories beyond just trains, good stock levels, often provides detailed product descriptions.
- Cons: Shipping times can vary, some users report occasional delays.
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- Key Features: Comprehensive online hobby shop offering model kits across numerous categories, including plastic models, die-cast, model railroading, and remote control items. They also stock paints, tools, and accessories.
- Average Price: Prices are comparable to other major online hobby retailers.
- Pros: Broad selection, user-friendly website, often has hard-to-find items, good for general hobby supplies.
- Cons: Primarily focused on kits rather than individual train components as much as dedicated train stores, shipping costs can add up for large orders.
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- Key Features: While known for RC vehicles and aircraft, Tower Hobbies also carries a decent selection of model railroading supplies, especially for beginner sets and some rolling stock. They are a large, well-established online retailer.
- Average Price: Competitive, often with promotions and loyalty programs.
- Pros: Reputable and reliable, excellent customer service, fast shipping on in-stock items, good for general hobby needs.
- Cons: Selection for advanced model railroaders might be more limited compared to specialized train stores.
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- Key Features: A major distributor and retailer in the hobby industry, offering a wide array of products including RC, plastic models, and some model railroading items, particularly rolling stock and accessories from brands they distribute.
- Average Price: Varies by product, generally in line with market rates.
- Pros: Large inventory, strong supply chain, good customer support, often carries popular brands.
- Cons: Not solely dedicated to model railroading, so selection might be less deep for highly specialized components.
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Amazon Model Railroad Category
- Key Features: Offers a vast marketplace for model railroading supplies from various sellers, including basic sets, track, locomotives, and accessories. You can find both new and used items, often with fast shipping through Prime.
- Average Price: Highly variable depending on seller and product, competitive for many items.
- Pros: Convenience, fast shipping especially with Prime, wide array of sellers, customer reviews.
- Cons: Can be difficult to filter for specific niche items, quality control varies between third-party sellers, less expert advice compared to dedicated hobby shops.
Find detailed reviews on Trustpilot, Reddit, and BBB.org, for software products you can also check Producthunt.
IMPORTANT: We have not personally tested this company’s services. This review is based solely on information provided by the company on their website. For independent, verified user experiences, please refer to trusted sources such as Trustpilot, Reddit, and BBB.org.
Blueridgehobbies.com Review & First Look
Based on a thorough examination of its homepage and linked policies, Blueridgehobbies.com presents itself as a long-standing, reputable hobby shop primarily focused on model railroading. The site immediately communicates its 22-year history and BBB A+ rating, aiming to instill confidence. However, the most critical piece of information for any potential customer is prominently displayed: online ordering is currently suspended and will return in 2025, with no new orders being taken after April 16th due to the owner’s approaching retirement and travel plans. This is a significant factor that prospective buyers must acknowledge before considering the site.
The website’s design is functional but decidedly dated, reflecting a 1990s aesthetic with a strong reliance on plain text, underlined links, and minimal graphical elements. This contrasts sharply with modern e-commerce sites that prioritize intuitive navigation, high-resolution product images, and seamless user experiences. Despite the antiquated appearance, the site attempts to be highly informative, detailing operational updates, historical context, and even personal grievances of the owner with various shipping carriers and suppliers. This level of candid communication, while transparent, also highlights significant operational challenges the business has faced and continues to grapple with, especially regarding product availability and timely fulfillment.
Operational Transparency and Challenges
The “NEWS AND UPDATES” section is a cornerstone of the site, providing chronological entries that shed light on the business’s evolution and hurdles. For instance, the entry dated 08/01/24 directly addresses the impending online retail return in 2025, alongside plans for new physical displays. More notably, the 04/09/23 entry offers a detailed “20 Years In Review,” chronicling the store’s physical expansions, the impact of the “Great Recession” in 2008, and the continuous struggle with product availability. It states that product availability has plummeted from 90,000 potential items in 2003 to only about 25,000 available daily by 2023. This highlights a severe supply chain issue that has directly impacted their ability to stock and fulfill orders efficiently, with some back orders taking up to seven years.
The site also features sections like “STORE POLICY,” “CUSTOMER OPINIONS,” and “ABOUT US,” which are crucial for assessing legitimacy and customer focus. The “STORE POLICY” page is comprehensive, detailing minimum order requirements $50.00 online, phone order fees 5%, and handling fees $2.00 minimum. It also includes important disclaimers about the 100% accuracy of information not being guaranteed, particularly regarding product images and availability, which are sourced from manufacturers and wholesalers. While this level of transparency is rare, it underscores potential inconsistencies between what is advertised and what is actually available, which could be a source of frustration for customers.
Blueridgehobbies.com Pros & Cons
When evaluating Blueridgehobbies.com, it’s important to weigh its historical standing and transparency against its current operational limitations and website design.
The site has built a reputation over two decades, reflected in its positive BBB rating and numerous customer testimonials.
However, the practical implications of its current status present considerable drawbacks for potential customers.
The Good: Transparency and Reputation
- High Transparency: The owner’s candid blog-style updates about business challenges, supply chain issues, and personal experiences with carriers are unusually transparent. This provides a deep, albeit sometimes overwhelming, insight into the daily operations and difficulties faced. For example, the detailed “What’s Wrong With The World” rant from 04/06/23 explicitly outlines frustrations with FedEx, Marriott, Australian embassy, Rapido, UPS, USPS, and Tony’s Train Exchange, offering a unique perspective on the hurdles of running an e-commerce business.
- Established History: Celebrating 22 years in business is a significant milestone, indicating longevity and a loyal customer base. This long history suggests a foundational reliability, even if current operations are paused.
- BBB A+ Rating: An A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau BBB is a strong indicator of a company’s commitment to resolving customer complaints and operating ethically. This accreditation provides a layer of trust.
- Customer Testimonials: The “CUSTOMER OPINIONS” section though linked as “InMyOpinion.html” highlights positive feedback from long-term customers, such as Tim Reed, Pat Moore, and Jim Cevasco, suggesting a dedicated clientele who appreciate the store’s service over the years.
- Focus on Niche: Specializing in model railroading allows for a deep inventory within that specific hobby, appealing directly to enthusiasts.
The Not-So-Good: Significant Limitations
- No Current Online Ordering: This is the biggest drawback. As of April 16th, the site is not taking new orders, and online ordering is only slated to return in mid-2025. This makes it impossible for immediate purchases.
- Outdated Website Design: The user interface is reminiscent of early internet pages, lacking modern e-commerce features, responsive design, and visually appealing product displays. This can make navigation cumbersome and the shopping experience less engaging.
- Product Availability Issues: The owner explicitly states the difficulty in stocking products, with only 25,000 out of 130,000 database items available daily. This means a significant portion of their listed inventory may not be immediately purchasable.
- Extended Back Order Times: The warning about back orders and advance reservations taking “a very very long time,” sometimes up to 7 years, is a major red flag for customer satisfaction and planning.
- Disclaimers on Accuracy: The site’s numerous disclaimers about “100% accuracy of information is not guaranteed” for prices, products, images, and availability raise concerns about potential discrepancies between what is listed and what customers actually receive.
- Mandatory Fees: The imposition of a $50.00 minimum for online orders, a 5% fee for phone orders, and a $2.00 handling fee on all shipped orders can add up, potentially deterring customers looking for smaller, inexpensive items.
- Shipping Issues: While the owner details his frustrations with carriers, the past issues with delays and mis-postings from FedEx and UPS directly impact customer experience, even if they are external factors.
Blueridgehobbies.com Alternatives
Given Blueridgehobbies.com’s current operational status and historical challenges, exploring robust and reliable alternatives is crucial for any hobbyist.
The model railroading niche is supported by several well-established online retailers and broader hobby suppliers that offer extensive inventories, consistent service, and modern shopping experiences.
These alternatives prioritize immediate availability, efficient shipping, and strong customer support, which are critical for an enjoyable hobby pursuit. Brokerswatch.com Review
* Key Features: A cornerstone of the model railroading community, offering an unparalleled selection of locomotives, rolling stock, track, structures, and tools from virtually every major manufacturer. Their catalog is encyclopedic.
* Pros: Widest selection available, highly reputable, consistent new product releases, reliable fulfillment.
* Cons: Can be overwhelming for beginners. prices are standard MSRP.
* Key Features: A long-standing family-owned business known for its competitive pricing and extensive inventory of model trains in various scales. They often run sales and specials.
* Pros: Excellent value, large stock of popular items, strong customer service reputation, frequent discounts.
* Cons: Website interface is functional but can be less modern than some competitors.
* Key Features: A general hobby retailer with a significant focus on model kits, including a substantial section for model trains and accessories. They carry a broad range of brands and supplies.
* Pros: Good variety across multiple hobby categories, often has good stock levels, comprehensive product descriptions.
* Cons: Shipping times can vary, customer support sometimes reported as slow.
* Key Features: Specializes in model kits of all types, including a robust selection of model trains, military models, cars, and aircraft. They also stock a wide array of paints, tools, and finishing supplies.
* Pros: Broad product range for diverse hobby interests, competitive pricing, user-friendly website.
* Cons: Not exclusively focused on model trains, so the depth of highly specialized railroading items might be less than dedicated train stores.
* Key Features: Primarily known for RC vehicles, but also carries a considerable selection of plastic models and some model railroading items, particularly rolling stock and accessories from popular brands.
* Pros: Well-established and reliable, strong customer service, often has fast shipping on in-stock items.
* Cons: Model railroading selection is not as deep as dedicated train specialists.
* Key Features: A major player in the hobby distribution space, retailing a wide array of products, including a solid range of model railroading accessories and rolling stock, especially from brands they distribute.
* Pros: Large inventory, robust supply chain, good customer support, often carries popular brands.
* Cons: Less of a dedicated model train retailer, more of a general hobby supplier.
- Micro-Mark
- Key Features: Specializes in precision tools and supplies for scale modelers and hobbyists. While they don’t sell trains, they are an indispensable resource for modeling tools, glues, paints, and workshop accessories.
- Pros: High-quality specialized tools, unique problem-solving solutions, excellent for serious modelers.
- Cons: Does not sell the models themselves, only the tools and supplies needed to build and detail them.
The State of Model Railroading Retail
Economic and Supply Chain Impacts
The “Great Recession” of 2008-2009 significantly impacted discretionary spending, affecting sales across many hobby sectors. For model railroading, this meant reduced demand for new products and a slowdown in the development of new lines. Compounding this, the globalization of manufacturing, particularly the reliance on factories in China, introduced new vulnerabilities. As Blueridgehobbies.com mentions, factory closures in China severely impacted product availability, dropping their potential stock from 90,000 items in 2003 to around 70,000 by 2012. This trend continued, with only about 60,000 items available by 2015 and a mere 25,000 by 2023. This drastic reduction in available inventory underscores a systemic issue within the hobby’s supply chain, affecting even large distributors.
The COVID-19 pandemic further exacerbated these issues.
While some hobbies saw a surge in interest due to increased time at home, supply chain disruptions, labor shortages, and shipping delays became rampant.
The Blueridgehobbies.com owner explicitly states that during COVID-19, “No one came to the store at all but internet sales are still strong at this time,” yet simultaneously notes that “Back orders and advance reservations are taking a very very long time of get fulfilled.
In some cases taken up to 7 years from order to fulfillment.” This illustrates the paradox: demand might have been present, but the ability to fulfill it was severely hampered.
The Rise of Online vs. Brick-and-Mortar
The narrative also traces the shift from a robust brick-and-mortar presence to a predominantly online model. Blueridgehobbies.com started with a physical store, expanded it, and then downsized as internet sales gained prominence. The owner’s decision to eventually close the retail store in July 2023 and continue selling only online from a shipping location underscores a broader trend in retail: the increasing dominance of e-commerce. Many traditional hobby shops have struggled to compete with the vast inventories and often lower overheads of online retailers.
However, even online operations are not immune to the challenges outlined, particularly those related to supplier reliability and shipping logistics.
The owner’s detailed complaints about FedEx, UPS, and even major suppliers like Rapido Trains highlight the intricate web of dependencies in the retail chain.
These external factors directly impact the customer experience, leading to delays and frustrations, even if the retailer itself is striving for excellent service.
The decision to temporarily cease online operations in 2024 for an extended period, leading to a return in 2025, represents an extreme measure taken by a sole proprietor navigating these complex industry dynamics. Balimultimediarental.com Review
How to Navigate Online Hobby Stores for Ethical Purchases
When into the world of online hobby stores, particularly for detailed and sometimes expensive items like model railroading supplies, a discerning approach is essential.
Beyond just finding the right product, ensuring the legitimacy of the vendor and understanding their operational policies is paramount for a smooth and ethical transaction.
This is especially true when a website, like Blueridgehobbies.com, transparently discusses its operational challenges and temporary closures.
Verifying Website Legitimacy and Reputation
Before making any purchase, especially from less familiar online stores, always perform due diligence.
- Check for contact information: Legitimate websites will clearly list a physical address, phone number, and email. Blueridgehobbies.com provides all of these.
- Look for security indicators: Ensure the website uses HTTPS indicated by a padlock icon in the browser’s address bar, which encrypts your data.
- Review online feedback: Search for reviews on independent platforms like the Better Business Bureau BBB, Trustpilot, or hobby-specific forums. Blueridgehobbies.com’s BBB A+ rating is a strong positive signal. Pay attention to how companies respond to negative feedback.
- Examine the “About Us” and “Policy” pages: These sections often provide crucial insights into the company’s history, mission, and operational policies, including returns, shipping, and privacy. Blueridgehobbies.com’s detailed “About Us” and “Store Policy” pages, while lengthy, offer significant transparency.
- Longevity of the domain: Tools like WHOIS lookup can reveal how long a domain has been registered. A longer history often indicates more stability. Blueridgehobbies.com has been around since 2003, indicating a long-standing presence.
Understanding Shipping and Return Policies
Shipping costs and delivery times are critical aspects of online shopping satisfaction.
- Shipping costs: Be aware of minimum order values for free shipping, or any handling fees. Blueridgehobbies.com has a $50 minimum for online orders and a $2.00 handling fee.
- Delivery estimates: Understand the estimated delivery window. Be wary of sites that don’t provide clear timelines or make unrealistic promises. The candid notes on Blueridgehobbies.com about shipping delays from various carriers are a reminder of how external factors can influence delivery.
- Return and exchange policies: Clearly understand the conditions for returns, including timelines, restocking fees, and who pays for return shipping. A transparent return policy protects you if an item is damaged or not as expected.
- Backorder and pre-order policies: For hobby items, backorders are common. Understand how the store handles these, including expected wait times and cancellation options. Blueridgehobbies.com’s warning about 7-year backorder fulfillment is a stark example of potential delays.
Evaluating Product Availability and Accuracy
The accuracy of product listings and real-time inventory is crucial for avoiding frustration.
- “In stock” vs. “Available from warehouse”: Be cautious of vague availability statuses. As Blueridgehobbies.com notes, “At Least One Or More Available At Our Warehouse” doesn’t guarantee immediate availability for sale. Clarify if an item is truly in stock at their facility or if it needs to be ordered from a supplier.
- Product image accuracy: While manufacturers supply most images, ensure they accurately represent the product. Disclaimers about 100% accuracy not being guaranteed, as seen on Blueridgehobbies.com, mean you should manage your expectations.
- Pricing transparency: Check for hidden fees. Blueridgehobbies.com explicitly states that shipping, handling, and sales tax are added at shipment time, and phone orders incur a 5% fee. Ensure the final price aligns with your expectations.
Blueridgehobbies.com Pricing and Fees
Understanding the pricing structure and any associated fees is crucial when evaluating an online retailer.
Blueridgehobbies.com outlines several specific policies that impact the final cost of an order, beyond just the listed product price.
These include minimum order values, handling charges, and fees for different ordering methods.
While the site advertises “low prices” and “15% below cost” for clearance items, these additional charges must be factored in. Greenwebsoftwaredevelopment.com Review
Detailed Breakdown of Costs
- Minimum Online Shopping Cart Order: As of July 27, 2020, there is a minimum online shopping cart order of $50.00. This means if your desired items total less than this amount, you cannot complete an online purchase. This policy can be a deterrent for customers looking to buy single, inexpensive accessories or components.
- Phone Order Fee: All phone orders are subject to a 5% fee based on the overall order cost. This encourages customers to use the online system when it is available, or it adds a premium for personalized service. For a $100 order, this would add $5.00, and for a $500 order, an additional $25.00.
- Shipped Orders Handling Fee: All shipped orders incur a minimum $2.00 handling fee. This is a standard practice for many online retailers to cover the costs associated with packaging, labeling, and processing shipments, but it is an additional cost to consider.
- Shipping and Sales Tax: The website explicitly states: “Shipping, handling and sales tax are not included and are added at the time your order is shipped to you or picked up at our retail store.” This means the prices displayed on product pages are base prices, and the final total will include these additional charges. For customers accustomed to “free shipping” offers from larger retailers, this might be an unexpected addition to the cost. Sales tax will be applied based on the shipping destination, adhering to state and local regulations.
- Clearance and Sale Prices: The site prominently features “FINAL REDUCTIONS EVERYTHING IS NOW 15% BELOW COST!” and “BRH RETAIL STORE CLEARANCE EVERYTHING SOLD AT OUR COST – OUR LOWEST PRICES.” While these sound appealing, it’s important to remember these offers are likely for limited stock, and the previously mentioned fees still apply. Given the stated difficulties with product availability, these clearance items might be difficult to acquire even if the store were taking new orders.
Implications for Customers
These pricing policies indicate a business model that needs to cover operational costs beyond just product markup, particularly given the challenges detailed on the site regarding supplier issues and shipping logistics.
While the “low prices” are attractive, customers need to be diligent in calculating the total cost, including the minimum order, handling fees, and shipping, to avoid surprises.
The temporary cessation of new orders makes these pricing policies theoretical for the time being, but they provide insight into how the business intends to operate once online sales resume in 2025. This structure, particularly the minimum order and additional fees, contrasts with some larger retailers that might absorb these costs or offer more integrated pricing.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Blueridgehobbies.com?
Blueridgehobbies.com is an online hobby store, primarily focused on model railroading supplies, that has been in operation for over 22 years.
Is Blueridgehobbies.com currently accepting new orders?
No, Blueridgehobbies.com is currently not accepting new online orders.
The website states that online ordering will return in mid-2025.
Why is Blueridgehobbies.com not taking new orders?
The owner of Blueridgehobbies.com is heading towards full retirement and has several long trips planned out of the USA, making it impossible to service orders for extended periods.
When will Blueridgehobbies.com resume online ordering?
Online ordering is scheduled to return in mid-2025.
What kind of products does Blueridgehobbies.com sell?
Blueridgehobbies.com specializes in model railroading products, including animated signs, tracks, and a wide range of model railroad supplies.
Does Blueridgehobbies.com have a physical store?
No, the retail store on Pleasantburg was closed in July 2023. Sales continue online from a new order processing and shipping location that does not allow customer access. Digitalizedapex.com Review
What is the Better Business Bureau BBB rating for Blueridgehobbies.com?
Blueridgehobbies.com holds an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau BBB.
What is the minimum order value for Blueridgehobbies.com online?
The minimum online shopping cart order is $50.00, effective July 27, 2020.
Are there any fees for phone orders at Blueridgehobbies.com?
Yes, all phone orders are subject to a 5% fee based on the overall order cost.
Is there a handling fee for shipped orders from Blueridgehobbies.com?
Yes, all shipped orders have a minimum $2.00 handling fee.
Does Blueridgehobbies.com offer free shipping?
The website indicates that shipping, handling, and sales tax are not included in listed prices and are added at the time an order is shipped.
There is a section titled “FREE SHIPPING MYTH” which suggests they do not typically offer free shipping.
How accurate is the product information on Blueridgehobbies.com?
The website states that “100% accuracy of information is not guaranteed” for prices, products, and images, which are supplied by manufacturers and wholesalers.
What does “At Least One Or More Available At Our Warehouse” mean on Blueridgehobbies.com?
This indicates items listed as on hand in their warehouse, manufacturers’, or wholesalers’ warehouses, or in their retail store as of the last update.
It does not guarantee immediate availability for sale, as inventory changes frequently and may include items not for sale e.g., dealer returns, damaged product.
How long do back orders and advance reservations take to fulfill from Blueridgehobbies.com?
The owner states that back orders and advance reservations can take a very long time to fulfill, in some cases up to 7 years, due to product availability issues. Iqcent.io Review
What are the main challenges faced by Blueridgehobbies.com?
The owner details significant challenges including factory closures in China, dwindling product availability, impacts of the Great Recession, and frustrations with shipping carriers FedEx, UPS, USPS and suppliers regarding delays and customer service.
Does Blueridgehobbies.com ship internationally?
Yes, the website mentions “We Ship Around The World! For More Info,” indicating international shipping capabilities.
Can I check my order status on Blueridgehobbies.com?
Yes, the website provides a link for “YOUR ORDER STATUS” where customers can check the status of their orders.
Are there any discounts or sales currently active on Blueridgehobbies.com?
The website mentions “FINAL REDUCTIONS EVERYTHING IS NOW 15% BELOW COST!” and “BRH RETAIL STORE CLEARANCE EVERYTHING SOLD AT OUR COST – OUR LOWEST PRICES,” but these are for clearance items and online ordering is paused.
How does Blueridgehobbies.com handle past orders if online ordering is paused?
For open back orders and advance reservations, they will be filled as long as manufacturers and wholesalers send the product.
Orders ready to be shipped will be held until the owner returns.
What are some reliable alternatives to Blueridgehobbies.com for model railroading supplies?
Some reliable alternatives include Walthers, TrainWorld, HobbyLinc, MegaHobby, Tower Hobbies, Horizon Hobby, and general searches on Amazon Model Railroad Category.
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