Shipping & Returns

Shipping Policy

1.) How do you calculate the cost of shipping?

Shipping is automatically calculated for all shipments and displayed to you at checkout. We use the weight and dimensions of the package to determine the shipping cost.

2.) How long before my order ships?

Our orders usually ship from our warehouse in 2 to 3 business days.

3.) What are my shipping choices?

For US customers we offer standard shipping (2-5 day transit time) as well as expedited 2-day and next day options. Expedited orders placed after 1 PM Eastern will ship the next business day.

Please note: Expedited shipping is not available to PO Box and APO addresses.

For customers outside of the US we offer standard shipping (5-7 days transit via UPS or 1-2 weeks via USPS) or economy shipping (2-4 weeks transit via USPS).

4.) Can I select my shipping carrier of choice for an order?

No, as of May 18th 2020, the shipping carrier chosen for orders shipped in the USA are at ModelTrainStuff's discretion.

5.) Can you combine, modify or add items to my order?

We are not able to combine, modify or add to orders after they have been placed. Prior to finalizing your order, review your shopping cart to assure you have ordered the correct scale, quantity, etc. If you notice a mistake on your order please call our customer service department at 1-888-872-4675 to cancel your order so you can replace it with a correct one.

6.) Can you hold my order to ship at a later date?

Yes! If you would like us to hold your order to ship on a later date, please include a note in the "Order Notes" section of checkout stating "Hold Shipment until (Specify Date)"

7.) Do your orders require a signature for delivery?

We require a signature for delivery for all orders over $750. If your order is under $750 and will still like to require a signature at the time of delivery, please include a note in the "Order Notes" section of checkout stating, "Signature Required".

8.) Import Duty, GST/VAT & Other Charges

Our shipping quotes for international shipments do not include Import Duty, GST/VAT or other carrier fees for shipments outside the of the USA and you may need to pay for these additional charges at the time of delivery.

9.) Can you ship aerosols or other flammable product overseas?

We do not ship any aerosols or flammable products overseas. If you order these products to be shipped overseas, a member of our Customer Service Team will contact you to credit you for the items.

Return & Exchange Policy

You have 30 days, from date of purchase, to return or exchange an item(s). Any item(s) purchased more than 30 days past the original date of purchase must be returned to the manufacturer.

All items being returned for exchange and / or refund MUST be returned in the same new condition which they were shipped to you including the original packaging and all included instructions, manuals, etc.

Items being returned must be in a sturdy shipping box to avoid damage. Please do not return items in mailing or shipping envelopes. If an item is sent in an envelope and arrives in a damaged condition no refund or exchange will be issued.

Any item(s) that have been modified in any way, but not limited to, changes in appearance, (weathering, decals, painting), additional and/or removed or replaced parts, will not be accepted and will be returned to the customer with no refunds, credits or exchanges given.

Please include a note with your return explaining in detail why you are returning the item(s). If an item is defective please describe the issue in detail. If an item is damaged please specify the type of damage and where it is located on the item(s).

Please include a note with your order number or a copy of your receipt or packing slip with your return.

All book, magazine, calendar, DVD and Blu-ray sales are final.

In addition, the following products and manufacturers are not covered by our return and exchange policy and must be returned to the manufacturer for replacement:

American Z Line
MTH
Digitrax
Wheels of Time
Twin Whistle
All DC / Sound / DCC Decoders & Accessories with the exception of ESU Loksound products
Opened ERC (Electric Railroad Company) Upgrade Kits and circuit boards and MTH Electronic Proto-Sound 2 Upgrade kits and Electrification Kits

You can begin the return process and generate a return label by using the procedures outlined below:

United States Customers:

To start the return process please visit our returns portal.

A member of our Customer Service Team may contact you with any additional questions as needed to process your return, if you specified "Exchange" as a return reason to accommodate that request. Any refunds issued should process in about 2-3 business days.

International Customers:

Please contact our Customer Service Team at support.modeltrainstuff.com or by calling 1.888.872.4675 to begin the return process.

If our Customer Service Team asks you to return products back to our store, please use the most economical mail service available in your country. We will not reimburse return shipping costs for returns shipped using express or expedited shipping options.