I was looking at Mission Models website so that I could order some "blacken-it" for some Fruil tracks. I found what I was looking for but I did not find a way to order the items. Does the site not have a virtual shopping cart like 99% of other web stores?

Correct, I called them, told the owner what I wanted, he walked around the store, picked it out and mailed it to me. Took credit cards over the phone, received the goods in a couple of days (CA-MA).

Thanks for the info Sabot........Dang that is a strange way to do things these days.

You have to call them. This is the only thing I don't like about Mission. Other than that they are among the best internet stores out there, customer service second to none.

Mike

I have ordered from Mission Models on several occasions and have always had good service and quick delivery times. One nice thing about having to call them is they will tell you if the item is in stock and how many they have on hand.

Phone orders??

I am sure there are valid reasons for this but jeepers it is the year 2004 isn't it?

As one who works in this specfic area I know we have the cost effective technology!

Regards

Fordboy

Besides Mission Models, most hobby shops that deal in model trains usually carry Blackin it.... it's a pretty standard fare got the HO set, blackening their brass Locomotives, etc. There is also a railraod product for wood, called weather it. Gives wood a weatherd look, the same as blackin it blackens metal chemically.

If you met the owner, you'ld understand. I met him when we held the Regional IPMS show. I guess he decided to put his money into stock instead of technology. Each to his own, but I'd trade a good inventory and knowing immediately what is in stock for a phone call.
That is, if the supplier is in the same country, because, stupid me, I made a business call to England and Australia from home, not realizing that we did NOT have an international calling plan. The two calls cost me over $500 as I was charged $4.00 per minute! There went some modeling money.

Sealhead

I also was a little concerned the first time I dealt with Mission Models that they didn't have a shopping cart. But if you place an order with them, you get it FAST! Everytime I order from them, 2 days later I have my package.

Don

In addition to fast service they have found several kits for me. Just yesterday I got a call on a kit I'd asked about a couple of months ago. Jon and the gang are friendly and will go out of thier way to help you.
I believe in supporting my LHS, but if they don't have what I want I call Mission Models.

Chuck

There are way too many hobby shops with virtual shopping that don't keep dynamica inventory. In other words the inventory doesn't update when items get sold. You could plae an order that is out of stock or go on backorder and you wouldn't know it for a few days.

By going straight to the shelf, Mission Models can tell you immediately in a low tech way whether an item is in stock or not

I just placed an order (my first) with these guys (based on the word here on armorama). I found the service excellent; the gentleman went to look and see if what I wanted was in stock, and pulled it while I was on the phone. As far as how long it will take to recieve, I'll get back to ya on that.

on a side note: I, too, believe in supporting my LHS. However, they don't carry a lot of aftermarket stuff, (i.e. MIG pigments, aftermarket tracks, barrels, etc.) Just a small selection of PE and some resin stuff from Verlinden. If it doesn't sell they can't restock the stuff, or order different products (gotta love owners). They have gotten much better, but still a lot of their AM stuff is special orders they got burned on. Oh well. Just my 2 pennies.