As a small business, we are challenged to deal with the completely unexpected costs now imposed on our imports from our factories overseas. Even for the freight en route to us, the tariff cost continues to change.

Beginning with the release of the Dome cars, we have started paying tariff charges. Even though these cars will cost us much more than we ever planned, we do not feel that it is right to add a surcharge to each and every car already purchased, nor would we even know how to do that. And yet we cannot absorb these unplanned expenses.

Please know that we are committed to delivering high quality trains and your continued support means everything to us. Even with what seems uncertainty, we know we will get through this. 

Our mission is to provide happiness in this wonderful hobby, and an excellent distraction to a world of seeming uncertain times.

For 34 years our small business model has worked well with pre-sales. In the case of this added cost now on delivery, we will have several ways we are asking for your help in this moment in time.

Option 1. After adding products to your cart, on the checkout page you will be prompted to help with a Tariff Relief contribution. Thank you in advance for any help you can provide.

Option 2. For each shipment where a tariff will be applied, we are creating a single car which will be double + the normal cost. The overcharge for each TRC (Tariff Relief Car, Special Edition) will help offset the cost of tariffs for the next shipment. This is our idea: to offer you the chance to help alleviate the burden of the tariffs we are all facing by at least giving you a Special Edition car for your contribution as a token of thanks for helping in this trying situation.

Our first Tariff Relief Car (TRC) can be found here:

This is not the end of the world, just a ‘bump in the tracks’ that we will navigate. Jeremiah 29:11 ‘God’s plans are for good and not disaster, to give us a future and a hope!’ We believe that!

After these Domes arrive we will delay deliveries until there is reasonable costs that can be planned for. Please continue to pre-order. We have many great cars coming!

Thank you for your patience and help! We have more amazing trains to come!

Lowell & Barb