Chapter A: The Store

Hello and Welcome:
*ToToTrains was established in 2004 by Jan Bröcker. The web site was launched February 1st, 2005, and the physical location at 1031 Vermont Street, Lawrence, Kansas, opened June 1st, 2005.
*ToToTrains specializes in German model trains and accessories.
*ToToTrains is an authorized dealer for the German top train brands Märklin, Trix, LGB, and Herpa.
*ToToTrains is an authorized dealer for several other quality brands, although I usually do not stock a lot of their items to keep overhead (and your prices) low. Most items can be delivered within 5 business days though. For a list of all the brands I am an authorized dealer for, please visit the "brands" page.
*ToToTrains buys and sells used model train items of the above mentioned train brands in good or better condition (subject to inspection and approval of ToToTrains, LLC).
*ToToTrains accepts the above mentioned model trains on consignment (subject to inspection and approval of ToToTrains, LLC).
*ToToTrains can service, repair or digitize your engines and other rolling stock. I have about 25 years experience cleaning, repairing, and digitizing Märklin and LGB products.
*ToToTrains can build, maintain, and/or trouble shoot your train layout or garden railroad.
*ToToTrains can assist you in valuing your collection.
*ToToTrains provides excellent customer service and product for the lowest possible prices.

Opening Hours:
ToToTrains is ALWAYS open!
I answer the phone and emails 7 days a week. Please feel free to contact me if you want to set up an appointment, have a question, want to place an order, or just want to talk trains.
One small disclaimer though: I am the only "employee" at ToToTrains, so at times I might be gone for a couple of hours to run an errand, or maybe even for a couple of days because of other commitments. If that is the case, please leave me a detailed message with your name, phone number or email address, and I will reply as soon as I can.

Store hours:
Summer hours:
April through September: Friday & Saturday from 10:00am until 4:00pm.
Winter hours:
October through March: Wednesday, Thursday, Friday & Saturday from 10:00am until 4:00pm.

In all reality I am at the store every day, but it is a good idea to call first if you want to stop by outside of store hours. We can then set up a time

Types of Payment Accepted:
-Cash
-Personal checks
-Money orders
-Credit Cards (MC and Vista)
It is my goal to keep prices as low as possible. In order to be able to do that I charge a 2.3% and $1.00 "convenience charge" on all orders under $200.00 made with a credit card. You can make the payment on-line on a secure website. Please click on CC Payment.

Items can only be returned if the manufacturer accepts returned merchandise. The item must be in its original box, and the item and box must be in the same condition as when they were sold. A restocking fee might be deducted from the refund given, depending on the manufacturer.

 

Chapter B: The Trains

The H0 scale trains:
Märklin (a.k.a. Marklin or Maerklin). Märklin is a German toy manufacturer that has been in business for a very long time. Märklin has produced toys varying from dolls to steam engines to spinning tops, but it is best known for its toy trains. Märklin has produced many different scales over the years (Z, H0, 00, 0, I, II, III, V), but H0 is probably the most popular worldwide. Märklin H0 trains are the nicest, most durable and collectable trains one can find. Märklin H0 runs on a 3-rail AC system; no problems with loops in a layout, easy wiring, and endless hours of maintenance free enjoyment. Engines from other brands are usually not compatible with the Märklin system, unless you perform major surgery on them. Most cars though, can be made compatible by simply changing their wheel sets. Märklin was one of the first model railroad companies to step into the digital world, and they have come a long way. Currently I am building a digital layout operated by the latest digital gadgets. It will soon be a "must-see".
Trix is also a German company, and has been in business for years. Late last century Märklin bought Trix, and now you can find a lot of Märklin engines being produced for DC 2-rail, and visa versa. It would be fair to state that Trix has become the DC 2-rail department of Märklin. Again, the cars are easily converted from AC to DC or the other way around. Trix is also very well know for their N scale line, also called MiniTrix.
Herpa is a German company that produces scale cars and trucks. Every once in a while they do sets in cooperation with Märklin. These sets are highly collectible and usually sell out fast.

The G scale trains:
LGB is the manufacturer of choice when it comes to outside trains! Like LGB states in their literature: "LGB trains are not cheap. However, in view of its sturdiness and life span, it is altogether quite inexpensive". LGB has been manufacturing trains since 1968, but the LGB history goes back to 1881 when Ernst Paul Lehmann founded a small company, making toys. LGB (Lehmann Gross Bahn) is made for young and old. It's easy to put them on the track, they run for a long time even if it's in the sun, rain or snow. The LGB track is made out of brass, and it holds up even in the extreme Kansas climate. In 2006 LGB introduced a new line of nickel plated track. I personally have not used it yet, but it looks beautiful. Recently LGB has stepped into the digital world which has added another dimension.
Märklin also produces large scale trains. This scale would be the true 1 scale. They are very nice pieces mainly reserved for the connoisseur. They are not cheap, but the details are absolutely stunning.
For the last decade or so Märklin was also producing "Maxi" trains. "Maxi" was made out of metal and almost indestructable. Märklin has slowly integrating the "Maxi" line into the true 1 scale line.

The N scale trains:
Trix makes N scale trains under the name MiniTrix. Please refer to the H0 section for more information on (Mini)Trix. At this time I do not actively stock N scale, but I am able to order it at any time. I'd be happy to give you advice on prototype, prices, and other general questions.

The Z scale trains:
The only Z scale I carry is made by Märklin. Z scale is not for people with bad eyes. Not only will you have difficulties putting the trains on the track, you will miss all the very fine detailing and lettering. My eyesight is what the doctors call "almost perfect" for someone in his forties, but I have to use a magnifying glass at times to read what is printed on the sides of the rolling stock. Z scale is the perfect match for people that do not have a lot of room, or if you just want something completely different. A small layout is in the works at ToToTrains.

Chapter C: My Story

My story:
I have been playing with (or should I say "operating") Märklin H0 since I was 5 years old, and it's been a great hobby ever since. I started with a small set (including the little steam engine #3000) in 1966. I was still living in The Netherlands at that time, so pretty soon I acquired some Dutch rolling stock and a Dutch electric engine from the 1200 series (for a complete list of Dutch Märklin H0 rolling stock click here.
Around 1976 I lost interest, and the trains were stored away (sounds like a familiar story?). Well, after moving to the USA, I started to wonder what ever happened to my beloved Märklin trains. One phone call to mom and I learned that the trains were safe and sound. The next time I visited The Netherlands in 1990, I brought all of them over. Boy, was I shocked when I found out what had happened in those 14 years! High propulsion motors, detailing, and Digital! So which way was I going to go? Stay with the older stuff and be able to go further back in time, or jump into the Digital world with both feet? I tried to make up my mind for years and finally came to the conclusion that I loved both worlds and that I didn't want to make up my mind. My solution was to build two layouts: one old style with solid rail at home, and one totally digitally controlled in the store. Thank God my girlfriend didn't mind, since it limited the "family" space downstairs by quite a bit. Actually, she has a nose for picking out the most expensive model at a swap meet. Go figure!
Something was still missing though: a train store that would sell all my favorite trains, and be a meeting place for train nuts. After tossing the idea around for several years and talking to some of my model train friends, I decided to open a store myself. I had been working with Märklin, LGB, and all kinds of accessories for years, so why not do it in a professional way? In 2004 I was able to purchase a commercial building in downtown Lawrence. Most of the building is rented, but a small portion I saved for my dream ... ToToTrains!

Wanted:
I have set up a "wanted" page, with the hopes that you might have that one item that I've been looking for, either for myself, or for a customer..

Info:
The retail store opened June 1, 2005, and I hope to welcome you there; either in person or over the Internet. I am an authorized dealer for Märklin, Trix and LGB, plus several other lines. I hope I can also help you with knowledge, support and advice. My goal is to be serving you with the best of the best.
I am an individual who is really enjoying his hobby, and I’d like to share my interest with others through the shop but also by trying to find trains for friends. If you have some trains that you would like to find a new home for, please let me know. I can usually make sure that they'll be well taken care of. These trains are much too nice to let them sit in a box in a damp basement or a dusty attic.

Finally:
If you have any questions regarding the lines that I carry, please send me an e-mail or give me a call. If I can help you, I will. If I can't, I'll do my best to find a source that can.
I'm looking forward to hearing from you.

Thanks for visiting!

Jan Bröcker