Kato N 106-0020 DCC Ready GE ES44AC GEVO Mixed Freight Starter Set - Canadian National

First of all, I had no idea model trains were still being manufactured in Japan, and due to the reasonable list price I figured this must be made in China like most of the new train stuff we have been getting - not to mention the really great price from Lombard Hobbies.

Assembling the track seemed like we were working with highly engineered/top quality pieces compared to other brands my son Franklin and I have purchased, then once we started running the loco I couldn't believe how smooth and quiet it was. Finally I turned it over and saw MADE IN JAPAN, which explained the high level of quality control - sort of like my days in film photography when Nikon was king of 35mm SLR cameras. Think of buying a new Lexus or INFINITI were you were figuring on paying close to the list price, but the dealer gives you a big discount because they are NICE!

Secondly, after 30+ years as a retail shop owner, and coming up on 20 years as real estate broker with a focus on commercial/retail, I am not easily impressed by the customer service provided by most companies. I placed the order after business hours on a Friday and everything showed up a couple of days later, very fast delivery - yes I ate the included Welch's Fruit Snacks and did not share them with my son because I'm a mean dad, and we really appreciate the Standards Gauge tool included free of charge - Lombard Hobbies has exceeded our expectations and we look forward to being clients for many years to come.
Thanks
Dana & Franklin Trumann