Great has the perfect stuff for ho railroaders for good prices. But their coaches and freight cars are expensive

Just called 6/26/26 had a question about adding marker lites to grand sons Lionel caboose. The guy answers ,mumbles Charlie Ro, I had to ask if this is Charlie Ro. "Yea" l ask my question about a lightning kit for a Lionel caboose, mumbles "not aware" silence. Thought he would come back with " I sell lighted cabooses" or something. Silence, but then I realize he doing something else. So I ask about lighted caboose. I'm still not sure what he said. I say " buddy your not very helpful " Suddenly he sounds like a very useful employee I can understand him,but I tell him " forget it!" And hang up. I'm sure there others who want my business! Never again!! read more

Charles Ro had the Lionel items my local store told me were unavailable. They were extremely helpful. Their prices are very competitive. Shipping was very reasonable and quick. When all arrived, it was very well packaged and in perfect condition. I'm putting together a layout for my grandson and will continue to use Charles Ro, even though I'm in California. read more

I feel they need to work on quality control, my last orders were not correct, one a caboose lights didn't work when I received it and two, an install of a sound module was not installed correctly. lights and direction on this new engine was not working nor correct, I had to sent it back to them. Now a new Caboose only half of the interior lighting will work. I'd like to understand there testing process and verification... Both items were purchased through Onlytrans, out of MN, but they got the work done at CharlesRo... read more

Charles Ro Supply Company - only 1/2 lights seem to be working? - Hobby Shops Near Me - Malden, Massachusetts

The building has a large sign which has been attached to the front for years that says "America's Largest Train Store" and their web site makes the same claim. However, when you walk inside you will quickly realize that the retail store only occupies roughly a quarter of the building. This certainly was not the largest train store in the United States when Caboose Hobbies in Colorado still had its own retail location. Even after Caboose Hobbies closed, the title of "largest train store" still seems somewhat dubious. Despite the claim, it is still a fairly large store with a wide selection of trains and gauges. It's one of the most organized stores I've seen with their merchandise neatly displayed on shelves. This is a big difference from other model train shops where the stock is often randomly put on shelves. As you enter, you'll find one of the largest G Scale selections I've ever seen. There's also plenty of O Scale with HO and N stock towards the back. Prices are on the high side and if you're new to the hobby then you're bound to experience some sticker shock. Some other stores have a fairly decent selection of used items which can be great for kids, but there wasn't much used stock on my visit, so as much as the kids might like the train layout they've got, it's not a great place to bring little kids shopping because they're likely to be disappointed they can't afford anything with their allowance money. There is a train display upstairs, but for "America's Largest Train Store", the display seemed rather small. It's in the center of a small room upstairs and there's a narrow hallway around the display so you can see it from all sides. However, it's entirely behind glass which means it's impossible to take any photos or videos without a reflection. Most other stores with a display will have plexiglass around the bottom but you can still stick a camera over the top for photos. I'm assuming they've got this entirely enclosed because it's off in its own area with no staff to watch out for sticky fingers. As of this review, their hours are just Monday-Friday from 9am to 5pm which makes it VERY difficult to visit the retail store for anyone that works regular working hours. It would be nice if they were open a weekend day or had at least one day when they were open later. As a result, I've only been able to visit in person once when I happened to have a day off. I'd prefer to visit in person than order online to save on shipping costs and time and to ensure I get the item I actually want. If I'm going to bother ordering online, I can order from literally anyone just as easily. It's a shame their hours aren't convenient for regular folks with 9 to 5 jobs. read more

If you like model trains, Lionel, etc, this is the place A large collection of old, original stuff, plus lots of new stuff

Charles RO is competitive when it comes to built to order Lionel O gauge model trains. Additionally, their shipping is reasonable and they go the extra mile and double box your purchase for added protection. much appreciated. read more

Though most of my experience with this store is based on their online sales, I have been here in person twice. Once, my wife and I arrived on a rainy Friday night in 2008 while celebrating our delayed honeymoon and it was right before closing. They let us look around for a couple of minutes and I bought a couple of things. We made it back though in 2014 and what an amazing store it is! The shelves are stocked with every imaginable train item. The sales staff know their stuff and aren't pushy or annoyed when you ask questions. The upstairs layout isn't always operational, but when we asked them to turn it on (we told them we were from New York) they willingly complied and we had a fun time just watching the trains go round and round. If you are into model trains, I highly recommend this store. read more

DO NOT BUY from Charles Ro. I placed a pre-order with them over a year ago, then canceled shortly afterwards. Much to my surprise, i received an email shipping notification for the order. I responded within minutes saying i had canceled the order and to not ship! About 1-2 days later i got an email response "order already shipped". Then it was shipped to the wrong address. When i finally got the package, i sent it back to CHARLES RO since i did not want it as i had canceled the order months ago. I didnt even open the box. Then CHARLES RO had the nerve to charge me a 15 percent restocking fee for THEIR mistake. AVOID CHARLES RO, they have the WORST customer service. Period. read more

Oh my god I am so Happy I live near Boston they say New York has everything but they do not have Charles Ro. This is by far the coolest store I have ever bean to if you love trains you have to come here. They have everything on beautiful displays and most items are in stock ready to come home with you today. If the model train manufacture makes it Charles Ro has it. read more

This is a great train store. It's not for children and it's not for those on a budget. It's extremely expensive but has all of the great treasures any train enthusiast would go after. The people who work there are not very. Ustimer service friendly so don't expect much if you need something. They eventually will get you what you need but patience and low standards is a must. The trains range from massive to tiny in size. They have different tracks to choose from and many different accessories to make your little town come to life. On must days they have an awesome train system set up upstairs in he store. It is quite the site to see. Every little kid would love to see something like this which clearly took many hours and many dollars to amass. Come to this great train store and visit. Hopefully the service will improve over time. read more

I enjoyed Classic Toy Trains magazine and seen Charlie Ro's ad and his prices appeared to be standard minus 5 dollars. So I called and ordered a $875 engine. The old coot said they sellin fast and he jacked the price up $100. I was upet but thought I would be without my favorite engine and tender produced that year. Plain and simple, He ripped me off. I havent bought a paper clip from him since. He will feel out your kindness and perhaps your compassion for toy trains and then,hit you in the wallet with one of his selling out fast, or last one I have etc, it will cost you another 100 bucks and its not me its the company line of lies. Be very cautious with this creep. read more

Ok they have some train stuff which is commendable and some cool trains but big deal, business is about service not goods!!! They have deplorable service, smug old men who have no clue about people, they probably know all about the hobby but NO people skills. Any hobby is fueled by a common passion between hobbyist, these people here have no clue about passion or enthusiasm when it comes to customer relations. Very disappointing trip to Malden, will be using eBay from now on. read more

Wow! What an amazing store with an even more amazing selection of anything anyone into trains would ever want. I'm not a train enthusiast, but my 5-year old son is, and though he wasn't with me on this trip, James helped me from the time I walked into the store to the time I left, train in hand. Not at all pushy, he was approachable and friendly and helped me talked me through (at length!) all the details a novice would need: right train for my kid given his age, durability, train types, track types, transformer types, how to order the right parts/tracks in the future, etc. I'd highly recommend Charles Ro and James too. Great service. In the future, not only will I buy from them, but when I order online, they'll be the first people I go to. read more

This hobby shop is an amazing gem! They carry an extensive offering of LGB, Lionel, HO and N scale trains and related supplies. They have a huge train table up-stairs that is an absolute treat to see. The staff id polite, professional and knowledgeable. If into model trains, this is the place to go! read more

A word of warning: If you need to order anything from these guys be sure you pay by credit card. At least that way you can have some recourse when they fill your order wrong and won't admit it. And make sure you order by the picture of the item, not by the item number, they actually told me that! If you think you can get customer service you can forget it. read more

After ordering a very small part I received it in the mail. They sent the wrong one $8.95 +$ 8.00 shipping. I called several times to resolve the mistake and finally received the correct part. I then found out the charged my credit card twice, $16.95 total of $33.90 for a part the size of you thumb. I called again and again to resolve the issue, each time I was told they would refund my account which never happened. I think they got tired of me calling one guy just kept hanging up every time I said my name! I finally talked with the owner who asked how many times I've called to resolve the problem. I told him 13 times including being hung up on several times today. He said this will be the last time I need to call he would be resolved it now. He when on to yell into the phone I got two parts two orders and charged accordingly, don't call back and slammed the phone down. What poor customer service! read more

Bought Lionel manual switch(4) from this company. I had problems with 2 of the switches. I decided to check them out. Both were used and damaged!!! Used switches sold as new!! I won't deal with this company anymore. BE CAREFUL, THEY ONLY GIVE YOU 10 DAYS TO RETURN THE SO CALL NEW PRODUCTS. read more

This is my FIRST Review - 2/10/2010 Superb! That's my take on 'Charles Ro Supply Company'. As an HO/OO Scaler in the Model Railroad World, I recommend this Hobby Store THE Place to go to, as there was an old favorite in Downtown Boston (I will give by first name only as) 'Eric', that closed years ago. Train Buffs, 'Charles Ro Supply Company' more than makes up for it! I wont make this lengthy. Just short and to the point. Not into HO/OO? That's OK.They have "G", "O" and "N" Scale. "Athearn", "Atlas", "Kato" & "Rapido" are among a few brand names found here. 'MRC' aka "Model Rectifier Corperation", too (see the photo of one of their Control Unit Products). Track, Rolling Stock & LOTS of Accessories. Knowledgable employees, too. Don't have a car? It's VERY Easy to get to by MBTA Bus 108 Linden (??) out of Malden Center. Get off at 372 Salem Street. It's a GOOD Walk from Malden Center (Orange Line/Commuter Rail) to 372 Salem Street. There is Cross Street at the corner - walk down Cross Street (from Salem Street). Charles Ro is the BIG Red Brick Buidling on the right. Happy shopping! read more

What an amazing store and display! I grew up in Malden and can't believe I've never been until today! I'm certain my parents were afraid to take me, since I'd have wanted the whole store. There are mainly trains/accessories, but also toy cars, and some other items. It's beyond a gem, a must visit if you are anywhere in the area. read more

They have a 10 day return policy and returns are only for store credit. So please keep in mind, if you buy a Christmas gift more than 10 days before Christmas Day and it is broken when the gift is opened, you will not be able to return it. I purchased $300 worth of Track and accessories for my holiday train display. One of the switches was broken in the box. They would not allow a return. $43 dollar broken switch. They will never again receive any money from me. I wonder why hobby shops go under...? read more

I agree with RM. Extremely rude and not very helpful. I brought a Christmas gift back because the item inside was manufactured different than the picture on the outside. They would only offer a store credit because it was 5 days past thier 10 day return policy. I could see if I had just changed my mind but when the item in the box is different than the item on the picture and instructions they should take care of you. All they care about is your money theycould less about the customer. Stay away from this place. read more

Charles Ro Supply Company is reputable for buying toy trains as they always stand behind what they sell. They always have good prices too. However , their toy train repair department is no good and they are very rude. I sent several items to be repaired and told them not to cut corners , yet I had to send items back for unsatisfactory work. When I sent unsatisfactory repairs back, some were corrected and still others not. I sent those items back and they were sent back still unsatisfactory. I was also told they did not want to do any more repairs for me. Yet I had been a very good customer since approx. 1997. They also do not give estimates for repairs and when repairs are sent , their statements do not state what was done or what parts were used and what the parts cost. Their statements only state the cost for each repair. I do not recommend this company for toy train repairs , but I can recommend this company for buying toy trains. read more

i brought my engine in for checkout and repair last September I had originally purchased it from Charles RO Co. It was promised for early December, but it is now expected to be fixed a week or two after Christmas. I have been checking weekly and getting no reliable information, just "call next week and it should be ready for you then." Today I asked for my engine back and they could not give it to me. I spoke with the owner and he said to come in and they would loan me an engine for Christmas. When I went in, I waited for 1/2 hour before I could talk with the owners son who offered to sell me an engine at the their cost which turned out to be the sticker price. I had to purchase another engine at regular price. Not much accommodation for the inconvenience and expense they cost me. I have experienced a lot better customer support. I will avoid doing business with them in the future when possible. read more

Ah yes, the *** wipes over at good 'ol Charles Ro. No one has a PhD in customer service at this place! Many years ago, I placed an order. The order was for for 3 Lionel O gauge right hand switches and 2 Lionel O gauge left hand switches. After ordering, I decided to go a different route and politely called to cancel my order. To say the least, I was greeted with hostility and a line I will never forget "If you don't accept this order, we will ensure that you are never able to order from another hobby shop again." I would rather be diagnosed with a brain tumor then shop at this toilet! read more

Coming here since my son was 2. He is now 24. The guys know their stuff. Great service and selection. If they don't have it they will get it. They also repaired a couple engines for us that now run like they were new. This is the only place to start your train journey and continue it for life. Have fun and keep chugging along. read more

All-aboard!! Part professional collector's shop, part family fun destination, Charles Ro Supply Company is an exciting stop for young and old alike. What began as a quick, shy stop in hopes that they would allow my 2-year-old a hands-off glance at a few trains before dinner has quickly become one of our favorite Saturday outings. The actual "supply company" on the first floor is jam packed with every collectible train piece imaginable. I was instantly transported back to my childhood as I watched Lionel trains whiz around the ceiling and starred in awe at the thousands of orange boxes lining the shelves. Much more to my surprise, however, was the incredibly warm and welcoming way we were greeted...and the exuberance with which the staff rushed to share their enthusiasm for trains with my little one! There are plenty of toy trains to be had as well, including the largest selection on the Thomas and Friends Wooden Railway I have ever seen. We always choose a few "rumage" trains to bring home (out of the box and a bit banged-up, but the perfect plaything at a whopping $3),and spend a good 15 minutes sharing our toddler knowledge of steam engines and diesel engines with the patient staff. But the best-kept secret of Charles Ro lies on the second floor. Be sure to head upstairs before you go, where you will find a 3-level, 6 track train garden complete with amazing scenery, lights, sound...and a 360 degree view. While the garden is always there, the trains are only in operation on Saturdays from 10-4. Many visits later, we can still spend an hour chasing the trains around their tracks, over the bridges, and through the tunnels. A wonderful stop for all ages, the "Largest Train Store in America" is a must see! read more

I was offended and insulted that from the moment I got 10' in the store, I was under obvious, continuous surveillance. The first associate made the most feeble attempt to appear to be looking over the G Scale stuff. The second guy walked right up to me asking if I needed any help, which - for the most part - I did not. I did have him help me with a couple things that I was having trouble finding, and when we parted company, I was never out of his eyesight. Galling when you figure that I was probably one of their top sales for a Thursday afternoon. I made my feelings known when I checked out, and I think that the cashier was going to dispute my claims, but - possibly - took the high road and decided not to escalate me any further. I think we both knew that they were simply, obviously, caught. Maybe it was because I am short? Maybe it was because I had a gray sweater on? But I'm pretty confident it was because I am Black. I am an award winning modeler, and when people ask me where I do my shopping, I will happily recommend Hobby Emporium in Tyngsboro, MA and Maine Modelworks in Yarmouth, ME. Maybe a little more of a drive, but they know how to treat their customers. It's almost 2020 - SHAME on you Charles Ro! read more

1 American Flyer engine circa 1959 brought in for tune up, another given to me when I was 5 by my Dad. * Person taking repair order didn't want to listen or appear to care about what I was asking for. I did, however, clearly write it down. * Received a call, repairs complete for 170. and they prefer cash. Who doesn't? * Picked them up, one wasn't touched at all. The other which by the way, ran fine when I brought it in, cost 170. * Repair tech, yeah, had trouble getting that one going. lol, it ran fine before I brought it in, what exactly did you do? * Took quite a while, had it apart........pregnant pauses.......then owner came out and began telling me I brought the other one in for parts. I say, before answering the question, don't you want to know what the question is? He started swearing in front of my 7 y/o son, abruptly took the trains in the back and said, 170. or he doesn't get em back. I had to explain to my little man that not everyone you do business with is nice or honest and sometimes you have to go through these things to find those that are. His responses, particularly in front of my son were absolutely rude. So, if you want to spend 170. on a train that runs fine to begin with and put up with people that aren't socially skilled, by all means, go there. read more

Echoing every other negative review here... How do you run a successful business with such terrible customer service. The answer is they pull fast ones on everyone and since they are the only train shop in the area, or even the 5 state area, you have no choice but to take their price gouging shady back dealing and bait and switching or try your luck on eBay. I brought in a 700E and asked them if they could take a look and let me know what it will cost to get it running. I said if it looks like it will cost over $400 then to call me and I will take it back. A couple of weeks go by and i got a call from the owner "i just looked at your train and just from looking at it for a second it will take over $1000 to get it running". I told him no thanks and i will pick it up, and he said "no you wont, you have to pay me first". Keep in mind when i dropped it off they filled out my name and phone number and gave me a claim ticket and never said anything about paying to get my train back. I told him that no one told me it would cost me any money to get this looked at, just like when you bring your car to the garage and they say your brakes are shot and need to be replaced for $2000 you don't have to pay to get your car out of the garage to bring it somewhere else. The owner threatened me that id never get my train back unless i paid him, and it quickly escalated. I told him that i never signed anything acknowledging a service charge or fee to get my train back and he said tough luck to go to court over it or pay him now. He said he put hours of work into researching my train and finding buyers for my parts. I told him i never asked him to do that and photographing my train to send to your contacts for sale does not constitute hours of work done. I only asked to tell me what they think it will take to get it running again, not to sell it. And I ask myself, why he would need to research the most famous and popular train in the History of Lionel, if he is a supposed expert, then this is the holy grail of trains to collectors. I spoke to some TCA guys and they told me to talk to a specific guy in the shop who was friendly and explain the situation and that he would probably just give me the train back and call it a day in order to keep my business going forward. The unnamed gentleman was very understanding and agreed to do exactly that. But when i showed up the next day to pick up my train i was stonewalled by Charlie Ro himself saying that that agreement "doesn't mean shit" because " **** doesn't own the f&&$ing store I do, and i say you owe me money". I ended up calling the cops at the store when he refused to give me my train and kept mentioning that if he produced a signed document showing that I agreed to a service charge that i would pay it but since he had nothing that i want my property back. It was awful, and what happened was the cops sided with the company after shoving an unsigned claim ticket in my face saying "is that your name? if this is you, then you have to pay" with no signature and no proof of agreement and I pleaded my case to them with the garage analogy. They told me i can bring him to small claims court but if I wanted my train back today I would have to pay up of take off. I'm looking at it this way, it cost me a service fee to never have to see this loser again and I will bad mouth his business to every train enthusiast i meet. I ended up selling my train on eBay for $1000 so its a win for me. He can go ahead and build a train empire by screwing over all the new enthusiasts, and eventually new people wont be interested in this wonderful hobby because of old losers like Charlie Ro who give the hobby and business a bad name. I explained my story to a few TCA friends and they were appalled, so hopefully they call him out for being a scumbag within their organization. Hes an old miser with his little shop of trains, but guess what Charlie? Times ticking and you are up there in years. You cant take your little toys with you when your number is up, and all you can leave behind is your legacy of being a good person. Who will sing praises of the kindness of Charlie Ro & Company? I bet the business will close and all his stock will be liquidated when the family fights over the assets and his name will be nothing in a decade or so. I'm just glad Charlie cant change or delete this yelp review. Thank you Yelp for giving us a voice that losers like Charlie cant take off the internet by paying people off or muscling people over with the cops.Here's to hoping that my terrible experience will deter you from stepping foot within a mile radius of this scumbags store. read more

Very disappointed in customer service. Spent a lot of money in Brand new USA trains products for the Holidays. Charles Ro owns USA trains. Bought what was supposed to be a brand new Christmas Dockside Engine that had been recently discontinued. It arrived and it was obvious it had been used as a display item or a previous return. The sound and rear light didn't work. Called and asked if I could swap. Even offered to buy a new one and send the other back for a return. Nope. I sent the engine back MY COST Said they would take two to three days to fix it and have it back to me. Today I received an email stating two to three weeks. I called and all of a sudden their tone had changed. They said it was a busy time of year. They denied receiving my package last week. I was looking at my UPS delivery confirmation. just wanted to give a warning. Read these other negative reviews. I wish I had. Who knows when I will receive this back. I will purchase another brand engine from another store so I have something for Christmas. Sorry I spent what I did with them. read more

Charlie is a Peach of a guy, and he's survived getting ,nearly put out of business by, LGB, and builds his own label,Which are very Good, his prices are the best in the area, I'm an HO guy and I really only collect UP, and Brass its nice to visit,go on Saturday,and look for Rocco ,he knows more about trains than most and a good guy, read more

Cool place for any train enthusiast. Huge selection and a very nice layout upstairs! Got a great deal on some stuff for my HO layout. Couldn't be happier, will def be going back read more

This is a wonderful shop to browse in but BEWARE! they do not take returns. I bought a $230 train set as a gift but tried to return it after having second thoughts. It was still in its original packaging and covered with plastic wrap - never opened in any way. They would not refund my money. Their "return policy" is printed on the receipt, when it is obviously too late! And the policy does not allow returns, period, only exchanges. The no-returns policy is not posted anywhere in the store, so you never find out unless you ask. It's an outrage. read more

I've bought from him for many years and have been fortunate not to have had any problems. Haven't tried to return items past the deadline, but have cancelled big dollar items prior to receiving them, and never had a problem. Charles has always treated me well. read more