Frequently asked questions
No matching questions. Email us and we'll answer.
Orders & shipping
Do you offer free shipping?
Shipping is calculated at checkout from the size, weight and destination, and insurance is included free. U.S. orders over $149 of in-stock items ship free. Overweight items ship separately with shipping charged, and pre-orders ship separately when they arrive. Shipping policy
When will my order ship?
In-stock orders placed before 7 AM Eastern ship the same day; after that, the next ship day (Monday to Saturday). Ground delivery then takes a few business days, and checkout shows the delivery dates for your address. Pre-orders, special orders and backorders ship when they arrive.
Where's my order?
Use our order lookup with your order number and email to see where it is, with tracking. Signed in? Your account lists every order. The link in your confirmation email works too.
Do you ship outside the U.S., or to a P.O. Box?
Yes, we ship to most countries. Outside the U.S., prices are shown in your currency and already include duties and taxes, so there's nothing extra to pay when it arrives. Shipping is calculated at checkout. Free shipping over $149 is for U.S. orders only, a few items can't ship abroad (checkout will let you know), and international orders can't be returned. P.O. Box and APO/FPO orders ship by USPS. Shipping policy
Will I need to sign for my package?
Orders over $500 need a signature on delivery, and we may require one on others as needed.
Can I cancel or change my order?
Email support@squeakystrains.com before the order ships and we'll take care of it. Pre-orders can be cancelled or changed by email too.
Pickup
Can I pick up my order?
Pickup is free at Squeaky's Trains Express in Lawrenceville. Order online, choose Local Pickup at checkout, and come by once we email that it's ready. Items on our Lawrenceville shelf are usually ready the same day; items at our warehouse are usually ready the next day.
Can someone else pick up my order?
Yes! Anyone with your order number and name can pick it up. If you'd like to add a note, reply to your ready-for-pickup email.
Can you hold an item for me?
We can't set items aside, but ordering online is the surest way to make it yours. Choose Local Pickup at checkout if you'd like to collect it in Lawrenceville.
Returns & problems
What is your return policy?
You have 30 days after delivery to request a return. Unopened items in their original packaging get a full refund; opened or used items may have up to a 20% restocking fee (SoundTraxx items can be returned in any condition with no fee). Clearance items, gift cards, special orders and hazardous items (like spray paint) can't be returned, and international orders can't be returned. To start one, email support@squeakystrains.com first; we'll send a label. Refund policy
My item arrived damaged or wrong. What do I do?
I'm sorry! Please email support@squeakystrains.com right away with your order number and a photo, and we'll make it right.
Is there a warranty?
Most locomotives and electronics carry the manufacturer's warranty. Email support@squeakystrains.com with the part number and what's happening, and we'll point you to the right fix or help with the claim.
Can I return an international order?
Sorry, international orders can't be returned. Questions about a specific order? Email support@squeakystrains.com.
Pre-orders & special orders
How do pre-orders work?
Pre-orders let you reserve new releases. Depending on the item, you choose at Add to cart: pay in full, pay a 10% deposit (we invoice the rest when it arrives) or, where offered, reserve for $0 (we invoice you when it's ready to ship). A $0 balance at checkout isn't a discount. Expected dates are on each page and in our pre-order calendar; they can move, and we'll keep you posted. Prices can change if the maker changes them, and we'll tell you before invoicing.
Can you special order something for me?
We special order from most model train makers. Special orders usually ship within 1 to 2 weeks (an estimate). If it's listed, order it online; if it isn't, send us the maker and part number by email at support@squeakystrains.com and we'll check. Special orders can't be returned.
What does backorder mean?
A backorder is out of stock right now but can still be ordered. Backorders usually ship within 1 to 2 weeks (an estimate). If it becomes unavailable, you can cancel without penalty.
Paying & saving
What payment methods do you take?
We take major cards, PayPal, Shop Pay, Apple Pay and Google Pay. Shop Pay can split eligible orders into 4 interest-free payments; you'll see the option at checkout.
Where are your deals?
Our best deals are in clearance and open box items, plus sale prices marked on product pages. Signing up for our newsletter gets you weekly new arrivals and sales.
Do you sell gift cards?
Yes! Our gift cards come in $10 to $500 and are delivered by email. You can send one straight to the recipient on the day you choose. Not sure what they run? Our gift finder helps too.
Do you have a rewards program?
Yes, you earn points on most purchases. See our Squeaky's Rewards page for how it works and what you can redeem.
Train help
Which scale should I pick?
HO (1:87) is the most popular, with the widest choice. N (1:160) fits about twice the railroad in the same space. O and G are big and great for floors and gardens. Not sure? Try our scale quiz.
How much space and track do I need?
Our track plan calculator shows the room an oval needs and every piece to buy for your track and radius, and adds them to your cart in one tap.
What is DCC, and which decoder fits my locomotive?
DC runs every train on the track together from a power pack; DCC lets you run each locomotive on its own (and add sound). A DC/DCC-ready locomotive's page lists decoders that fit under Add DCC sound. Not sure which one? Email support@squeakystrains.com with the model and we'll confirm.
I'm new to model trains. Where do I start?
Start with our how-to guides and train terms A to Z. The scale quiz helps you pick a scale.
How do the wishlist and "Own it" work?
Tap Add to wishlist to save something, or Own it to mark what you already have (owned items show a ✓ Owned badge while you browse). Sign in to keep them on every device. Your wishlist
Contact
How can I reach you?
Email us at support@squeakystrains.com or use our contact form. Real train people answer, 7 days a week, usually within one business day.