Welcome to Athearn Store, your premier destination for high-quality model railroad products. We’re committed to making your shopping experience as smooth as possible, whether you’re purchasing HO scale locomotives, N scale freight cars, or model railroading tools. Below you’ll find all the details about our shipping and return policies.

Shipping Information

Order Processing Time

We process all orders within 1-2 business days of receiving your payment. During peak seasons, processing may take slightly longer, but we’ll notify you if there are any delays.

Shipping Methods & Delivery Times

We offer two shipping options to meet your needs:

  • Standard Shipping ($12.95): Via DHL or FedEx
    • Delivery time: 10-15 business days after shipment
  • Free Shipping (Orders over $50): Via EMS
    • Delivery time: 15-25 business days after shipment

Note: Shipping times are estimates and may vary depending on your location and customs processing. We ship worldwide, excluding some Asian countries and remote areas.

Accepted Payment Methods

We accept: Visa, MasterCard, JCB, and PayPal for your convenience.

Returns & Exchanges Policy

At Athearn Store, we stand behind our products. However, we understand that sometimes a return or exchange may be necessary. Here’s everything you need to know about our return process.

Eligibility for Returns

We accept returns and exchanges within 15 days of receiving your order. To qualify for a return:

  • Item must be in its original, unopened packaging
  • Item must be in the same condition as when received
  • Original receipt or proof of purchase must accompany the return

Non-Returnable Items

Due to the specialized nature of our products, we cannot accept returns for:

  • Opened kits (HO Scale, N Scale, O Scale model train kits)
  • Used detail parts (couplers, wheelsets, and other small components)
  • Custom-ordered items
  • Clearance items (marked as “final sale”)

How to Initiate a Return or Exchange

Follow these simple steps:

  1. Contact our team within 15 days of receiving your order by emailing [email protected] with your request
  2. Provide the required information using our return request template (see below)
  3. Wait for approval – we’ll respond within 2 business days with return instructions
  4. Ship the item back to our Glendale facility using a trackable shipping method
  5. Receive your refund or exchange once we’ve processed your return

Return Request Template

To expedite your return, please include this information when contacting us:

Subject: Return/Exchange Request – Order #[Your Order Number]

Dear Athearn Store Team,

I would like to request a [return/exchange] for my recent order (#[Your Order Number]).

Product Details:
– Product Name:
– Scale:
– Reason for Return/Exchange:

My preferred resolution is:
[ ] Refund to original payment method
[ ] Exchange for (please specify product):
[ ] Store credit

Please let me know if you need any additional information.

Best regards,
[Your Full Name]
[Your Contact Information]

Refund Process

Once your return is received and inspected (typically within 3-5 business days of arrival at our facility), we will process your refund or exchange. Here’s what to expect:

  • Refund method: Original payment method (Visa, MasterCard, JCB, PayPal)
  • Processing time: 3-5 business days after approval
  • Credit card refunds: 5-10 business days to appear on your statement
  • PayPal refunds: Typically processed within 24 hours

Important: Original shipping fees are non-refundable, except in cases where we sent the wrong item or the item arrived damaged.

Return Shipping

Customers are responsible for return shipping costs unless the return is due to our error. We recommend:

  • Using a trackable shipping service
  • Purchasing shipping insurance (we cannot guarantee receipt of returned items)

Return Address:
Athearn Store Returns
5740 North 59th Avenue
Glendale, US 85301

Damaged or Defective Items

If your model train, locomotive, or accessory arrives damaged or defective:

  1. Contact us immediately at [email protected]
  2. Include photos of the damaged item and packaging
  3. We’ll arrange for a replacement or refund and cover all associated shipping costs

Pro Tip: For valuable HO scale locomotives or Lionel trains, we recommend inspecting the package upon delivery and noting any visible damage with the carrier before accepting the shipment.

Need Help?

Our team of fellow model railroad enthusiasts is happy to assist with any shipping or return questions. Contact us at [email protected] and we’ll ensure you’re back on track with your model railroading projects in no time!