Yes, I tried it - given that they're located in Canada, there could be advantages in terms of shipping, customs charges, and so on.  It was a looong phone call - glad it wasn't my nickel! 

When I will buy anything is another matter.  I still have a (not exactly local) LHS I want to support.

David

Pacific Western Rail Systems is the name of the business. Porters is their customer appreciation/retention program much like Airlines awards programs.

I have purchased from PWRS and have a Porters account. Odd way they have of setting up everything initially but it works. Very satisfied with their service. A blog post written about one experience I had with them is here: http://www.lkorailroad.com/the-spirit-of-cumberland/

Yes, I signed up with P.W.R.S on their PORTERS system nearly two years ago, IIRC.  Had  great, but long, conversation with one of their customer service people when I setup my account.  At that time, and again later in an email, I encouraged them to advertise with MRH.  I am very happy to see they have done so.

My hobby coffer is about to get a transfer payment from the finance department and since I support MRH sponsors first, P.W.R.S and some other new sponsors will be on my list of places to shop.

Yes, the initial phone call wasn't the most convenient and almost everything they showed me I would have figured out on my own, but I'm probably not their typical client.  While I have yet to use my accumulated points, there is a bit of an advantage, plus if you keep your eye on their sales, they often have some pretty decent prices on things at certain times.  Further, they also are a manufacturer and offer products not available elsewhere.  So while the initial phone call took time out of my day, in the end it wasn't a big deal.

The fellow I spoke to tried twice to call me randomly and I was in the middle of something both times so he asked when he should call.  I gave him a date and a time and he called back at my convenience.  Pretty decent service!