Factory Direct Hobbies Reviews

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Customer photo review of Blair Line 2511 Laser-Cut Wood Billboard Kits - Large for HO, S & O -- Santa Fe - Round Herald & Name (2 Kits) 6 x 2" 15 x 5cm, A Scale
Mark J.
Kit is delicate and has very thin parts but once together and on my building it turned out great! I did change colors to the red and yellow scheme as it is on my engines and the war bonnet style.
Blair Line 2511 Laser-Cut Wood Billboard Kits - Large for HO, S & O -- Santa Fe - Round Herald & Name (2 Kits) 6 x 2" 15 x 5cm, A Scale
Customer photo review of BLI 6783 EMD SD40-2, CSX 8205, Box Car Scheme, Paragon4 Sound/DC/DCC, HO
Stephen G.
This is a very nice SD-2 I hope your company do more road numbers on this CSX SD40-2's Can your company do Chessie SD40-2's? Thanks! Stephen Gregory
BLI 6783 EMD SD40-2, CSX 8205, Box Car Scheme, Paragon4 Sound/DC/DCC, HO
Customer photo review of Kadee 101BAB Log Bunk Disconnect Kit, HO Scale
Matthew F.
With a little bit of filing I was able to flush mount the log bunk where I wanted it to be. Didn't add the hanging chains due to the position of the wheels under the bunks. I was concerned about shorting out the DCC system.
Kadee 101BAB Log Bunk Disconnect Kit, HO Scale
Customer photo review of WalthersMainline 910-30352 85' Budd Observation - Ready To Run -- Santa Fe (silver), HO Scale
Evan S.
Nice Walthers Mainline Santa Fe Budd Observation Car. This model is a good bang for the budget. While I am not sure Santa Fe ever operated any of these exact cars, it is a nice representation, and its understandable that a universal model is used for all roadnames to keep costs down. A good tradeoff I'd say for 1/3 the price of a Proto passenger car. I have upgraded my model with aftermarket WalthersProto GSC 41-NDO (CIB) Outside Swing 4-Wheel Passenger Trucks (920-2101) as well as the Walthers...
WalthersMainline 910-30352 85’ Budd Observation - Ready To Run -- Santa Fe (silver), HO Scale
Customer photo review of PREORDER Athearn HO RTR SD60 w/DCC & Sound, SOO #6043
Dwane B.
This engine is running smoothly and has operated in a consist with a SD70. I received engine #6043 last week, but have not received engine#6049. I Also have two of your 4-8-4 engines, American Freedom and Independence. I tried sending a picture of them , but I had trouble with your email address. I have a suggestion, if you can create a 4-8-4 based on your T1, but labeled Confederation for Canada, possible engine #0701, to commemorate Canada Day.
PREORDER Athearn HO RTR SD60 w/DCC & Sound, SOO #6043
Customer photo review of BLI 6556 Plymouth W-Series 35-Ton Switcher, BNSF #1295, Swoosh Scheme, DC/DCC, HO - Factory Direct Hobbies Exclusive
David P.
This little guy is just what I need to move cars around my industrial sidings. But you better have frog power, because it does have a pretty short wheelbase and will stall on turnouts if the frogs are not powered.
BLI 6556 Plymouth W-Series 35-Ton Switcher, BNSF #1295, Swoosh Scheme, DC/DCC, HO - Factory Direct Hobbies Exclusive
Customer video review of Woodland Scenics WOO171 Field Grass - .28oz  8g -- Natural Straw, All Scales
Nakeia M.
I used this for my architecture model! And it was great. I will trim it up better later but one pack was able to make all of this. Without even needing the extras i got as well. But since I make a lot of models I’m glad I got this.
Woodland Scenics WOO171 Field Grass - .28oz 8g -- Natural Straw, All Scales
Customer photo review of Walthers 920-1060 Lighting Kit for Fits WalthersProto(R) ACF, Budd & Pullman-Standard Cars, HO
Joseph C.
Easy to install, requires a little soldering but otherwise just sits in pre-molded slots in the car. Doesn't have a capacitor so that would have to be added by the installer.
Walthers 920-1060 Lighting Kit for Fits WalthersProto(R) ACF, Budd & Pullman-Standard Cars, HO
Customer photo review of Midwest Products co 3019 Cork Roadbed pack 25, N Scale
Charles S.
I had to purchase the group of twenty-five and I am glad I did because it took more than I thought I would need to complete my train yard. I hot glued them to my table without any problems.
Midwest Products co 3019 Cork Roadbed pack 25, N Scale
Customer video review of BLI 5993 N&W Class A 2-6-6-4, #1228, Paragon3 Sound/DC/DCC, HO
Kl T.
Just got my 2-6-6-4 #1228 back from servicing. Rear wheels were not running good, sounds no good, broken parts, 2 months repairing… Although QC are bad, this is still a GREAT locomotive from BLI.
BLI 5993 N&W Class A 2-6-6-4, #1228, Paragon3 Sound/DC/DCC, HO
Customer photo review of BLI 6328 Cryogenic Tank Car, Unlettered, Painted White, Type A, Single Car, HO
Hans L.
bad thing is the car is not painted white but a medium grey which is not paint but the molded plastic, which means in order to be ablen to decal the car you have to paint first, great surprise isn't it. Makes the car almost useless to me
BLI 6328 Cryogenic Tank Car, Unlettered, Painted White, Type A, Single Car, HO
Customer photo review of Train Enthusiast Vendors 15994 Polar Express Train-Opoly Game
David F.
We loved getting all of the items that we purchased from here. It was so fast and they had everything we needed. Please see attached for the Community Hospice Fantasy Tree event our community hosts that we added the items to the tree as a donation for Children's Hospice.
Train Enthusiast Vendors 15994 Polar Express Train-Opoly Game
Customer video review of BLI 6766 PRR I1sa 2-10-0, #4258, Modern Headlight, 210F82A Long Tender, Paragon4 Sound/DC/DCC, HO
Mike M.
Runs amazingly well and sounds terrific as well. No problem pulling 30 freight cars up a 2% grade and the smoke unit might be one of the best BLI has to date. I want another one.
BLI 6766 PRR I1sa 2-10-0, #4258, Modern Headlight, 210F82A Long Tender, Paragon4 Sound/DC/DCC, HO
Customer video review of BLI 6196 EMD SD40-2, CSX #8198, YN2 Scheme, Paragon4 Sound/DC/DCC, N
Mark C.
I have 6 HO locomotives, but this is my first N scale locomotive and my first BKI Paragon 4 model. Everything works perfectly on this locomotive. My future locomotive purchases will be BLI Paragon 4 models! Why would I I settle for less?
BLI 6196 EMD SD40-2, CSX #8198, YN2 Scheme, Paragon4 Sound/DC/DCC, N
Customer photo review of Morgan Cycle 23103 Gas Pump Lamp Clock Standard Blue
David F.
It sold the Christmas tree we put it with. It was a great addition to our tree and it works great. It arrived quick and it was in wonderful working order. Thank you again!
Morgan Cycle 23103 Gas Pump Lamp Clock Standard Blue
Customer photo review of Microscale Industries 87-891 Pennsylvania Railroad - PRR -- Passenger Cars (Tuscan Red) 1947-1968, HO Scale
Robert D.
Microscale pass cars 1947-68, well as you may be able to see here, I've used them on an old NJCB B60b baggage car and they were just right for what I wanted, numbers too, and I've used them on other PRR cars too. Paint is Tru-color 276 PRR pass car tuscan and no longer available Floquil engine black. Sprayed with Testors thinned glosscote to hide the film, and then thinned dullcote to achieve a satin finish. Enjoy.
Microscale Industries 87-891 Pennsylvania Railroad - PRR -- Passenger Cars (Tuscan Red) 1947-1968, HO Scale
Customer photo review of Banta Modelworks 718 Bent Back Chairs, O Scale
Jay S.
This is an easy kit and doesn't require much time - perfect for a day when you want to build something but not get into a long operation. The chairs also work perfect for a day with interruptions - do a couple of steps, let it dry, then finish. The photo shows my work in process.
Banta Modelworks 718 Bent Back Chairs, O Scale
Customer photo review of BLI 6932 Heavy Pacific 4-6-2, CNJ 832, The Blue Comet, Paragon4 Sound/DC/DCC, N
Ernie J.
Engine runs great like my other Heavy and Light Pacifics. All my BLI steamers run geat with no problems. But can't say the same with their Diesels and Baldwin Centipede's. But BLI as usual, dosn't get things right and is done as cheap as they can on a lot of their steamers. Not even close to the correct Blue Comet. Just their regular Heavy Pacific with only a few things changed to simulate the Blue Comet. One is fake spoked drivers, if Kato can make actual metal spoked drivers such as on their C...
BLI 6932 Heavy Pacific 4-6-2, CNJ 832, The Blue Comet, Paragon4 Sound/DC/DCC, N
Customer photo review of CSX - Men's Premium Hoodie
James F.
Good morning πŸ˜ƒβ˜€οΈπŸŒž!:) Joe Grubba & the Staffers:) πŸ‘‹ Hi πŸ‘‹!:) It’s me,again:) I love πŸ’• it very much:) I tried it on, it fits me fine;) I intended to use it on frigid weather:) πŸ‘Œ ok πŸ‘:) TTYL anytime:) Joe Grubba & the staffers:) Take care, take it easy:) Thanks πŸ™ again,(J.F.)James Florio:)
CSX - Men’s Premium Hoodie
Customer photo review of BLI 3964 PRR P5a Boxcab, Unlettered, Freight Type, DGLE, Paragon4 Sound/DC/DCC, N
Ernie J.
Does run good possibly from larger drive wheels like their steamers. But only bought it to convert to the other style P5a that looks like a mini GG1 authough not a GG1.
BLI 3964 PRR P5a Boxcab, Unlettered, Freight Type, DGLE, Paragon4 Sound/DC/DCC, N
Customer photo review of CSX - Bandana
James F.
Good morning πŸ˜ƒβ˜€οΈπŸŒž!;) Joe Grubba & the Staffers;) πŸ‘‹ Hi πŸ‘‹!:) How are you doing today?? I am still fine:) I love πŸ’— it very much!:) I intended to keep it in the future with frigidity and cool 😎 weathers:) it looks like that I am cowboys or railroads πŸ›€ pilot πŸ‘¨β€βœˆοΈ:) πŸ‘Œ ok πŸ‘:) TTYL anytime:) Stay in touch with me!:) Have a great πŸ‘ day!:) Joe Grubba & the staffers:) Thanks πŸ™ again,(J.F.)James Florio :)
CSX - Bandana
Customer photo review of The Katy Serves the Southwest Well - Men's Ringer T-Shirt
James F.
Good morning πŸ˜ƒβ˜€οΈπŸŒž!:) Joe Grubba & the staffers:) Again, it’s me, James Florio:) Hi πŸ‘‹!:) I love ❀️ it very much;) it fits me. And I ,indeed certainly, intended to keep it as long as I wanted it,also:) TTYL anytime:) Have a great πŸ‘ weekend!:) Thanks πŸ™ again,(J.F.)James Florio:)
The Katy Serves the Southwest Well - Men’s Ringer T-Shirt
Customer photo review of Revell Monogram Germany 05674 Gift Set Space Shuttle& Booster Rockets, 40th. 1:72
James F.
πŸ‘‹ Hi πŸ‘‹!:) Joe Grubba & the staffers, How are you doing today?? I am still fine:) I love ❀️ it to advocate the model of space shuttle & booster vehicle that I am interested working with my πŸ– hands 🀚 with parts assembly , paint 🎨 & glues:) πŸ‘Œ ok πŸ‘Œ:) And I let ya know I liked model vehicles πŸš—& spaceship πŸš€ vehicles;) TTYL anytime;) Have a great πŸ‘ night!:) Thanks πŸ™ again,(J.F.)James Florio:)
Revell Monogram Germany 05674 Gift Set Space Shuttle& Booster Rockets, 40th. 1:72
Customer photo review of CSX - Unisex Classic T-Shirt
James F.
Hi πŸ‘‹!:) Joe Grubba and the Staffers:) It’s me,again!;) I love ❀️ it very much that I wore both of it sometime already;) πŸ‘Œ ok πŸ‘:) Will you kindly please send me two of (either N & HO- SCALE)(CSX) diesels locomotives πŸš‚ engines again back to me on an items or descriptions again:) And so to do caboose (CSX) (either N & HO-SCALE) ,also;) πŸ‘Œ ok πŸ‘:) Have a great πŸ‘ weekdays!:) Take care, take it easy:)Joe Grubba & the Staffers:) TTYL anytime:) Sincerely yours,(J.F.)James Florio@+1(910)964-4750:)
CSX - Unisex Classic T-Shirt
Customer photo review of BLI 3985 USRA Light Mikado, B&O 4516, Paragon4 Sound/DC/DCC, N
James F.
Good morning πŸ˜ƒβ˜€οΈπŸŒž!;) Joe Grubba and the staffers:) πŸ‘‹ Hi πŸ‘‹!:) How are you doing today?? I am still fine:) I love ❀️ it very much!:) I will πŸƒrun πŸƒβ€β™€οΈBoth (N-Scale) steam locomotives πŸš‚ on the N-scale track layouts with these wheels movements :) I appreciate it very much:) πŸ‘Œ ok πŸ‘:) TTYL anytime:) Thanks πŸ™ again,(J.F.) James Florio:)
BLI 3985 USRA Light Mikado, B&O 4516, Paragon4 Sound/DC/DCC, N
Customer photo review of Athearn HO RTR SD40-2, UP #8040
Lynn S.
This engine compliments my other SD40-2, 8037, and they both go well with my DDA40X models. Those units were frequently run together when they were on the active Union Pacific roster.
Athearn HO RTR SD40-2, UP #8040
Customer video review of Conrail #18619 - Blue - NE Steel Caboose  - HO Scale
Scott M.
I had recently burnt out the sound on a DCC controller, so, I put it in this caboose to control the lighting. No sound, but it does have lights. Great purchase.
Conrail #18619 - Blue - NE Steel Caboose - HO Scale
Customer photo review of Still Plays With Trains - Men's Dark Colored T-Shirt
James F.
Good morning πŸ˜ƒβ˜€οΈπŸŒž!:) Joe Grubba and the staffers;) It’s me,again!:) πŸ‘‹ Hi πŸ‘‹!:) I love πŸ’— it very much:) it’s genius to indicate everyone that I still am playing with trains πŸš‚!:) it fits me that I will wear it:) πŸ‘Œ ok πŸ‘:) TTYL anytime:) Stay in touch with me!:) Have a good one ☝️!:)Joe Grubba & the staffers:) Thanks πŸ™ again,(J.F.)James Florio:)
Still Plays With Trains - Men’s Dark Colored T-Shirt
Customer photo review of BLMA Models BLM103 Modern RV Style Locomotive Air Conditioner -- pkg(4), N Scale
John K.
These are two Walther’s Aggregate cars the gray one was painted with Tru Color. The Brown was partly repainted but later one received full repaints and I used Circus City Decals.
BLMA Models BLM103 Modern RV Style Locomotive Air Conditioner -- pkg(4), N Scale
Customer photo review of Athearn HO RTR 26' Ore Car Low Side w/Load, UP/MOW #917001
Richard H.
My new car is not displayed as my train only gets put out on Christmas. Stenciled on the back of the 4 X 8 board is 12/25/56 when I was nine years old. Switches don't work anymore but everything else is fine. I got the new green car as I needed something green on my consist. You guys are the greatest.
Athearn HO RTR 26’ Ore Car Low Side w/Load, UP/MOW #917001
Customer video review of BLI 7227 N&W Y6b 2-8-8-2, #2171, N&W Maroon, 22i tender, Paragon4 Sound/DC/DCC, N (Fantasy Paint Scheme)
John W.
Absolutely wonderful engine. Originally was going to go with the standard black paint scheme, but wife decided the maroon looked better. It is pulling my MicroTrains Holiday cars that were still on the layout without any problems. Love the sound and pulling abilities. The details are remarkable and the weight of this locomotive is massive. Well done Broadway-Limited!
BLI 7227 N&W Y6b 2-8-8-2, #2171, N&W Maroon, 22i tender, Paragon4 Sound/DC/DCC, N (Fantasy Paint Scheme)
Customer photo review of Tichy Train Group 2600 Wood Water Tank -- Kit, N Scale
Brian N.
Plastic model - clear instructions and easy to build. A few of my bents didn't get molded properly. The holes where the bent braces are to be inserted were filled with plastic, so I trimmed off the tabs on the bent braces and added more glue than would have been required. The company does replace defect parts for free and broken parts for a fee. Can't wait to finish painting and weathering it!
Tichy Train Group 2600 Wood Water Tank -- Kit, N Scale
Customer photo review of WalthersProto 920-9625 85' Budd 68-Seat Step-Down Coach (Reversed Seats) -- Santa Fe #533 (Real Metal Finish), HO
Joseph C.
Beautiful finish on the exterior of the cat, it weighs quite a bit and rides on walthers trucks, so it will need lubercation because it will squeak and drag otherwise. Tracks well and the lighting kit (available separately) is easier to install than standard cars.
WalthersProto 920-9625 85’ Budd 68-Seat Step-Down Coach (Reversed Seats) -- Santa Fe #533 (Real Metal Finish), HO
Customer video review of BLI 6430 PRR P70R Coach, w/ Ice AC, 1945-1948 Appearance, Single Car, HO
Richard M.
The PRR P70 Coaches add the perfect touch when planning trains to match-up with my PRR livery of Locomotives. The BLI GG1 is called upon to pull the coaches on the shorter city runs, while the T1 Duplex hauls the group speedily across the state with grace, style and a great prototypical look.
BLI 6430 PRR P70R Coach, w/ Ice AC, 1945-1948 Appearance, Single Car, HO
Customer photo review of PREORDER BLI 6642 Union Pacific 4-8-4, Class FEF-3, #835, Black & Graphite, Paragon4 Sound/DC/DCC, Smoke, HO
Jos S.
It’s worth waiting that long time in pre-order but the result is fantastic as you can see on the photo, an added value to my Cheyenne Sherman Hill lay-out. Always nice to do business with you. Happy New Year from Belgium !
PREORDER BLI 6642 Union Pacific 4-8-4, Class FEF-3, #835, Black & Graphite, Paragon4 Sound/DC/DCC, Smoke, HO
Customer video review of PREORDER BLI 6193 EMD SD40-2, BNSF #1734, H3 Swoosh Scheme, Paragon4 Sound/DC/DCC, N
Danny E.
Runs like a champ! It looks great and the sound was just what I was looking for. This is my second BLI locomotive and I believe this is a start to a beautiful relationship!
PREORDER BLI 6193 EMD SD40-2, BNSF #1734, H3 Swoosh Scheme, Paragon4 Sound/DC/DCC, N
Customer photo review of BLI 3823 Cryogenic Tank Car, Air Products, 2-pack, N
Bradd W.
These cars are beautifully detailed and look fantastic. The wheelsets are very free wheeling. The only problem is that the wheels can fall out very easily. This does not appear to be a problem once the cars are set on the track, but taking them out of the case takes care to keep them from falling out. Overall they are very nice cars
BLI 3823 Cryogenic Tank Car, Air Products, 2-pack, N
Customer photo review of Athearn ATHG13221 GP15-1 w/DCC & Sound, GMTX #426, HO
Steven B.
Athearn knocks it out of the park. Again. Superb sound and slow speed running thanks to the Tsunami2 sound decoder and Athearn Genesis drivetrain. Yard work is a breeze! One of my favourite model locomotives ever. Highly recommended.
Athearn ATHG13221 GP15-1 w/DCC & Sound, GMTX #426, HO
Customer photo review of Banta Modelworks 6149 Union Bank Front, O Scale
Thomas M.
This is a terrific looking O scale model store. Its laser cut pieces are complemented by the ingenious self stick qualities of its window & door trims. That sure speeds construction. Almost all of the parts fit together perfectly. That is refreshing since many of its individual parts are composed of very different materials. My only minor criticism of this building is its architecture. The main floor windows are just too large to portray a rustic bank convincingly. Jesse James & his gang woul...
Banta Modelworks 6149 Union Bank Front, O Scale
Customer video review of BLI 7022 EMD SD70ACe, BNSF #9148, Swoosh Scheme, Paragon4 Sound/DC/DCC, N
Danny E.
I absolutely love this locomotive! It performs as it should, it looks great, and the sounds were beyond what I expected or hoped for. Looking forward to many operations with these locomotives!
BLI 7022 EMD SD70ACe, BNSF #9148, Swoosh Scheme, Paragon4 Sound/DC/DCC, N
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