Factory Direct Hobbies Reviews

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Customer video review of (Brass Hybrid) BLI 6716 Great Northern S-2 4-8-4, #2582, Vestibule Cab, Glacier Green, "Great Northern" Logo, Paragon4 Sound/DC/DCC, Smoke, HO Scale
Nattha P.
Love the look of this loco. The smoke does not operates when tested.. I bought the vestibule version, and noticed that there are two mounting holes on the tender side. I'm not sure if there's supposed to be screws there or not. Otherwise it's a great loco.
(Brass Hybrid) BLI 6716 Great Northern S-2 4-8-4, #2582, Vestibule Cab, Glacier Green, "Great Northern" Logo, Paragon4 Sound/DC/DCC, Smoke, HO Scale
Customer photo review of Athearn ATH26745 HO 50' FMC Box, RND/ATH/Genesis (3)
Jonathan P.
Three great box cars in special Athearn road paint demonstrating the different versions of detail. They a fine addition to my Athearn road name co;;section!
Athearn ATH26745 HO 50’ FMC Box, RND/ATH/Genesis (3)
James B.
The PikeStuff storefront windows and door kit will provide me with the appropriately sized windows to replicate a concrete block structure I am building for my HO layout. This is a kitbashed structure for which I have prototype photos. Looking forward to getting my project underway.
PikeStuff 1106 Store Front Windows & Door, HO Scale
Ferruccio F.
The service offered by FDH is excellent: a large catalog to choose from, competitive prices and fast shipping. Unfortunately, for those who live abroad, shipping via DHL is really expensive and greatly limits purchases. I really miss the ol' " Surface Mail" which allowed me to build a nice American style layout.
Banta Modelworks 2127 Crick Hollow, HO Scale
Arend G.
I obviously liked the models. I was happy to receive them. I was "NOT" so happy with the packing of them. These are fragile and extremely vulnerable pieces. The lack of packing material jeopardized the one model damaging it. This created another delivery in which I was charged duty again. Not a very nice transaction. I did receive the replacement though un damaged. Thank you. In future especially for my locomotive purchase I hope Factory Direct packages it with extreme care and attention as it i...
Accurail 3983 Milwaukee Road Rib-Side Boxcars, Billboard Milwaukee Road Lettering 1958-1967, HO
Beverley D.
I showed them to my wife on arrival, and her comment was: "Oh, they're beautiful". Overall I am very pleased with them. Although I have run them briefly, these models will spend their life as static shelf display models. I do have a small layout, but primarily I am a 'collector'.
WalthersProto 920-49915 EMD E8 A-A - Standard DC -- Chicago, Burlington & Quincy #9990 & 9993 (plated sides), HO
Paul R.
I have waited a long time for this unit to come out. I have 3 of them which I installed DCC in. Now I have one with excellent sound in it . It sounds as good as it looks. Tsunami 2 is excellent sound wise . Very pleased with this model
Athearn ATH28776 HO RTR RS-3 w/DCC & Sound, D&RGW #5200
Michael O.
Received this product and it was without a doubt a God send, I fit it under my N scale track and it fits like a glove, Thanks for the selling of this product.
Woodland Scenics 1472 N Track-Bed Strips (Standard Pack) 2’ 12 Pack
Rick B.
The detail on the outside is incredible and the detail inside is great. The only thing missing is lights, which I will add myself. The price was so good after I got the first one I ordered another one. Delivery came faster than expected I am very satisfied.
WalthersProto 920-103204 30’ ATSF 1300-Series Wood Waycar (Caboose) - Ready to Run - Santa Fe - A. T. & S. F. #1307 Pre-1938 Scheme (Mineral Red, white), HO
Chuck L.
Rapido hit this car out of the park with all its detail, inside and out. I was surprised that it has a lighted interior and is almost friction-free, it rolls like forever! I've waited for decades for anyone to produce these unique dome cars and now the wait is over. Simply amazing!
Rapido 175002 HO SP Dome-Lounge w/Fluted Sides: SP - Daylight: #3605
Customer photo review of WalthersMainline 910-3232 60' Pullman-Standard Auto Parts Boxcar (10' and 6' doors) - Ready to Run -- Missouri Pacific(TM) #267050, HO
Lynn S.
This is an excellent car as are the other Walthers cars I have. It goes well with the auto parts cars and auto racks I have.
WalthersMainline 910-3232 60’ Pullman-Standard Auto Parts Boxcar (10’ and 6’ doors) - Ready to Run -- Missouri Pacific(TM) #267050, HO
Phillip T.
Works reliably in conjunction with the V1 and M1 Unitrack sets. Easy enough to add to a compact layout, however the written instructions are printed in Japanese, but the pictures in said instruction manual can make it a little easier to figure things out. Word of warning, it can be cause derailments if you have a steam locomotive run backwards through the switches to the yard. If you run it forwards through the switches to the yard it's a non-issue. This was tested using a Kato N Scale GS4 So...
Kato 20862 V3 Rail Yard Switch Track Set - Unitrack, N Scale
Dan W.
The product is recommended in a 1 part Stone Gray to 16 parts water ratio to start. Slowly added more Stone Gray in 1/2 parts. We were satisfied at 2.5 parts Stone Gray to 16 parts water ratio to dye our mountain mold products on our club model train layout.
Woodland Scenics 1218 Stone Gray 4oz
Matthew B.
This HO Scale 1950 Chevrolet 3100 Panel Van gives an authentic feel to my 1940s to 1950 train layout. It is beautifully detailed and accurately represents its full-sized counterpart. The labeling adds to that authentic feel.
Oxford Diecast HO 87CV50005 1950 Chevrolet 3100 Panel Van, Railway Express Agency REA
Matthew B.
This HO Scale 1942 Chrysler Town & Country (Woody) Station Wagon is amazingly detailed and accurate to its full-sized version. Even the paint colors are accurate to the original. It fits right in with my 1940s to 1950 train layout.
Oxford Diecast 553-87CB42003 1942 Chrysler Town and Country Station Wagon - Assembled -- Catalina Tan, Brown, HO
Eugene H.
Very nice models! These 6,000 gallon insulated high pressure tank cars fill a void in every ones tank car fleet. Good detail, beautifully painted. Can't wait to see what freight car comes next!
BLI 6470 6000 Gallon Tank, Variety Set A, 1940’s 2-pack, HO (Monsanto #1021, Columbia Alkali #322)
Dan B.
Beautiful kit. I've been lusting after it ever since I saw the finished model on display at a local hobby store. Price was right at Factory Direct Hobbies, delivered quickly. Just started building, I'll update when it's done.
Trumpeter P-40/1S12 Long Track S-band acquisition radar 09569 1:35
Charles L.
Excellent model and well detailed. My Father took photos of these units in operation on the New Haven Railroad so I had to have a couple of them as they ran in pairs.
Rapido 023058 HO PA-1 (DC/Silent): New Haven - Orange Scheme: #0760
Rustom M.
Hi, Easy ordering process, prompt response, efficient delivery. Well packed and labelled. The box was intact and in good condition. This particular caboose was chosen due to its highly detailed interior and exterior, including underbelly. The sound and lights is a new attraction, a first in a caboose. Though I have not yet had the opportunity to run it, nor taken a picture or video of it, but I believe it is super! Long gloated over it, though!!! Highly appreciate your service, please keep i...
Athearn Genesis HO G78398 Bay Window Caboose with Lights and Sound, Willamette and Pacific #2
George P.
Thank you for your prompt and efficient service. Even though your staff had to face that awful Helene and had a tough time dealing with their personal lives, let alone the store, you all came through magnificently. I pray all of you are safe and well and property damage was to a minimum. With respect George Pereira Pickering, Canada
Rivarossi HR2952S Cheseapeake & Ohio, articulated steam locomotive 2-6-6-6 "Allegheny", #1653, with DCC sound decoder, HO
Clark O.
Had a problem with my order and these good people jumped on and took care of it right away. Replacement product arrived within two days. Would definitely do business with them again.
Plastruct 91005 SSA-106 2pk ABS SHEET .060
Joseph M.
I did buy the animated ACME Manufacturing sign that is going on a factory I'm kitbashing. This car and the other cars I preordered will fit perfectly. Always be a big fan of ACME Coyote and Roadrunner since I was a kid. I'm sure it will get a lot of attention. Love what you're doing for the hobby.
Lionel 2454040 HO 40’ Steel Boxcar - Ready to Run - Acme Dynamite #4040 (Boxcar Red, white, orange, Looney Tunes)
Tice N L.
Excellent quality caboose. As an unlettered model I get to add my own RR name and complete an engine and caboose set for my pike. Excellent transaction, Joe always ships, fast, accurate, and safe.
Bachmann 16806 NE CABOOSE Unlettered, RED, HO
William M.
Product very well packaged. The locomotive is mounted to the shopping floor with two screws. When I put it on the track to test run it immediately moved. The throttle is normally set to illuminate led but this motor is such a low draw (and quiet) that I will need to reset the lower voltage limit so I can stop. Best running locomotive I have seen in over 65 years in the hobby. The locomotive looks as good as it runs. There are no instructions for the four parts included in the packaging. Not ...
Atlas 10004458 EMD SD35 Low Nose - Standard DC - Master(R) Silver -- Great Lakes Central #386 (blue, black), HO
Richard H.
One of my three favorite Pennsy diesels. Should always buy the DCC/Sound units. All of my steamers and most of my deisels are 40+ years old but hese new units are far superior in performance and detail. Thanks for resolving my previous situation.
BLI 7691 BF-16 Sharknose A, PRR 9709, 5-Stripe, Paragon4 Sound/DC/DCC, HO
Dean H.
Perfect fit for what I needed it for so glad that they found factory direct. You guys are on the top of the list for next.O scale building project on my layout
Northeastern Scale Lumber 571 Quarter Round Moulding -- 1/16 x 24" .16 x 60.96cm, All Scales
Thomas N.
The two water towers I purchased fit perfectly on my D&RGW HOn3 layout. I don't have to paint them. All I have to do is set them in place when I start on the scenery portion of my layout.
BLI 7927 Water Tower, Weathered Yellow, Unpowered, NO Sound, HO
Gary B.
Due to factory direct hobbies pre order policy, i will like not be pre ordering any items in the future. If it were as necessary to collect the funds when the product ships all supplier’s would have this policy. I feel it is taking a financial risk on my part, it could mean your company is in poor financial shape, and need my payment to make your payment to the manufacturer. If that is the case, it will be a matter of time till a customer gets screwed. That is my take of why you would implemen...
Atlas 10003919 HO U30C PH.1 GOLD PENNSYLVANIA #6539
Michael F.
N&W coal hoppers, what is more appropriate! Great paint and detail. nice job BLI, keep up the good work. Thanks to Factory Direct Hobbies for having stock no one else seems to have.
BLI 7144 N&W H2a Hopper, N&W, 24" Lettering w/ 1960’s Logo, 2-pack A, N
Jai J.
Always a great experience with Factory Direct Trains. The locomotive runs great and looks great. The loco was packed very well and was shipped quickly after ordering online. Awesome place to do business with anytime.
Rapido 048012 HO GE 44 Tonner (DC/Silent): Rio Grande - Black & Yellow: #40
Christian B.
Fast shipping, easy to place and pay for my order on my mobile device!! Will definitely keep on my short list, as I am just diving into my first permanent layout!!
Kato USA 24-84TC TURNOUT CABLE, HO AND N Scale
Philip C.
Heavyweight and lightweight observation cars and railroad executive business cars have not been offered for a number of years. The pre-order and limited availability of in stock items, when they finally ship has been frustrating. BLI has made a beautiful product. My New York Central Steam Transition Era passenger fleet has a welcome new addition.
BLI 8956 New York Central Business Car, #11, HO
Philip C.
Heavyweight and lightweight observation cars and railroad executive business cars have not been offered for a number of years. The pre-order and limited availability of in stock items, when they finally ship has been frustrating. BLI has made a beautiful product. My PRR Steam Transition era passenger fleet has a welcome new addition.
BLI 8972 Z74D Business Car, PRR 7510, "Pittsburgher", Late 1940’s, HO
Robert C.
As usual, a great model, good detail. I grew up alongside the west-shore line of the NYC. While "sharks" didn't frequent it, this reminds me of that old, great road. Ran the models on the club layout and was greatly impressed with the sound and the great slow speed when starting up. Thanks.
BLI 7696 RF-16 Sharknose A/B, NYC 3805/3707, Cigar Band, A-unit Paragon4 Sound/DC/DCC, Unpowered B, HO
Paul D.
Fantastic car, in fact I bought two with the intention of changing the name and number for a fictional railroad. Don’t have a layout just displays. Also, you are great company that provides exceptional service and prices. Thank you
BLI 8972 Z74D Business Car, PRR 7510, "Pittsburgher", Late 1940’s, HO
Bradford P.
I enjoy this set of figures so I can put them with one of my houses that has a swimming pool on my layout which happens to be dedicated to the great State of Florida which is purely a land of Endless Summer.
Noch Gmbh 15844 Nude Bathers/Swimmers -- Set #2 pkg(6), HO
Willard V.
I ordered three of these modern signals after accidentally buying one of the older banjo-style signals which I don't see on the UP branch that runs past my house. These Atlas signals are very nicely made and finely detailed compared to many toy-like signals I've seen. They look like they could be metal but are actually fairly sturdy plastic models. Shipping from Factory Direct was prompt and securely packaged.
Atlas 70000094 Single-Head Modern Hooded Signal - All Scales Signal System -- Left Hand, HO Scale
Matthew B.
This HO Scale 1957 Chevrolet Nomad is beautifully detailed and accurately represents its full-sized counterpart. The paint colors are accurate to the original. It fits right in with my 1940s to 1950s train layout.
Oxford Diecast HO 87CN57008 1957 Chevrolet Nomad, Assembled, Adobe Beige, Sierra Gold
Darrin A.
I am very impressed with the level of detail and quality of Walthers Jordan spreader. Walthers did a Great job on the tooling of the product. I would definitely recommend this product to anyone.
Walthers 920-110129 Jordan Spreader - Ready to Run -- Milwaukee Road #X-286, HO
Charles H.
The box car is great! Too bad it took 18 months from the time I placed the order until I received it. I understand that has become the norm, and it is not your fault. It just makes me less likely to purchase new train items. (Of course, another reason is the increased cost.) I'm moving my focus now to buying old Athearn Blue Boxes cheaply and upgrading them with good wheels and couplers. The slight loss of detail compared to modern products is a non-issue for me. I may still buy a new loco...
Athearn ATH18702 HO 50’ FMC 5347 Box, MEC/Pan Am #31578
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