Factory Direct Hobbies Reviews

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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
Daniel K.
Quality production looks great no issues. Took a little long to get it i think it was three days after the schedule date, but that was because of the mail not Factory Direct Hobbies.
Micro Trains Line 5600 002 HO 50’ Exterior-Post Modern Boxcar - Kit -- Railbox #33916 (Weathered, yellow, black, graffiti)
William R C.
All items orders arrived well package and in excellent condition. The rolling stock are well designed and will make fine additions. While it might be heresy for the purest, I plan to pair up the UP tenders with an existing pair of U-50's. Afterall , it's my RR.
BLI 6582 UP #49382 Stock Car, Cattle Sounds, N Scale
Stephen T.
Great modal, and excellent customer service. My locomotive had an issue that I couldn’t resolve. They quickly sent me a replacement model, and a return label for the defective unit. Super easy and fast resolution to my issue. Can’t ask for better service than that!
Athearn Genesis ATHG81314 HO AMD103/P42 w/DCC and Sound, Amtrak/50th Anniversary Blue #100
Customer photo review of Walthers SceneMaster 949-1111 Grass Tufts 1/4" 0.6cm Tall -- Summer pkg(42), HO Scale+2
Ken H.
I would’ve given these a 5 star rating but they are not self-stick tufts, you have to use a small dab of super-glue to apply them. Secondly, they do fine as a “dune grass” plant as shown in two photos. One is by the steps of the hotel and the planter outside the country house. The 3rd photo is a different brand that looks more like weeds growing in the wild. Although you can split them a bit and try to flatten them out. That helps so they don’t sit up too high between rails on spur lines and old...
Walthers SceneMaster 949-1111 Grass Tufts 1/4" 0.6cm Tall -- Summer pkg(42), HO Scale
Jack Y.
A decidedly excellent model of C-26 caboose used by the B&O. The model was wonderfully painted with sharp graphics, incredible detail and, well, it fits perfectly on my B&O layout. No regrets with this purchase! I love it.
Athearn ATHG78546 HO C-26 ICC Caboose w/Lights, B&O #C-3801
Nicholas K.
Excellent locomotive.Rapido continues to raise the bar. I've waited a long time for a high quality 44 tonner and finally got it! As usual your service and rapid shipping were excellent. Thank you.
Rapido 048506 HO GE 44 Tonner (DC/DCC/Sound): Boston & Maine - Minuteman: #117
Tibor I.
The model(s) purchased are of excellent quality with some of the lowest costs per the competition! And, delivery was very fast. This seller has competitive costs for this product compared to the competition! I’m very happy with the service and my purchase!! And, would shop from this seller in the future!
WalthersMainline 910-3241 60’ Pullman-Standard Auto Parts Boxcar (10’ and 6’ doors) - Ready to Run -- Southern Pacific(TM) #668053, HO
James R.
This was the first purchase I've made from Factory Direct hobbies. Their website was easy to maneuver, my N-Gauge locomotive shipped timely, and was well packaged. I'll definitely be a returning customer.
BLI 7988 Heavy Pacific 4-6-2, SOU 1391, Sylvan Green, Paragon4 Sound/DC/DCC, N (NP)
Richard C.
Working with Joe & FDH is always a pleasure, and using my bonus dollars from each purchase, is the most easy to understand and apply towards new purchases of any app I have used. This Athearn pre- weathered engine is outstanding and looks very real. The detail is excellent and it functions as good as it looks just like the prototype. The sounds and speed functions are very configurable. I am very happy with my purchase.
Athearn Genesis ATHG31660 HO G2 AC4400CW w/DCC & Sound, UP #6289
Ricardo C.
I am very happy with the product and the delivery service. I've had no time to run the locomotive yet. But it's an impressive model. DHL works really well. I was able to track the delivery at any time. They sent me the amount of taxes I had to pay in Spain without heavy bureaucracy, and gave me the package the day they told me. You also kept me informed all time. Thank you very much.
(Brass Hybrid) BLI 4805 UP Early Challenger (CSA-2), #3830, Post-1947, Re-built Front Engine, Paragon4 Sound/DC/DCC, Smoke, HO
David S.
I absolutley love the BLI FEF 2 steam locomotive. It is very smooth runner great pulling power. The detail and Paragon 4 sound are first rate. Excellent price, and am extremely happy with my purchase and top notch service.
BLI 7363 Union Pacific 4-8-4, Class FEF-2, #820, Black & Graphite, Paragon4 Sound/DC/DCC, Smoke, HO
Arlington M.
What a gem! Details are amazing! Sound is unbelievably good too! Runs smooth and pulls great. Hard to believe it is N scale. Wish I had a bigger layout - I would buy one or two more!
BLI 7400 Reading T1 4-8-4, In Service Version #2101, Paragon4 Sound/DC/DCC, Smoke, N
Matthew B.
This HO Scale 1958 Chevrolet Impala Sport Coupe is beautifully detailed and accurately represents its full-sized counterpart, including the Metallic Cay Coral paint color, which is spot-on. The paint colors are accurate to the original. It fits right in with my 1940s to 1950 train layout.
Oxford Diecast 87CIS58001 1958 Chevrolet Impala Sport Coupe - Assembled -- Metallic Cay Coral, Snowcrest White, HO
Brian B.
I’m very happy with my purchases of the BLI 70ton hopper set a/b. Factory Direct Hobbies had the best price and had both sets which were the reasons I made the purchase.
BLI 7420 ARA 70-Ton Quad Hopper, B&O W2b, 40s/50s w/ Capital Dome, 4-pack A, N Scale
Bill S.
This a real nice single track portal that could fit in any tunnel. Good detail in the stone , great dimensions and a plus for any railroad with a mountain and a tunnel. I would consider using this one over some of the others on the market. It's all personal preference I guess.
Pre-Size Model Specialties 103 Tunnel Portal - Single Track -- Random Stone 4-3/4 x 5" 11.5 x 13cm, HO Scale
Rick C.
Loved it for my railroad, my wife and I are campers. Factory Direct is a great place for model railroading I very highly recommend them and fast shipping also, I will be buying items again.
Woodland Scenics AS5542 Ma & Pa’s Trailer Haven, Ho Scale
Customer video review of BLI 6703 PRR E6 4-4-2, #1211, Pre-war, Paragon4 Sound/DC/DCC, Smoke, HO Scale
Ernie H.
Great running locomotive. This is my 2nd 4-4-2 PRR Atlantic. Looks Awesome Double Headed. Great service and price from Factory Direct Hobbies. Ernie
BLI 6703 PRR E6 4-4-2, #1211, Pre-war, Paragon4 Sound/DC/DCC, Smoke, HO Scale
Customer photo review of Kato USA 176-8406 EMD SD70ACe - Union Pacific (Southern Pacific Heritage), #1996, N Scale
David C.
I ended up stripping Factory Paint (Not an easy undertaking!) and Custom Painted it Santa Fe Blue and Yellow Warbonnet Runs Excellent!
Kato USA 176-8406 EMD SD70ACe - Union Pacific (Southern Pacific Heritage), #1996, N Scale
David E.
It's perfect, just waiting for Christmas 2025. The O scales Blair Line general store and two similar Bar Mills kits will be the start of a village for the Bachmann On30 train to visit. Thanks for the good service and pricing. Dave
Bachmann 25024 White Pass & Yukon - On30 Scale
Customer video review of BLI 7406 Reading T1 4-8-4, Chessie Steam Special #2101, Paragon4 Sound/DC/DCC, Smoke, N
Jay W.
Exceptionally beautiful model except the smoke unit is not working. I’ll have to exchange it for another one. I look forward to running it when that gets taken care of.
BLI 7406 Reading T1 4-8-4, Chessie Steam Special #2101, Paragon4 Sound/DC/DCC, Smoke, N
Matthew S.
Really simple way to add lighting to your Walther's cars. They are a little on the bright side, so I just put a strip of LED dimming tape over the light bar and it tones them down nicely. Otherwise, a great product.
Walthers 920-1060 Lighting Kit for Fits WalthersProto(R) ACF, Budd & Pullman-Standard Cars, HO
Lynne C.
I purchased these items for my Father. I would love to send you a picture but we live 6 hrs apart. He loves his new editions to his train set/and city. Thank you for having great quality merchandise. I will definitely buy more from y’all.
Woodland Scenics AS5543 Shove It Or Leave It, HO
David Cameron W.
It was good to see them on sale. I'll buy a few more when there is another sale. Walthers has finally done something right with this track. Appears to be good quality. I have yet to install and look forward to using the switches.
WalthersTrack 948-83018 Code 83 Nickel Silver DCC Friendly Number 6 Turnout -- Right Hand, HO
David S.
I’m in the process of hooking up the lights to each building. Probably will need to order more electrical assessors to finish the job . The nostalgia value as well as the quality of the buildings are first rate.
Woodland Scenics BR5050 J. Frank’s Grocery, HO Scale
Jeff S.
What a beautiful model! Detail is easily up to brass standards, and the lighting is outstanding. Operation is flawless, and, for such a small locomotive, pulling power is on a par with your renowned PRR H10. Five stars for sure!
BLI 9174 PRR B6sb 0-6-0, #1446, Pre-War Appearance, 60S66A Tender, Paragon4 Sound/DC/DCC, HO
Edward H.
This is my first BLI locomotive, and I am impressed. It looks amd runs great, and the sound is phenomenal! Factory Direct Hobbies did a wonderful job handling my order, and I am impressed with them as well. I would definitely order through them again.
BLI 9177 PRR B6sb 0-6-0, Unlettered, DGLE Paint, 60S66A Tender, Paragon4 Sound/DC/DCC, HO
Jeff B.
These are the best running N scale switchers ever. I bought another two for renumbering because I like them so much. With a steel mill, typically populated by IHB switchers, these make my layout much more realistic.
BLI 9304 EMD NW2 Switcher, IHB 8792, Black & Orange, Paragon4 Sound/DC/DCC, N
Joe G.
I love the features of this car. The attention to detail is really amazing. I have only owned old Athearn, Bachmann Spectrum, and even old Roundhouse passenger cars in the past. This one is far superior in every way.
BLI 8972 Z74D Business Car, PRR 7510, "Pittsburgher", Late 1940’s, HO
Willard V.
For some reason I've always liked Atlas products better than Athearn. They just seem like a better deal and their Master Line quality is comparable to Broadway Limited, Scale Trains, and Walthers Proto rolling stock. This Trinity 25500 Gallon Tank Car is highly detailed, accurately painted, and at 4.3 ounces is only slightly below NMRA standard weight of 4.875 ounces. Free rolling Delrin trucks with blackened metal wheel sets and AccuMate body-mounted couplers complete the model's quality com...
Atlas HO 20006896 Trinity 25,500-Gallon Tank Car Master, Soy Power Bio Fuels GATX #30836
James K.
The locomotive runs great and it can pull 25 - 30 cars with no problem. I don't have DCC sound hooked up so I don't know how the sound are. But it looks AWESOME on my little train layout.
Athearn ATH73052 HO SD40T-2, SP/Speed Letter #8237
Robert C.
Love it. First long distance train ride I had was on a Pennsy to Navy boot camp may moons ago. Love the quality of this set. I mistakenly ordered 2 but there is a member of my train club who is interested in purchasing the second set. Thank you.
BLI 8966 PRR Heavyweight 5-Car Passenger Set, 1950’s Era, HO (PB70 #4792, P70 #3435, P70 #3609, P70 #3724, Z74d #7509 "Ohio")
Mike L.
When I first seen the Athearn penguin box cars at factory direct I COULD ONLY THINK OF MY GERMAN SHEPARD "TARA'... I know it sounds strange but TARA always loved penguins ,, Since I no longer have TARA I thought. having a couple of the penguin box cars would be a fitting tribute to my TARA and make her a part of my layout... After all OUR layouts should be a living part of our own past,,,At least for me there have been so many things and friends that are no longer here so putting on my lay out ...
Athearn ATH3873 50’ NACC Box, Penguin Ginger Ale #7007, N Scale
Derek F.
Love this cute little old DRGW locomotive. It will pull a small passenger 'excursion' train around part of the layout. Nice model for the price. Can pull half a dozen cars up a good incline. And the speaker is plenty loud, I'll have to adjust it down a bit.
Athearn ATH85012 HO Old Time 2-8-0, D&RGW #947 w/ DCC & Sound
Ted Y.
While this business car is not based on an ATSF prototype, it's good enough. I'll take a closer look at it sometime in the future and possibly do some minor modifications. The car is well done. The only thing I don't understand is there are marker lights in the front of the car and not the back. The "press on the top of the roof" light controls are interesting. Anyway - I find the car a lovely stand in heavy weight business car for my Cajon Pass layout. Ted York
BLI 8950 ATSF Business Car #37, HO
Brian B.
the black NYC engine with the fantasy paint scheme looks really bold! engine runs great, sounds great, excellent lighting, the only thing that has me puzzled is there's only one crew member on board?
BLI 7475 EMD GP20, NYC 6108, Lightning Stripe Scheme, Paragon4 Sound/DC/DCC, HO (Fantasy Paint Scheme)
George P.
The 5-piece passenger car set is of excellent quality and the business car lights up. I cannot wait to try them on my layout. Good job BLI. Excellent packing and shipping from Factory Direct. Thank You
BLI 9100 C&O Heavyweight 5-Car Passenger Set, Tri-Color Scheme, HO
Anthony D.
I wish they were less expensive but the models are very nice. The details are as good as larger scale models. I have a Studebaker assembly plant on my layout so I need a lot of Studebakers.
Oxford Diecast HO 87SC50001 1950 Studebaker Champion Starlight Coupe, Tulip Cream
Brian B.
Love the diesel and Paragon 4 features. However the decoder has an issue that I am in contact with BLI to resolve. AS a result they have issued parts order 10751. The decoder can not be programmed on a programming track. It can be programmed on the Main. I program all my engines on a dedicated programming track, so this is an issue for me. For the amount paid and for the overall quality that BLI presents, it should be resolved. The support from BLI has been really good. Just waiting for the dec...
BLI 7475 EMD GP20, NYC 6108, Lightning Stripe Scheme, Paragon4 Sound/DC/DCC, HO (Fantasy Paint Scheme)
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