Factory Direct Hobbies Reviews

Factory Direct Hobbies ReviewsSee store reviews

James R.
After painting it and placing on my diorama, it seemed a bit large compare to others at the Club layout where I belong. Maybe because it's OO/HO? Otherwise, very nice. Thanks!
Peco PCOSL-40 Buffer Stop, Rail-built, Scale HO
Keith S.
Athearn has been around a long time. Their steady growth, level of quality, expanding offerings are 1st class. This model is packed with detail and performance for a fair price. Enjoy.
Athearn Genesis ATHG78587 HO ICC Caboose w/Lights, P&WV #853
Jordan S.
What a beautiful piece of rolling stock! The detail is amazing and I really love the ability to control the lighting via touch areas along the spine of the roof. Genius!
BLI 9015 Union Pacific Business Car, UP #119 "Kenefick", "Spirit of the Union Pacific" Drumhead, HO
Brian H.
Super fast service from Factory Direct. Had the product two days after ordering it which was fantastic. If shipping continues to be this fast, I will be doing more business with you in the future!
Evergreen Scale Models 4060 6 x 12" Styrene Siding Sheet, V-Groove .040" Thick -- .060" Spacing, A Scale
Richard C.
Great smoke fluid that works well in any mfg. smoke units. It is good quality and makes more smoke from my engines than I will ever need. I set the "cv" settings lower so I don't get smoked out of my room. It works well in my MTH engines also. Good stuff.
BLI 1002 Smoke Fluid 0.25 fl oz.
Richard C.
Excellent paint and graffics with good detail at a value price. High handling durability including metal wheels and metal couplers make these cars much preferred over more fragile cars with separately applied details that cost twice as much. Mainline cars run as well as any cars regardless of cost and present very well in your running trains.
Walthers Mainline HO 6128 61’ Wood Chip Gondola, Ready To Run, Union Pacific #147927
Customer video review of BLI 7033 EMD SD70ACe, UP #1988, Missouri-Kansas-Texas Heritage livery, Paragon4 Sound/DC/DCC, N
Gary M.
Great running little locomotive. The sound is auosome. Hard to believe that much sound comes out of such a small package. Very good detail. BLI does a great job.
BLI 7033 EMD SD70ACe, UP #1988, Missouri-Kansas-Texas Heritage livery, Paragon4 Sound/DC/DCC, N
Customer photo review of Kato USA 126-0308 4-8-4 GS-4 Southern Pacific Postwar Black #4433, N Scale
Gary C.
Very pleased with this loco. I’m addicted to the steam era and this will compliment my layout for years to come. Thank you.
Kato USA 126-0308 4-8-4 GS-4 Southern Pacific Postwar Black #4433, N Scale
Jerry D.
Woodland Scenics ho scale wooden light poles, I purchase it for use on my layout either at the freight house or lights for the fueling point. I am still working on this layout. Just gathering items at this time.
Woodland Scenics JP5630 Just Plug Wooden Pole Street Lights, HO Scale
Customer photo review of Atlas 10003012 Alco RS1 - LokSound and DCC - Classic Gold -- Santa Fe 2395 (blue, yellow), HO
Alan C.
We see a local train headed by the 2395 pulling into a flag stop for hikers. My only reservation about the locomotive is that it seems not to have a 'keep alive' capacitor for bad spots in the track, or long switch frogs. It has gone dead a number of times in such places.
Atlas 10003012 Alco RS1 - LokSound and DCC - Classic Gold -- Santa Fe 2395 (blue, yellow), HO
Richard C.
These are great, long lasting switch machines that have very realistic operation and have stood the test of time for years. Our club layout uses them exclusively on all switches and work flawlessly. They have hook ups for activating signals as well.
Tortoise 800-6000 Tortoise Slow Motion Switch Machine 1 Pack
Tim T.
This little model looks simple enough, but has really small components- i love the challenge. Iam looking for a model (not a build) of the international space station. the one ive seen is from Revell Germany, has great detail over some of the others. light now there doesn't seem to be ANY on the market, except built for $1200 . I want to build for my grandkids to educate them on the system (as i am doing with this most incredible Voyager1 craft. (don't think kids today are getting any ed on thes...
Hasegawa Models 54002 Unmanned space probe Voyager 1:48 SCALE MODEL KIT
Chris J.
This is a beautiful looking locomotive for sure. I have bought three locomotives from Factory Direct, all arrived quickly and unharmed. I will be making most if not all of my purchase from them. Thank you Factory Direct!
BLI 7308 GE ES44AC, UP #8075, TTG w/ Aluminum, Paragon4 Sound/DC/DCC (Fantasy Paint Scheme), N
Kent C.
This is an essential car from the 1950s and 60s. There were so many of them they should be almost on every railroad in this United States. Plus, the slogan is catchy. The car itself is very well manufactured with fine detail parts. This is a winner.
Rapido 154008A UP Class B-50-41 40’ Boxcar - Ready to Run -- Union Pacific (1956 Repaint, Boxcar Red, Be Specific Slogan), HO
John F.
Nice looking locomotive I do have to others but they are paragon 3 April last year. Just at moment am working on new layout and trying to get the right curves or as near as possible just like the two bachman locomotives looking good did run these two at clubhouse they ran well
BLI 8027 PRR T1 Duplex, #5504, Tuscan Red, Paragon4 Sound/DC/DCC, N (Fantasy Paint Scheme)
Alexander K.
I made this purchase during the Christmas season, my own present to me. The product looks good and runs and sounds even better. Well worth the money and time waiting for it. I have to say Factory direct hobbies has been come one of two go to stores for my modeling . There prices are very good ,shipping is more than fair and I have always had good experiences with FD.
Athearn ATHG78374 HO CE-6 ICC Caboose w/Lights & Sound, SF #999538
Douglas B.
I haven’t actually run these on a track but, I’m definitely impressed with the quality all the way around on this product. I’ve paid more and have seen less detail from other brands before. Definitely a double thumbs as far as I’m concerned!
Athearn ATH6622 N 52’ Mill Gondola, CO #351360
Phil P.
The folks at Factory Direct hobbies were very kind and courteous when I placed my order when I received my order the first locomotive did have some damage which could have been due to Accidental handling during packaging at the factory or who knows nevertheless the folks at Factory Direct Hobbies were quick and courteous to get the problem resolved customer service here is. A + will definitely deal with this company again and highly recommend this company as a source for your hobby needs
BLI 8359 UP Big Boy #4021, Two-Tone Gray w/ Aluminum, Wilson Aftercooler, 25-C-400 Coal Tender, Paragon4 Sound/DC/DCC, Smoke, HO (Fantasy Paint Scheme)
Richard C.
Nicely decorated and detailed HO cars. Quality, smooth running, and well weighted cars that perform well in long consists. These come with metal wheel sets and plastic knuckle couplers with small coil springs to hold the knuckle in place for good longevity. I replace these with metal kaydee couplers when they eventually wear out. I am very happy with these Athearn RTR models.
Athearn ATH18683 HO FMC 5327 12’ Plug Door Box, NOPB #4125
Robert B.
These locomotives were easily programmed with the engine number and ran smoothly together. They throttled down to speed step one on my Digitrax throttle; and they ran so smoothly that I had to line them up with a post to see that they were, indeed, moving. The sound quality was great.
Rapido 37539 HO ALCo FA-1 + FB-1 (DC/DCC/Sound): Reading: #302 + #302B
Anne D.
I am very impressed with how quickly my pre order was shipped after Factory Direct received them from the manufacturer. I was hesitant to pre order because I have an order from another train store that showed that the locomotive I order was received. But almost 2 months later and I have not received it as of this post. Good job Factory Direct.
Athearn ATH18702 HO 50’ FMC 5347 Box, MEC/Pan Am #31578
Robert M.
Outstanding product. Much better than the tank cars by another company. This WILL negotiate 18" radius turns as advertised, and I've even got a few 15" curves I took it through with no derailment...unlike the competitor's car which couldn't even do the 18" curves. They're quite heavy, hold the track well, and look outstanding.
BLI 8041 Cryogenic Tank Car, Air Reduction, Single Car, HO
George P.
Beautiful locomotive for the 50th Amtrac Anniversary. It's been almost 2 years since I pre-ordered this engine, and I had forgotten that I ordered it until I was notified that it was in. I will enjoy running it on my layout as soon as I get enough of my layout completed to run trains. Hopeful that that will be pretty soon!
Athearn Genesis ATHG81314 HO AMD103/P42 w/DCC and Sound, Amtrak/50th Anniversary Blue #100
James L.
I have always appreciated the detail and care that is put into every engine that I have bought. They run great and sound good too. You are now the go to company for the best Pennsylvania locomotives with BLI quality. Keep up the good work.
BLI 9171 PRR B6sb 0-6-0, #909, Post-War Appearance, 60S66A Tender, Paragon4 Sound/DC/DCC, HO
Robert B.
I bought this car for my switching layout (in progress) and have not run it or taken it out of the box. I bought it because the CNJ ran in the city (Bridgeton, NJ) where I went to high school. The Pennsylvania-Reading Seashore Lines also were present there; however, they never had any freight cars of their own.
WalthersMainline 910-40956 HO 40’ Early X29 Boxcar - Ready to Run -- Central Railroad of New Jersey #21033
Robert B.
Pre-ordered this engine months ago. I was notified promptly when it was ready to ship to me. Arrived safely, on time. It looks great and will be test run soon. Great price, excellent service and super quality model!
BLI 9172 PRR B6sb 0-6-0, #4136, Post-War Appearance, 60S66A Tender, Paragon4 Sound/DC/DCC, HO
Dick B.
These are excellent turnouts, including 1-piece points, proper insulation for DCC operation and even a solder lug to allow you, should you elect to do so, to power the frog for very smooth loco operation at low speeds.
WalthersTrack 948-83014 Code 83 Nickel Silver DCC Friendly Number 4 Turnout -- Right Hand, HO
Robert S.
It is sometimes hard to find HO scale railroad workers. These that you sell are well shaped and painted. Great addition to my small layout. I am still looking for HO scale engineers and firemen in a sitting position to add to both steam and diesel cabs.
Preiser Kg 10547 Working People -- United States Railway Workers pkg(6), HO Scale
Robert M.
Outstanding product. Much better than the tank cars I purchased from another company. This WILL negotiate 18" radius turns and I've even got a few 15" curves I took it through with no derailment...unlike the competitor's car which couldn't even do the 18". They're quite heavy, hold the track well, and look outstanding.
BLI 8039 Cryogenic Tank Car, Airco, Single Car, HO
Richard G.
The cradle does exactly what I needed it do, which is to hold a locomotive stationary, so it can be worked on. Factory Direct sent it quickly and at a good price. I highly recommend them.
Bowser 23 LOCO CRADLE, N Scale
Fred H.
Hey, you guys are a quality supplier, you righted a wrong for me, I’ll never forget it! Thank you! You are one of my three suppliers in the N gauge world!
BLI 6952 Light Pacific 4-6-2, WM 203, Paragon4 Sound/DC/DCC, N
Robert D.
These interesting cars are beautifully executed. Definitely something to point out to visitors to the layout. As always, working with Factory Direct Hobbies was great. Very happy to have pre-ordered these!
Athearn Genesis ATHGN23380 N GATC 2600 Airslide Hopper,MP/Drawbar #720990(2)
Bernie K.
The product was absolutely stunning. It came well packaged and ran like a beauty. Amazing sounds and very fun to switch around with. I plan to buy from them again!
Rapido 032565 RS-18u DCC/Sound CP Rail - No Multimark #1825, HO
James C.
I love BLI and this is no exception. The features are the best in the industry. Factory Direct Hobbies got me this Loco quickly and in good shape. I will buy from them again. I don't like the 10% down for preorders but I do understand the new process. Keep doing what your doing !!!
BLI 6700 PRR E6 4-4-2, #460, 1927 Lindberg Special, Paragon4 Sound/DC/DCC, Smoke, HO Scale
Willard V.
This is a nice set of loading dock details suitable for any industry on a layout. The painting of the small items is very well done. If you're good at painting small items, you could probably get similar items a bit cheaper but, at my age and diminishing eyesight, I was happy to find these already painted details for my HO layout.
Woodland Scenics 1934 Loading Dock Details, HO
Joseph S.
I am just starting my layout, I need everything so I have to be cost conscious and this was a good price. I like Atlas flex track, it looks good and is easy to work with
Atlas HO 178 Code 100 36" Super-Flex-Track with Black Ties (5)
James M.
Fast shipping! Good Price! This is a great product. It can pull lots of freight easily. Up to 70 freight cars. I like the smoke unit but it does have the on off switch for those who do not. The paint on the model is sharp and clear. Detail is good for a die cast body. You can’t go wrong with BLI and certainly can’t go wrong with Joe at Factory Direct Hobbies. A+++++!
BLI 8679 EMD SD70ACe, NS 1047, Black/White, Paragon4 Sound/DC/DCC, w/ Smoke, HO
Robert H.
The Microscale signs are top quality and look cool in the train room. I will be collecting all of them in time. FDH has done a very good job packaging them for shipping.
Microscale Industries 10001 Embossed Die-Cut Metal Sign -- Pennsylvania Railroad, All Scales
Gregory G.
I received this engine in suburb condition. I ran it on my test track, and it was smooth and quiet. It will look great paired with the A unit. The paint and graphics are crisp. I am going to hate to extreme weather it for my layout. I am very satisfied with my purchase.
BLI 8283 RF-16 Sharknose B, CR 3708, Conrail Blue, No-Sound / DCC-Ready, HO
Peter E.
Came out of the box. Tender & locomotive attached. Set on track. Put #3 in the controller and off we went. It even smoked right out of the box. With help we changed the locomotive number to integrate w/ our layout. Has wonderful loud sounds. Travels smoothly at very low speeds. Very pleased.
BLI 2841 NYC Commodore Vanderbilt Hudson, #5344, Disk Drivers, Paragon4 Sound/DC/DCC, Smoke, HO
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