Factory Direct Hobbies Reviews

Factory Direct Hobbies ReviewsSee store reviews

Visit store
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
Garth O.
Love all the passenger cars! If there’s ever a problem or I want to return an item, customer service is always there, willing to help in any way. Great company to order from and competitive pricing, most times the cheapest. I have a lot of pre orders still to come!
WalthersProto 920-9237 HO 85’ ACF Observation Dome Lounge Lighted - Ready to Run - Union Pacific(R) (Armour Yellow, gray; City of Portland Tail Sign)
Steve G.
Very nicely done model of a versatile locomotive. Crisp lines and paint, silk-smooth performance, and great detail. The factory-applied smoke lifters and awnings make this GP35 stand out among the others currently offered.
Walthers Proto HO 43301 EMD GP35 Phase II Locomotive, Atchison Topeka & Santa Fe #2890
Brian B.
Details are excellent. Car markings also correct and read clearly. Didn't check wheel gage. Did make a few laps around layout. No derailing on Peco code 83 track and turnouts. Coupler height correct out of box. Great addition to my coal hauling consist.
BLI 7371 AAR 70-ton Triple Hopper, B&O, 4-PACK, HO
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
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
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
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)
Joseph B.
Rebuilding a large layout 600 square feet so it will come into play at some point in time not right now though I'm still laying track, as time goes on we'll send some photos.
Atlas 20007442 Offset-Side 2-Bay Open Hopper - Ready to Run -- Hallett #9704 (green, white), HO
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
Dennis K.
You just got to have a steam locomotive in a layout and this provided me the chance to have one with lights, sound and smoke (using DC Mater). LOVE IT!
BLI 7330 2-8-0 Consolidation, CG 223, Paragon4 Sound/DC/DCC, Smoke, 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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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.
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
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
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
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
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)
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
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
Customer video review of Athearn RND1251 40' GONDOLA, N&W #91513, HO
John P.
Great selection, service takes a backseat to no one and the price is fair. Joe you guys are doing it right, please keep it up.
Athearn RND1251 40’ GONDOLA, N&W #91513, HO
Customer photo review of Athearn HO 60' PS Auto Box, SP #621115
Lynn S.
This is an excellent model and goes well with my other rolling stock. Athearn has always had superior models and this is no exception.
Athearn HO 60’ PS Auto Box, SP #621115
Customer photo review of BLI 6490 Milwaukee S-3 4-8-4, #261, Paragon4 Sound/DC/DCC, HO
Michael S.
Right out of the box the unit performed beautifully! Detail is great, sound excellent, and the smoke impresses everyone. A really nice locomotive!
BLI 6490 Milwaukee S-3 4-8-4, #261, 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
Customer video review of Athearn N Bay Window Caboose, MILW #992217
Danny E.
Perfect companion for my little NW-2. Another great product from Athern. Performs as it should and looks amazing while it does it!
Athearn N Bay Window Caboose, MILW #992217
Customer photo review of Walthers 920-100147 40' UTLX 16,000-Gallon Funnel-Flow Tank Car - Ready to Run -- Cargill Corn Sweetener CRGX #4556, HO
David L.
Very impressed with the detail. Surprised on how heavy the tanker is. Will go very well with my corn syrup industry.
Walthers 920-100147 40’ UTLX 16,000-Gallon Funnel-Flow Tank Car - Ready to Run -- Cargill Corn Sweetener CRGX #4556, HO
Anders H.
The N scale laser kit I purchased fromFactory Direct was quickly delivered and, upon inspection, was found to be of high quality with a detailed instruction package. The unit has not been built yet, promises to offer final appearance, details and flexibility for personal finishing comparable with products from Bar Mills and Blair Line.
RSlaserKits 3041 Keystone Mills, N Scale
David S.
My first model car was the 1932 Ford Model B Roadster by AMT. I spent many hours just looking at the beautiful lines that AMT had duplicated in 1/25 scale. This was 1960 and set me on a lifelong path of model car collecting and building. This Model A is an exact replica of the Model A Roadster Pickup my big brother owned in the early 1950s and I will build it just as his was, in my memory that is. AMT has produced yet another beautifully detailed replica of an American icon. I will get another o...
AMT Model Kits AMT1269M 1929 FORD WOODY PICKUP 1:25 SCALE MODEL KIT
Paul F.
These drums will add great detail to one or more of our scenes. Be it on the docks,or on a delivery truck, at a service facility???? The options are wide open.
Metal Drums - Assorted Color; pkg(30), HO
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
Factory Direct Hobbies ReviewsVisit store