Factory Direct Hobbies Reviews

Factory Direct Hobbies ReviewsSee store reviews

Visit store
Customer video review of BLI 7616 Southern Pacific GS-4, #4435, In-Service, Post-War, Daylight Paint, Paragon4 Sound/DC/DCC, Smoke, HO
Ted Y.
I waited a long time for my GS4. So I took my package directly to the basement for a test run of the locomotive. During the unpacking I ran into my first problem - I couldn't get the plastic that holds the model to come off, but with a lot of patience I eventually got it to slide off. I immediately placed the GS4 on the track and dialed in address 3. I found the model to run flawlessly but, the second problem, I eventually notice a bent rod, I think it is the eccentric crank, was bent. I used a...
BLI 7616 Southern Pacific GS-4, #4435, In-Service, Post-War, Daylight Paint, Paragon4 Sound/DC/DCC, Smoke, HO
Customer photo review of Atlas 10004129 HO TRAIN MASTER PH.1A GOLD LACKAWANNA #853+2
Curtis B.
More fine models from Atlas Gold Line. These Train Masters are great! They're quite heavy and really pull well. I hooked a pair of these to 51 heavy modern cars and they weren't even breathing hard. They run smoothly, have a realistic momentum factory programmed. Lettering and paint are crisp and clean, handrails are close to actual prototype size. And they're equipped with ESU sound decoders. They have a unique Fairbanks Morse sound and realistic horn and bell. DL&W used them in both passenger ...
Atlas 10004129 HO TRAIN MASTER PH.1A GOLD LACKAWANNA #853
Customer video review of Athearn Genesis ATHG82730 HO GP9 Locomotive Phase II, C&NW #1756
Darrin A.
I’m very pleased and Happy with the new edition of my Cnw fleet. Great Athearn Genesis quality and tooling. It runs Great! I’m also Happy with the shipping process and timing it took to arrive at my home address. Thank you factory direct hobbies!
Athearn Genesis ATHG82730 HO GP9 Locomotive Phase II, C&NW #1756
Customer photo review of Athearn ATH28755 HO RTR SW1500 w/DCC & Sound, Western Pacific #1503
John C.
This switcher locomotive is another great Athearn product. This little HO SW1500 is a mighty puller. It runs super smooth with the Tsunami 2 chip. I was a bit surprised by the horn as it sounds like an old F7. Very pleased to add this to my loco roster!
Athearn ATH28755 HO RTR SW1500 w/DCC & Sound, Western Pacific #1503
Customer photo review of BLI 8684 EMD SD70ACe, UP 8997, Building America Scheme, Paragon4 Sound/DC/DCC, w/ Smoke, HO+4
Geoff D.
I believe these are the first die cast diesel electric locomotives produced by Broadway Limited Imports. They weigh about 100 grams more than similar BLI locos to date so hopefully we might see AC6000's and others appear in diecast versions in the future. These SD70ACe's certainly have the promised pulling power and the two I have had no trouble lifting a heavy 34 car load of stacked containers and tri level car carriers from a standing start (in a tunnel) on a reasonable gradient at my Club's ...
BLI 8684 EMD SD70ACe, UP 8997, Building America Scheme, Paragon4 Sound/DC/DCC, w/ Smoke, HO
Customer video review of BLI 6587 Holiday Season Stock Car, "Happy Holidays", #191225 Holiday Sounds, N Scale
David P.
This Holiday car works very well and has adjustable volume and sensitivity for how often it "speaks". I model in N Scale so I was surprised by the detail and sound quality. I have a BLI Pacific loco with DCC Paragon sound moving this train. I put the Holiday car at the end of a 10 car train to provide distance from the locomotive sounds so I can still hear the effects from the car. Very pleased with the sounds.
BLI 6587 Holiday Season Stock Car, "Happy Holidays", #191225 Holiday Sounds, N Scale
Customer video review of Atlas 10004161 HO MP-36 GOLD METRA [ROCK ISLAND HERITAGE] #425
Agaci S.
A locomotiva que procurava há dois anos! De repente Factory a me oferece! Já pensava que ela nem existia em HO escala. O melhor presente para mim mesmo neste ano. Obrigado, Factory!!!
Atlas 10004161 HO MP-36 GOLD METRA [ROCK ISLAND HERITAGE] #425
Customer video review of Miller Engineering Animation 440852,Small Lifesaver Billboard
Daniel S.
Miller Engineering signs are great! I have about 5 on my O-Scale layout and another 3 on my N-Scale. They add a bit of realism to the displays.
Miller Engineering Animation 440852,Small Lifesaver Billboard
Customer photo review of BLI 9172 PRR B6sb 0-6-0, #4136, Post-War Appearance, 60S66A Tender, Paragon4 Sound/DC/DCC, HO
Lloyd S.
Arrived in perfect condition. I’m far behind in getting my layout up and running, so no photos/videos yet. Have cataract surgery this month so assuming it turns out OK, I can get back to work on it.
BLI 9172 PRR B6sb 0-6-0, #4136, Post-War Appearance, 60S66A Tender, Paragon4 Sound/DC/DCC, HO
Customer photo review of Athearn Genesis ATHG82827 HO GP9E Locomotive with DCC & Sound, SP #3882
John C.
This SP Low Nose GP9 is just like those that occasionally came through my little San Joaquin Valley Community that I grew up in in the 70's. As a Athearn Genesis product it is fabulous. I look foward to pairing it up with a High Nose GP9 in the near future!
Athearn Genesis ATHG82827 HO GP9E Locomotive with DCC & Sound, SP #3882
Customer photo review of Atlas 40005471 N B30-7 GOLD SOUTHERN PACIFIC [SPEED LETTERING] #7850
Donald F.
I've always been happy with Factory Direct Hobbies. Great products, fair prices, and great customer service. Joe Grubba always does his best to make sure the customer is satisfied. My preferred source for my model railroad needs.
Atlas 40005471 N B30-7 GOLD SOUTHERN PACIFIC [SPEED LETTERING] #7850
Customer photo review of BLI 8689 EMD SD70ACe, UP 1996, SP Heritage Paint, Paragon4 Sound/DC/DCC, w/ Smoke, HO
Donald S.
This BLI loco is a great addition to my “always trying to improve” layout. The features and build quality are excellent, the sound mix from the Paragon 4 is prototypical and, like advertised, the BLI SD 70 ACe does indeed have enormous pulling power. I’m very pleased with the price and service offered by Factory Direct Hobbies; so pleased, in fact, that I just ordered another another loco from FDH — a BLI EMD SD 40-2!
BLI 8689 EMD SD70ACe, UP 1996, SP Heritage Paint, Paragon4 Sound/DC/DCC, w/ Smoke, HO
Customer video review of BLI 7613 Southern Pacific GS-4, #4434, In-Service, As-Delivered, Daylight Paint, Paragon4 Sound/DC/DCC, Smoke, HO
Ken W.
The BLI GS4 is an outstanding reproduction and looks and operates well. Details are excellent and the ability to control individual functions, such as lights is a real benefit. It also looks great with my Walthers SP Daylight passenger cars I recently purchased.
BLI 7613 Southern Pacific GS-4, #4434, In-Service, As-Delivered, Daylight Paint, Paragon4 Sound/DC/DCC, Smoke, HO
Customer photo review of BLI 7616 Southern Pacific GS-4, #4435, In-Service, Post-War, Daylight Paint, Paragon4 Sound/DC/DCC, Smoke, HO
Sam W.
This engine is a show stopper. It showed up quickly at my door and was in perfect shape. It runs super smooth and low speed and high speeds and everywhere in between. The detail on the model is 2nd to none. The sounds are crisp clear and loud. Its pulling power is very impressive. It handles a 14 car consist of BLI and MTH daylight cars with ease. This is a near perfect example of the GS-4.
BLI 7616 Southern Pacific GS-4, #4435, In-Service, Post-War, Daylight Paint, Paragon4 Sound/DC/DCC, Smoke, HO
Customer photo review of Atlas 40005371 N GP-9 GOLD NEW HAVEN #1221
Al D.
This is my 2nd one of these. Sounds terrific, runs smooth, pulls well for its weight and is nicely detailed. Bingo. I run them as a lash-up , two together and haul 20 cars on flat ground. I love them. They look great together. New Haven ran them freight and passenger service. Cheers
Atlas 40005371 N GP-9 GOLD NEW HAVEN #1221
Customer photo review of BLI 1632 Layout Lightning Storm
Phillip S.
I added a powered subwoofer and speakers from an old computer speaker system to the thunder. The sound was enough to send my dog who hates thunderstorms running for cover. I can’t wait to experiment on uses in the future on the layout when I get it further along. Dog approved for realistic storm .
BLI 1632 Layout Lightning Storm
Customer photo review of Evergreen Scale Models 4101 Styrene Siding Clapboard .040x6x12" -- .100" Spacing, A Scale+2
Bob N.
I was stuck looking for the right material to use for a very special project for a very BFF couple I know. After weeks of searching, I found this product and it saved the day. Although not to scale, I brought the pics to 1/87 scale, and this product is the star center. The house is quilted around the clap board. Great save + 6 weeks later you see the results. THANK YOU!
Evergreen Scale Models 4101 Styrene Siding Clapboard .040x6x12" -- .100" Spacing, A Scale
Customer photo review of Shipping for BLI Reading T1
John F.
Yes I was trying the locomotive for the first time at the club where I go to and everyone said how good it was as am building a layout as you can see so hopefully you all liked see y'all when I gets the challengers
Shipping for BLI Reading T1
Customer photo review of Woodland Scenics AS5339 Suds & Shine, N Scale
David P.
As with all Woodland scenics vehicles the detail and precision painting not only to the car but also of included figures are excellent even at N scale which my layout is.
Woodland Scenics AS5339 Suds & Shine, N Scale
Customer photo review of WalthersMainline 910-8716 International Extended Wide-Vision Caboose - Ready to Run -- Great Northern X-153, HO
John C.
This Walthers Mainline Great Northern Blue Goat logo caboose is extremely nice! It was totally ready to run with knuckle couplers and steel wheels. This GN caboose went directly into pool service on my WP highline back to the junction with BN.
WalthersMainline 910-8716 International Extended Wide-Vision Caboose - Ready to Run -- Great Northern X-153, HO
Customer photo review of Imex 6349 Country Cottage, N Scale
Gig G.
Aloha Joe, It’s a bit too soon to write any reviews, as I haven’t started to work on them yet! I’ve been stocking up for the spring for the time between now and when I finish all that I have stacked up and figure out what holes on the layout need filling and what needs to go where!! As I am building the towns of Durango (HO)and Silverton (N) I have a lot of work to do to get it right!! ( My wife’s home town)! Happy Wife Happy model railroading!!!! Happy Holidays! Gig
Imex 6349 Country Cottage, N Scale
Customer photo review of Woodland Scenics AS5328 Autoscenes Thompson's Travelin' Trailer, N Scale
David P.
Very nice addition to my N scale layout. Woodland scenics details to the vehicle and trailer set it apart. Not cheap, but the quality of their products make it easier to justify.
Woodland Scenics AS5328 Autoscenes Thompson’s Travelin’ Trailer, N Scale
Customer photo review of BLI 1632 Layout Lightning Storm
Stephen I.
I have the operating water tower, and now have the layout lightning storm which is fantastic I really enjoy it on auto mode when I'm running trains. I have not tried hooking it up to my subwoofer yet but it sounds fantastic out of the box! Steve Iwaniszek
BLI 1632 Layout Lightning Storm
Customer video review of Athearn Genesis ATHG81318 HO AMD103/P42 w/DCC and Sound, Phase V Amtrak/50th Anniversary #108
Scott D U.
At the moment I've only had time to set the address and run it on a short piece of track. I will run it on my club layout when I have a chance.
Athearn Genesis ATHG81318 HO AMD103/P42 w/DCC and Sound, Phase V Amtrak/50th Anniversary #108
Customer photo review of Rapido 602504 HO D10h 4-6-0: CPR #1027 (DCC/Sound)
David M.
This is my second attempt at this company's product. The first engine after programing it locked up. I returned for warranty and was told two to three months. So I came back to your company and order a second. This engine has worked well. I'm happy with it. Thanks.
Rapido 602504 HO D10h 4-6-0: CPR #1027 (DCC/Sound)
Customer photo review of BLI 8066 Heavy Pacific 4-6-2, SP 2488, Daylight Fantasy Scheme, No-Sound/DCC-Ready, N (NP)+1
David M.
This was a pleasant surprise, just happened to view online and it was on a flash sale and I have the Kato Daylight passenger car set, so I needed a steam locomotive to pull it and the fantasy paint scheme on this locomotive was perfect! This locomotive has no problem pulling it up a 3% grade on my layout. Just goes to show you to always watch for flash sales from Factory Direct Hobbies!
BLI 8066 Heavy Pacific 4-6-2, SP 2488, Daylight Fantasy Scheme, No-Sound/DCC-Ready, N (NP)
Customer photo review of BLI 7611 Southern Pacific GS-4, #4449, 1981-2000 Excursion, Daylight Paint, Paragon4 Sound/DC/DCC, Smoke, HO
Geoff D.
Great looking loco and heavy enough to be a good puller. Has great sound too. Just need to be aware of the flap that folds down behind the cab, this may catch on the tender in certain situations on a curve and will derail the tender. One remedy suggested by a fellow modeller, was to put a tiny amount of super glue to hold the flap just high enough to stop fouling. But best to check with BLI as you would not want to void warranty. Also, the front pony truck needs more tension or weight as it ca...
BLI 7611 Southern Pacific GS-4, #4449, 1981-2000 Excursion, Daylight Paint, Paragon4 Sound/DC/DCC, Smoke, HO
Customer photo review of Badger Air Brush 125 BRUSH HOLDER
Bill S.
This is a really nice air brush holder that IMHO if your a painter you should have one attached to your work table as a convenient place to park your brush when you want to check your work. I encourage any hobbyist to get one.
Badger Air Brush 125 BRUSH HOLDER
Customer photo review of Woodland Scenics A2983 Chain Link Fence, HO
Charles A.
Another detail added, another scene completed and I still have much more to go. It is never finished , you can always add thing to get closer to completion and that is the fun.
Woodland Scenics A2983 Chain Link Fence, HO
Customer photo review of BLI 7893 ATSF 2-8-4 Berkshire, T1a #4196, 4-axle Tender, Disk Main Driver, Paragon4 Sound/DC/DCC, Smoke, HO+4
Brian L.
Thanks Joe for your Intrest. Sorry this took so long to get back to you. We haved moved out of our home, I had to take down my RR empire. But i have been building a new one, #8, in our Toy Hauler Camper. So here is a video of the Berky and the RS-3 that I got from you. Hope this video works. Thanks have a great day. Brian Larson
BLI 7893 ATSF 2-8-4 Berkshire, T1a #4196, 4-axle Tender, Disk Main Driver, Paragon4 Sound/DC/DCC, Smoke, HO
Customer photo review of Athearn Genesis ATHG81315 HO AMD103/P42 w/DCC and Sound, Phase I Amtrak/50th Anniversary #161
John C.
This P42 Amtrak 50th Birthday scheme locomotive is outstanding! This is my 2nd Amtrak Athearn Genesis in this series of special paint schemes. I have a completed my Kato Superliner Amtrak train complete with baggage car that I am pulling now with this latest loco addition.
Athearn Genesis ATHG81315 HO AMD103/P42 w/DCC and Sound, Phase I Amtrak/50th Anniversary #161
Customer photo review of WalthersTrack 948-83017 Code 83 Nickel Silver DCC Friendly Number 6 Turnout -- Left Hand, HO
Kent C.
The frog is isolated with plastic from the adjacent rails. It can be powered using a little tab that comes out from the side. This is what makes this turnout DCC friendly. It is working much better than the older style turnouts that I have had on my layout. I am now replacing the old turnouts with these turnouts. They have the same geometry so it is not too heavy a lift to fix non-DCC friendly turnouts.
WalthersTrack 948-83017 Code 83 Nickel Silver DCC Friendly Number 6 Turnout -- Left Hand, HO
Customer photo review of BLI 8983 PB70 Coach-Baggage Combine, PRR 5120, Late-1940's Paint, HO
Lloyd S.
This looks awesome! I can't do a photo because my old fingers won't manage to unpack the 0-6-0 shifter I got before, and it would be central to any photo of your things. If I can find a Philips head screwdriver small enough to release the four screws at the bottom of the base, I will put the shifter on the track and try to take a photo. Until then, think good thoughts. I got restarted in the hobby very late and my age is getting in the way of a lot of things. Everything you've sent has arrived i...
BLI 8983 PB70 Coach-Baggage Combine, PRR 5120, Late-1940’s Paint, HO
Customer photo review of JTT Trees & Shrubs 95580 GRASS BUSHES, HO
Kent C.
I like variety when putting together plants of the desert. Lately, I've been studying riparian plant life along the Rio Grande. These model plants represent the those often seen in photos.
JTT Trees & Shrubs 95580 GRASS BUSHES, HO
Customer photo review of Kadee #523 HO Scale 33" Diameter Ribbed Back Metal Code 110 Wheels - Freight and Passenger
Charles A.
Performance of rolling stock is greatly increased and the sound of metal wheels is so much better than plastic. This change over also gave me an opportunity to clean and tune up a trucks. Next I am going to change over my Passenger Fleet but first I still about another 40 freight cars and head end rolling stock to convert. All time consuming but well worth the effort. Thank You, Chuck
Kadee #523 HO Scale 33" Diameter Ribbed Back Metal Code 110 Wheels - Freight and Passenger
Customer photo review of BLI 8293 RF-16 Sharknose A, D&H 1216, Blue Warbonnet, No-Sound / DCC-Ready, HO+1
Patrick C.
I’ve waited a long time to purchase these D&H Sharks. I missed the previous release and didn’t want to repeat it again. I LOVE the stealth version of these models because all of my power is old fashioned DC .. These models are stunning, very detailed and are light years better than my Model Power sharks from almost 50 years ago! I’m so very pleased with these models!
BLI 8293 RF-16 Sharknose A, D&H 1216, Blue Warbonnet, No-Sound / DCC-Ready, HO
Customer photo review of Walthers Cornerstone 933-3554 Pennsylvania Railroad Brick Interlocking Tower w/Flat Roof -- Kit, HO
Kemp P.
I enjoyed putting this kit together. I added some mortar to the brickwork and a few interior details (e.g., control levers, track display panel). All the parts went together perfectly well.
Walthers Cornerstone 933-3554 Pennsylvania Railroad Brick Interlocking Tower w/Flat Roof -- Kit, HO
Customer video review of (Brass Hybrid) BLI 7809 PRR Q2 Duplex 4-4-6-4, #6195, Prototype Version, Tuscan Red 5-Stripe Fantasy Scheme, Paragon4 Sound/DC/DCC, Smoke, HO
Gary C.
The loco slide right out of its box, on to the tracks, and quick into motion. Smooth as silk. We coupled it on to a 20 car train and it ran the circuit for an hour without hiccup nor glitch.
(Brass Hybrid) BLI 7809 PRR Q2 Duplex 4-4-6-4, #6195, Prototype Version, Tuscan Red 5-Stripe Fantasy Scheme, Paragon4 Sound/DC/DCC, Smoke, HO
Customer photo review of Woodland Scenics WOO86 Ballast - Coarse - 12oz 340g -- Brown, All Scales+3
Annette V.
This was perfect for my sea side portion of my village. I used two different diameters along with woodland scenic small rocks too. I love how it all turned out. Their products are reliable and easy to work with.
Woodland Scenics WOO86 Ballast - Coarse - 12oz 340g -- Brown, All Scales
Customer video review of BLI 1632 Layout Lightning Storm
Richard S.
I have been using the BLI thunder/lightning module to make thunderstorm clouds. I like the two separate lightning flash outputs. They are timed slightly apart. It makes look like the lightning is occurring in different parts of the cloud. I also like the additional sound effects in the auto cycle mode; wind, dog barking, etc. I hope to make one more massive six foot thunderstorm cloud for my model railroad club. Then I have to stop. All this thunder is giving me a headache. Maybe I shoul...
BLI 1632 Layout Lightning Storm
Factory Direct Hobbies ReviewsVisit store