Factory Direct Hobbies Reviews

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Mary B.
My son wanted one of these because this locomotive's design is very close to that of the West Point Route's two class P-74 4-6-2s and there isn't an actual model of either P-74 available in almost any scale apart from a Key Imports/Samhongsa HO-scale brass import that was made in the 1980s. He thus plans to eventually turn it into a "stand-in" model of Atlanta & West Point #290, which his father and I both rode behind during the late 1980s and early 1990s when it was pulling excursions for the N...
BLI 7992 USRA Heavy Pacific 4-6-2, Unlettered, Paragon4 Sound/DC/DCC, N
Robert H.
Went together very well and I'm now in the process of painting it. Will do a paint job that matches a tugboat in Duluth MN. Looks great alongside the railroad car float.
Walthers Cornerstone 933-3153 Railroad Tugboat -- Kit - 13 x 3-1/2 x 3-7/8" 32 x 8.7 x 9.6cm, HO Scale
Kevin L.
The two items I bought, the tires and water columns, were items I had been searching for for some time. I am happy that they fit my needs. The response to my order was quick and I appreciate all the updates.
Durango Press DP-93 Auto Tires pkg(12), HO Scale
Hans L.
Smart looking fully operational HO N&W Water Tower with great choice of colour. Always changing my lay-out and getting more into the past time of steam with fully digital operation. Previously built some water towers, but this is a top of the line addition, received without any shipping damage. Thanks, Joe.
BLI 7920 Operating Water Tower w/ Sound, N&W, Weathered, HO
Hans L.
Overhauling my display case and the Charles Lindberg is my best special detailed steam locomotive with a beautiful tender. Happy with the big discount at my favourite and most efficient dealer "Joe".
BLI 6700 PRR E6 4-4-2, #460, 1927 Lindberg Special, Paragon4 Sound/DC/DCC, Smoke, HO Scale
Gerald W.
This is a magnificent model worthy of display. The details and workmanship are far beyond what I expected when I saw it in the website. I look forward to actually looking at it closer to really take it all in.
Bucyrus Steam Shovel TNP061027 - SCALE: 1:48/O-Gauge
Customer photo review of Rapido 139006A Evans X72 Box car: Conrail Large Logo - Single Car- random car #, HO
Benjamin T.
The detail on these models are awesome; and they fit perfectly into my Conrail layout’s modeled timeframe. Rapido hit another home run with these boxcars!
Rapido 139006A Evans X72 Box car: Conrail Large Logo - Single Car- random car #, HO
Customer photo review of PREORDER BLI 6949 Light Pacific 4-6-2, RBMN 425, Light Blue (2007-2015), Paragon4 Sound/DC/DCC, N
Dennis W.
For now it's just on display. I must say it does look nice. I haven't finished my new n scale layout so it will be safe till then.
PREORDER BLI 6949 Light Pacific 4-6-2, RBMN 425, Light Blue (2007-2015), Paragon4 Sound/DC/DCC, N
James B.
I am acquiring parts for a scratch build project and the stairway treads are perfect for the prototype building I will be modeling. I will have plenty left over for other projects.
Plastruct 90442 STA-4 2pk STAIRWAY, HO
Customer photo review of BLI 6615 Alco RSD-15, B&LE #886, Orange & Black, Paragon4 Sound/DC/DCC, N Scale
Andrew S.
Great packing and quick delivery to the other side of the world, my go to train shop. The only issue is that of BLI quality control as there is a couple of the hand rail supports missing and they are not in the box. See photo
BLI 6615 Alco RSD-15, B&LE #886, Orange & Black, Paragon4 Sound/DC/DCC, N Scale
Customer video review of BLI 7239 UP Big Boy #4024, Two-Tone Gray w/ Yellow, Wilson Aftercooler, 25-C-400 Coal Tender, Paragon4 Sound/DC/DCC, Smoke, N (Fantasy Paint Scheme)
Richard L.
Great looks, great sound, and now it smokes! What more could you ask for? Maybe more than one. I purchased three: 4024, 4012, and 4014.
BLI 7239 UP Big Boy #4024, Two-Tone Gray w/ Yellow, Wilson Aftercooler, 25-C-400 Coal Tender, Paragon4 Sound/DC/DCC, Smoke, N (Fantasy Paint Scheme)
Customer photo review of BLI 7308 GE ES44AC, UP #8075, TTG w/ Aluminum, Paragon4 Sound/DC/DCC (Fantasy Paint Scheme), N
John T.
Really like the unique color scheme that's what got my attention on these models. Brought them to my club they got a lot of attention.
BLI 7308 GE ES44AC, UP #8075, TTG w/ Aluminum, Paragon4 Sound/DC/DCC (Fantasy Paint Scheme), N
Customer photo review of BLI 7309 GE ES44AC, UP #8076, TTG w/ Yellow, Paragon4 Sound/DC/DCC (Fantasy Paint Scheme), N
John T.
Wanted these engines from the minute I saw them, just enjoy unique trains which are hard to find in n scale.
BLI 7309 GE ES44AC, UP #8076, TTG w/ Yellow, Paragon4 Sound/DC/DCC (Fantasy Paint Scheme), N
Jesse C.
Since I couldn’t find a fuel tender that would work well with a GELT Turbine, I saw the UP tanker and decided to give it a try. It fits right in!!! Well done!!
WalthersTrainline 931-1443 Tank Car - Ready To Run -- Union Pacific (Armour Yellow, gray, red), HO Scale
Paul F.
I used to watch the Rock Island trains pass by my grandparents farm in north Missouri. My brother had a Marx set with a red and black Rock Island F-unit as we grew up (I wasn't allowed to play with it) Now I have my own unit. Nanny, Nanny, boo hoo.
BLI 8191 EMD F7 A/B, CRIP 103/105B, Red/Black w/ Aluminum Trucks, A-unit Paragon4 Sound/DC/DCC, Unpowered B, HO
John T.
The BLI EMD GP30 is a welcomed addition to my stable of Santa Fe engines. Modeling in the mid 1960's to mid 1970's and the engine fits in perfectly. Runs smoothly right out of the box. Was able to reset engine configurations easily. ANd looks and sounds great when pulling a line of freight cars.
BLI 7561 EMD GP30, ATSF 2723, Blue Warbonnet, Paragon4 Sound/DC/DCC (GP30u), HO Scale
Richard A.
The model railroad club I belong to uses the FreeMo rules for modular layouts. I found about a dozen tank cars that I refurbished and plan to run at the Greenberg Show in August but I have mostly steam engines and didn't feel right about pulling a load of oil tank cars with one so I purchased this engine. It ran smoothly right out of the box and I'm in the process of breaking it in to use in August.
Bachmann 60916 EMD SD40-2 w/DCC -- BNSF Railway #1734 (Heritage III H3, orange, black, yellow, Wedge Logo), HO
Ronald U.
I've always operated steam, except for a few small diesels. I thought it would be nice to have at least one large diesel and I must say I have been thoroughly pleased with this model. I am familiar with Tsusammi sound, but this one passes all I have experienced. Thanks for a great model.
Athearn Genesis ATHG75836 HO SD70ACe w/DCC & Sound, UP #8679
Bryan B.
They look and run great , but they would be even better with the matching locomotive that has been on back order for ever . I will post a video as soon as I recieve my locomotive . Thanks !
Athearn ATH84844 HO 50’ Old Time Overland Passenger Set,D&RGW#1 (4)
Joseph C.
These are "the" switch controllers most people use on their layouts for controlling various electrical functions for accessories, lights, turntables, almost anything. They are durable and come in different configurations for specific needs..Highly recommended!
Atlas Model Railroad Co. 215 SELECTOR
Robert M.
I haven't had a chance to hook it up.But a person I know has one and he showed me how it works.I was amazed. That is why I purchased one for myself. I think Broadway Limited makes one of the best items.
Broadway Limited 1011 DC Master - ACTIVATE ALL SOUND
Bob S.
Joe, Just took down my n scale train layout to relocate in a bigger area. At this point just gathering parts and more track, buildings and train cars and engines.
Atlas 2510 C80 9 3/4’ RADIUS 6pc, N Scale
Jim D.
All Walthers deluxe cars are really exceptional, The lighting is good and works best in DCC but at upper voltages is also great in DC. Runs very well. Paint matches other PRR releases so looks good in a consist.
Walthers 920-9743 The General -- Deluxe #1 -Car #3- 85’ Pullman-Standard 10-6 Sleeper Plan 4129 "Kalamazoo Rapids"- HO
Charles A.
Runs extremely well. Low speed is super. Like how the sound fits so well as to what the loco is being asked to do, heavy load sounds at start of movement, braking sounds etc. Looks good too!
BLI 7549 EMD GP35, UP 757, "Dependable Transportation", Paragon4 Sound/DC/DCC, HO Scale
Mark S.
Transaction went off without a hitch. Item was shipped quickly, was well packed and arrived in perfect condition. The item itself is yet another quality, well done Walthers passenger car.
Walthers 920-9752 The General -- Deluxe #1 -Car #13- 85’ American Car & Foundry Pennsylvania-Style P85b Coach #4079- HO
Customer photo review of WalthersTrainline 931-1605 Flatcar - Ready to Run -- Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe #88985 (red, white), HO Scale
Dale M.
They were perfect for what I wanted. My wife decorated the flat cars with Christmas Decorations. They look great on the layout.
WalthersTrainline 931-1605 Flatcar - Ready to Run -- Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe #88985 (red, white), HO Scale
Customer photo review of Rapido X31A Boxcar (Double door): PRR Circle Keystone - 6-Pack, HO
Joseph C.
Very well detailed, weighted correctly though very free rolling so they track very well. (Please note to check coupler height before putting them on your layout)
Rapido X31A Boxcar (Double door): PRR Circle Keystone - 6-Pack, HO
Customer photo review of Athearn HO RTR SD40-2 w/DCC & Sound, UP #8040
Adam B.
Great looking locomotive with nice sounds and good performance. Very happy with the model and the service I get from Joe and the team at Factory Direct Hobbies
Athearn HO RTR SD40-2 w/DCC & Sound, UP #8040
Customer photo review of Rapido 135001A Procor 20K gal Tank Car: UTLX As Delivered Split P Logo, HO
Peter D.
A very well done model, sharp looking & loaded with fine details. If my layout and wallet were larger I'd order more. Regards, Peter
Rapido 135001A Procor 20K gal Tank Car: UTLX As Delivered Split P Logo, HO
Customer photo review of Athearn HO RTR SD40-2 w/DCC & Sound, UP #8037
Adam B.
Great looking locomotive with nice sounds and good performance. Very happy with the model and the service I get from Joe and the team at Factory Direct Hobbies
Athearn HO RTR SD40-2 w/DCC & Sound, UP #8037
Jim D.
First time with a silent BLI locomotive. Enjoy it just like the sound equipped but gives me some time to later upgrade if I wish. Easy to add a new decoder. Runs smoothly and the paint is crisp.
BLI 8337 EMD F3B, LV 513, Cornell Red w/ Black Stirpes, No-Sound / DCC-Ready, HO
Todd B.
These railings were perfect for my application. They painted up nicely and did not require extra work sanding or cleaning up bits on the plastic/resin. They also came fast in the mail. I’d highly recommend them.
Plastruct 90902 Balcony Railings pkg(2) -- 6-1/2" 16.5cm, HO Scale
Paul R.
Here’s the deal. After years of actually having the wrong nose contour a Es and F units Rapido did the homework to correct this. Having been around Es and ads I was very well aware of the discrepancy in models. Kudos to Rapido for putting out this beautiful model. We’ll worth it!!
Rapido 28533 HO EMD E8A (DC/DCC/Sound): Pennsylvania - 5 Stripe Scheme: #5896
Brady C.
What a cool peice of automotive history! The vintage design of this kit makes it quite enjoyable, though understand it's not as highly detailed as a newer kit. That's not to say it isn't detailed, just don't purchase the kit expecting a Mobius kit. If you want your own peice of drag racing royalty, I recommend this guy!
AMT Model Kits AMT1153 ’66 Plymouth Barracuda 1:25
Lloyd S.
We’ll, I ordered this without looking at the scale. I work in HO. Fortunately I have a friend who very much admires the Pennsy T1 and wanted to have an N scale model of it. He bought it from me and is completely delighted with it. I’ll try to pay better attention in future, because I don’t have that many friends!
BLI 3673 PRR T1 Duplex, #5541, Paragon3 Sound/DC/DCC, N
Robert R.
Ran great...let me know where all the flaws in my track were and that's OK. I have Two 7% grades and that's where I ran into trouble. My fault for NOT taking the time to lay the track perfectly....However it is now broken at the nose arm just above the front trucks. Where do I sent it for repair???
BLI 8357 UP Big Boy #4014, "The Big Boy Tour" Excursion, Standard Finish, Challenger Excursion Tender, Paragon4 Sound/DC/DCC, Smoke, HO
Capers B.
All sounds are great, which was what I was most interested in. It is so GREAT and cool to be able to use the BLI DCMaster and control the sounds running in DC,
BLI 7306 GE ES44AC, GN #2905, Empire Builder, Paragon4 Sound/DC/DCC (Fantasy Paint Scheme), N
James S.
Needed this half-round for the leading edge of a Guillows DHC-2 scale float plane I'll build this winter. No other way to "round" the leading edge without the half-round material I obtained from you. Went on perfectly; will ADD to the model's appearance. Ah, no....I have NO INTENTION of flying this....
Northeastern Scale Lumber 496 Half Round Moulding -- 3/16 x 24", I Scale
Louis N.
I already have two of these cleaners but they work so well I added more to clean my tracks to perfection. You have made some improvements since I purchased the originals more than 10 years ago.
Centerline Products 60032 D32 Rail Cleaner, Die Cast Brass, Kadee #500 Trucks w/ Kadee #5 Knuckle Couplers, HO
Robert H.
This Broadway Limited engine is great. Looks just like the real engine that I have seen in person. Also had to get this HO scale engine to go along with my Z scale one. Very nice.
BLI 8560 GE ES44AC, IAIS #513, "Rock Island" Black/Red, No-Sound / DCC-Ready, HO
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