Factory Direct Hobbies Reviews

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William H.
When E. H. Harriman, UP President, would come east to the family estate in New York his car would travel over the Erie. The estate (Arden) is located north of the NJ/NY state line on the Erie mainline. I wanted a business car which might be appropriate to the '40s - '50s era which is why I picked this model. I removed the numbers and replaced them with the name "Arden" which is appropriate for Harriman's private car. It will look good at the end of my "Erie Limited" on occasion.
BLI 8958 Union Pacific Business Car #107, HO
Robert B.
The engines arrived in good condition and run well; however, they decided to take a trip to Orlando, Florida and Indianapolis, Indiana before going to Cleveland and then to Sandusky, Ohio. These side trips were provided by the USPS for some reason. Therefore, in stead of receiving them within 1 week, it took 2 weeks.
Walthers Mainline HO 21414 EMD F7 A-B Set Locomotive ESU, Reading #266A/266B
Jonathan D. S.
I haven't built a car model in decades. It seems like Moebius is staffed by people who knew all of the shortcommings of the models of my childhood and reworked everything to an astonishing degree.
Moebius Models 1200 1953 Hudson Hornet (re-issue)
Charles L.
These are probably the best detailed and made HO passenger cars. They ran great in a passenger train without a problem, and the interior lighting is well done too. They look fantastic too with the interior detailing.
Rapido 175003 HO SP Dome-Lounge w/Fluted Sides: SP - Daylight: #3606
Customer photo review of TomyTec Co LTD 17943 Cobblestone Pavement Street Track S140-WT(S) - Fine Track -- 5-1/2"  140mm pkg(4), N Scale+2
Thomas F.
Tomix (TomyTec) N 17943 Cobblestone Pavement Street Track S140-WT(S), Fine Track, 5-1/2" 140mm (4) This is my first purchase of any Tomix product. However, the item ordered was not what was received. The listing and part number states a 4-pack of 5.5" track sections. The actual package has the same part number, but only 2.75" sections (4) as shown in the photo. So 2 pieces equal 5.5" and all 4 equal 11", I was expecting 4-5.5" sections equaling 11". This was not the case. Perhaps the store list...
TomyTec Co LTD 17943 Cobblestone Pavement Street Track S140-WT(S) - Fine Track -- 5-1/2" 140mm pkg(4), N Scale
Hans L.
2 Very nice looking detailed Cargill salt hoppers om my lay-out and part of in between other wagons similar as grain cars for breweries. Delivered on time and nice packaging.
Atlas 20006852 HO Trinity 3230 Covered Hopper Cargill Salt (CLSX) 3211 (Gray/Black)
Howard A B.
Walthers Proto does it again! The new City of San Francisco cars with deluxe lighting and passengers are beautiful. Smooth rolling and flicker free right out of the box. Well worth waiting for!
WalthersProto 920-9862 City of San Francisco Deluxe Consist #2-- 12-Car Set #3-85’ ACF Baggage-Dormitory UP #6005, HO
David S.
The beautifully detailed houses, churches, and shops brings back memories of my youth and very happy times. Love the convenience of just plug wiring, and the tidy wire kits make everything neat and orderly.
Woodland Scenics BR5059 H&H Feed Mill, HO Scale
Christian B.
This set is a great idea. I realize it is offered in several different paint schemes for different railroads, but it is a reasonable presentation for many different railroads. As for the sets with Christmas schemes, they are naturally universal. This is my second such set, so that tells you how universal I feel the Christmas theme is.
BLI 9103 Heavyweight 5-Car Passenger Set, Christmas Paint Scheme, HO
Lars B.
The original intend was to by a GP40 and I saw this one at a totally fair price. So after ordering and receiving both, I unpacked the NW2 first and didn’t get to the GP40 yet. The locomotive is so much fun, the sound is great and I could watch it all day roaming through the yard. Love it and I am glad I bought it!
BLI 7482 EMD NW2, B&O 9559, Patched Pere Marquette Scheme, Paragon4 Sound/DC/DCC, N
James B.
The PikeStuff Staircase and Handrails parts are just what I needed to replicate a stairway for a prototype structure I am modelling in HO scale. I look forward to adding these details to the model.
PikeStuff 1114 Staircase Handrails, HO Scale
James B.
The PikeStuff concrete block wall sections are just what I need to scratch build a concrete block structure for my modeling project. I will enjoy replicating a prototype structure unique to my locale.
PikeStuff 1004 Concrete Blocks, Long Sections, HO Scale
Ricardo C.
Great car, it matches very well the P60 passenger cars appeared a few years ago. Lettering and stripes are bright. I've compared it to one combine car with early 50s appereance (item 4792) and this one has matt lettering and stripes making it appear a little dull in my opinion.
BLI 8983 PB70 Coach-Baggage Combine, PRR 5120, Late-1940’s Paint, HO
Dick B.
It was very easy to place the order, and I was very pleased with the price I paid. The delivery was quick and the packaging fine. Rapido makes fine products, and I think this is one of the best items they have made. I am personally familiar with the car they modeled, having worked for Amtrak and actually did some work on the car, as well as riding on it. I always thought this particular car was one of the top 3 passenger car designs: (Milwaukee Skytop Lounge, Budd Park cars and this one.)
Rapido 175003 HO SP Dome-Lounge w/Fluted Sides: SP - Daylight: #3606
Gordon F.
A very nicely detailed conventional wooden caboose which should still be in common use in the era that I model, late steam and up to '60's diesels. My rr is inspired by the Fall Brook and the PA mountains and coal lines. I have copied and printed Fall Brook decals and hope to preserve the original paint with Fall Brook lettering and logo. This SF and an earlier purchase of a very similar SP 30' seem very suitable.
WalthersProto 920-103207 30’ ATSF 1300-Series Wood Caboose - Ready to Run - Santa Fe A.T.S.F. #1436 1938-1941 Scheme (Mineral Red, white), HO
Arthur P.
Very happy with the engine. Just diasappointed that diesel doesn't sound like steam! A learning experience. If you want the chuffing, steam is the way to go. I STILL love it!
BLI 9249 EMD F7A, CDOT 6691, NH McGinnis Scheme, Paragon4 Sound/DC/DCC, N
Barry J S.
As always, FDH shipped quickly and securely to my APO military address. The GP20 engine is beautiful and performs great. Its stay-alive feature needs to become the industry standard to deal with stretches of track with connectivity challenges.
BLI 7452 EMD GP20, ATSF 1106, As-Delivered "Bookend", Paragon4 Sound/DC/DCC, HO
Bobby M.
Use to be pretty easy to purchase at my convenient hobby shop. Most of those hobby shops don’t exist anymore. So I had to purchase online. Just what I needed for my scratch built switches.
Northeastern Scale Lumber 3041 6" (.072") HO Scale Lumber (Actual Length per Piece 11") -- 6 x 8" pkg(10), HO Scale
Neil W.
These run great and look great being my Big Boy. My go to place in the states for all things American. Hard to find in Australia.... Thanks for your fast postage!
WalthersMainline 910-30358 85’ Budd Observation - Ready To Run -- Union Pacific(R) (Armour Yellow, gray), HO Scale
Brian B.
i received the locomotive with the boiler plate was off hanging by the headlight wires. since it was the last one i decided to repair it myself. i think it's a good looking little loco. since i was born in the fifties i just missed seeing steamers on the rails. diesels pretty much had taken over. not that i don't like diesels. it's hard to imagine though the steamers pounding down the rails. they say that due to the maintenance of the locomotives, caused them to be phased out and i'm sure track ...
BLI 7325 2-8-0 Consolidation, CP 3700, Paragon4 Sound/DC/DCC, Smoke, HO
Customer photo review of Athearn Genesis ATHG64927 HO GP40P-2 w/DCC & Sound, UP #1375
Benjamin G.
This locomotive is nicely detailed and it sounds great. I remember seeing UP 1375 in person and I've been wanting a HO scale version since. 10/10
Athearn Genesis ATHG64927 HO GP40P-2 w/DCC & Sound, UP #1375
Danny W.
I really like the military #7020. I can't wait until the new release of the #7021. It is so hard to find. Thanks for the very good price and fast shipping. Danny
Athearn Genesis ATHG75853 HO EMD SD70ACU Locomotive with DCC & Sound, CPR / Military #7020
Keith S.
Love you can make two versions but some fit issues, not body but wings and underwing air scoops. Still some flash and lots of overmold tabs to snip off, many parts too close to spruce for an easy cut so be careful don’t over cut.
Revell Germany 3829 Messerschmitt Bf109G-2/4 1:32
David B.
As a scratch builder I ask myself why not use these instead of trying to cobble up ones on my own. I have been using them since the mid 60's and find them the right height for coupler placement on the wood floors. I just wish they had bigger packages of them, say a dozen pair at one time instead of trying to get a pair in each package.
Northeastern Scale Lumber 792 Freight Bolster 1 Pair, HO Scale
Philip B.
This model is awesome. BLI support has been very helpful with information I've requested. I only wish it had been included in the documentation so I would not have needed to contact them. Waiting for decoder and capacitor to finish it up.
BLI 7796 Boston & Maine 2-8-4 Berkshire, T1b #4023, 6-axle Tender, No-Sound / DCC-Ready, HO
Jim D.
Very easy lighting upgrade. Remove a roof, slip the unit under the contacts, snap the pins into the interior and close the roof. Done. Works great in DC or DCC.
Walthers 920-1060 Lighting Kit for Fits WalthersProto(R) ACF, Budd & Pullman-Standard Cars, HO
Charles S.
this will be the second Circuitron Tortoise Switch Machines 6100 REMOTE TORTOISE MOUNT that I will have under my train table. They work great in areas where I cannot use just the Tortoise switch machine.
Circuitron Tortoise Switch Machines 6100 REMOTE TORTOISE MOUNT
Mark P.
I’m pleased with them, it took an incredible amount of time to get them. I forgot that I ordered them. Don’t understand why these could not have been produced in the United States. All and all they fit my MOPAC railroad perfectly.
Athearn ATH84726 HO Ford F-850 Stakebed, MP #123
George D.
Incredibly well detailed and executed models, as time allows I will record them i'm looking forward to adding more to my already extensive collection, they're getting hard to find, and who knows what the future holds for our hobby!! George DeYounge
Rapido HO 156004A RR-56 Mechanical Reefer, Santa Fe
Danny K.
Really enjoying building models again. I am 70 years old and trying to build models of all the really nice cars I owned in my youth. 66 nova was my second car
AMT Model Kits AMT1198 1966 Chevy Nova SS 2T 1:25
Lukas R.
A perfect track cleaning car which can be added to a standard freight train. So the track is – almost invisibly – been cleaned during normal operation. Good looking, great car that works well
Bachmann 16310 Track Cleaning Tank Car - Ready to Run - Silver Series -- Denver & Rio Grande Western X-2905 (silver, Water Service), HO Scale
Customer photo review of Walthers Cornerstone 933-3838 Brick Ranch House -- Kit - 3-1/16 x 2-9/32 x 1-1/4" 7.7 x 5.7 x 3.17cm, N Scale
Brad L.
Fun and pretty easy to build. The downspouts were a battle due to their size. I love the look of this house too. I’ll need more…
Walthers Cornerstone 933-3838 Brick Ranch House -- Kit - 3-1/16 x 2-9/32 x 1-1/4" 7.7 x 5.7 x 3.17cm, N Scale
Peter E.
I am slowly building out a full train of refrig cars to use for the crop harvest time. Thus I need say 40 to 60 of these to make a convincing train worth. These 4 came up on sale and I did not have their numbers so they would fit in well. I think this is 40 cars worth so I am getting close. The cars themselves are great runners. Everyone one is a smooth roller, consistent colors and details all match. If more come up on sale I will continue to add to my collection.
Rapido 156008 Santa Fe RR-60 Mechanical Reefer: Santa Fe All The Way Slogan - 4-Pack Car Numbers: #2206, 2208, 2210, 2213, HO
Ed B.
Soundtraxx Big Boy is a great runner and performs as advertised. Runs well on small curves. T-Trak draws a lot of attention to the agility of such a large loco with great sound
Kato N 1264014-S 4-8-8-4 Big Boy Steam Locomotive, Union Pacific #4014 (DCC and Sound Equipped)
Leo J.
The lighting features, especially the dimmable interior lights make this an outstanding model. As a former UP surveyor, it brought back memories of seeing Mr. Bailey's car (#108 I believe) on the siding at Cheyenne.
BLI 9012 Union Pacific Business Car, UP #119 "Kenefick", UP Shield on Rear, HO
David L. D.
In 1976, I was 13 years old when I saw the Reading T-1 4-8-4 pull the American Freedom Train on its East Coast Tour of the United States. So this engine was a must have for my N scale collection. I already own the GS-4 #4449 with the complete 26 railcars that ran with the engine(s), the cars were produced by Lowell Smith in N scale.
BLI 7407 Reading T1 4-8-4, 1976 American Freedom Train #1, Paragon4 Sound/DC/DCC, Smoke, N
William S.
I like the engine however there there is some damage to a small area of the paint. I think I can fix it other than that engine operates perfectly. Looks great.
Athearn ATH88947 HO RTR SD38 w/DCC & Sound, DT&I #250
Richard C.
Top notch products at very competitive prices. BLI has the best value freight and passenger cars on the market They are as good or better than the best models out there and more affordable. Metal wheels and couplers are icing on the cake so to speak.
WalthersMainline 910-48205 Trinity 25,000-Gallon Tank Car - Ready to Run -- Santa Fe #98658, HO
Customer photo review of BLI 3992 USRA Light Mikado, SOU 4501, Green Boiler, Paragon4 Sound/DC/DCC, N
Geoff L.
Very smooth running loco - it didn't disappoint. Against an old N Rivarossi and Kato Mikado, it's not as happy negotiating some of my layouts tighter curves for some reason but I have plenty of track that is suitable. Would be good if the sound wasn't factory set so load. If you get a few of these running together it doesn't take long for the wife to complain. Would save me time having to make the inevitable adjustment.
BLI 3992 USRA Light Mikado, SOU 4501, Green Boiler, Paragon4 Sound/DC/DCC, N
Customer photo review of Athearn HO G2 SD70ACe, UP/MKT/Heritage Repainted #1988
William M.
I grew up in Katy, TX so when this became available it was a no brainer. Beautiful craftsmanship and details. I love it. Exceeded my expectations!!
Athearn HO G2 SD70ACe, UP/MKT/Heritage Repainted #1988
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