Factory Direct Hobbies Reviews

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Customer photo review of (Brass Hybrid) BLI 4803 UP Early Challenger (CSA-2), #3837, Post-1947, As-Delivered Front Engine, Paragon4 Sound/DC/DCC, Smoke, HO
Stephen M.
This engine #3837 is the 2nd that FDH sent me,,,the first had an electrical issue right out of the box,,,but FDH made it simple to return and replace..Many thanks to Kevin on the Customer Service end. And I really appreciated not having to spend money on shipping,,,this is the only outfit I've seen to extend their Customers that courtesy. Been modeling trains for over 30 yrs,,,a nice touch. As for the engine it's great,,nice sound and detailing, good puller and smokes like a sailor. Lighting i...
(Brass Hybrid) BLI 4803 UP Early Challenger (CSA-2), #3837, Post-1947, As-Delivered Front Engine, Paragon4 Sound/DC/DCC, Smoke, HO
Customer video review of BLI 6723 EMD NW2, CGW 42, Maroon, Red, & Gold, Paragon4 Sound/DC/DCC, HO
Michael S.
I am a novice but this is a great unit. Like the detail, sound, low speed control. Not enough top end speed but it might be a setting or it’s realistic to real world performance. My first Broadway Ltd, will get more.
BLI 6723 EMD NW2, CGW 42, Maroon, Red, & Gold, Paragon4 Sound/DC/DCC, HO
Customer photo review of Athearn ATH23249 Bay Window Caboose, SP/Police #4742, N Scale
Jose P.
This is a wonderful model that can be use on most eras of the Espee. We still see a caboose like this one at the UP Burbank Junction moving up the San Joaquin line doing the Last of the Saugus turn. Thank you for the great service and support!!
Athearn ATH23249 Bay Window Caboose, SP/Police #4742, N Scale
Customer video review of Athearn ATHG31602 G2 Dash 9-40C w/DCC & Sound, NS #8855, HO
Steven B.
Athearn have knocked it out of the park AGAIN with their HO scale Dash 9-40C w/DCC & Sound, NS #8855 'top hat.' Super detailed, fantastic running qualities at all speeds and class leading sound thanks to the Tsunami2 sound decoder. Check out the ESU Loksound equalling slow speed performance and the smooth way the loco gets into its stride. All HO scale loco's should be like this. Period. My short video shows the beastie in action on my micro shelf layout. Highly recommended loco.
Athearn ATHG31602 G2 Dash 9-40C w/DCC & Sound, NS #8855, HO
Customer video review of (Brass Hybrid) BLI 4801 UP Early Challenger (CSA-2), #3826, Post-1947, As-Delivered Front Engine, Paragon4 Sound/DC/DCC, Smoke, HO
Rob F.
While I'm not a huge UP fan, I have always loved the appearance of the early Challenger engines. When a fellow club member brought in his Paragon 4 UP Challenger, I could not resist getting one of my own. I purchased 3826 and weathered her up, and she has been a fantastic engine. She pulls the longest trains up sharp grades on our club layout without even breaking a sweat! The details on this engine are phenomenal. The only complaint I have, if I have to have one, is that I wish they would have ...
(Brass Hybrid) BLI 4801 UP Early Challenger (CSA-2), #3826, Post-1947, As-Delivered Front Engine, Paragon4 Sound/DC/DCC, Smoke, HO
Customer photo review of BLI 3946 EMD SW7, Unpainted, Paragon4 Sound/DC/DCC, N
Kenneth C.
I purchased one of the undec models so I could paint and letter it for the Northern Pacific. The undec models come with all of the railings, headlights (two different styles), the bell and the horn, and a set of grabs all in a small plastic bag. This is really nice since they all have to be painted before they are applied. Everything fits together perfectly. The engine run very well and the sound is great. They managed to pack a lot of everything into this small package and did it well. Th...
BLI 3946 EMD SW7, Unpainted, Paragon4 Sound/DC/DCC, N
Customer photo review of BLI 6643 Union Pacific 4-8-4, Class FEF-3, #838, Black & Graphite, Paragon4 Sound/DC/DCC, Smoke, HO
Steven S.
The FEF UP steam locomotive is fantastic! The sounds, smooth running and detail are outstanding. BLI has outdone itself this time! A great product and thank you Factory Direct Hobbies for your excellent service!
BLI 6643 Union Pacific 4-8-4, Class FEF-3, #838, Black & Graphite, Paragon4 Sound/DC/DCC, Smoke, HO
Customer photo review of Kato 35-6064 Amtrak Superliner Lounge Phase VI #33024, HO
Alejandro B.
This is the second time I purchase some HO trains from Factory Direct Hobbies. I am very happy and satisfied not only with the product (which are amazing), but also with the experience and service provided by Factory Direct Hobbies. I am new in the hobby and I am still learning. After my first trip on Amtrak, I purchased two HO models to keep my memories alive. And of course that brought me to this lovely hobby. All the process with Factory Direct Hobbies was excellent, the website is very good...
Kato 35-6064 Amtrak Superliner Lounge Phase VI #33024, HO
Customer video review of BLI 6640 Union Pacific 4-8-4, Class FEF-3, #844, Black & Graphite, Modern Excursion, Paragon4 Sound/DC/DCC, Smoke, HO
Brent B.
Like all my broadway limited locos the quality you get is hard to beat. This is probably my favorite running steam loco out of 15 I have. It pulled 16 passenger cars with no problem! (All metal wheels mth and walthers) I have a big boy and challenger (bli), mth yellowstones, but the paragon 4 decoder is definitely the best out of these.
BLI 6640 Union Pacific 4-8-4, Class FEF-3, #844, Black & Graphite, Modern Excursion, Paragon4 Sound/DC/DCC, Smoke, HO
Customer video review of WalthersProto 920-9651 85' Budd Hi-Level 72-Seat Coach -- Santa Fe #706 - Deluxe Edition w/LED Lighting, Preiser Figures, HO
David P.
The car here is 706, the 9th car on this 14 car train. The fact that I can successfully run a 14 car train attests to the quality of these cars. They are beautiful! I have run as many of 16 of these cars on one train.
WalthersProto 920-9651 85’ Budd Hi-Level 72-Seat Coach -- Santa Fe #706 - Deluxe Edition w/LED Lighting, Preiser Figures, HO
Customer photo review of BLI 6646 Union Pacific 4-8-4, Class FEF-3, #840, TTG w/ Yellow, Paragon4 Sound/DC/DCC, Smoke, HO
Larry B.
The sound is excellent and the detail is wonderful I like the whistle and the stream of steam out of the whistle adds much to the experience. I purchased three of the various FEF-3's since you offered some variance to the model Thanks
BLI 6646 Union Pacific 4-8-4, Class FEF-3, #840, TTG w/ Yellow, Paragon4 Sound/DC/DCC, Smoke, HO
Customer photo review of BLI 6735 EMD NW2, UP 1093, Road of the Streamliners, Aluminum Trucks, Paragon4 Sound/DC/DCC, HO
David L.
The loco is very, very good at slow speeds and I just love the-inbuilt ‘stay alive’ feature. The detail level is brilliant also. I have adjusted a CV so that the loco will sound the correct signals before moving and stopping, and other than reducing the diesel, horn and bell sound levels, I haven’t had any need to adjust any of the other factory CV settings. I have had the loco shunt 8 tank cars without any problems. I can thoroughly recommend this little lion hearted loco (there is much mor...
BLI 6735 EMD NW2, UP 1093, Road of the Streamliners, Aluminum Trucks, Paragon4 Sound/DC/DCC, HO
Customer photo review of Kato KAT1768515 EMD SD70ACe with Cab Headlight - Standard DC -- Norfolk Southern #1111 (black, Horse Head Logo), N Scale
David C.
Ordered NS Unit along with some BNSF's (as we see more and more NS Units on BNSF run-throughs... As usual, Excellent Kato product(s).. Runs so smooth.. I've got 3 Locomotives on the Point and 2 DPU's and they run perfect. Can't believe the Detail.. Got shipped and delivered REALLY quickly! A must for any N Scaler... Happy New Years!!
Kato KAT1768515 EMD SD70ACe with Cab Headlight - Standard DC -- Norfolk Southern #1111 (black, Horse Head Logo), N Scale
Customer photo review of BLI 6729 EMD NW2, MILW 672, Orange & Black, Paragon4 Sound/DC/DCC, HO
Mark N.
Great loco…..big improvement over former offerings. The Keep Alive is a necessity for switching layouts. Sound is good….and while not up to Loksound it’s fine. Perhaps I haven’t gotten it tuned to my Protothrottle yet. I bought two of these…..one Milwaukee and one C&NW and I may go back for more. I’ve done the weathering, so my last step is adding the Milwaukee spark arrestors. See the pictures on my Jones Island layout on Instagram
BLI 6729 EMD NW2, MILW 672, Orange & Black, Paragon4 Sound/DC/DCC, HO
Customer photo review of PREORDER BLI 6640 Union Pacific 4-8-4, Class FEF-3, #844, Black & Graphite, Modern Excursion, Paragon4 Sound/DC/DCC, Smoke, HO
Brian R.
Locomotive was a pre-order. As soon as it arrived in stock it shipped out. The locomotive is absolutely goregous and runs flawlessly. Exactly as expected from BLI and Factory Direct!
PREORDER BLI 6640 Union Pacific 4-8-4, Class FEF-3, #844, Black & Graphite, Modern Excursion, Paragon4 Sound/DC/DCC, Smoke, HO
Customer video review of PREORDER BLI 6724 EMD NW2, C&NW 1013, Green & Yellow, Paragon4 Sound/DC/DCC, HO
Roy M.
I've had my BLI EMD NW2 for over 6 weeks and I like it... a lot. I do switching puzzles, so having a reliable switch engine is critical. I'd guess I have 35-40 hours of operations in with the NW2. Note the video is a classic "Time Saver" puzzle. The NW2 looks great (although I'm not a rivet counter) and operates good at slow speed, has consistent throttle response and the sound matches the movement very well. The factory installed couplers were merely OK so I swapped them for Kaydee #148. The ...
PREORDER BLI 6724 EMD NW2, C&NW 1013, Green & Yellow, Paragon4 Sound/DC/DCC, HO
Customer photo review of Kato USA 3115 HV5 R550mm BASIC OVAL SET, HO
Jeffrey B.
Excellent product. If you’re not going to use flex track this is the best snap track you can buy. Perfect for anyone starting out or veterans of the hobby. Just snip the Kato transformer connector and connect any DC transformer or any DCC system. Many expansion pack available as well.
Kato USA 3115 HV5 R550mm BASIC OVAL SET, HO
Customer photo review of Walthers Mainline 910-200 Passenger Car Exterior Detailing Kit, HO
Evan S.
Have purchased a number of these over the last few months to detail my growing collection of Waltehrs Mainline passenger cars. They go a long way to improving the look of these budget-friendly cars. The kit is composed of a variety of grab irons (enough to cover the range of car styles available) and a pair of body coupler mounts. Of note: - The grab irons require a #80 (.0135) drill bit to create the mounting holes. - To use the body mounted couplers, you will either need to snip off the tr...
Walthers Mainline 910-200 Passenger Car Exterior Detailing Kit, HO
Customer video review of PREORDER BLI 6975 UP-4, 4-12-2, #9053, Modernized, "E-2 Nine Cab", 18,000 Gallon Tender, Aluminum Lettering, Paragon4 Sound/DC/DCC, Smoke, HO
Bryant T.
The detail on this BLI locomotive is outstanding. That’s just the outside. They have accurately picked up the triple steam piston and it matches the smoke. Bell and whistle are great!
PREORDER BLI 6975 UP-4, 4-12-2, #9053, Modernized, "E-2 Nine Cab", 18,000 Gallon Tender, Aluminum Lettering, Paragon4 Sound/DC/DCC, Smoke, HO
Customer photo review of Rivarossi HR2881S Heisler Steam locomotive, 2-Truck model, "Pickering Lumber Corp. #3", period III, with DCC-sound decoder, HO
Jordan S.
What a beauty! This little lady has become a centerpiece for my layout’s logging operation. She’s a smooth runner and the high level of detail has vaulted her to the top of my favorites list.
Rivarossi HR2881S Heisler Steam locomotive, 2-Truck model, "Pickering Lumber Corp. #3", period III, with DCC-sound decoder, HO
Customer photo review of Athearn HO F89-F89'8" Flat w/40' Trailer,XTTX/Brown#153139
Miquel B.
A huge thank you to Rachel for her time and patience on getting the info I needed, before I finalized my payment. She first assisted me on the chat room Box, and even called me back over the phone extremely fast and was able to assist me on the items I was wanting and informed me that their inventory on their website is extremely accurate. This was my first time shopping online here and wow.. I absolutely love Factory Direct Hobbies more, than my other companies I've bought from. #1 Website Des...
Athearn HO F89-F89’8" Flat w/40’ Trailer,XTTX/Brown#153139
Customer photo review of WalthersProto 920-2101 GSC 41-NDO (CIB) Outside Swing 4-Wheel Passenger Trucks w/36" Wheels -- Silver - 1 Pair, HO Scale
Evan S.
Bought a set of these trucks to upgrade a WalthersMainline Santa Fe Budd Observation Car (910-30352). They have a nice weight to them, and are considerable upgrade in quality and realism versus the trucks provided with the Walthers Mainline Budd cars. Keep in mind that if you do purchase these, you will also need to purchase a detailing kit (910-200) to move the coupler mounts to the body, as these trucks do not have coupler mounts. I did this and the result is quite nice. I expect it to lead ...
WalthersProto 920-2101 GSC 41-NDO (CIB) Outside Swing 4-Wheel Passenger Trucks w/36" Wheels -- Silver - 1 Pair, HO Scale
Customer photo review of BLI 4762 ATSF 4000 Class 2-8-2, #4090, w/ Road Pilot, Spoked Main Driver, Oil Tender, Paragon4 Sound/DC/DCC, HO
John S.
Love the SF loco. It hauls rail cars from Bond to Craig CO on the DRGW branch line. It pulls well and ran perfect without a single hitch. The sound, the smoke and authenticity of the unit adds a great deal to my layout. John Shue
BLI 4762 ATSF 4000 Class 2-8-2, #4090, w/ Road Pilot, Spoked Main Driver, Oil Tender, Paragon4 Sound/DC/DCC, HO
Customer video review of (Brass Hybrid) BLI 4804 UP Early Challenger (CSA-2), #3821, Post-1947, Re-built Front Engine, Paragon4 Sound/DC/DCC, Smoke, HO
Bryant T.
Once again BLI has not let me down with the detail on this engine. It is a heavy locomotive that should be able to pull a long consist. They have clearly captured the compound steam sounds and the steam whistle is a very nice touch.
(Brass Hybrid) BLI 4804 UP Early Challenger (CSA-2), #3821, Post-1947, Re-built Front Engine, Paragon4 Sound/DC/DCC, Smoke, HO
Customer video review of BLI 4271 EMD GP20, Conrail #2102, Blue & White, Paragon4 Sound/DC/DCC, HO
Michael S.
This brand is worth the premium in my opinion. Great detail, low speed control, sound. Really think the power accumulator within the electronics (has a name but stores power to bridge any track power changes) works well and is useful.
BLI 4271 EMD GP20, Conrail #2102, Blue & White, Paragon4 Sound/DC/DCC, HO
Customer video review of Lionel 2131500 Santa Fe VISION 2-10-10-2 #3008 "Valley Flyer", O Gauge
Jonathan G.
My first purchase from factory direct and everything went smoothly. Which was great considering it was a big purchase for me. Bought it on the weekend and shipped out beginning of the week. No issues at all. Very happy with the purchase and have saved them to look to buy more from. Friend made me aware of factory direct hobbies and they have quite an extensive inventory and mix at competitive prices which will help as I am currently building my new layout.
Lionel 2131500 Santa Fe VISION 2-10-10-2 #3008 "Valley Flyer", O Gauge
Customer photo review of PREORDER Kato USA 106-085 Union Pacific Water Tender 2-Car Set, N Scale
David B.
There isn’t much to say when it comes to a kato product. The detail and quality is impeccable! I’ll always be a long time kato fan because of their product quality! These water tenders are a great model compared to the 1:1 units!
PREORDER Kato USA 106-085 Union Pacific Water Tender 2-Car Set, N Scale
Customer photo review of Granny's House - HO Scale - Woodland Scenics
James P.
Factory Direct was quick to ship out my Granny's House. I recently got into trains again and the quality of the Woodland Scenics buildings is excellent with plenty of details.
Granny’s House - HO Scale - Woodland Scenics
Customer photo review of Athearn HO F89-F89'8" TOFC Flat, XTTX #154125
Miquel B.
A huge thank you to Rachel for her time and patience on getting the info I needed, before I finalized my payment. She first assisted me on the chat room Box, and even called me back over the phone extremely fast and was able to assist me on the items I was wanting and informed me that their inventory on their website is extremely accurate. This was my first time shopping online here and wow.. I absolutely love Factory Direct Hobbies more, than my other companies I've bought from. #1 Website Des...
Athearn HO F89-F89’8" TOFC Flat, XTTX #154125
Customer video review of Atlas Model Railroad Co. 50003905 Bx-177 Boxcar Bnsf 781422, N Scale
Danny E.
Great little freight car. It has fine print detail, and the paint shade was spot on. The car tracks well and the couplers work as they should. Wish there were more car numbers.
Atlas Model Railroad Co. 50003905 Bx-177 Boxcar Bnsf 781422, N Scale
Customer photo review of Dugan's Paint Store - HO Scale - Woodland Scenics
James P.
Factory Direct was quick to ship out my Dugan's paint store. I recently got into trains again and the quality of the Woodland Scenics buildings is excellent with plenty of details.
Dugan’s Paint Store - HO Scale - Woodland Scenics
Customer photo review of Walthers 920-2112 GSC 41-NP-11 (PRR 2E-P5) Passenger Trucks -- Black - 1 Pair, HO Scale
David P.
I purchased this Walthers car several years ago and it frequently derailed for no apparent reason. I went to Factory Direct Trains website and saw they had replacement trucks. I purchased those and now it runs great!
Walthers 920-2112 GSC 41-NP-11 (PRR 2E-P5) Passenger Trucks -- Black - 1 Pair, HO Scale
Customer video review of BLI 6796 EMD SD40-2, Unpainted, Paragon4 Sound/DC/DCC, HO
Douglas P.
BLI undecorated unit was a good foundation for my project. Did some heavy modifications but the BLI is a decent locomotive. Factory Direct Hobbies is one of the few places you can get these undecorated engines. Joe is great to work with. They get the orders out quickly. Never had an issue with a product being damaged when it got to me. Thanks Joe. I now have my very own one of a kind DCR SD40-2 thanks to you!! Doug
BLI 6796 EMD SD40-2, Unpainted, Paragon4 Sound/DC/DCC, HO
Customer photo review of BLI 7244 T&P 2-10-4, #623, In-Service Appearance, Paragon4 Sound/DC/DCC, HO
John P.
I’ve waited years for this rerelease and it didn’t disappoint. I had one issue, which was cleared up rather quickly. Steam piping galore with the tiny l.e.d stack light that is amazing. I might actually wear the wheels off this one.
BLI 7244 T&P 2-10-4, #623, In-Service Appearance, Paragon4 Sound/DC/DCC, HO
Customer photo review of BLI 6870 EMD F7B, ATSF 226B, Cat Whiskers Freight Scheme, Paragon4 Sound/DC/DCC, N
Otto K.
I love the new Paragon 4 decoders with their built in capacitors to help them get through dirt spots. I only wish the P4's were available separately to retrofit earlier BLI locos. The early Catwhisker scheme is done very well, including the correct black roofs.
BLI 6870 EMD F7B, ATSF 226B, Cat Whiskers Freight Scheme, Paragon4 Sound/DC/DCC, N
Customer video review of BLI 7323 2-8-0 Consolidation, CN 2120, Paragon4 Sound/DC/DCC, Smoke, HO
Enrique H.
This is a very good engine. It works very smoothly. After using it for a bit, the chuff sensor stopped working and all sounds worked except the chuff. However I tweaked some CV´s and synchronized the chuff without using the sensor, so it still works and sounds like a charm! This one also has an auxiliary water tender to improve the lousy electrical pick up in steam tenders of most America builders. Over all, I am extremely pleased with this Steam Engine.
BLI 7323 2-8-0 Consolidation, CN 2120, Paragon4 Sound/DC/DCC, Smoke, HO
Customer video review of BLI 7320 2-8-0 Consolidation, ATSF 1978, Paragon4 Sound/DC/DCC, Smoke, HO
Enrique H.
This is a very good engine. It runs very well and is very well detailed. Since most American builders are cheap with steam tenders (they have very poor electrical pickup), I added an auxiliary water tender that picks up electricity on ALL 8 wheels.
BLI 7320 2-8-0 Consolidation, ATSF 1978, Paragon4 Sound/DC/DCC, Smoke, HO
Customer photo review of BLI 7342 2-8-0 Consolidation, Unlettered, Paragon4 Sound/DC/DCC, Smoke, HO
John S.
This Paragon 4 is amazing. It pulls very well and does not hesitate on turnouts. It joins several other Paragons that I have. They all run well but this one is a champ. I will letter it with D&RGW ID as was typical in the mountain RR. John Shue &
BLI 7342 2-8-0 Consolidation, Unlettered, Paragon4 Sound/DC/DCC, Smoke, HO
Customer photo review of BLI 6871 EMD F7A, B&M 4268A, Maroon & Imitation Gold, Paragon4 Sound/DC/DCC, N
Al D.
I bought this A Unit to complete an A-B-A lash up. It is a fine BLI model with DCC and Sound. It runs smoothly and it sounds great. Put the 3 units together and it pulls a lot of freight cars, and in a consist with passenger cars fro B & M, it just looks terrific. I am very pleased with this engine.
BLI 6871 EMD F7A, B&M 4268A, Maroon & Imitation Gold, Paragon4 Sound/DC/DCC, N
Customer photo review of Miller Engineering Animation MIE9030 Esso Window Sign, HO and N Scales
Keith E.
While it took quite a while for this order to arrive, it was worth waiting for. It was the final element I needed in building the "Ed's ESSO Station." This was a surprise build for my wife, whose father owned an ESSO station in the mid-forties. She did not know that I was working on this project and teared up when I unveiled it.
Miller Engineering Animation MIE9030 Esso Window Sign, HO and N Scales
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