Factory Direct Hobbies Reviews

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Customer photo review of BLI 7154 3-Bay Hopper, Chessie System (C&O), Black w/ Yellow, 2-pack A, N
Bill G.
I love the Chessie System 7154 (A) BLI 3-Bay Hopper cars because they are built with high quality and crisp details and are weighted perfectly and run smoothly. I also bought the 7155 (B) pack to complement the set. Broadway Limited Imports are Top Quality cars.
BLI 7154 3-Bay Hopper, Chessie System (C&O), Black w/ Yellow, 2-pack A, N
Customer photo review of BLI 3917 EMD NW2, EL 417, Gray, Maroon, & Yellow, Paragon4 Sound/DC/DCC, N
James F.
Good morning πŸ˜ƒβ˜€οΈπŸŒž!:) Joe Grubba & the staffers, πŸ‘‹ Hi πŸ‘‹!:) How are you doing today?? I am still fine;) I love ❀️ it!:) I, indeed certainly, will πŸƒrun πŸƒβ€β™€οΈ These both (N-Scale) (NW2) diesels locomotives πŸš‚ πŸƒβ€β™€οΈ run πŸƒ to pull freight cars on N-Scale railroads πŸ›€ track on the train 🚞 table layout:) πŸ‘Œ ok πŸ‘:) TTYL anytime:) Stay in touch with me!:) Thanks πŸ™ again,(J.F.)James Florio:)
BLI 3917 EMD NW2, EL 417, Gray, Maroon, & Yellow, Paragon4 Sound/DC/DCC, N
Customer photo review of Rapido 139007 Evans X72A Box car: Western Pacific - 3-Pack Car Numbers: #4051, 4053, 4056, HO
John C.
Extreme level of detail and accuracy. Even the steel catwalk over the center sill is silver and looks authentic. Very very happy with this model, it reminds me of when I was a "mud-hop" on the WP!!
Rapido 139007 Evans X72A Box car: Western Pacific - 3-Pack Car Numbers: #4051, 4053, 4056, HO
Customer photo review of PREORDER BLI 6930 Heavy Pacific 4-6-2, CN 5300, Paragon4 Sound/DC/DCC, N
Jeffrey M.
These are by far the nicest locomotives I own and I have many! BLI quality with Paragon 4 has set the bar for smooth operation and sound quality, even in N scale! Who doesn’t love steam, right? I have a BLI Light Mikado and now a BLI Heavy Pacific! I have four BLI locomotives, diesel and steam, all with Paragon 4 and I won’t look back as I replace my fleet. ~Jeff M.
PREORDER BLI 6930 Heavy Pacific 4-6-2, CN 5300, Paragon4 Sound/DC/DCC, N
Customer photo review of BLI 3916 EMD NW2, EL 422, Gray, Maroon, & Yellow, Paragon4 Sound/DC/DCC, N
James F.
Good morning πŸ˜ƒβ˜€οΈπŸŒž!:) Joe Grubba & the staffers:) How are you doing today?? I am still fine:) It’s me, James Florio:) I love ❀️ this products very much so that way I will πŸƒβ€β™€οΈ run πŸƒ this (EL)(N-SCALE) (NW2) diesels locomotives πŸš‚ πŸƒβ€β™€οΈ run πŸƒ on the N-SCALE train 🚞 table layout:) πŸ‘Œ ok πŸ‘:) TTYL anytime:) Stay in touch with me!:)Joe Grubba & the staffers:) Thanks πŸ™ again,(J.F.)James Florio:)
BLI 3916 EMD NW2, EL 422, Gray, Maroon, & Yellow, Paragon4 Sound/DC/DCC, N
Customer photo review of New York Central #304 with 4-Window Door - HO Scale
Russ P.
I bought this car because it was the closest I could find to the Bessemer & Lake Erie combine which runs often at the Illinois Railway Museum. I removed the NYC markings and ordered some Bessemer decals, which, unfortunately didn’t work. If you or anyone who might read this has any, please let me know! Nice car.
New York Central #304 with 4-Window Door - HO Scale
Customer photo review of JL Innovative Design 922 DRAGSTER & TRAILER W/tools, HO
William B.
Great kit. It was well made and went together smoothly.. I built this scene as a tribute to my good friend Kevin who is the owner of K&K customz and is terminally ill from cancer that was caused by exposure to agent orange in Vietnam.
JL Innovative Design 922 DRAGSTER & TRAILER W/tools, HO
Customer photo review of Woodland Scenics WOO28 Forest Kits pkg(24) -- Hardwood (Deciduous) Trees - 2 to 4" 5.1 to 10.2cm Tall, All Scales
Robert J.
These trees are fun to make and, with the light brown I used for the tree trunks, I get a kind of tree that works great for my scenery that gives it a β€œnortheast Texas” character. I got two packs so I could have lots of these trees!
Woodland Scenics WOO28 Forest Kits pkg(24) -- Hardwood (Deciduous) Trees - 2 to 4" 5.1 to 10.2cm Tall, All Scales
Customer photo review of BLI 5814 EMD SD9, Nickel Plate Road #352, Paragon3 Sound/DC/DCC, HO
Warren H.
The diesel arrived in great condition. Tested it and it runs great on 2 function DCC. Now waiting for a soundTraxx decoder and will remove the 2 function DCC and replace it with a DCC/Sound decoder.
BLI 5814 EMD SD9, Nickel Plate Road #352, Paragon3 Sound/DC/DCC, HO
Customer photo review of Woodland Scenics BR5873 Smith Brothers TV & Appliance - O Scale
Jonathan G.
Another great accessory from woodland scenics. Just plugged into to open ports I already had and ready to go. Bldg design and the working TVs are great to see in play
Woodland Scenics BR5873 Smith Brothers TV & Appliance - O Scale
Customer photo review of Athearn HO F45 w/DCC & Sound, WC #6656
Robert S.
I had another quick and professional experience from Factory Direct Hobbies! My item was packed well and I received it very fast considering how the U.S. Mail is right now! Thank You!
Athearn HO F45 w/DCC & Sound, WC #6656
Customer photo review of PREORDER Athearn HO DDA40X w/DCC & Sound, UP #6910
Jan D.
It looks terrific very fortunately without imperfections or damages or blemishes which of course always can happen. Because I don't have a layout myself I have to wait to see it in action like running, sound and lights. And I sure hope the same hassle free enjoyment will be applicable. Cheers, Jan, Australia
PREORDER Athearn HO DDA40X w/DCC & Sound, UP #6910
Customer video review of Bachmann 39026 Powered Railer-Rerailer -- 9" 23cm Long, N Scale
David S.
I am relatively new to model railroading. My first layout is on a hollow door so I chose N gauge. I quickly began to think I had made a mistake choosing such a small gauge. I had a very difficult time getting locomotives and cars lined up on the track properly. Then I got the Power Rerailer and what a difference it made. I am now glad I chose N gauge and have no trouble getting my trains on track, pun intended. I highly recommend it!!
Bachmann 39026 Powered Railer-Rerailer -- 9" 23cm Long, N Scale
Customer photo review of BLI 6640 Union Pacific 4-8-4, Class FEF-3, #844, Black & Graphite, Modern Excursion, Paragon4 Sound/DC/DCC, Smoke, HO
Maurizio Z.
The engine arrived partly broken because some potato head at the BLI warehouse pushed the engine so hard in the plastic casing after he checked it to see that it had no damages that he actually caused damages!... Great isn' it?! Now I'm stuck with it at the mere price of $599 + taxes !!!! Fantastic! I got pictures that document how badly the delicate engine was placed in the plastic casing and obviously pushed 'cause that way it wouldn't fit. I sent them to you, Factory Direct, but..... ...
BLI 6640 Union Pacific 4-8-4, Class FEF-3, #844, Black & Graphite, Modern Excursion, Paragon4 Sound/DC/DCC, Smoke, HO
Customer photo review of BLI 3956 PRR P5a Boxcab, #4738, Freight Type, DGLE, Buff Yellow Futura Lettering, Paragon4 Sound/DC/DCC, N
Neil A.
05 March 2022 - the electrics are ready. It is an electric train layout after all! Pennsy GG1 and P5a Boxcab. More images here: https://www.dhc-2.com/Trainworks.html Always great to get something from your company Jo. Expensive, however after shipping and exchange to Canadian Dollar . . but, hey, it fulfills a great need. Best whishes Neil Aird Kingston, Ontario, Canada
BLI 3956 PRR P5a Boxcab, #4738, Freight Type, DGLE, Buff Yellow Futura Lettering, Paragon4 Sound/DC/DCC, N
Customer photo review of Evergreen Scale 153 .060 X .060 STRIPS
Reeve A.
I started building this about 5 years ago. It's an Emperor Titan from the Warhammer 40K Universe My son got me interested in scratch building these gigantic machines when he was in his early teens and was saving up to buy a much smaller Titan. Since then I've built a dozen or so of these complex models. This is my latest project. The material I use is Poly styrene. The Hobby store I used to purchase my Evergreen Styrene went out of business and I searched for a source ultimately finding Factor...
Evergreen Scale 153 .060 X .060 STRIPS
Customer photo review of Athearn HO DDA40X, UP #6907
Ronald R.
Athearn has come a very long way since its blue box kit days I was at a loss of words when I saw this model the level of detail and realism on this is second to none I have three other pre orders pending and am looking forward to the arrivals especially if they are anything like this product.
Athearn HO DDA40X, UP #6907
Customer photo review of Noch Gmbh & Co 15290 Homeless People -- pkg(6), HO Scale
Rose D.
We wanted to do a "skid row" area on my husband's urban industrial end of our planned layout. The homeless people have added "life" to the derelict shabbiness of the scene.
Noch Gmbh & Co 15290 Homeless People -- pkg(6), HO Scale
Customer photo review of Rivarossi HR2880S Heisler Steam locomotive, 2-Truck model, "Westside Lumber Co. #2", period III, with DCC-sound decoder, HO
Robert Y.
Loco runs like a champ. But even more dealing with Factory Direct Hobbies was efficient and professional. Factory Direct kept me informed as to the status and changes of my order via email. Much appreciated. Billing was done fairly and timely.
Rivarossi HR2880S Heisler Steam locomotive, 2-Truck model, "Westside Lumber Co. #2", period III, with DCC-sound decoder, HO
Customer photo review of BLI 6796 EMD SD40-2, Unpainted, Paragon4 Sound/DC/DCC, HO
Douglas P.
The BLI SD40-2 has a heavy weight to it. This lends it to being heavily modified for speaker upgrades and better lighting. You can remove enough of the original metal to make room for a decent set of Sugar cube speakers. the original "light tube assembly" in the cab is thick enough that you can build your own light housing to get better headlight and number board lighting. You can make your own rear headlight/ number board housing also as there is amble room in the back. You can even get th...
BLI 6796 EMD SD40-2, Unpainted, Paragon4 Sound/DC/DCC, HO
Customer photo review of Pennsylvania - 50' Sliding Door Box Car - N Scale
James F.
πŸ‘‹ Hi πŸ‘‹!:) Joe Grubba & the staffs, Again, it’s me!:) I love ❀️ it!:) I will keep it to run πŸƒ it onto the N-Scale trains 🚊 runs on the train πŸš‚ table layout later on:) it looks awesome πŸ‘!:) Please stay in touch with me!:) Thanks πŸ™ again,(J.F.)James Florio @+1(910)964-4750:)
Pennsylvania - 50’ Sliding Door Box Car - N Scale
Customer photo review of BLI 3997 USRA Light Mikado, Unlettered, Paragon4 Sound/DC/DCC, N
Jeffrey M.
This is by far the nicest locomotive I own and I have many! BLI quality with Paragon 4 has set the bar for smooth operation and sound quality, even in N scale! Who doesn’t love steam, right? I can’t wait for my BLI Heavy Pacific to arrive! I now have 3 BLI locomotives, diesel and steam, all with Paragon 4 and I won’t look back as I replace my fleet. ~Jeff M.
BLI 3997 USRA Light Mikado, Unlettered, Paragon4 Sound/DC/DCC, N
Customer photo review of Athearn N RTR 50' FMC Offset Double Door Box, BN (ex-GWF) #223494
Stephen D.
I'm normally an HO modeler, but I am also a Board Member for the Galveston Railroad Museum. I could not resist buying the N Scale version of this car which we had done man years back in HO for the museum. I am hoping that the re-release of the HO version is on the way as people ask me about them all the time (I have two myself). For N scale, it is very nicely done. The Kadee style couplers look great and the wheels are much more to scale than most of the N scale models I remember from my you...
Athearn N RTR 50’ FMC Offset Double Door Box, BN (ex-GWF) #223494
Customer photo review of Woodland Scenics BR4959 Smith Brothers TV & Appliance - N Scale
James F.
πŸ‘‹ Hi πŸ‘‹!:) Joe Grubba & the staffers, How are you doing today?? I am still fine:) I love ❀️ it:) I will keep it for N-scale model railroads πŸš† layout on it:) it πŸ‘€looks πŸ‘€awesome!:) TTYL anytime:) Keep in touch!:) Thanks πŸ™ again,(J.F.)James Florio @+1(910)964-4750:)
Woodland Scenics BR4959 Smith Brothers TV & Appliance - N Scale
Customer video review of PREORDER BLI 3968 P5a Boxcab, New Haven #0258, Green & Gold, Paragon4 Sound/DC/DCC, N (Fantasy Paint Scheme)
Al D.
This model is a smooth running, heavy pulling, great sounding, fun to watch excellent detail model that is a crowd-pleaser at shows and lots of fun to run on my home layout.
PREORDER BLI 3968 P5a Boxcab, New Haven #0258, Green & Gold, Paragon4 Sound/DC/DCC, N (Fantasy Paint Scheme)
Customer photo review of PREORDER BLI 3992 USRA Light Mikado, SOU 4501, Green Boiler, Paragon4 Sound/DC/DCC, N
John W.
Excellent locomotive. Great sound. Took Joe’s advice and changed the CV 227 value to 14 and love it. Goes great with the rest of the steam fleet. Look forward to years of enjoyment.
PREORDER BLI 3992 USRA Light Mikado, SOU 4501, Green Boiler, Paragon4 Sound/DC/DCC, N
Customer photo review of Woodland Scenics BR4959 Smith Brothers TV & Appliance - N Scale
Mike B.
This N scale Smith Bros building has to be a favorite on my layout. Realistic super detailing on the outside of the building and a well detailed interior. Even the televisions flicker. It is just like walking into a small appliance store in the 1950's.
Woodland Scenics BR4959 Smith Brothers TV & Appliance - N Scale
Customer photo review of PREORDER Woodland Scenics BR4959 Smith Brothers TV & Appliance - N Scale
James F.
Good morning πŸ˜ƒβ˜€οΈπŸŒž!:) Joe Grubba & the staffers, How are you doing today?? I am still fine:) I love ❀️ it very much!:) I will display it on the train πŸš‚ table layout later on:) πŸ‘Œ ok πŸ‘;) Take care, take it easy:) Stay in touch with me:) Have a good one ☝️!:) TTYL anytime:) Thanks πŸ™ again,(J.F.)James Florio
PREORDER Woodland Scenics BR4959 Smith Brothers TV & Appliance - N Scale
Customer photo review of BLI 6665 EMD F3A, NYC 1623, Full Lightning Stripes, Paragon4 Sound/DC/DCC, HO
Paul D.
This locomotive looks great and has worked perfectly. The B unit and the rear facing A unit are 45 or 50 years old but, as you can see, the paint jobs are a perfect match so I couldn’t be happier with the new one.
BLI 6665 EMD F3A, NYC 1623, Full Lightning Stripes, Paragon4 Sound/DC/DCC, HO
Customer photo review of BLI 7335 2-8-0 Consolidation, SOU 641, Paragon4 Sound/DC/DCC, Smoke, HO
David M.
I Like the 2-8-0 Consolidated engines and the era they represent. This is a fine locomotive. I have 3 others . This one has had some problems with the smoke switch and head light. It seems to fix itself if I turn it off and then back on. Will reset CV8. Let y'all know if this corrects the problem.. Great detailed engine.
BLI 7335 2-8-0 Consolidation, SOU 641, Paragon4 Sound/DC/DCC, Smoke, HO
Customer photo review of BLI 4765 ATSF 4000 Class 2-8-2, #4023, w/ switching pilot and large rear headlight, Spoked Main Driver, Oil Tender, Paragon4 Sound/DC/DCC, HO
Adrian S.
Love the Paragon4! I got back into trains over the last couple of years, and have wanted to get a steamer for ages--this is my first and I absolutely love it. Looking forward to getting it really dialed-in and tuned just right for my layout! Factory Direct also had by far the best price and were great to work with!
BLI 4765 ATSF 4000 Class 2-8-2, #4023, w/ switching pilot and large rear headlight, Spoked Main Driver, Oil Tender, Paragon4 Sound/DC/DCC, HO
Customer photo review of JTT Trees & Shrubs 95056 Turf Blended Late Fall Med
Kim S.
Sprinkled some of the turf onto my Woodland Scenics Static Grass, and it turned out awesome. Very happy with how I can easily make my layout fall themed, with just a few minutes of sprinkling the turf from a shaker. Would definitely recommend if you're just wanting to add some fall color to your layout. I also mixed in some yellow turf to my blend.
JTT Trees & Shrubs 95056 Turf Blended Late Fall Med
Customer photo review of BLI 6495 MILW S3 4-8-4, #261, 1935 Hiawatha Fantasy Scheme, Paragon4 Sound/DC/DCC, Smoke, HO
Stephen L.
I have never been disappointed with either BLI products or the service from Joe Grubba. This MILW S-3 is my first 'fantasy' scheme model and it is a real head turner. Straight out of the box, both sound and smoke were full-on. Now, when can we get some matching passenger coaches???
BLI 6495 MILW S3 4-8-4, #261, 1935 Hiawatha Fantasy Scheme, Paragon4 Sound/DC/DCC, Smoke, HO
Customer photo review of WalthersProto 920-15653 74' Pullman-Standard Steam Generator Car - Ready to Run -- Santa Fe #133 (Bicentennial), HO
Roger M.
Been waiting a long time to see this car produced. It will be running in a BiCentennial consist with the ATSF BiCen engine and the old Lionel BiCen passenger cars. Typical 1st class Walthers quality and LOVE the fact it has Kadees and not the plastic couplers.
WalthersProto 920-15653 74’ Pullman-Standard Steam Generator Car - Ready to Run -- Santa Fe #133 (Bicentennial), HO
Customer photo review of Rapido Trains 27544 EMD SW1200: Northern Pacific #130 (Type A Trucks), DCC & Sound, HO
Joseph H.
Nicely done model, except I had to clean the wheels because they came from the manufacturer dirty. Once that was done the engine ran smoothly. Great service and delivery from your store. Keep up the good work!
Rapido Trains 27544 EMD SW1200: Northern Pacific #130 (Type A Trucks), DCC & Sound, HO
Customer video review of BLI 6560 Plymouth W-Series 35-Ton Switcher, Union Pacific, Yellow/Gray, DC/DCC, HO - Factory Direct Hobbies Exclusive
James C.
I discovered Factory Direct Hobbies about a month ago now I guess since that I have bought five different locomotives I believe great service very happy with all my purchases my layout is under a total rebuild so not much to show this little Plymouth switcher I love so much I bought a second one atsf with a zebra stripes thank you much very happy
BLI 6560 Plymouth W-Series 35-Ton Switcher, Union Pacific, Yellow/Gray, DC/DCC, HO - Factory Direct Hobbies Exclusive
Customer photo review of Tamiya 81316 ACRYLIC XF-16 FLAT ALUMINUM 23Ml Bottle
Frank B.
I really like this paint. Looks great on my B-17 G model. Make sure you thin it with Tamiya thinner for proper airbrush use as it is a bit thick. I used a Valejo gull grey primer as a base and it gave me a good finish. When I applied Micro Flat after decal application it really made the flat aluminum color perfect. This is a much better product than Valejo aluminum.
Tamiya 81316 ACRYLIC XF-16 FLAT ALUMINUM 23Ml Bottle
Customer photo review of WalthersProto 920-15653 74' Pullman-Standard Steam Generator Car - Ready to Run -- Santa Fe #133 (Bicentennial), HO
Sean K.
Now I am giving this a 5 star review but I think Waltherstrains can still improve in certain areas for examples the way you light these cars is really bad I had to really go out of my way to install brass sheets of metal very thin mind you to solder in place leds that will work with the piece of rolling stock if walthers trains got rid of that metal wipe that would be a huge start in the right direction now how they would need to fix that I would have no idea maybe other modelers out there know ...
WalthersProto 920-15653 74’ Pullman-Standard Steam Generator Car - Ready to Run -- Santa Fe #133 (Bicentennial), HO
Customer video review of BLI 6785 EMD SD40-2, Family Lines System, SCL 8045, Paragon4 Sound/DC/DCC, HO
John W.
Excellent engines. Both are Paragon 4. I can rev up without moving, or make it sound like it's pulling a heavy load, alternating ditch lights, and Go Pack, which is another way of saying the engine will run through dead spots
BLI 6785 EMD SD40-2, Family Lines System, SCL 8045, Paragon4 Sound/DC/DCC, HO
Customer photo review of BLI 4765 ATSF 4000 Class 2-8-2, #4023, w/ switching pilot and large rear headlight, Spoked Main Driver, Oil Tender, Paragon4 Sound/DC/DCC, HO
Joseph B.
Very pleased with the detail, sound, and performance of this model! I've always had a good experience with BLI steam locomotives in the past, and this one is no exception. Highly recommended for those steamer fans out there.
BLI 4765 ATSF 4000 Class 2-8-2, #4023, w/ switching pilot and large rear headlight, Spoked Main Driver, Oil Tender, Paragon4 Sound/DC/DCC, HO
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