Factory Direct Hobbies Reviews

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Customer video review of BLI 6622 Alco RSD-15, PRR #8611, As-Delivered Scheme, Paragon4 Sound/DC/DCC, N Scale
Guy L.
Like all BLI products, this is a nicely detailed and very smooth running engine. The sounds are great and easily controlled. Pleased with the pulling power. I also love the feature where the cab light comes on, but it starts to move and then goes out soon after.
BLI 6622 Alco RSD-15, PRR #8611, As-Delivered Scheme, Paragon4 Sound/DC/DCC, N Scale
Customer photo review of Walthers 920-106022 40' Ortner 100-Ton Open Aggregate Hopper - Ready to Run -- Florida East Coast #15216, HO
Sidney V.
It seems there are so many incredibly popular items of rolling stock that are made in small batches and never repeated. After trying to find these aggregate cars for some time, I wrote Walthers and reminded them that if something is popular and sells out and can't be found they might want to reissue the model. Prototype cars of this or similar designs make up many unit "rock trains" operating around the country. For whatever reason, they did reissue this car. Details are crisp and the car lo...
Walthers 920-106022 40’ Ortner 100-Ton Open Aggregate Hopper - Ready to Run -- Florida East Coast #15216, HO
Customer video review of BLI 6689 EMD F7B, NP 6008C, Pine Tree Scheme, Paragon4 Sound/DC/DCC, HO
Robert M.
This last unit completed my NP Cab unit A-B-B-A set. It’s in my display case for now but I would like to -eventually- consist all units and enjoy the lights and sounds!
BLI 6689 EMD F7B, NP 6008C, Pine Tree Scheme, Paragon4 Sound/DC/DCC, HO
Customer photo review of Woodland Scenics 14409b 4' Riser Bulk 8pc
Pat H.
The 4”” risers are great as you can easily trim them to any size and slope vs having to glue the other size then trimming them to the slope need. The picture show is a work in process.
Woodland Scenics 14409b 4’ Riser Bulk 8pc
Customer photo review of A Line Product 19255 Hobby Tote System w/Nylon Carrying Case -- 4 High-Sided Containers, HO
Dave M.
These are great for storing cars and Transporting them to other layouts for operating sessions. I recommend using soft foam as a cradle to help protect fragile parts on cars or locomotives as seen in the photo of my Red Caboose Beet gondolas with custom made extensions
A Line Product 19255 Hobby Tote System w/Nylon Carrying Case -- 4 High-Sided Containers, HO
Customer photo review of PREORDER BLI 6714 Great Northern S-2 4-8-4, #2585, Open Cab, Glacier Green, "Great Northern" Logo, Paragon4 Sound/DC/DCC, Smoke, HO Scale
Kuan Chun L.
Finally, I have it into my collection. It is ever the first loco that I ever considered to buy but dropped. I knew it will eventually join into my loco garage.
PREORDER BLI 6714 Great Northern S-2 4-8-4, #2585, Open Cab, Glacier Green, "Great Northern" Logo, Paragon4 Sound/DC/DCC, Smoke, HO Scale
Customer video review of BLI 1632 Layout Lightning Storm
Russell R.
I bought one and liked it so much I bought a second one! I mounted the light strips in clouds on clear plastic shelves, which greatly improved the effects! When the storms start I dim the lights and enjoy the show!
BLI 1632 Layout Lightning Storm
Customer video review of BLI 7057 UP Big Boy #4014, "The Big Boy Tour" Excursion, Standard Finish, Challenger Excursion Tender, Paragon4 Sound/DC/DCC, Smoke, HO Scale
Bryant T.
This is a monster of a locomotive. It’s heavy, well detailed, and has a great paint job. I’m looking forward to pulling my coal drags with it. The video shows it moving at the slowest setting.
BLI 7057 UP Big Boy #4014, "The Big Boy Tour" Excursion, Standard Finish, Challenger Excursion Tender, Paragon4 Sound/DC/DCC, Smoke, HO Scale
Customer video review of Kato KAT20-652-1 North American-Style Automatic Crossing Gate, N Scale
Thomas M.
The Electrical Connectors are rather small and fragile, but very well thought out. If your train is only traveling one direction, use only one of the extra track sensors, as the base unit has sensors that will shut it off once the truck clears. The extra sensors are provided to allow for more realistic timing of the gate operation.
Kato KAT20-652-1 North American-Style Automatic Crossing Gate, N Scale
Customer photo review of HunterLine HLHQUCO 50' Queen Post Truss Covered Bridge Kit, HO
Gary P.
This was definitely a master builder kit, which gave me some headaches, so I had to enlist a friend of mine to help. He enjoyed building the bridge as much as I did and between us it came out beautifully..,
HunterLine HLHQUCO 50’ Queen Post Truss Covered Bridge Kit, HO
Customer photo review of BLI 6870 EMD F7B, ATSF 226B, Cat Whiskers Freight Scheme, Paragon4 Sound/DC/DCC, N
Otto K.
The Paragon 4 decoders are so much better then the earlier iterations, lot less prone to power and sound cutouts. Great running locos! Wish my earlier F units could be upgraded to Paragon 4's.
BLI 6870 EMD F7B, ATSF 226B, Cat Whiskers Freight Scheme, Paragon4 Sound/DC/DCC, N
Customer photo review of BLI 5970 Light Mikado, CN #3721, Paragon3 Sound/DC/DCC, N
Drew M.
Used there at least 200 dollars I was very excited when I found it here for 164 I would have bought to if I could afford it as for the locomotive it's a Broadway limited perfect in every way its volume is loud it's motor is quite and it will run all day with no issues
BLI 5970 Light Mikado, CN #3721, Paragon3 Sound/DC/DCC, N
Customer photo review of BLI 6665 EMD F3A, NYC 1623, Full Lightning Stripes, Paragon4 Sound/DC/DCC, HO
Richard A.
I really do like the loco but was a little disappointed when I placed it on the programming track and it immediately went backwards. I also do not the high volume when it moves and I have to lower it every time
BLI 6665 EMD F3A, NYC 1623, Full Lightning Stripes, Paragon4 Sound/DC/DCC, HO
Customer photo review of Walthers Mainline 910-30167 85' Budd Diner - Ready to Run -- Denver & Rio Grande Western, HO
Willie A.
The second of three cars, as I mentioned in the first review, the car was delivered on time with no issues. A good car to start out with if one is into passenger trains.
Walthers Mainline 910-30167 85’ Budd Diner - Ready to Run -- Denver & Rio Grande Western, HO
Customer photo review of Walthers Mainline 910-30066 85' Budd Baggage-Lounge - Ready to Run -- Denver & Rio Grande Western, HO
Willie A.
The car was delivered on time with no issues . I hoping to create a Rio Grande version of the California Zephyr which would be good to run though it is comprised of two other lines: CB&Q and WP. It is a good car to start out with if one is into passenger trains.
Walthers Mainline 910-30066 85’ Budd Baggage-Lounge - Ready to Run -- Denver & Rio Grande Western, HO
Customer photo review of Vallejo Acrylic Paints 74101 Fairy Flesh
Aaron P.
This was an amazing paint set for flesh. It’s the first flesh set I’ve used that has all the colors necessary for what I’m doing in a single set. I love the set and highly recommend it.
Vallejo Acrylic Paints 74101 Fairy Flesh
Customer photo review of Miller 44-0102 Cracker Jack Billboard, Small
Charles S.
I mounted my Cracker Jacks sign on top of my warehouse building, and I set the desired flashing. I changed from the battery power supply to the 4804-power module, because I am going to connect another sign or two to it. I am enjoying the flashing sign on my train table to help add more realism to the scenery.
Miller 44-0102 Cracker Jack Billboard, Small
Customer photo review of Walthers Cornerstone 933-3068 Carfloat Apron -- Kit - 8-1/2 x 8-1/2 x 8-5/8" 21.2 x 21.2 x 21.6cm (Height Above Water), HO Scale+4
Anthony F.
Typical Walthers kit the instructions are more picture than words. If you take your time it goes together easily enough. Think ahead if your painting parts some are easier before assembly and others better as sub- assemblies. Like any other kit dry fitting is good practice. Doing the carfloat and 2 Railroad Tugs as a 5' scene exstention as well as the Apron.
Walthers Cornerstone 933-3068 Carfloat Apron -- Kit - 8-1/2 x 8-1/2 x 8-5/8" 21.2 x 21.2 x 21.6cm (Height Above Water), HO Scale
Customer photo review of Rix Products-6280304 CORRUGATED GRAIN BIN 30', HO+1
Gary M.
Easy build. Nice kit. Instructions clear although get condensed for the last few steps. Painted after assembly. Used Tamiya Extra Thin Cement which flowed nicely into seams. Needed to use the thicker Tamiya cement on the inside to plug small gaps at seams. Primed with generic flat gray primer from a spray can. Painted with Revell Metallic Steel spray paint. Got some runs with this paint and probably should have waited longer between coats.
Rix Products-6280304 CORRUGATED GRAIN BIN 30’, HO
Customer photo review of BLI 6706 PRR E6 4-4-2, #393, Post-war, Paragon4 Sound/DC/DCC, Smoke, HO Scale
Larry R.
Your E6 is a great engine. The only thing that needs improvement is the distance between the engine and tender; it's too much. Years ago, BLI offered both sound and no sound. Personally, I don't care for BLI sound. I own well over fifty BLI engines and have replaced most with TCS Wow sound decoders. Don't like the extra expense. I didn't change the decoder in my BLI S2 for obvious reasons. By the way, your S2 is outstanding. I compared it to my brass S2 and yours beats it hands down. ...
BLI 6706 PRR E6 4-4-2, #393, Post-war, Paragon4 Sound/DC/DCC, Smoke, HO Scale
Customer photo review of BLI 6700 PRR E6 4-4-2, #460, 1927 Lindberg Special, Paragon4 Sound/DC/DCC, Smoke, HO Scale
Rodney G.
The PRR E6 is a beautiful locomotive and it runs as well as it looks. I have several BLI locomotives in my collection and I love them all. When I decided to go to DCC from DC, having the BLI engines helped make the transition easier since they could run under DC or DCC. I have the Lindberg Special paint scheme which really adds to the appearance of this engine. This is definitely a winner from BLI, great job to all involved.
BLI 6700 PRR E6 4-4-2, #460, 1927 Lindberg Special, Paragon4 Sound/DC/DCC, Smoke, HO Scale
Customer photo review of Trumpeter F/A-18E Super Hornet 03204 1:32+3
Mike K.
This is an excellent kit that builds up into a really beautiful model. There are some minor fit issues around the intakes that take a bit of skill to resolve so I would recommend it to a beginner, but with a little bit of encouragement it can be made to come together. I'd definitely build another!
Trumpeter F/A-18E Super Hornet 03204 1:32
Customer photo review of Trumpeter 1/24 Focke-wulf Fw190 D-9-02411+3
Mike K.
A great kit! Just enough of a challenge to feel as though you are building a model rather than assembling Legos, but nothing in it that fights you. I'd say this kit would be great for modellers of all experience levels, the beginner can get a lovely piece but the advanced modeller can create a real showstopper with it! Thoroughly recommended!
Trumpeter 1/24 Focke-wulf Fw190 D-9-02411
Customer photo review of Kadee 101BAB Log Bunk Disconnect Kit, HO Scale
Joseph M.
Perfect for converting a flat car into a log car. I filed the base flat and will be attaching it to the car. To make the car as used be SP and Pickering Lumber I need to cut and remove the deck and supports between the bunks. I plan to use a currently unbuilt Ticky flatcar kit instead of modifying the finished one shown in the picture.
Kadee 101BAB Log Bunk Disconnect Kit, HO Scale
Customer photo review of BLI 6262 SP Cab Forward 4-8-8-2, AC5 #4112, Black boiler, Paragon3 Sound/DC/DCC, Smoke, HO
Tony Kl Bsxlxkww L.
Sound: Great & Loud. Appearance: Art work. Price: Very attractive. Operation: Need repair the front wheels and the steam pipe under body when received. With BLI CS fast respond and got repair in just a week.
BLI 6262 SP Cab Forward 4-8-8-2, AC5 #4112, Black boiler, Paragon3 Sound/DC/DCC, Smoke, HO
Customer photo review of BLI 6435 PRSL P70 Coach, No AC, 1940's Appearance, Single Car, HO
Jacques L.
I think it is a really good looking model. I am very impressed by the details and by the lighting that is included with it. It rides well on the tracks as well. I would definitely highly recommend it and would definitely buy another one!
BLI 6435 PRSL P70 Coach, No AC, 1940’s Appearance, Single Car, HO
Customer photo review of WalthersProto 920-15651 74' Pullman-Standard Baggage Car -- Santa Fe (secondary train service gray w/white decals), HO
Thomas T.
Tried weathering steam for really the first time this weekend. Ten took a photo with my smart phone. Try to decide if I am on a good weathering path. It looks much less pronounced to the human eye. I my spend some time with an SLR to try for a photographic improvement. The underside of the bell should be bright red on the SF.
WalthersProto 920-15651 74’ Pullman-Standard Baggage Car -- Santa Fe (secondary train service gray w/white decals), 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
Stephen M.
The details are clean,,sound is great,paint scheme is really handsome and the motion is smooth and no wheel wobble or stuttering at all..BLI did a great job on these FEFs.
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 5568 USRA Light Mikado, CN #3726, Paragon3 Sound/DC/DCC, HO
Joseph B.
The Broadway Limited Ho scale 2-8-2 USRA mikado was perfect for my collection. And straight out of the box it ran with no problems at all even some of my locomotives from my collection could not compete with this magnificent locomotive.
BLI 5568 USRA Light Mikado, CN #3726, Paragon3 Sound/DC/DCC, 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
Chris M.
I am loving this new 844 loco from Broadway Limited Imports. I would recommend for any Union Pacific enthusiast. It completes my set of large Union Pacific steam engines. I have the 4014 Big Boy and the 3985 Challenger engines from BLI also. All great engines.
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 EMD 2nd Generation Diesel with Turbo Sound Card for Sound Box
David C.
Absolutely Wonderful! How they can get those Realistic Sounds perfect! The Engine Start-up, the Turbo whine.. Air Release, Couplers clank and Dynamic Brakes... And how it knows when Locomotives are pulling a Grade or coming off the Hill.. I have all 3 Generation Cards.. Highly recommend! Very satisfied!
EMD 2nd Generation Diesel with Turbo Sound Card for Sound Box
Customer video review of BLI 6751 EMD SW7, PRR 9373, Brunswick Green, Paragon4 Sound/DC/DCC, HO
Patrick B.
This switcher is exactly what I've been waiting for. A good looking, reliable engine for work in the yard. The keep-alive feature makes it perfect for work that, by definition, means traversing a lot of turnouts. Eliminates the annoying stuttering across those pesky frogs. Makes switching operations fun again. Thanks, Pat
BLI 6751 EMD SW7, PRR 9373, Brunswick Green, Paragon4 Sound/DC/DCC, HO
Customer video review of BLI 6811 Reading T1 4-8-4, Christmas Paint Scheme, w/ Christmas Sounds, Paragon4 Sound/DC/DCC, Smoke, HO (Fantasy Paint Scheme)
Adam R.
I have been waiting for a Christmas specific loco for awhile now and was excited when this loco was announced. After it arrived it was surprised by its ability to play Christmas music and sounds along with its ability to have normal locomotive sounds. Was very impressed.
BLI 6811 Reading T1 4-8-4, Christmas Paint Scheme, w/ Christmas Sounds, Paragon4 Sound/DC/DCC, Smoke, HO (Fantasy Paint Scheme)
Customer photo review of BLI 6642 Union Pacific 4-8-4, Class FEF-3, #835, Black & Graphite, Paragon4 Sound/DC/DCC, Smoke, HO
Larry B.
I ordered and received two of the FEF-3's #835 and 838 and both run very well. The model is very nice overall so I ordered a third FEF3- # 840
BLI 6642 Union Pacific 4-8-4, Class FEF-3, #835, Black & Graphite, Paragon4 Sound/DC/DCC, Smoke, HO
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
Wyatt W.
Continuously of why I favor BLI for steam locomotives. For BLI’s first UP FEF is definitely superior! Accurate appearance to the real 844 (which is what I got), sounds are somewhat exact, and runs smoothly and strong. Definitely best of the best to own an HO scale UP FEF 4-8-4 is by BLI!
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 6640 Union Pacific 4-8-4, Class FEF-3, #844, Black & Graphite, Modern Excursion, Paragon4 Sound/DC/DCC, Smoke, HO
Rodney G.
The UP FEF-3 is another BLI Locomotive I have added to my collection. Just like all the other ones, it looks and runs great right out of the box. I have been fortunate to own BLI's UP Challenger and Big Boy locomotives. The FEF-3 completes my collection I wanted for this railroad. I believe BLI has produced some of the fines locomotives found anywhere. I recommend them to anyone who wants some of the best looking and best running HO locomotives.
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 6231 Heavy Pacific 4-6-2, SP #2490, Daylight Scheme, Paragon3 Sound/DC/DCC, N (NP)
Mark C.
Sadly orig engine was damaged But they were quick to make exchange Sent new engine out first with label to ship other other back Good to know there are people who still have trust
BLI 6231 Heavy Pacific 4-6-2, SP #2490, Daylight Scheme, Paragon3 Sound/DC/DCC, N (NP)
Customer photo review of Kato USA 176-8405 EMD SD70ACe - Union Pacific (D&RGW Heritage), #1989, N Scale
Shawn G.
Very happy with my order, one locomotive would not run at first but as I investigated it began to run. ran it through the break in run and had no problems This how ever was no fault on your part. I will be buying from you again thank you
Kato USA 176-8405 EMD SD70ACe - Union Pacific (D&RGW Heritage), #1989, N Scale
Customer video review of Bachmann 16322 Track Cleaning 40' Boxcar, Removable Dry Pad - Ready to Run - Silver Series -- Western Pacific 19522 (silver, orange, black, Large Feather), HO Scale
James T.
The track cleaning freight car works great! A couple of passes around the track improved the performance of all of the locomotives I run and left the tracks bright and shiny. It runs smoothly even in the tighter curves and over all switches.
Bachmann 16322 Track Cleaning 40’ Boxcar, Removable Dry Pad - Ready to Run - Silver Series -- Western Pacific 19522 (silver, orange, black, Large Feather), HO Scale
Customer photo review of DCC Concepts DCM-RRA4 Rolling Road (Multi-Gauge) 4 Axle
Robert S.
I had already the set of 8 so this set made it easy for my 4 Big Boy Union Pacific 4-8-8-4 so I can break them in.
DCC Concepts DCM-RRA4 Rolling Road (Multi-Gauge) 4 Axle
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