Select Variant

Newsletter

Get our best deals & tips delivered straight to your inbox!

Your email

📣 QUESTIONS? ⁉️ TALK TO OUR TEAM OF HOBBY EXPERTS ☎️ (828) 818-1404

New Arrivals!
Gift Cards
Wish List

Need help?

Call us (828) 818-1404

ask@factorydirecthobbies.com

Follow Us

Facebook
Instagram
YouTube

Brands
Bachmann
Bandai
Centerline Products
Circuitron Tortoise
Kato
Miller Engineering
Rapido
Walthers
Woodland Scenics
ALL BRANDS

Trains
New HO
New N
Hot Sellers 🔥
O Scale
S Scale
G Scale
DC, DCC, Sound
Tools & Maintenance
Glues & Adhesives
Railroad Memorabilia

Preorder Trains
ALL PREORDER
Preorder FAQ

Plastic Models
All Scale Model Kits & Accessories
Aircraft Scale Models
Military Scale Models
Automobile Scale Models
Motorcycle Scale Models
Space & SciFi Scale Models
Plastic Model Figures
Plastic Model Scenery, Buildings, & Structures
Plastic Model Tools, Supplies, & Accessories

Bandai & More
All Plastic Figures, Accessories, & More
All Bandai
Other Plastic Model Brands
Tools, Supplies, & Accessories

RC
All RC Vehicles, Parts, & Equipment
RC Cars & Trucks
RC Boats
RC Planes
RC Helicopters
RC Parts, Electronics, & Accessories

More!
Pine Car Derby
Model Rockets
Military Books
2D & 3D Puzzles
Science Kits
DaVinci Kits
Wood Models
Miniature Houses & Settings
Music Boxes
Scene A Rama
Stories in Books
Airbrush Equipment & Accessories
Pigments & Paints
Metal Detection Supplies
Drones

Apparel & Accessories
Men's Apparel
Women's Apparel
Kids' Apparel
Accessories
All Apparel & Accessories

Athearn
HO Athearn
N Athearn
Athearn Genesis
Athearn Ready to Roll
Athearn Roundhouse

Atlas
HO Atlas
N Atlas
O Atlas

Broadway Limited Imports
HO Broadway Limited
N Broadway Limited
BLI Paragon Series
BLI Stealth Series

HO Scale
HO Locomotives
HO Rolling Stock
HO Passenger Cars
HO Scenery & Buildings
All HO Scale

N Scale
N Locomotives
N Rolling Stock
N Passenger Cars
N Scenery & Buildings
All N Scale

Scenery & Buildings
HO Scenery & Buildings
N Scenery & Buildings
O Scenery & Buildings

Track & Layout
HO Track & Layout
N Track & Layout
O Track & Layout

Accessories & Parts
HO Accessories & Parts
N Accessories & Parts
O Accessories & Parts

Books & Videos
Books
Videos

For Kids
Thomas & Friends
All Toy Trains

New for Preorder
New HO Announcements
New N Announcements

Expected Soon
HO Coming Soon
N Coming Soon

HO Scale
HO Locomotives
HO Rolling Stock
HO Passenger Cars
HO Scenery & Buildings
All HO Preorder

N Scale
N Locomotives
N Rolling Stock
N Passenger Cars
N Scenery & Buildings
All N Preorder

All Gunpla & Gundam Items
Gunpla SD Ex-Standard
Gunpla Entry Grade
Gunpla High Grade
Gunpla Real Grade
Gunpla Master Grade
Gunpla Perfect Grade
Gunpla Mega Size Models

Other Bandai Models & Kits
Pokemon
Dragon Ball Z
Star Wars
DC & Marvel
More Bandai

For Kids
Thomas & Friends
All Toy Trains
Rideable Toys
Kids' Apparel
All Kids' Items

Login / Signup

Close Modal My account

Login to my account

Enter your e-mail and password:

Email

Password

New customer? Create your account

Lost password? Recover password

Recover password

Enter your email:

Email

Remembered your password?

Create my account

Please fill in the information below. If you are here to gain access to your original FactoryDirectTrains.com account and order history, please be sure to enter the same email address you used on the old site. Your password can be new and does not have to match.

First name

Last name

Email

Password

Already have an account?

Your cart is empty

Shop our products

Shipping Disclaimer

Customers have reported increasing rates of “porch pirate” package thefts. Extend™ Shipping Protection replaces any lost, damaged, or stolen packages, and we recommend adding this protection to your order. FDH is unable to recover lost, damaged, or stolen packages that are not covered by Extend™ Shipping Protection.

I understand that lost, damaged, or stolen packages will not be replaced unless I purchase Extend™ Shipping Protection.

New Arrivals!
Brands
Trains
Preorder Trains
Plastic Models
Bandai & More
RC
More!
Apparel & Accessories
Gift Cards
Wish List

Home
All Model Trains

Filters

All Model Trains

View

Lionel HO 2454330 40' Steel Reefer, New York Central MDT #12425

Lionel Lionel HO 2454330 40' Steel Reefer, New York Central MDT #12425

$25.71 $32.99

Earn $1.28 store credit

Browse reviews for Lionel HO 2454330 40' Steel Reefer, New York Central MDT #12425

Athearn Genesis HO G41175 U50, Union Pacific #41

Athearn Genesis HO G41175 U50, Union Pacific #41

Athearn Athearn Genesis HO G41175 U50, Union Pacific #41

$399.99 $469.99

Earn $19.99 store credit

Browse reviews for Athearn Genesis HO G41175 U50, Union Pacific #41

Athearn HO 86873 SD45T-2, Southern Pacific (Speed Lettering) #9343

Athearn Athearn HO 86873 SD45T-2, Southern Pacific (Speed Lettering) #9343

$152.99 $169.99

Earn $7.64 store credit

Browse reviews for Athearn HO 86873 SD45T-2, Southern Pacific (Speed Lettering) #9343

Athearn HO 86982 SD45T-2, Bessemer and Lake Erie #902

Athearn HO 86982 SD45T-2, Bessemer and Lake Erie #902

Athearn Athearn HO 86982 SD45T-2, Bessemer and Lake Erie #902

$215.99 $239.99

Earn $10.79 store credit

Browse reviews for Athearn HO 86982 SD45T-2, Bessemer and Lake Erie #902

Iconic Replicas HO 870288 1966 GM 4107 Motorcoach Bus, Assembled, Painted, Unlettered (silver, white)

Iconic Replicas Iconic Replicas HO 870288 1966 GM 4107 Motorcoach Bus, Assembled, Painted, Unlettered (silver, white)

$41.44 $49.95

Earn $2.07 store credit

Browse reviews for Iconic Replicas HO 870288 1966 GM 4107 Motorcoach Bus, Assembled, Painted, Unlettered (silver, white)

Trainworx N 4023313 40' Corrugated Reefer Trailer, Assembled, Northern Pacific (No Number, green)

Trainworx Trainworx N 4023313 40' Corrugated Reefer Trailer, Assembled, Northern Pacific (No Number, green)

$20.99 $24.95

Earn $1.04 store credit

Browse reviews for Trainworx N 4023313 40' Corrugated Reefer Trailer, Assembled, Northern Pacific (No Number, green)

Preiser N 9035 Railroad Personnel, Track Maintenance (6)

Preiser N 9035 Railroad Personnel, Track Maintenance (6)

Preiser Preiser N 9035 Railroad Personnel, Track Maintenance (6)

$18.73 $19.99

Earn $0.93 store credit

Browse reviews for Preiser N 9035 Railroad Personnel, Track Maintenance (6)

Preiser HO 29109 Traveler

Preiser Preiser HO 29109 Traveler

$5.99 $6.99

Earn $0.29 store credit

Browse reviews for Preiser HO 29109 Traveler

Preiser HO 28044 Individual Figure, Working People, Waiter with Serving Tray (White Uniform, Green Vest)

Preiser Preiser HO 28044 Individual Figure, Working People, Waiter with Serving Tray (White Uniform, Green Vest)

$5.49 $6.99

Earn $0.27 store credit

Browse reviews for Preiser HO 28044 Individual Figure, Working People, Waiter with Serving Tray (White Uniform, Green Vest)

Preiser HO 19540 Mounting Angles and Spacers for Flooring and Wall Sheets (70)

Preiser Preiser HO 19540 Mounting Angles and Spacers for Flooring and Wall Sheets (70)

$11.99 $13.99

Earn $0.59 store credit

Browse reviews for Preiser HO 19540 Mounting Angles and Spacers for Flooring and Wall Sheets (70)

Preiser HO 10159 Riding Cowboy and 5 Longhorn Cattle

Preiser Preiser HO 10159 Riding Cowboy and 5 Longhorn Cattle

$28.11 $29.99

Earn $1.40 store credit

Browse reviews for Preiser HO 10159 Riding Cowboy and 5 Longhorn Cattle

Preiser HO 10423 People Working, Modern Workmen with Outdoor Gear (6)

Preiser Preiser HO 10423 People Working, Modern Workmen with Outdoor Gear (6)

$23.27 $29.99

Earn $1.16 store credit

Browse reviews for Preiser HO 10423 People Working, Modern Workmen with Outdoor Gear (6)

Microscale HO 90322 Alphabet Decal Set, Railroad Roman Letters & Numbers 10, 14, 18, 20" (black)

Microscale Microscale HO 90322 Alphabet Decal Set, Railroad Roman Letters & Numbers 10, 14, 18, 20" (black)

$7.73 $8.25

Earn $0.38 store credit

Browse reviews for Microscale HO 90322 Alphabet Decal Set, Railroad Roman Letters & Numbers 10, 14, 18, 20" (black)

Faller HO 170826 Roman Cobblestone Pavement

Faller Faller HO 170826 Roman Cobblestone Pavement

$14.05 $14.99

Earn $0.70 store credit

Browse reviews for Faller HO 170826 Roman Cobblestone Pavement

Faller HO 151674 Industrial Mechanics and Workers (6)

Faller Faller HO 151674 Industrial Mechanics and Workers (6)

$18.33 $21.99

Earn $0.91 store credit

Browse reviews for Faller HO 151674 Industrial Mechanics and Workers (6)

Detail Associates HO FC-6427 Freight Car Grab Irons, 19-1/2" Drop (12)

Detail Associates Detail Associates HO FC-6427 Freight Car Grab Irons, 19-1/2" Drop (12)

$5.99 $6.60

Earn $0.29 store credit

Browse reviews for Detail Associates HO FC-6427 Freight Car Grab Irons, 19-1/2" Drop (12)

Faller HO 130625 Gatekeeper's Booth, Laser-Cut and Plastic Kit, 3-11/16 x 2-3/8 x 1-5/8" 9.4 x 6 x 4.1cm

Faller Faller HO 130625 Gatekeeper's Booth, Laser-Cut and Plastic Kit, 3-11/16 x 2-3/8 x 1-5/8" 9.4 x 6 x 4.1cm

$37.49 $47.99

Earn $1.87 store credit

Browse reviews for Faller HO 130625 Gatekeeper's Booth, Laser-Cut and Plastic Kit, 3-11/16 x 2-3/8 x 1-5/8" 9.4 x 6 x 4.1cm

Details West HO ET-389 Side-Mount End-of-Train Device, With Red LED and Scale Nonworking Coupler

Details West Details West HO ET-389 Side-Mount End-of-Train Device, With Red LED and Scale Nonworking Coupler

$9.89 $9.95

Earn $0.49 store credit

Browse reviews for Details West HO ET-389 Side-Mount End-of-Train Device, With Red LED and Scale Nonworking Coupler

Atlas N 40005501 Alco RS3 ESU Lok Classic Silver, Delaware & Hudson #4071 (DCC and Sound)

Atlas Atlas N 40005501 Alco RS3 ESU Lok Classic Silver, Delaware & Hudson #4071 (DCC and Sound)

$214.99 $249.95

Earn $10.74 store credit

Browse reviews for Atlas N 40005501 Alco RS3 ESU Lok Classic Silver, Delaware & Hudson #4071 (DCC and Sound)

Atlas HO 20007287 Gunderson 7550 Double Plug-Door Boxcar Master, Union Pacific BKTY #157639

Atlas HO 20007287 Gunderson 7550 Double Plug-Door Boxcar Master, Union Pacific BKTY #157639

Atlas Atlas HO 20007287 Gunderson 7550 Double Plug-Door Boxcar Master, Union Pacific BKTY #157639

$49.75 $62.95

Earn $2.48 store credit

Browse reviews for Atlas HO 20007287 Gunderson 7550 Double Plug-Door Boxcar Master, Union Pacific BKTY #157639

Atlas HO 35000011 Ford F-350 Crew-Cab Pickup Truck, Fire Chief Command Unit

Atlas HO 35000011 Ford F-350 Crew-Cab Pickup Truck, Fire Chief Command Unit

Atlas Atlas HO 35000011 Ford F-350 Crew-Cab Pickup Truck, Fire Chief Command Unit

$32.95

Earn $1.64 store credit

Browse reviews for Atlas HO 35000011 Ford F-350 Crew-Cab Pickup Truck, Fire Chief Command Unit

RS Laser Kits HO SCM202 Potato House

RS Laser Kits RS Laser Kits HO SCM202 Potato House

$84 $103

Earn $4.20 store credit

Browse reviews for RS Laser Kits HO SCM202 Potato House

RS Laser Kits S 5010 Outhouses (3-Pack)

RS Laser Kits RS Laser Kits S 5010 Outhouses (3-Pack)

$13.99 $16

Earn $0.69 store credit

Browse reviews for RS Laser Kits S 5010 Outhouses (3-Pack)

RS Laser Kits HO 2910R 3 Tab Roofing, Red

RS Laser Kits RS Laser Kits HO 2910R 3 Tab Roofing, Red

$8.99 $11

Earn $0.44 store credit

Browse reviews for RS Laser Kits HO 2910R 3 Tab Roofing, Red

Factory Direct Hobbies is a family owned business based in Asheville, NC that began in 2006 as Factory Direct Trains. For 14 years, we focused on bringing our customers the finest, cutting edge model railroading products available. During that time, we've expanded our model railroading inventory to one of the widest and most up-to-date in the world. But we've also grown our customer base and offerings to include hobby products that go well beyond trains, like the Bandai Gundam franchise. Our goal is to provide the best selection of hobby products in the world, at prices that make purchasing from us easy.

7 Glenn Bridge Rd, Unit B
Arden, NC 28704
tel: (828) 818-1404

WE ARE ONLINE ONLY: no in-person shopping or store pickup.

Factory Direct Hobbies strives to make our website accessible. We are committed to diversity, inclusion, and meeting the needs of all of our customers, including those with disabilities. We are continually improving our website to comply with the accessibility guidelines in WCAG 2.1 Levels A and AA. Further accessibility efforts are under way and we continue to update our website to improve accessibility. In the meantime, if the format of any material on our web pages interferes with your ability to access the information, please contact us to request assistance or if you have questions or comments about our web site’s accessibility. Please call (828) 818-1404, e-mail ask@factorydirecthobbies.com, or submit an inquiry using the gold chat bubble in the bottom right hand corner of our website.

Become an Affiliate
FAQs
Reviews
Videos
Pay in Installments
Extend Product Protection
Contact Us
Shipping Policy
Terms of Use
Privacy
Returns & Exchanges
Rewards Program
Check Gift Card Balance
Wish List
Media Relations

© Factory Direct Hobbies

Follow Us

We Accept

© Factory Direct Hobbies

Rewards Program Details

Become a member. It's FREE, plus get rewards!

Sign up to unlock exciting perks, this is your access pass to exclusive rewards.

Already have an account? Sign in

Earn rewards every time you shop

Get 5% back on all your purchases! We like to keep it simple and believe points unnecessarily complicate things.

Preorder FAQs

How preorders work

How do preorders work?

Guarantee your reservation on any item marked with the red "Preorder item" flag, by paying just 10% down. Preorder items also display a date badge indicating the anticipated arrival.
We will email your invoice approximately 30-45 days before your preorder item lands at the warehouse. This interactive invoice will allow you to select your preferred shipping method, and pay the balance of your order, right online!
We'll ship you your preorder once your item arrives at our warehouse. Preorder fulfillments are queued in the order in which they were paid for.

Preorders used to be $0. What happened?

Recently, our suppliers have made a major policy change and are no longer accepting product returns for non-paying end customers. After much consideration, we unfortunately must also change our policies to align with the realities our suppliers have created.

As our preorder offerings have grown, we’ve found that a large percentage of preorder reservations are canceled or left unpaid without notice. We pay our suppliers for every preorder item that arrives at our warehouse, so when a customer does not pay for their item, we are left no choice but to absorb that cost. We have tried our best to cope with the effects of this change; however, after more than a year of trying, we have found we cannot continue to do so.

We understand that this is an unwelcome change, and no one wants to pay earlier than necessary. However, this is unavoidable in order for us to be able to continue to offer the wide variety of preorder options you’re used to getting from Factory Direct Hobbies. We must now ask that customers pay a 10% good-faith down payment toward the price of their item. This non-refundable good-faith payment is applied to the price of the product, and the balance (plus shipping and any applicable taxes) will be invoiced approximately 30-45 days before the item is slated to arrive at our warehouse.

We thank you for your patience and understanding. If you have questions or would like further clarification, feel free to contact us through the gold chat bubble.

Is my 10% down payment refundable?

The good-faith down payment is not refundable if you choose to cancel your preorder or do not pay your invoice.

However, if a manufacturer cancels a project for which you have made a down payment, you will receive a refund for your down payment.

If the manufacturer cancels a project, will I get my 10% down payment back?

Yes. We know that paying ahead of time can be unnerving when delivery dates are distant, and not every project makes it to the production line. Rest assured that, in the event the manufacturer cancels your preorder project, you will be refunded your 10% down payment.

Hobbies should be fun, not stressful!

If my item gets delayed, can I get my 10% down payment back?

The manufacturing process involves many different moving parts, and this complexity often renders production timelines unpredictable. Therefore, some level of unpredictability in timing is inherent to preordering hobby products. Down payments are not refundable in cases of routine manufacturing, delivery, or other short-term delays.

However, we know it can be frustrating when a project gets delayed for many months. In the event a project is delayed more than 6 months beyond the delivery window originally estimated by the manufacturer, we will handle refunds of down payments on a case-by-case basis.

Friendly Reminder: Should you choose to cancel a preorder, it will no longer be reserved for you; in the event the item becomes available on our website, all customers will have equal access to purchase the item.

I preordered items for $0 before this policy change. Do I owe a down payment?

Nope! The policy is not retroactive: if you already made a preorder reservation before this policy update, you do not owe a down payment for that reservation. However, any future preorders you make will require the 10% good-faith down payment.

When will I get my preorder item?

We make every effort to keep our website updated with information that reflects manufacturers' current estimated delivery schedules. To find the estimated delivery month of an item, you can visit our Preorder Section and use the filters to narrow down your selection.

However, we encourage you to directly visit the manufacturer's site for the most current delivery dates.

How do I pay the balance of my preorder?

Approximately 30-45 days before your preorder items land at the warehouse, we'll email your invoice to you to pay in full. At this point, you'll be able to provide your shipping address and select your preferred shipping method.

Your item will be reserved for 7 days, beginning when your invoice is sent. After 7 days, your preorder will be canceled.

Why do I have to pay for my preorder before it arrives at the warehouse?

Recently, our suppliers have made a major policy change and are no longer accepting product returns for non-paying end customers. We have tried our best to absorb the effects of this change; however, after more than a year of trying, we have found we cannot continue to do so. After much consideration, we unfortunately must also change our policies to align with the realities our suppliers have created.

As a result, we must now ask that customers pay in full prior to the supplier finalizing shipment to FDH, about 30-45 days ahead of product arrival. This gives us the time we need to cancel with our suppliers any unpaid orders prior to shipment.

We understand that this is an unwelcome change and no one wants to pay earlier than necessary. However, this is unavoidable in order for us to be able to continue to offer the wide variety of preorder options you’re used to getting from Factory Direct Hobbies.

One silver lining is that this change will result in preorder items getting to your door even faster, as all payment processing will be well out of the way and the usual several day wait after product has arrived will be eliminated. We thank you for your patience and understanding. If you have questions or would like further clarification, feel free to contact us through the gold chat bubble.

What if my preorder item gets delayed after I pay my invoice?

Manufacturing schedules can sometimes be unpredictable. In the event your preorder item does not arrive at our warehouse within 60 days of your invoice payment, then you will have the option to cancel your preorder and receive a refund OR you may elect to continue waiting for the item.

Friendly Reminder: Should you choose to cancel a preorder, it will no longer be reserved for you; in the event the item becomes available on our website, all customers will have equal access to purchase the item.

I need a bit more time to pay. Can my reservation be extended?

We know life happens, and missing out on a great item can be a drag!

We're here to help; just contact us via the gold chat bubble and we'll do all we can to work with you!

How do I view all of my preorders?

If you have an account with factorydirecthobbies.com, you can view all your preorders, as well as your active orders. Login to your account, and select the “My orders” option. All your preorders and active orders will be listed along with the current status of each order. If you have further questions about your order, please feel free to reach out to us through the gold chat bubble.

Where can I find the most up-to-date information on preorder statuses?

Although we try to keep our preorder arrival estimates as accurate as possible, we encourage you to visit each manufacturer’s website to find the most up-to-date delivery information.

For instance, with Athearn and Walthers, you can enter the part number into their websites and navigate to the item. Most of the time, the delivery date will be listed there. Broadway Limited has a published delivery schedule, as does Rapido.

Rewards and Preorders

Can I use rewards for preorders?

Yes. Rewards can be used on both your 10% good-faith down payment and on the balance of your preorder at invoicing time.

Can I earn rewards on preorders?

Yes! Preorders are awarded reward dollars at the same 5% rate. You'll receive your reward within several days of paying the balance of your preorder invoice.

Still more questions?

Contact Us

If we still haven't answered your question, please click the gold messaging bubble in the bottom right of our site, and we'll help in any way we can!