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
Pre-Order The Best Model Trains in The World!

Filters

Pre-Order The Best Model Trains in The World!

Preordering is as easy as 1-2-3:

Preorder any item with a red "Preorder item". Date flag indicates anticipated arrival.
We will email your invoice approximately 30-45 days before your preorder items land at the warehouse. With the interactive invoice you can select your preferred shipping method and pay the balance of your order right online!
We'll ship you your preorder once your invoice is paid online.

It's that simple!

PLEASE NOTE: Prices shown in red reflect your 10% Down Payment.
Preorders used to be $0. What happened?

View

Preorder item

PREORDER Athearn HO 2577 GE AC4400CW Diesel Locomotive, Athearn #4400 | 166.17

Athearn PREORDER Athearn HO 2577 GE AC4400CW Diesel Locomotive, Athearn #4400 | 166.17

$16.62 $166.17

Browse reviews for PREORDER Athearn HO 2577 GE AC4400CW Diesel Locomotive, Athearn #4400 | 166.17

Preorder item

PREORDER Lionel S 2519010 American Flyer Boxcar, Christmas 2025 | 62.99

Lionel PREORDER Lionel S 2519010 American Flyer Boxcar, Christmas 2025 | 62.99

$6.30 $62.99

Browse reviews for PREORDER Lionel S 2519010 American Flyer Boxcar, Christmas 2025 | 62.99

Preorder item

PREORDER WalthersMainline 910-41461 HO 40' Wood Stock Car - Ready to Run -- Milwaukee Road #105023

Walthers PREORDER WalthersMainline 910-41461 HO 40' Wood Stock Car - Ready to Run -- Milwaukee Road #105023

$2.56 $25.58

Browse reviews for PREORDER WalthersMainline 910-41461 HO 40' Wood Stock Car - Ready to Run -- Milwaukee Road #105023

Preorder item

PREORDER Bowser 25563 HO Alco RS3 Phase 3 - LokSound 5 and DCC -- Pennsylvania Railroad #8598 (trainphone Antenna, Brunswick Green)

Bowser PREORDER Bowser 25563 HO Alco RS3 Phase 3 - LokSound 5 and DCC -- Pennsylvania Railroad #8598 (trainphone Antenna, Brunswick Green)

$30.40 $303.95

Browse reviews for PREORDER Bowser 25563 HO Alco RS3 Phase 3 - LokSound 5 and DCC -- Pennsylvania Railroad #8598 (trainphone Antenna, Brunswick Green)

Preorder item

PREORDER Rapido 040510 HO EMD GP40 (DC/DCC/Sound): Illinois Central: #3137

Rapido PREORDER Rapido 040510 HO EMD GP40 (DC/DCC/Sound): Illinois Central: #3137

$33.25 $332.45

Browse reviews for PREORDER Rapido 040510 HO EMD GP40 (DC/DCC/Sound): Illinois Central: #3137

Preorder item

PREORDER Atlas Master Line HO 10004954 Silver Series CF-7 Diesel Locomotive, Atchison Topeka & Santa Fe #2568

PREORDER Atlas Master Line HO 10004954 Silver Series CF-7 Diesel Locomotive, Atchison Topeka & Santa Fe #2568

Atlas PREORDER Atlas Master Line HO 10004954 Silver Series CF-7 Diesel Locomotive, Atchison Topeka & Santa Fe #2568

$19.80 $197.96

Browse reviews for PREORDER Atlas Master Line HO 10004954 Silver Series CF-7 Diesel Locomotive, Atchison Topeka & Santa Fe #2568

Preorder item

PREORDER WalthersProto 920-13078 HO 73' Budd Baggage Car - Ready to Run -- Amtrak Phase III Decal

Walthers PREORDER WalthersProto 920-13078 HO 73' Budd Baggage Car - Ready to Run -- Amtrak Phase III Decal

$8.31 $83.11

Browse reviews for PREORDER WalthersProto 920-13078 HO 73' Budd Baggage Car - Ready to Run -- Amtrak Phase III Decal

Preorder item

PREORDER Rapido HO 39011 EMD GP39 Locomotive, CSX#4293 (Standard DC) | 237.45

Rapido PREORDER Rapido HO 39011 EMD GP39 Locomotive, CSX#4293 (Standard DC) | 237.45

$23.75 $237.45

Browse reviews for PREORDER Rapido HO 39011 EMD GP39 Locomotive, CSX#4293 (Standard DC) | 237.45

Preorder item

PREORDER Athearn Roundhouse RND-2738 HO 50' High-Cube Single Plug Rib-Side Box Car, CRLE #119783

Athearn PREORDER Athearn Roundhouse RND-2738 HO 50' High-Cube Single Plug Rib-Side Box Car, CRLE #119783

$2.93 $29.32

Browse reviews for PREORDER Athearn Roundhouse RND-2738 HO 50' High-Cube Single Plug Rib-Side Box Car, CRLE #119783

Preorder item

PREORDER Atlas HO 70000088 Searchlight Signal, Head Only (2-Pack)

Atlas PREORDER Atlas HO 70000088 Searchlight Signal, Head Only (2-Pack)

$3.15 $31.46

Browse reviews for PREORDER Atlas HO 70000088 Searchlight Signal, Head Only (2-Pack)

Preorder item

PREORDER Atlas Master Line HO 20007703 Portec 3000 2-Bay Covered Hopper, Winchester & Western #1046 | 74.66

Atlas PREORDER Atlas Master Line HO 20007703 Portec 3000 2-Bay Covered Hopper, Winchester & Western #1046 | 74.66

$7.47 $74.66

Browse reviews for PREORDER Atlas Master Line HO 20007703 Portec 3000 2-Bay Covered Hopper, Winchester & Western #1046 | 74.66

Preorder item

PREORDER Atlas Master Line HO 10004996 Gold Series MPI MPXpress MP36 Diesel Locomotive, Metrolink #896 (DCC & Sound Equipped)

Atlas PREORDER Atlas Master Line HO 10004996 Gold Series MPI MPXpress MP36 Diesel Locomotive, Metrolink #896 (DCC & Sound Equipped)

$33.30 $332.96

Browse reviews for PREORDER Atlas Master Line HO 10004996 Gold Series MPI MPXpress MP36 Diesel Locomotive, Metrolink #896 (DCC & Sound Equipped)

Preorder item

PREORDER Athearn ATH-2117 HO 20' ISO Tank Container, ALMU #820004 8/821029 9 (2)

Athearn PREORDER Athearn ATH-2117 HO 20' ISO Tank Container, ALMU #820004 8/821029 9 (2)

$4.08 $40.79

Browse reviews for PREORDER Athearn ATH-2117 HO 20' ISO Tank Container, ALMU #820004 8/821029 9 (2)

Preorder item

PREORDER Kato N 176-6043 GE P42 Genesis Locomotive, VIA Rail Canada #917 (Standard DC)

Kato PREORDER Kato N 176-6043 GE P42 Genesis Locomotive, VIA Rail Canada #917 (Standard DC)

$11.20 $112

Browse reviews for PREORDER Kato N 176-6043 GE P42 Genesis Locomotive, VIA Rail Canada #917 (Standard DC)

Preorder item

PREORDER InterMountain 677044 N Fruit Growers Express Wood Refrigerator Car - Ready to Run -- Swift (red, white, Boxcar Red)

InterMountain PREORDER InterMountain 677044 N Fruit Growers Express Wood Refrigerator Car - Ready to Run -- Swift (red, white, Boxcar Red)

$3.69 $36.86

Browse reviews for PREORDER InterMountain 677044 N Fruit Growers Express Wood Refrigerator Car - Ready to Run -- Swift (red, white, Boxcar Red)

Preorder item

PREORDER Athearn ATH-2454 HO 28' Wedge Trailers w/Dolly, Gordon Trucking Trailers #28246/28247; Dolly #105066

Athearn PREORDER Athearn ATH-2454 HO 28' Wedge Trailers w/Dolly, Gordon Trucking Trailers #28246/28247; Dolly #105066

$4.67 $46.74

Browse reviews for PREORDER Athearn ATH-2454 HO 28' Wedge Trailers w/Dolly, Gordon Trucking Trailers #28246/28247; Dolly #105066

Preorder item

PREORDER Athearn ATH-2082 HO ATH 53' Wabash Duraplate Trailer, Sunview Logistics #SIDD6026

PREORDER Athearn ATH-2082 HO ATH 53' Wabash Duraplate Trailer, Sunview Logistics #SIDD6026

Athearn PREORDER Athearn ATH-2082 HO ATH 53' Wabash Duraplate Trailer, Sunview Logistics #SIDD6026

$3.32 $33.24

Browse reviews for PREORDER Athearn ATH-2082 HO ATH 53' Wabash Duraplate Trailer, Sunview Logistics #SIDD6026

Preorder item

PREORDER Athearn ATH-1433 HO EMD SD38 Locomotive, NS #3813

PREORDER Athearn ATH-1433 HO EMD SD38 Locomotive, NS #3813

Athearn PREORDER Athearn ATH-1433 HO EMD SD38 Locomotive, NS #3813

$15.30 $152.99

Browse reviews for PREORDER Athearn ATH-1433 HO EMD SD38 Locomotive, NS #3813

Preorder item

PREORDER Bowser 43431 HO 53' Platewall Highway Trailer - Assembled -- Painted, Unlettered (red)

Bowser PREORDER Bowser 43431 HO 53' Platewall Highway Trailer - Assembled -- Painted, Unlettered (red)

$2.85 $28.45

Browse reviews for PREORDER Bowser 43431 HO 53' Platewall Highway Trailer - Assembled -- Painted, Unlettered (red)

Preorder item

PREORDER Athearn Genesis ATHG19598 HO FP7/F7B Locomotive, EMD Demo #7001/7002

PREORDER Athearn Genesis ATHG19598 HO FP7/F7B Locomotive, EMD Demo #7001/7002

Athearn PREORDER Athearn Genesis ATHG19598 HO FP7/F7B Locomotive, EMD Demo #7001/7002

$38.25 $382.49

Browse reviews for PREORDER Athearn Genesis ATHG19598 HO FP7/F7B Locomotive, EMD Demo #7001/7002

Preorder item

PREORDER Athearn Genesis ATHG23743 HO Surfliner Cars w/Lights, Amtrak (5)

PREORDER Athearn Genesis ATHG23743 HO Surfliner Cars w/Lights, Amtrak (5)

Athearn PREORDER Athearn Genesis ATHG23743 HO Surfliner Cars w/Lights, Amtrak (5)

$59.50 $594.99

Browse reviews for PREORDER Athearn Genesis ATHG23743 HO Surfliner Cars w/Lights, Amtrak (5)

Preorder item

PREORDER Lionel 2438020 O Steel Boxcar - 3-Rail - Ready to Run - Harry Potter Hogwarts Express #2 (black)

Lionel PREORDER Lionel 2438020 O Steel Boxcar - 3-Rail - Ready to Run - Harry Potter Hogwarts Express #2 (black)

$10 $99.99

Browse reviews for PREORDER Lionel 2438020 O Steel Boxcar - 3-Rail - Ready to Run - Harry Potter Hogwarts Express #2 (black)

Preorder item

PREORDER Atlas Master Line N 50007331 ACF Center Flow Pressureaide Covered Hopper, American Industrial Transport Akzo Nobel #51302

Atlas PREORDER Atlas Master Line N 50007331 ACF Center Flow Pressureaide Covered Hopper, American Industrial Transport Akzo Nobel #51302

$3.87 $38.66

Browse reviews for PREORDER Atlas Master Line N 50007331 ACF Center Flow Pressureaide Covered Hopper, American Industrial Transport Akzo Nobel #51302

Preorder item

PREORDER Walthers Mainline HO 910-7754 60' NSC 5150 3-Bay Covered Hopper, Richardson #855070

Walthers PREORDER Walthers Mainline HO 910-7754 60' NSC 5150 3-Bay Covered Hopper, Richardson #855070

$3.96 $39.58

Browse reviews for PREORDER Walthers Mainline HO 910-7754 60' NSC 5150 3-Bay Covered Hopper, Richardson #855070

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!