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Pre-Order The Best Model Trains in The World!

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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 Rapido HO 1110016 Bi-Level Commuter Coach, Northstar #709 (blue, white, yellow)

Rapido PREORDER Rapido HO 1110016 Bi-Level Commuter Coach, Northstar #709 (blue, white, yellow)

$12.63 $126.35

Browse reviews for PREORDER Rapido HO 1110016 Bi-Level Commuter Coach, Northstar #709 (blue, white, yellow)

Preorder item

PREORDER Broadway Limited Imports HO 10108 ATSF Class 2900 4-8-4, #2925, Post-1947 Appearance, Paragon4 Sound/DC/DCC, Smoke

Broadway Limited Imports PREORDER Broadway Limited Imports HO 10108 ATSF Class 2900 4-8-4, #2925, Post-1947 Appearance, Paragon4 Sound/DC/DCC, Smoke

$76.50 $764.99

Browse reviews for PREORDER Broadway Limited Imports HO 10108 ATSF Class 2900 4-8-4, #2925, Post-1947 Appearance, Paragon4 Sound/DC/DCC, Smoke

Preorder item

PREORDER Athearn Genesis HO G2547 SD90MAC-H PH I Locomotive, Union Pacific #8511

Athearn PREORDER Athearn Genesis HO G2547 SD90MAC-H PH I Locomotive, Union Pacific #8511

$25.65 $256.51

Browse reviews for PREORDER Athearn Genesis HO G2547 SD90MAC-H PH I Locomotive, Union Pacific #8511

Preorder item

PREORDER Atlas HO 10005213 Alco HH660, Master Locomotive Port of Longview #770 (DCC & Sound-Equipped)

Atlas PREORDER Atlas HO 10005213 Alco HH660, Master Locomotive Port of Longview #770 (DCC & Sound-Equipped)

$27.20 $271.96

Browse reviews for PREORDER Atlas HO 10005213 Alco HH660, Master Locomotive Port of Longview #770 (DCC & Sound-Equipped)

Preorder item

PREORDER Intermountain HO 4700008 Sky Box Aerospace Flatcar with Cover, Union Pacific MP Post 1996

Intermountain PREORDER Intermountain HO 4700008 Sky Box Aerospace Flatcar with Cover, Union Pacific MP Post 1996

$5.50 $54.95

Browse reviews for PREORDER Intermountain HO 4700008 Sky Box Aerospace Flatcar with Cover, Union Pacific MP Post 1996

Preorder item

PREORDER Rapido HO 34006 GP40TC DC GO Transit 9804

Rapido PREORDER Rapido HO 34006 GP40TC DC GO Transit 9804

$26.25 $262.46

Browse reviews for PREORDER Rapido HO 34006 GP40TC DC GO Transit 9804

Preorder item

PREORDER Rapido HO 1043092 Ski Train AMTK F40PH #283

PREORDER Rapido HO 1043092 Ski Train AMTK F40PH #283

Rapido PREORDER Rapido HO 1043092 Ski Train AMTK F40PH #283

$26.25 $262.46

Browse reviews for PREORDER Rapido HO 1043092 Ski Train AMTK F40PH #283

Preorder item

PREORDER Rapido HO F40PH-2 CAT DC NJT 4120

Rapido PREORDER Rapido HO F40PH-2 CAT DC NJT 4120

$26.25 $262.46

Browse reviews for PREORDER Rapido HO F40PH-2 CAT DC NJT 4120

Preorder item

PREORDER Rapido HO 1137009A H21G Hopp PRR

Rapido PREORDER Rapido HO 1137009A H21G Hopp PRR

$5.83 $58.29

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Preorder item

PREORDER Athearn Genesis HO ATHG-3325 GEN GATC 20K Gallon Tank Car, Primed For Grime GATX 'Cargill' #45991

Athearn PREORDER Athearn Genesis HO ATHG-3325 GEN GATC 20K Gallon Tank Car, Primed For Grime GATX 'Cargill' #45991

$6.70 $66.99

Browse reviews for PREORDER Athearn Genesis HO ATHG-3325 GEN GATC 20K Gallon Tank Car, Primed For Grime GATX 'Cargill' #45991

Preorder item

PREORDER Athearn HO 3260 26' PC&F Ore Car Tight-Bottom Low-Side with Load, Vale Inco #3025/3088/3144/3203 (4-Pack)

Athearn PREORDER Athearn HO 3260 26' PC&F Ore Car Tight-Bottom Low-Side with Load, Vale Inco #3025/3088/3144/3203 (4-Pack)

$12.71 $127.07

Browse reviews for PREORDER Athearn HO 3260 26' PC&F Ore Car Tight-Bottom Low-Side with Load, Vale Inco #3025/3088/3144/3203 (4-Pack)

Preorder item

PREORDER Atlas Master Line HO 10004871 Gold Series MP15DC Diesel Locomotive, Burlington Northern Santa Fe #3702 (DCC & Sound Equipped) | 269.96

Atlas PREORDER Atlas Master Line HO 10004871 Gold Series MP15DC Diesel Locomotive, Burlington Northern Santa Fe #3702 (DCC & Sound Equipped) | 269.96

$27 $269.96

Browse reviews for PREORDER Atlas Master Line HO 10004871 Gold Series MP15DC Diesel Locomotive, Burlington Northern Santa Fe #3702 (DCC & Sound Equipped) | 269.96

Preorder item

PREORDER Rapido HO 52526 GE E44a Electric, Amtrak Phase 3 #501 (DCC & Sound Equipped)

Rapido PREORDER Rapido HO 52526 GE E44a Electric, Amtrak Phase 3 #501 (DCC & Sound Equipped)

$48.61 $486.07

Browse reviews for PREORDER Rapido HO 52526 GE E44a Electric, Amtrak Phase 3 #501 (DCC & Sound Equipped)

Preorder item

PREORDER Atlas N 50007066 85'Trash Flat GIMX 638110

Atlas PREORDER Atlas N 50007066 85'Trash Flat GIMX 638110

$5.86 $58.61

Browse reviews for PREORDER Atlas N 50007066 85'Trash Flat GIMX 638110

Preorder item

PREORDER Intermountain N 67512 Pullman-Standard 5277 Cu.Ft. Exterior-Post Boxcar, Pinnacle, St. Mary's (red)

Intermountain PREORDER Intermountain N 67512 Pullman-Standard 5277 Cu.Ft. Exterior-Post Boxcar, Pinnacle, St. Mary's (red)

$4.30 $42.95

Browse reviews for PREORDER Intermountain N 67512 Pullman-Standard 5277 Cu.Ft. Exterior-Post Boxcar, Pinnacle, St. Mary's (red)

Preorder item

PREORDER Athearn HO 2576 GE AC4400CW Diesel Locomotive, General Electric #2011 | 166.17

Athearn PREORDER Athearn HO 2576 GE AC4400CW Diesel Locomotive, General Electric #2011 | 166.17

$14.45 $144.49

Browse reviews for PREORDER Athearn HO 2576 GE AC4400CW Diesel Locomotive, General Electric #2011 | 166.17

Preorder item

PREORDER Atlas N 50007804 Thrall Cov Hopp AA 600

Atlas PREORDER Atlas N 50007804 Thrall Cov Hopp AA 600

$2.38 $23.76

Browse reviews for PREORDER Atlas N 50007804 Thrall Cov Hopp AA 600

Preorder item

PREORDER Atlas Master Line N 40006180 Silver Series GE U23B Diesel Locomotive, Conrail #2760

Atlas PREORDER Atlas Master Line N 40006180 Silver Series GE U23B Diesel Locomotive, Conrail #2760

$16.80 $167.95

Browse reviews for PREORDER Atlas Master Line N 40006180 Silver Series GE U23B Diesel Locomotive, Conrail #2760

Preorder item

PREORDER Rapido HO 35074 GE U25B DC SP 6739

Rapido PREORDER Rapido HO 35074 GE U25B DC SP 6739

$23.33 $233.29

Browse reviews for PREORDER Rapido HO 35074 GE U25B DC SP 6739

Preorder item

PREORDER Rapido HO Metro North #6188 (red, black, white)

Rapido PREORDER Rapido HO Metro North #6188 (red, black, white)

$13.14 $131.40

Browse reviews for PREORDER Rapido HO Metro North #6188 (red, black, white)

Preorder item

PREORDER Atlas N 40006478 GP40 SOO 2025

Atlas PREORDER Atlas N 40006478 GP40 SOO 2025

$23.37 $233.71

Browse reviews for PREORDER Atlas N 40006478 GP40 SOO 2025

Preorder item

PREORDER Athearn HO ATH-3392 SD40 Locomotive, Primed For Grime SP #7329

Athearn PREORDER Athearn HO ATH-3392 SD40 Locomotive, Primed For Grime SP #7329

$19.55 $195.49

Browse reviews for PREORDER Athearn HO ATH-3392 SD40 Locomotive, Primed For Grime SP #7329

Preorder item

PREORDER Athearn HO ATH-3646 50' Evans Double Plug Door Box Car, USLX 'Ogden Corporation' #11513

Athearn PREORDER Athearn HO ATH-3646 50' Evans Double Plug Door Box Car, USLX 'Ogden Corporation' #11513

$3.91 $39.09

Browse reviews for PREORDER Athearn HO ATH-3646 50' Evans Double Plug Door Box Car, USLX 'Ogden Corporation' #11513

Preorder item

PREORDER Rapido HO 35541 GE U25B Low Hood, Locomotive CSX #3416 (DCC & Sound-Equipped)

Rapido PREORDER Rapido HO 35541 GE U25B Low Hood, Locomotive CSX #3416 (DCC & Sound-Equipped)

$35 $349.96

Browse reviews for PREORDER Rapido HO 35541 GE U25B Low Hood, Locomotive CSX #3416 (DCC & Sound-Equipped)

Factory Direct Hobbies is a family owned business based in Ormond Beach, FL that began in 2006 as Factory Direct Trains. For 20 years, we've 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 Tamiya, AMT, Bandai, and more! Our goal is to provide the best selection of hobby products in the world, at prices that make purchasing from us easy.

9 Tower Cir E

Ormond Beach, FL 32174

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.

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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!

★ Reviews

Let customers speak for us

82%

(9259)

11%

(1298)

4%

(404)

2%

(182)

2%

(209)

J

Chooch HO/O 8252 Flexible Medium Random Stone Wall (3.25" x 14")

John Czerwinski

Very realistic flexible paintable easy to trim and fit good stuff

M

Revell 803303 1/72 TOPO SS-25 SICKLE

Mike Bauer

Received in excellent condition. Thank you. It will be Christmas vacation project.

J

Athearn ATH72248 HO 40' Express Box, PRR #64920

John Czerwinski

Very nice I bought two

J

Rapido HO 163014A 40' Drop Bottom Gondola, Illinois Central

Jason Smith

Great service and awesome product.

J

Micro-Trains N 05400460 61' Bulkhead Flatcar, TTPX #81317

John Czerwinski

Really nice roll well on the track good detail bought 3

Scottgibs

I have waited a long time for this locomotive. And I am not disappointed. To be fair. With four very short stroke pest in cylinders, the sounds a little bit funny compared to a long stroke cylinder.. the horn reminds me of a cruise ship. Lol. The detail, the lighting and all the sounds. I do love and very happy that I purchased this locomotive. I would recommend this to anybody who really loves steam engines.

Ready to Ship BLI (Brass Hybrid) 4375 PRR S1 6-4-4-6 Duplex, #6100, Paragon4 Sound/DC/DCC, Smoke, HO

Anonymous

Kato unitrack is 1 of best track plan you can setup in short time

Kato USA 2290 HO R867mm 34 1/8 CURVE TRACK

Grimscale Studios

This is a great model kit. It went together well and turned out great. I print soldiers for dioramas and the tanks are useful for displaying these pieces. There were a few places where the instructions could have been a little more clear but that’s not a big deal. This one looks great in the diorama!

Tamiya 1/35 U.S. M48A3 PATTON TANK

Gary Rieder

I love the engine and the details are very good. The only issue is the brass stack on top is bent. It was that way in the box.

BLI 7858 USRA Light Mikado, NYC 6362, Two-Tone Gray, Paragon4 Sound/DC/DCC, N (NP)

Anonymous

Your shipping is great.

Factory Direct Hobbies