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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 43617 GE U36CH NJT 4164

Rapido PREORDER Rapido HO 43617 GE U36CH NJT 4164

$35.97 $359.68

Browse reviews for PREORDER Rapido HO 43617 GE U36CH NJT 4164

Preorder item

PREORDER Bowser HO 25636 Executive Line EMD SD40 Diesel Locomotive, Norfolk & Western Large NW #1594 (DCC & Sound Equipped) | 305.96

Bowser PREORDER Bowser HO 25636 Executive Line EMD SD40 Diesel Locomotive, Norfolk & Western Large NW #1594 (DCC & Sound Equipped) | 305.96

$28.90 $288.96

Browse reviews for PREORDER Bowser HO 25636 Executive Line EMD SD40 Diesel Locomotive, Norfolk & Western Large NW #1594 (DCC & Sound Equipped) | 305.96

Preorder item

PREORDER Rapido HO 207002 Budd M3 Electric 2-Railcar Set Locomotive, Long Island/MTA #9825, 9826 (Standard DC) | 436.95

Rapido PREORDER Rapido HO 207002 Budd M3 Electric 2-Railcar Set Locomotive, Long Island/MTA #9825, 9826 (Standard DC) | 436.95

$44.72 $447.18

Browse reviews for PREORDER Rapido HO 207002 Budd M3 Electric 2-Railcar Set Locomotive, Long Island/MTA #9825, 9826 (Standard DC) | 436.95

Preorder item

PREORDER Athearn HO 3036 50' ACF Combination Door Box Car, Texas & Pacific #365377

Athearn PREORDER Athearn HO 3036 50' ACF Combination Door Box Car, Texas & Pacific #365377

$3.78 $37.79

Browse reviews for PREORDER Athearn HO 3036 50' ACF Combination Door Box Car, Texas & Pacific #365377

Preorder item

PREORDER Bowser HO 26161 EMD SW1 DC GN 82

Bowser PREORDER Bowser HO 26161 EMD SW1 DC GN 82

$24 $239.95

Browse reviews for PREORDER Bowser HO 26161 EMD SW1 DC GN 82

Preorder item

PREORDER Bowser HO 26220 SD40-2W DC CN 5266

Bowser PREORDER Bowser HO 26220 SD40-2W DC CN 5266

$24 $239.95

Browse reviews for PREORDER Bowser HO 26220 SD40-2W DC CN 5266

Preorder item

PREORDER Rapido HO 159109 Union X-3 8K gal Tankcar, UTLX Skellysolve Later #21144

Rapido PREORDER Rapido HO 159109 Union X-3 8K gal Tankcar, UTLX Skellysolve Later #21144

$5.83 $58.29

Browse reviews for PREORDER Rapido HO 159109 Union X-3 8K gal Tankcar, UTLX Skellysolve Later #21144

Preorder item

PREORDER Rapido HO 45026 ALCO C-424 DC CR 2496

Rapido PREORDER Rapido HO 45026 ALCO C-424 DC CR 2496

$26.73 $267.31

Browse reviews for PREORDER Rapido HO 45026 ALCO C-424 DC CR 2496

Preorder item

PREORDER Bowser N 38315 70-Ton 2-Bay Ballast Hopper with Closed Sides, CSX #965228 | 29.66

Bowser PREORDER Bowser N 38315 70-Ton 2-Bay Ballast Hopper with Closed Sides, CSX #965228 | 29.66

$2.80 $28.01

Browse reviews for PREORDER Bowser N 38315 70-Ton 2-Bay Ballast Hopper with Closed Sides, CSX #965228 | 29.66

Preorder item

PREORDER Walthers Proto HO 920-12288 85' Amfleet I Club Dinette, Lighted, Amtrak Phase VII (Decal)

Walthers PREORDER Walthers Proto HO 920-12288 85' Amfleet I Club Dinette, Lighted, Amtrak Phase VII (Decal)

$11.47 $114.73

Browse reviews for PREORDER Walthers Proto HO 920-12288 85' Amfleet I Club Dinette, Lighted, Amtrak Phase VII (Decal)

Preorder item

PREORDER Rapido HO 702508 Canadian Light Rail Vehicle, Urban Transportation Development Corporation #4031 (DCC & Sound Equipped)

Rapido PREORDER Rapido HO 702508 Canadian Light Rail Vehicle, Urban Transportation Development Corporation #4031 (DCC & Sound Equipped)

$31.03 $310.32

Browse reviews for PREORDER Rapido HO 702508 Canadian Light Rail Vehicle, Urban Transportation Development Corporation #4031 (DCC & Sound Equipped)

Preorder item

PREORDER Athearn Genesis HO ATHG-3231 GEN GP7u Locomotive, Primed For Grime BNSF 'Patched ATSF' #1303

Athearn PREORDER Athearn Genesis HO ATHG-3231 GEN GP7u Locomotive, Primed For Grime BNSF 'Patched ATSF' #1303

$24 $239.99

Browse reviews for PREORDER Athearn Genesis HO ATHG-3231 GEN GP7u Locomotive, Primed For Grime BNSF 'Patched ATSF' #1303

Preorder item

PREORDER Atlas HO 20008107 ACF Cov Hopp IMCX 5797

Atlas PREORDER Atlas HO 20008107 ACF Cov Hopp IMCX 5797

$3.31 $33.11

Browse reviews for PREORDER Atlas HO 20008107 ACF Cov Hopp IMCX 5797

Preorder item

PREORDER Bowser N 38283 70-Ton 2-Bay Covered Hopper with Open Sides, Missouri-Kansas-Texas #40904 | 29.66

Bowser PREORDER Bowser N 38283 70-Ton 2-Bay Covered Hopper with Open Sides, Missouri-Kansas-Texas #40904 | 29.66

$2.80 $28.01

Browse reviews for PREORDER Bowser N 38283 70-Ton 2-Bay Covered Hopper with Open Sides, Missouri-Kansas-Texas #40904 | 29.66

Preorder item

PREORDER Walthers Proto HO 920-17521 70' Heavyweight Baggage Car, Santa Fe #1865

Walthers PREORDER Walthers Proto HO 920-17521 70' Heavyweight Baggage Car, Santa Fe #1865

$9.35 $93.48

Browse reviews for PREORDER Walthers Proto HO 920-17521 70' Heavyweight Baggage Car, Santa Fe #1865

Preorder item

PREORDER Atlas HO 10005103 Alco RS3, Classic Gold Locomotive St. Johnsbury & Lamoille County #202 (DCC & Sound-Equipped)

Atlas PREORDER Atlas HO 10005103 Alco RS3, Classic Gold Locomotive St. Johnsbury & Lamoille County #202 (DCC & Sound-Equipped)

$27.20 $271.96

Browse reviews for PREORDER Atlas HO 10005103 Alco RS3, Classic Gold Locomotive St. Johnsbury & Lamoille County #202 (DCC & Sound-Equipped)

Preorder item

PREORDER Micro-Trains N 101100822 40' Smooth Side Hy-Cube Box Car , Canadian Pacific Kansas City #1776

Micro-Trains PREORDER Micro-Trains N 101100822 40' Smooth Side Hy-Cube Box Car , Canadian Pacific Kansas City #1776

$2.80 $27.95

Browse reviews for PREORDER Micro-Trains N 101100822 40' Smooth Side Hy-Cube Box Car , Canadian Pacific Kansas City #1776

Preorder item

PREORDER Rapido HO 37064 Alco FA1 Locomotive, New Haven #0410 (Standard DC)

Rapido PREORDER Rapido HO 37064 Alco FA1 Locomotive, New Haven #0410 (Standard DC)

$23.33 $233.29

Browse reviews for PREORDER Rapido HO 37064 Alco FA1 Locomotive, New Haven #0410 (Standard DC)

Preorder item

PREORDER Rapido HO 28828 EMD E8A C&NW 510

Rapido PREORDER Rapido HO 28828 EMD E8A C&NW 510

$35.97 $359.68

Browse reviews for PREORDER Rapido HO 28828 EMD E8A C&NW 510

Preorder item

PREORDER Rapido HO 209011 R32 Subway DC NYCTA 2/

Rapido PREORDER Rapido HO 209011 R32 Subway DC NYCTA 2/

$38.88 $388.85

Browse reviews for PREORDER Rapido HO 209011 R32 Subway DC NYCTA 2/

Preorder item

PREORDER Walthers Proto HO 920-17515 70' Heavyweight Baggage Car, Denver & Rio Grande Western #772

Walthers PREORDER Walthers Proto HO 920-17515 70' Heavyweight Baggage Car, Denver & Rio Grande Western #772

$9.35 $93.48

Browse reviews for PREORDER Walthers Proto HO 920-17515 70' Heavyweight Baggage Car, Denver & Rio Grande Western #772

Preorder item

PREORDER Bowser HO 25634 Executive Line EMD SD40 Diesel Locomotive, Norfolk & Western Large NW #1594 | 215.96

Bowser PREORDER Bowser HO 25634 Executive Line EMD SD40 Diesel Locomotive, Norfolk & Western Large NW #1594 | 215.96

$20.40 $203.96

Browse reviews for PREORDER Bowser HO 25634 Executive Line EMD SD40 Diesel Locomotive, Norfolk & Western Large NW #1594 | 215.96

Preorder item

PREORDER Rapido HO 226114 H-S Commut Coach AMT 1047

Rapido PREORDER Rapido HO 226114 H-S Commut Coach AMT 1047

$14.58 $145.79

Browse reviews for PREORDER Rapido HO 226114 H-S Commut Coach AMT 1047

Preorder item

PREORDER Kato N 176-8970 ES44AC CN 2828

Kato PREORDER Kato N 176-8970 ES44AC CN 2828

$10.63 $106.25

Browse reviews for PREORDER Kato N 176-8970 ES44AC CN 2828

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%

(9180)

11%

(1291)

4%

(401)

2%

(180)

2%

(204)

A

Walthers (SceneMaster) HO 949-4325 Lighted Yard Light Kit

Anonymous

Great

K

Rapido N 580515 GMD F40PH-2D, Via Rail Canada #6433 (DCC & Sound Equipped)

Kevin Heatherly

Item #6433 received does not work. My Digitrax (programing Track) says that the track is empty. as in no decoder will not be recognised as # 3 for running. I am looking to return for repair or replacment. the other unit That I received # 67417 worked perfectally out of the box and was easilie reprogrammed.

A

Athearn ATH72248 HO 40' Express Box, PRR #64920

Anonymous

out of town

A

Woodland Scenics WOO5555 Lumpy's Coal Company - Assembled - AutoScenes(R) - Delivery Truck, Figure & Accessories, HO Scale

Anonymous

na

H

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

Howard Gallagher

Athearn Genesis is Quality Motive Power, Very Satisfied with Purchase and Quick Delivery.

1 2 3

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

Jeff Gates

$217.00 Alaska FedEx Airplanes to 100 Fernvue Dr Coroapolis
Pa 15108 Night’s / Morning’s

Bachmann 17722 36' WIDE VISION CABOOSE - CSX® #903282 - HO Scale

Kent Bankhead

Perhaps the finest locomotives I’ve ever purchased, BLI is knocking it out of the park!!

Broadway Limited Imports HO 9774 EMD SD70ACe Diesel Locomotive, Union Pacific "Building America" #9039

Kenneth CLARK

Great Decals

Factory Direct Hobbies