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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.

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PRESIDENT'S DAY WEEKEND-BLOWOUT SALE!

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PRESIDENT'S DAY WEEKEND-BLOWOUT SALE!

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Rix Products-6996022 Bonnie B Boutique, HO

Rix Products Rix Products-6996022 Bonnie B Boutique, HO

$16.95

Earn $0.84 store credit

Browse reviews for Rix Products-6996022 Bonnie B Boutique, HO

Rapido 139009 Evans X72(A) Box car: York Rail - 6-Pack Car Numbers: #5006, 5014, 5024, 5077, 5085, 5098, HO

Rapido Rapido 139009 Evans X72(A) Box car: York Rail - 6-Pack Car Numbers: #5006, 5014, 5024, 5077, 5085, 5098, HO

$254.20 $299.70

Earn $12.71 store credit

Browse reviews for Rapido 139009 Evans X72(A) Box car: York Rail - 6-Pack Car Numbers: #5006, 5014, 5024, 5077, 5085, 5098, HO

Atlas 50005785 N 48' GSI BULKHEAD FLAT CAR ATLANTIC COAST LINE #78451

Atlas 50005785 N 48' GSI BULKHEAD FLAT CAR ATLANTIC COAST LINE #78451

Atlas Atlas 50005785 N 48' GSI BULKHEAD FLAT CAR ATLANTIC COAST LINE #78451

$26.04 $32.95

Earn $1.30 store credit

Browse reviews for Atlas 50005785 N 48' GSI BULKHEAD FLAT CAR ATLANTIC COAST LINE #78451

Bachmann 12901 52' Centerbeam Bulkhead Flatcar - Ready to Run -- BC Rail 52423 (green), HO

Bachmann Bachmann 12901 52' Centerbeam Bulkhead Flatcar - Ready to Run -- BC Rail 52423 (green), HO

$49

Earn $2.45 store credit

Browse reviews for Bachmann 12901 52' Centerbeam Bulkhead Flatcar - Ready to Run -- BC Rail 52423 (green), HO

Brawa Modellspielwaren 5442 Telephone booth, HO Scale

Brawa Modellspielwaren Brawa Modellspielwaren 5442 Telephone booth, HO Scale

$23.27 $29.99

Earn $1.16 store credit

Browse reviews for Brawa Modellspielwaren 5442 Telephone booth, HO Scale

Noch Gmbh & Co 14825 Street Accessories -- Trash Cans & Dumpster Set, HO Scale

Noch Gmbh & Co Noch Gmbh & Co 14825 Street Accessories -- Trash Cans & Dumpster Set, HO Scale

$21.99 $23.99

Earn $1.09 store credit

Browse reviews for Noch Gmbh & Co 14825 Street Accessories -- Trash Cans & Dumpster Set, HO Scale

Bachmann 58816 Thomas & Friends- Standard DC -- Rosie (Moving Eyes), HO

Bachmann Bachmann 58816 Thomas & Friends- Standard DC -- Rosie (Moving Eyes), HO

$127.89 $178

Earn $6.39 store credit

Browse reviews for Bachmann 58816 Thomas & Friends- Standard DC -- Rosie (Moving Eyes), HO

Bachmann 53253 N&W #611 - CLASS J 4-8-4 DCC SOUND VALUE - N SCALE, N Scale

Bachmann Bachmann 53253 N&W #611 - CLASS J 4-8-4 DCC SOUND VALUE - N SCALE, N Scale

$372.88 $519

Earn $18.64 store credit

Browse reviews for Bachmann 53253 N&W #611 - CLASS J 4-8-4 DCC SOUND VALUE - N SCALE, N Scale

Kato USA 1066272 EMD F7 Union Pacific Freight Train Set, N Scale

Kato Kato USA 1066272 EMD F7 Union Pacific Freight Train Set, N Scale

$158.06 $220

Earn $7.90 store credit

Browse reviews for Kato USA 1066272 EMD F7 Union Pacific Freight Train Set, N Scale

Digitrax 10008 TF4 4func DECODER W/transponder

Digitrax Digitrax 10008 TF4 4func DECODER W/transponder

$23

Earn $1.15 store credit

Browse reviews for Digitrax 10008 TF4 4func DECODER W/transponder

Lionel 44097 Great Northern #73456 2-Bay Hopper, S Scale

Lionel Lionel 44097 Great Northern #73456 2-Bay Hopper, S Scale

$51.88 $59.99

Earn $2.59 store credit

Browse reviews for Lionel 44097 Great Northern #73456 2-Bay Hopper, S Scale

Bachmann 13706 72' Heavyweight COACH SOUTH 1050, HO

Bachmann Bachmann 13706 72' Heavyweight COACH SOUTH 1050, HO

$74.66 $109

Earn $3.73 store credit

Browse reviews for Bachmann 13706 72' Heavyweight COACH SOUTH 1050, HO

BLI 7470 EMD GP20, WSOR 2002, Red and Gray, Paragon4 Sound/DC/DCC, HO

BLI 7470 EMD GP20, WSOR 2002, Red and Gray, Paragon4 Sound/DC/DCC, HO

Broadway Limited Imports BLI 7470 EMD GP20, WSOR 2002, Red and Gray, Paragon4 Sound/DC/DCC, HO

$219.82 $369.99

Earn $10.99 store credit

Browse reviews for BLI 7470 EMD GP20, WSOR 2002, Red and Gray, Paragon4 Sound/DC/DCC, HO

Mascot Precision Tools 371 Miniature Pliers -- Needle Nose

Mascot Precision Tools Mascot Precision Tools 371 Miniature Pliers -- Needle Nose

$13.81 $17.60

Earn $0.69 store credit

Browse reviews for Mascot Precision Tools 371 Miniature Pliers -- Needle Nose

Bluford Shops 63124 2 Bay War Emergency Composite Hopper, Baltimore & Ohio 13 Great States #B&O 30219, N Scale

Bluford Shops 63124 2 Bay War Emergency Composite Hopper, Baltimore & Ohio 13 Great States #B&O 30219, N Scale

Bluford Shops Bluford Shops 63124 2 Bay War Emergency Composite Hopper, Baltimore & Ohio 13 Great States #B&O 30219, N Scale

$21.20 $28.95

Earn $1.06 store credit

Browse reviews for Bluford Shops 63124 2 Bay War Emergency Composite Hopper, Baltimore & Ohio 13 Great States #B&O 30219, N Scale

Micro Engineering HO 14-805 Nickel Silver Turnout Code 70 Left Hand #6 Frog

Micro Engineering Micro Engineering HO 14-805 Nickel Silver Turnout Code 70 Left Hand #6 Frog

$41.69 $45

Earn $2.08 store credit

Browse reviews for Micro Engineering HO 14-805 Nickel Silver Turnout Code 70 Left Hand #6 Frog

Tichy Train Group 10015N6 Railroad Decal Set 6-Pack -- Pennsylvania Railroad Class H33 Covered Hopper, N Scale

Tichy Train Group Tichy Train Group 10015N6 Railroad Decal Set 6-Pack -- Pennsylvania Railroad Class H33 Covered Hopper, N Scale

$15.69 $20

Earn $0.78 store credit

Browse reviews for Tichy Train Group 10015N6 Railroad Decal Set 6-Pack -- Pennsylvania Railroad Class H33 Covered Hopper, N Scale

Walthers Cornerstone 933-4554 Steel Railroad Bridge Tower - Kit, HO

Walthers Walthers Cornerstone 933-4554 Steel Railroad Bridge Tower - Kit, HO

$21.73 $26.98

Earn $1.08 store credit

Browse reviews for Walthers Cornerstone 933-4554 Steel Railroad Bridge Tower - Kit, HO

Atlas 50006175 N TRINITY 25,500 GALLON TANK CAR GATX [OWENSBORO GRAIN] #54553

Atlas Atlas 50006175 N TRINITY 25,500 GALLON TANK CAR GATX [OWENSBORO GRAIN] #54553

$26.96 $35.95

Earn $1.34 store credit

Browse reviews for Atlas 50006175 N TRINITY 25,500 GALLON TANK CAR GATX [OWENSBORO GRAIN] #54553

Atlas ATL2702 Code 80 No. 4 Manual Turnout (Switch) - Standard Line -- Left Hand, N Scale

Atlas Atlas ATL2702 Code 80 No. 4 Manual Turnout (Switch) - Standard Line -- Left Hand, N Scale

$17.49 $23.95

Earn $0.87 store credit

Browse reviews for Atlas ATL2702 Code 80 No. 4 Manual Turnout (Switch) - Standard Line -- Left Hand, N Scale

Micro Engineering HOn3 75-504 30' Open Deck Girder Bridge Kit

Micro Engineering Micro Engineering HOn3 75-504 30' Open Deck Girder Bridge Kit

$17.59

Earn $0.87 store credit

Browse reviews for Micro Engineering HOn3 75-504 30' Open Deck Girder Bridge Kit

K & S Precision Metals 9511 Round Copper Tube 36" Long x .014 Wall x 3/16 (7 pieces)

K & S Precision Metals K & S Precision Metals 9511 Round Copper Tube 36" Long x .014 Wall x 3/16 (7 pieces)

$35.91 $44.79

Earn $1.79 store credit

Browse reviews for K & S Precision Metals 9511 Round Copper Tube 36" Long x .014 Wall x 3/16 (7 pieces)

Phoenix Precision Models O 33540 Stack of 4 Tires Unpainted Kit

Phoenix Precision Models Phoenix Precision Models O 33540 Stack of 4 Tires Unpainted Kit

$18.93 $25.50

Earn $0.94 store credit

Browse reviews for Phoenix Precision Models O 33540 Stack of 4 Tires Unpainted Kit

Bachmann 24021 Super Chief Train Set, N Scale

Bachmann Bachmann 24021 Super Chief Train Set, N Scale

$160.99 $239

Earn $8.04 store credit

Browse reviews for Bachmann 24021 Super Chief Train Set, N Scale

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.

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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!