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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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Rapido 538016A AutoFlood III Rapid Discharge Coal Hopper - Ready to Run -- GATX Leasing GGPX Set 2 (silver, red, black), N Scale

Rapido 538016A AutoFlood III Rapid Discharge Coal Hopper - Ready to Run -- GATX Leasing GGPX Set 2 (silver, red, black), N Scale

Rapido Rapido 538016A AutoFlood III Rapid Discharge Coal Hopper - Ready to Run -- GATX Leasing GGPX Set 2 (silver, red, black), N Scale

$31.77 $38.95

Earn $1.58 store credit

Browse reviews for Rapido 538016A AutoFlood III Rapid Discharge Coal Hopper - Ready to Run -- GATX Leasing GGPX Set 2 (silver, red, black), N Scale

Bachmann 24013 Thunder Valley Train Set, N Scale

Bachmann Bachmann 24013 Thunder Valley Train Set, N Scale

$160.99 $239

Earn $8.04 store credit

Browse reviews for Bachmann 24013 Thunder Valley Train Set, N Scale

Atlas Model Railroad Co. 563 Code 83 Turnout with Nickel-Silver Rail and Brown Ties - Custom Line(R) - No. 6 Left Hand, HO

Atlas Atlas Model Railroad Co. 563 Code 83 Turnout with Nickel-Silver Rail and Brown Ties - Custom Line(R) - No. 6 Left Hand, HO

$21.15 $28.95

Earn $1.05 store credit

Browse reviews for Atlas Model Railroad Co. 563 Code 83 Turnout with Nickel-Silver Rail and Brown Ties - Custom Line(R) - No. 6 Left Hand, HO

Atlas Atlas Model Railroad Co. 50004071 Santa Fe Class BX-166 62' Beer Boxcar - Ready to Run -- Santa Fe 621328 (Boxcar Red, 24" Logo Version 3), N Scale

$27.15 $34.95

Earn $1.35 store credit

Browse reviews for Atlas Model Railroad Co. 50004071 Santa Fe Class BX-166 62' Beer Boxcar - Ready to Run -- Santa Fe 621328 (Boxcar Red, 24" Logo Version 3), N Scale

Imex 6151 Block 2-Car Garage, HO

Imex Imex 6151 Block 2-Car Garage, HO

$24

Earn $1.20 store credit

Browse reviews for Imex 6151 Block 2-Car Garage, HO

Miniatronics 4816501 16 Gauge Stranded Heavy Duty Wire, Red (100')

Miniatronics Miniatronics 4816501 16 Gauge Stranded Heavy Duty Wire, Red (100')

$15.99 $17.95

Earn $0.79 store credit

Browse reviews for Miniatronics 4816501 16 Gauge Stranded Heavy Duty Wire, Red (100')

Lionel Lionel 2023130 Star Trek LionChief Set, O Scale

$431.47 $499.99

Earn $21.57 store credit

Browse reviews for Lionel 2023130 Star Trek LionChief Set, O Scale

WalthersMainline 910-3792 HO 50' AAR Mechanical Refrigerator Car - Ready-to-Run -- Pacific Fruit Express(TM) #450110

WalthersMainline 910-3792 HO 50' AAR Mechanical Refrigerator Car - Ready-to-Run -- Pacific Fruit Express(TM) #450110

Walthers WalthersMainline 910-3792 HO 50' AAR Mechanical Refrigerator Car - Ready-to-Run -- Pacific Fruit Express(TM) #450110

$25.55 $34.98

Earn $1.27 store credit

Browse reviews for WalthersMainline 910-3792 HO 50' AAR Mechanical Refrigerator Car - Ready-to-Run -- Pacific Fruit Express(TM) #450110

Scenic Express SE0133 Natural Stone Ballast #20 Light Gray (1 Quart)

Scenic Express Scenic Express SE0133 Natural Stone Ballast #20 Light Gray (1 Quart)

$16.54 $17.98

Earn $0.82 store credit

Browse reviews for Scenic Express SE0133 Natural Stone Ballast #20 Light Gray (1 Quart)

Lionel 44071 AF Atlantic Coast Line Boxcar #21003, S Scale

Lionel Lionel 44071 AF Atlantic Coast Line Boxcar #21003, S Scale

$51.88 $59.99

Earn $2.59 store credit

Browse reviews for Lionel 44071 AF Atlantic Coast Line Boxcar #21003, S Scale

Woodland Scenics 1134 Fine-Leaf Foliage Dead Foliage

Woodland Scenics Woodland Scenics 1134 Fine-Leaf Foliage Dead Foliage

$16.84 $22.99

Earn $0.84 store credit

Browse reviews for Woodland Scenics 1134 Fine-Leaf Foliage Dead Foliage

K & S Precision Metals 9217 Round Brass Tube 36" Long x .029 Wall x 1/2 (4 pieces)

K & S Precision Metals K & S Precision Metals 9217 Round Brass Tube 36" Long x .029 Wall x 1/2 (4 pieces)

$92.98 $115.99

Earn $4.64 store credit

Browse reviews for K & S Precision Metals 9217 Round Brass Tube 36" Long x .029 Wall x 1/2 (4 pieces)

Noch G 17330 Construction Workers (3)

Noch Noch G 17330 Construction Workers (3)

$59.74 $76.99

Earn $2.98 store credit

Browse reviews for Noch G 17330 Construction Workers (3)

Bachmann HO 00501 Digital Commander Train Set Featuring E-Z Command Control Center

Bachmann Trains Bachmann HO 00501 Digital Commander Train Set Featuring E-Z Command Control Center

$459.42 $654.50

Earn $22.97 store credit

Browse reviews for Bachmann HO 00501 Digital Commander Train Set Featuring E-Z Command Control Center

Rapido 28530 HO EMD E8A (DC/DCC/Sound): Pennsylvania - 5 Stripe Scheme: #5809

Rapido Rapido 28530 HO EMD E8A (DC/DCC/Sound): Pennsylvania - 5 Stripe Scheme: #5809

$280.83 $339.95

Earn $14.04 store credit

Browse reviews for Rapido 28530 HO EMD E8A (DC/DCC/Sound): Pennsylvania - 5 Stripe Scheme: #5809

Woodland Scenics WOO2164 Scenic Accents(R) - Tombstones pkg(11), N Scale

Woodland Scenics Woodland Scenics WOO2164 Scenic Accents(R) - Tombstones pkg(11), N Scale

$14.63 $19.99

Earn $0.73 store credit

Browse reviews for Woodland Scenics WOO2164 Scenic Accents(R) - Tombstones pkg(11), N Scale

Seuthe Seuthe 100 Steam Generator - Operating Voltage = 16 Volts, HO Scale

$37.28 $50.99

Earn $1.86 store credit

Browse reviews for Seuthe 100 Steam Generator - Operating Voltage = 16 Volts, HO Scale

Miniatronics Miniatronics MNTWT34 3 Volts Power Supply @ 200mA [1 unit], HO Scale

$12.52 $15.12

Earn $0.62 store credit

Browse reviews for Miniatronics MNTWT34 3 Volts Power Supply @ 200mA [1 unit], HO Scale

Vallejo Acrylic Paints 76.004 Game Air Elf Skin Tone (6 Pack)

Vallejo Acrylic Paints Vallejo Acrylic Paints 76.004 Game Air Elf Skin Tone (6 Pack)

$21

Earn $1.05 store credit

Browse reviews for Vallejo Acrylic Paints 76.004 Game Air Elf Skin Tone (6 Pack)

Walthers WalthersTrainline 931-1687 40' Stock Car - Ready to Run - New York Central (Jade Green, System Logo), HO Scale

$18.50 $22.98

Earn $0.92 store credit

Browse reviews for WalthersTrainline 931-1687 40' Stock Car - Ready to Run - New York Central (Jade Green, System Logo), HO Scale

Dwarvin N SL202 DV Fiber-Lit Carriage Street Lamps (3-pack)

Dwarvin Dwarvin N SL202 DV Fiber-Lit Carriage Street Lamps (3-pack)

$19.39 $24.99

Earn $0.96 store credit

Browse reviews for Dwarvin N SL202 DV Fiber-Lit Carriage Street Lamps (3-pack)

Walthers WalthersMainline 910-55671 Thrall 5-Unit Rebuilt 40' Well Car - Ready to Run -- TTX DTTX #748295 - small red TTX logo, HO

$100.10 $149.98

Earn $5 store credit

Browse reviews for WalthersMainline 910-55671 Thrall 5-Unit Rebuilt 40' Well Car - Ready to Run -- TTX DTTX #748295 - small red TTX logo, HO

Woodland Scenics 2725 Dogs & Cats, O

Woodland Scenics Woodland Scenics 2725 Dogs & Cats, O

$28.99

Earn $1.44 store credit

Browse reviews for Woodland Scenics 2725 Dogs & Cats, O

WalthersMainline 910-1207 40' Association of American Railroads Modernized 1948 Boxcar - Ready to Run -- Chicago, Burlington & Quincy #61180, HO

WalthersMainline 910-1207 40' Association of American Railroads Modernized 1948 Boxcar - Ready to Run -- Chicago, Burlington & Quincy #61180, HO

Walthers WalthersMainline 910-1207 40' Association of American Railroads Modernized 1948 Boxcar - Ready to Run -- Chicago, Burlington & Quincy #61180, HO

$20.01 $31.98

Earn $1 store credit

Browse reviews for WalthersMainline 910-1207 40' Association of American Railroads Modernized 1948 Boxcar - Ready to Run -- Chicago, Burlington & Quincy #61180, HO

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!