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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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Bachmann 42911 OLD-TIME ARCH-BAR TRUCKS WITH METAL WHEELS, HO

Bachmann Bachmann 42911 OLD-TIME ARCH-BAR TRUCKS WITH METAL WHEELS, HO

$14.44 $17.50

Earn $0.72 store credit

Browse reviews for Bachmann 42911 OLD-TIME ARCH-BAR TRUCKS WITH METAL WHEELS, HO

Smalltown USA HO 699-6004 Madlene's Deli Kit

Smalltown USA Smalltown USA HO 699-6004 Madlene's Deli Kit

$13.19 $16.95

Earn $0.65 store credit

Browse reviews for Smalltown USA HO 699-6004 Madlene's Deli Kit

Micro-Trains N 07600501 50' Standard Box Car, Union Pacific #168043

Micro-Trains Micro-Trains N 07600501 50' Standard Box Car, Union Pacific #168043

$28.99 $29.95

Earn $1.44 store credit

Browse reviews for Micro-Trains N 07600501 50' Standard Box Car, Union Pacific #168043

Bachmann 19165 Canadian Cylindrical 4-Bay Grain Hopper - Ready to Run - Silver Series(R) -- Canadian Pacific #386538 (gray, black, Script Lettering), N Scale

Bachmann Bachmann 19165 Canadian Cylindrical 4-Bay Grain Hopper - Ready to Run - Silver Series(R) -- Canadian Pacific #386538 (gray, black, Script Lettering), N Scale

$28.74 $40

Earn $1.43 store credit

Browse reviews for Bachmann 19165 Canadian Cylindrical 4-Bay Grain Hopper - Ready to Run - Silver Series(R) -- Canadian Pacific #386538 (gray, black, Script Lettering), N Scale

Rock Island Hobby RIH032162 HO Scale US Army Tank Buster Q Car

Rock Island Hobby Rock Island Hobby RIH032162 HO Scale US Army Tank Buster Q Car

$30.79 $33.98

Earn $1.53 store credit

Browse reviews for Rock Island Hobby RIH032162 HO Scale US Army Tank Buster Q Car

American Limited Models American Limited Models 1823 HO GATC Tank Car, ATSF #98090, Reclaimed diesel fuel service with with 1970s Santa Fe logo lettering, HO Scale

$41.58 $64.95

Earn $2.07 store credit

Browse reviews for American Limited Models 1823 HO GATC Tank Car, ATSF #98090, Reclaimed diesel fuel service with with 1970s Santa Fe logo lettering, HO Scale

Bluford Shops 63155 2 Bay War Emergency Composite Hopper, Lehigh Valley - #LV 15802, N Scale

Bluford Shops 63155 2 Bay War Emergency Composite Hopper, Lehigh Valley - #LV 15802, N Scale

Bluford Shops Bluford Shops 63155 2 Bay War Emergency Composite Hopper, Lehigh Valley - #LV 15802, N Scale

$22.53 $28.95

Earn $1.12 store credit

Browse reviews for Bluford Shops 63155 2 Bay War Emergency Composite Hopper, Lehigh Valley - #LV 15802, N Scale

Evergreen Scale 9101 .010 PLAIN SHEETS 8'x21' 8pk

Evergreen Scale Models Evergreen Scale 9101 .010 PLAIN SHEETS 8'x21' 8pk

$11.12 $15.69

Earn $0.55 store credit

Browse reviews for Evergreen Scale 9101 .010 PLAIN SHEETS 8'x21' 8pk

Lionel 2054510 Coach, The Polar Express car, HO

American Flyer Lionel 2054510 Coach, The Polar Express car, HO

$45.50 $54.99

Earn $2.27 store credit

Browse reviews for Lionel 2054510 Coach, The Polar Express car, HO

Atlas 10004180 HO DASH 8-40C SILVER CANADIAN NATIONAL #2028

Atlas 10004180 HO DASH 8-40C SILVER CANADIAN NATIONAL #2028

Atlas Atlas 10004180 HO DASH 8-40C SILVER CANADIAN NATIONAL #2028

$150.84 $209.95

Earn $7.54 store credit

Browse reviews for Atlas 10004180 HO DASH 8-40C SILVER CANADIAN NATIONAL #2028

Bachmann 51508 Baldwin 2-6-2 Prairie with Smoke - Standard DC -- Chicago, Burlington & Quincy #2121, HO Scale

Bachmann Bachmann 51508 Baldwin 2-6-2 Prairie with Smoke - Standard DC -- Chicago, Burlington & Quincy #2121, HO Scale

$157.34 $219

Earn $7.86 store credit

Browse reviews for Bachmann 51508 Baldwin 2-6-2 Prairie with Smoke - Standard DC -- Chicago, Burlington & Quincy #2121, HO Scale

Passengers -- Arriving, HO

Preiser KG Passengers -- Arriving, HO

$18.04 $22.99

Earn $0.90 store credit

Browse reviews for Passengers -- Arriving, HO

Wills Kits WILSSM315 Industrial/Retail Unit Extension, HO and 00 Scales

Wills Kits Wills Kits WILSSM315 Industrial/Retail Unit Extension, HO and 00 Scales

$26.99 $40.99

Earn $1.34 store credit

Browse reviews for Wills Kits WILSSM315 Industrial/Retail Unit Extension, HO and 00 Scales

TomyTec Co LTD 1279 Remote Curved Turnout (Points) CPL317/280-45 - Fine Track -- Left-Hand - 12-1/2 & 11" 317 & 280mm Radii, 45-Degree Curve Segment, N Scale

TomyTec Co LTD TomyTec Co LTD 1279 Remote Curved Turnout (Points) CPL317/280-45 - Fine Track -- Left-Hand - 12-1/2 & 11" 317 & 280mm Radii, 45-Degree Curve Segment, N Scale

$48.05 $57.99

Earn $2.40 store credit

Browse reviews for TomyTec Co LTD 1279 Remote Curved Turnout (Points) CPL317/280-45 - Fine Track -- Left-Hand - 12-1/2 & 11" 317 & 280mm Radii, 45-Degree Curve Segment, N Scale

Tidemark 5131 Rock Island 2025 Calendar - 11 x 14" 27.9 x 35.6cm

Tidemark 5131 Rock Island 2025 Calendar - 11 x 14" 27.9 x 35.6cm

Tidemark Tidemark 5131 Rock Island 2025 Calendar - 11 x 14" 27.9 x 35.6cm

$7.77 $17.95

Earn $0.38 store credit

Browse reviews for Tidemark 5131 Rock Island 2025 Calendar - 11 x 14" 27.9 x 35.6cm

Walthers Scenemaster 949-4160 HO Farm Tractor 2-Pack - Assembled -- Red

Walthers Walthers Scenemaster 949-4160 HO Farm Tractor 2-Pack - Assembled -- Red

$13.19 $17.98

Earn $0.65 store credit

Browse reviews for Walthers Scenemaster 949-4160 HO Farm Tractor 2-Pack - Assembled -- Red

Atlas 50006363 Coalveyor Bathtub Gondola - Ready to Run - Master(R) -- Reisner Scrap Metals CMHX #42409 (black, orange, green), N Scale

Atlas Atlas 50006363 Coalveyor Bathtub Gondola - Ready to Run - Master(R) -- Reisner Scrap Metals CMHX #42409 (black, orange, green), N Scale

$27.92 $35.95

Earn $1.39 store credit

Browse reviews for Atlas 50006363 Coalveyor Bathtub Gondola - Ready to Run - Master(R) -- Reisner Scrap Metals CMHX #42409 (black, orange, green), N Scale

Preiser Kg 10649 Family Watching Television -- 5 Figures & Living Room Furniture, HO Scale

Preiser Kg Preiser Kg 10649 Family Watching Television -- 5 Figures & Living Room Furniture, HO Scale

$27.15 $34.99

Earn $1.35 store credit

Browse reviews for Preiser Kg 10649 Family Watching Television -- 5 Figures & Living Room Furniture, HO Scale

WalthersMainline 910-30402 85' Budd Dome Coach - Ready to Run -- Santa Fe (silver), HO Scale

Walthers WalthersMainline 910-30402 85' Budd Dome Coach - Ready to Run -- Santa Fe (silver), HO Scale

$39.15 $46.98

Earn $1.95 store credit

Browse reviews for WalthersMainline 910-30402 85' Budd Dome Coach - Ready to Run -- Santa Fe (silver), HO Scale

Rapido 38002 HO EMD GP38 Low Nose - Standard DC -- Santa Fe #2337 (Warbonnet, Class Lights, blue, yellow)

Rapido 38002 HO EMD GP38 Low Nose - Standard DC -- Santa Fe #2337 (Warbonnet, Class Lights, blue, yellow)

Rapido Rapido 38002 HO EMD GP38 Low Nose - Standard DC -- Santa Fe #2337 (Warbonnet, Class Lights, blue, yellow)

$198.22 $239.95

Earn $9.91 store credit

Browse reviews for Rapido 38002 HO EMD GP38 Low Nose - Standard DC -- Santa Fe #2337 (Warbonnet, Class Lights, blue, yellow)

Atlas ATL2556 Decorated Code 80 Plate-Girder Bridge -- Lackawanna (black, white), N Scale

Atlas Atlas ATL2556 Decorated Code 80 Plate-Girder Bridge -- Lackawanna (black, white), N Scale

$16.27 $20.95

Earn $0.81 store credit

Browse reviews for Atlas ATL2556 Decorated Code 80 Plate-Girder Bridge -- Lackawanna (black, white), N Scale

Bachmann Silver Series N 19151 Cylindrical 4-Bay Covered Grain Hopper, Canadian National (Demonstrator)

Bachmann Trains Bachmann Silver Series N 19151 Cylindrical 4-Bay Covered Grain Hopper, Canadian National (Demonstrator)

$33.30 $37

Earn $1.66 store credit

Browse reviews for Bachmann Silver Series N 19151 Cylindrical 4-Bay Covered Grain Hopper, Canadian National (Demonstrator)

Tamiya 60737 AICHI M6A1 SEIRAN, 1:72 Scale

Tamiya Tamiya 60737 AICHI M6A1 SEIRAN, 1:72 Scale

$13.66 $18

Earn $0.68 store credit

Browse reviews for Tamiya 60737 AICHI M6A1 SEIRAN, 1:72 Scale

WalthersMainline 910-50605 68' Bulkhead Flatcar - Ready to Run -- Canadian National #622415, HO

WalthersMainline 910-50605 68' Bulkhead Flatcar - Ready to Run -- Canadian National #622415, HO

Walthers WalthersMainline 910-50605 68' Bulkhead Flatcar - Ready to Run -- Canadian National #622415, HO

$21 $34.98

Earn $1.05 store credit

Browse reviews for WalthersMainline 910-50605 68' Bulkhead Flatcar - Ready to Run -- Canadian National #622415, 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!