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.
Introducing the complete Phase III GE 4-axle Dash-7 collection from Rapido! It’s a mess, and that is how GE made it. In late 1976, GE introduced the Dash-7 line, which consisted of dozens of internal updates to its Universal series model range. The most obvious external changes are that all Dash-7 models have a wider section of the hood ahead of the radiators, and feature protruding wings for the radiator section.
Like the C36-7, other changes to the 4-axle Dash-7 were made incrementally. The six-axle Dash-7’s always retained the same wheelbase, while the four-axle models feature not one, but three wheelbases identified in three phases which apply to each model.
In production by GE from 1977-1984,
B23-7: GE 12-cylinder FDL diesel engine rated at 2250 HP B30-7: GE 16-cylinder FDL diesel engine rated at 3000 HP B30-7A/AB: GE 12-cylinder FDL diesel engine rated at 3000 HP B36-7: GE 7FDL 16-cylinder diesel engine rated at 3600, 3700 or later 3750 HP
Identifying phase features of the B23-7 and B30-7: Phase I:
Overall length of 62’ 2”, and truck centers of 36’2 2”. These truck centers are the same as the predecessor universal models, but those had a shorter overall frame.
Phase II
Same 62’ 2” overall length but change to wider truck centers of 37’ 2” by shifting the rear truck backwards, eliminating the space between the stepwell and truck at the rear.
Phase III
Our Dash-7 series in this release covers the Phase III models. Overall length is a foot shorter – 61’ 2” Truck centers 36’ 8”. Visually, this gives the appearance of the trucks being balanced and centered, without major gaps at the end.
Phase III design features begin in 1981, and additional orders for B23-7’s (MP, NdeM, Southern, Santa Fe and B30-7’s (Chessie/C&O) were built with the revised design features. ATSF, MP, and Southern units are defined most by their road-specific order details.
HO Scale B23-7, B30-7, B30-7A Locomotives features:
“Phase III” details for the wide variety of Dash-7 4-axle models Headlights and rear lights Tri-color class lights (where applicable) Ditch lights (where applicable) Lit numberboards Walkway Lights Step lights Full traction motor casing details Rotating bearing caps Metal brake chain on engineer’s side Detailed underbody piping and conduit Separate grab irons Rapido’s innovative dead straight metal side handrails with plastic stanchions Detailed cab interior Lighted control stand Heavy, die-cast weight for heavy hauling 5-pole skew-wound motor with dual flywheels Sound-equipped units feature ESU LokSound V5 decoders Many road specific details – see table
Suggested minimum radius: 18"
Road Specific Details
NdeM B23-7:
The largest active group of Phase III 4-axle Dash-7 units are B23-7’s in Mexico, originally ordered by NdeM. Our model features the distinctive lower-capacity fuel tanks that this massive fleet came with, as well as ditch lights and etched metal rock guards on the window. In daily service, many of these units still wear Ferrosur paint and can be found on local, yard, and industry operations.
A very special addition is Ferromex 2501, which has been upgraded and assigned to the executive train. Our model features unique communications equipment details added to the real unit.
NS B23-7
In our first run, we are making NS and Lhoist units with a whole host of Southern-specific details that they retain to this day. Both offerings come with front and rear ditchlights that reflect their original configuration as LHF units, with the horn and bell on the rear. They also have (dummy) walkway lights, high short hoods, knuckle boxes, open cutouts in the walkways near the steps, and more. In 2026, Lhoist 4021 and 4023 are still working in an appealing paint scheme hauling cement.
Chesapeake and Ohio/Chessie B30-7:
Chessie ordered 20 Phase III B30-7’s featuring a distinctly Chessie look - AAR Type-B trucks and rock pilots. The same 20 units went to CSX yet end up looking so different that it is hard to tell. CSX swapped the trucks to FB-2’s, blanked the class lights, added ditch lights to both ends, and added electronic fuel gauges and air dryers. One of these units, Minnesota Commercial #49, is still in active service on the railroad with the same features.
Chesapeake and Ohio/Chessie B30-7:
Chessie ordered 20 Phase III B30-7’s featuring a distinctly Chessie look - AAR Type-B trucks and rock pilots. The same 20 units went to CSX yet end up looking so different that it is hard to tell. CSX swapped the trucks to FB-2’s, blanked the class lights, added ditch lights to both ends, and added electronic fuel gauges and air dryers. One of these units, Minnesota Commercial #49, is still in active service on the railroad with the same features.
Minnesota Commercial B30-7 & B36-7:
Most B36-7’s were built from 1981 onwards and feature Phase III specs except 4 early units delivered to the SSW in 1980 (these were essentially B30-7s with B36-7 internals). To celebrate America’s 250th, this release includes Minnesota Commercial #76, which was repainted in an America 250 scheme in late 2025. This B36-7 model comes with all the upgraded features of this project like step lights, walkway lights, rotating bearing caps and correct CSX style step wells.
Missouri Pacific B30-7A:
GE made another new model once Phase III features were in place: the B30-7A. By this point, GE had found that the 2,300hp 12-cylinder FDL engine used in U23B’s and B23-7’s could be uprated to 3,000hp, offering the B30-7’s horsepower with better fuel economy. Missouri Pacific tested uprating 3 of their B23-7’s to 3,000hp and liked them so much they ordered 55 B30-7A models in 1981-1982. These often ran in sets of three on hot trains across their system. Southern also ordered 22 B30-7A1 units built on a slightly longer frame.
BN Cabless B30-7AB:
Finally, we arrive at what modelers have been waiting for: BN B30-7A’s. Or are they B30-7AB’s? B30-7B’s? Some goofy nickname you’ve heard? To GE, despite completely lacking a cab, bell, or horn, there are also a B30-7A: because they are a 3,000 hp 12-cylinder model. In the cashed strapped 80’s BN saw the price of a large locomotive order without cabs and though the savings were worth it. (Crews may vehemently disagree!)
BN ordered the units in two batches. The first 53 units in 1982 were as if a usual 4-axle Dash-7 forgot to have a cab, with blank space where it would be. Originally, they came with 4 grilles on the rear, which 2 of our numbers will offer. By the late 80’s, those grilles had been updated the common 7-grille arrangement, which our other two numbers will offer. The second order for 67 units in 1983 came with some entirely unique features reflecting their late build date. The dynamic brake section was raised to accommodate different equipment, identical to a design on a small, specific batch of NS C36-7’s also had. Similarly, the 7-grille arrangement in the rear is also like those late-production C36-7’s, two large horizontal stacked panels instead of one.
No matter which cabless unit you order, they were essential, unavoidable power on BN in the 80’s and 90’s. Countless intermodal, manifest, and non-coal unit trains across the system would feature whatever unit with a cab leading, with cabless B’s trailing – often as the only trailing power. Despite lacking a cab, bell, and horn, these still have complete lighting and working tri-color class lights!
B23-7 | Road Numbers: 6405 - 6418
Phase III B23-7 with a 2,300hp 12-cylinder engine Correct 12-cylinder FDL sound file for sound equipped models Six tall hood doors for the 12-cylinder engine 6405-6418 built in 1984, ATSF’s final B23-7 order Rear hood has 7-grille arrangement Raised rear numberboards Lower rear class lights Front class lights Tall bathtub exhaust AAR trucks Rotating Timken bearings Anticlimber, plow Rooftop A/C unit
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Refund Policy
Return & Refund Policy
Effective October 1, 2025
Factory Direct Hobbies has a 30-day return policy, which means you have 30 days after your item has shipped to request a return.
To be eligible for a return, your item must be in the same condition that you received it and in its original packaging. All manuals, parts, and accessories must be included.
To start a return, visit our Returns Center. If your return is approved, we'll email you instructions on how and where to send your package. Items sent back to us without first requesting a return will not be accepted and will be returned to sender.
Defective or Damaged Items
If your product is defective, damaged, or we made an error, you can return it at no cost.
Whenever possible, defective items are routed directly to the distributor for credit. If that’s not an option, items may be returned to Arden as a fallback.
Refunds are issued to your original payment method. If the original method is unavailable, store credit will be issued. After six months, only store credit is available.
Returns Due to Ordering Mistakes
This applies to incorrect scale, color, size, or duplicate orders:
Store Credit: 10% restocking fee, customer responsible for returning shipping.
Refund to Original Payment: 15% restocking fee, customer responsible for returning shipping.
Our Error Exception: If FDH shipped the wrong item, no restocking fee or return shipping charge applies.
Loose Track, Components, O Scale, and Special Orders
Returns of loose track, small components, O scale items, and special-order items incur a 15% restocking fee. Return shipping is deducted whether you choose store credit or a refund.
Damages and Issues
Please inspect your order upon receipt and contact us immediately if the item is defective, damaged, or if you receive the wrong item, so we can evaluate the issue and make it right.
Exceptions / Non-Returnable Items
Gift cards and digital/downloadable products
Items marked final sale, clearance, or otherwise non-returnable on the product page
Items that have been used, modified, or are missing parts, manuals, or original packaging
Some manufacturers handle warranty issues directly. If that applies, we’ll help you contact them
Exchanges
The fastest way to ensure you get what you want is to return the item you have and place a new order for the replacement on our website. Please note that we cannot process manual exchanges over the phone.
Refunds and Processing Time
We will notify you once we’ve received and inspected your return, and let you know if the refund was approved.
Approved refunds are issued within 7–10 business days.
Refunds go to your original payment method when possible. In some cases, store credit may be issued instead.
Your bank or card issuer may take additional time to process and post the refund.
Orders Placed Before October 1, 2025
Orders placed before this date follow the previous return policy.
Need Help?
If you have questions about a return or warranty, please contact our support team and include your order number so we can assist you quickly.
Get 5% back on all your purchases! We like to keep it simple and believe points unnecessarily complicate things.
Preorder FAQs
How 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.
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.
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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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.
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
Yes. Rewards can be used on both your 10% good-faith down payment and on the balance of your preorder at invoicing time.
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?
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!
Irritating to put the metal tracks together, seems like it was designed with the thought of the more parts the better. Like the way it will look when finished based on the pictures on the box
