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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.

I understand that lost, damaged, or stolen packages will not be replaced unless I purchase Extend™ Shipping Protection.

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Excel Blades 16011 K11 Metal Safety Scraper w/6 Blds

Excel Blades Excel Blades 16011 K11 Metal Safety Scraper w/6 Blds

$6.28 $6.98

Earn $0.31 store credit

Browse reviews for Excel Blades 16011 K11 Metal Safety Scraper w/6 Blds

Excel Blades 16023 K18 Grip-On Knife Gray

Excel Blades Excel Blades 16023 K18 Grip-On Knife Gray

$6.68 $7.42

Earn $0.33 store credit

Browse reviews for Excel Blades 16023 K18 Grip-On Knife Gray

Excel Blades 11 #11 Surgical Blade Stainless Steel - 2 pcs.

Excel Blades Excel Blades 11 #11 Surgical Blade Stainless Steel - 2 pcs.

$2.94 $3.27

Earn $0.14 store credit

Browse reviews for Excel Blades 11 #11 Surgical Blade Stainless Steel - 2 pcs.

Excel Blades 15015 K1 Knife with Safety Cap and 15# 20011 Blades

Excel Blades Excel Blades 15015 K1 Knife with Safety Cap and 15# 20011 Blades

$11.02 $11.13

Earn $0.55 store credit

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Estes Rockets 1427 Alpha III Launch Set E2X

Estes Rockets Estes Rockets 1427 Alpha III Launch Set E2X

$35.63 $39.99

Earn $1.78 store credit

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Double E R/C Construction 81011 CaDFi Blocks Revolver/475pc

Double E R/C Construction Double E R/C Construction 81011 CaDFi Blocks Revolver/475pc

$30.60 $34

Earn $1.53 store credit

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Billy V 43000 Small Pirate Set 15pc/approx

Billy V Billy V 43000 Small Pirate Set 15pc/approx

$4.94 $4.99

Earn $0.24 store credit

Browse reviews for Billy V 43000 Small Pirate Set 15pc/approx

Auto World TRX129 X-Traction Deluxe Pit Kit (2004 Chevrolet Corvette C5-R) NEW

Auto World Auto World TRX129 X-Traction Deluxe Pit Kit (2004 Chevrolet Corvette C5-R) NEW

$19.79 $21.99

Earn $0.98 store credit

Browse reviews for Auto World TRX129 X-Traction Deluxe Pit Kit (2004 Chevrolet Corvette C5-R) NEW

Auto World SRS359 28' Blues Brothers 106 Miles to Chicago Slot Race Set Bluesmo

Auto World Auto World SRS359 28' Blues Brothers 106 Miles to Chicago Slot Race Set Bluesmo

$252.99 $296.99

Earn $12.64 store credit

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Atlantis Models 77257 Monitor and Merrimack Civil War Set

Atlantis Models Atlantis Models 77257 Monitor and Merrimack Civil War Set

$29.69 $29.99

Earn $1.48 store credit

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Billy V 45100 Fire Rescue Set 13-16pc/approx

Billy V Billy V 45100 Fire Rescue Set 13-16pc/approx

$5.93 $5.99

Earn $0.29 store credit

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Badger Badger 1902 Respirator Replacment Cartridge

$19.26 $21.40

Earn $0.96 store credit

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Double E R/C Construction 81009 CaDFi Blocks M23 Combat Pistol/412pc

Double E R/C Construction Double E R/C Construction 81009 CaDFi Blocks M23 Combat Pistol/412pc

$32.67 $33

Earn $1.63 store credit

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Caboose Industries 208 O Std.Ground Throw Sprung .280 Travel/1pc

Caboose Industries Caboose Industries 208 O Std.Ground Throw Sprung .280 Travel/1pc

$3.62 $3.65

Earn $0.18 store credit

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Billy V 43006 Small Pirate Set 37pc/approx w/Teasure Chest

Billy V Billy V 43006 Small Pirate Set 37pc/approx w/Teasure Chest

$4.94 $4.99

Earn $0.24 store credit

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Double E R/C Construction 81010 CaDFi Blocks Double Barrel Pistol/250pc

Double E R/C Construction Double E R/C Construction 81010 CaDFi Blocks Double Barrel Pistol/250pc

$19.80 $20

Earn $0.99 store credit

Browse reviews for Double E R/C Construction 81010 CaDFi Blocks Double Barrel Pistol/250pc

Auto World SC394 Muscle Car Dealership - ThunderjetBaldwin Motion - 1970 Chev

Auto World Auto World SC394 Muscle Car Dealership - ThunderjetBaldwin Motion - 1970 Chev

$34.19 $37.99

Earn $1.70 store credit

Browse reviews for Auto World SC394 Muscle Car Dealership - ThunderjetBaldwin Motion - 1970 Chev

Auto World TRX131 4 Gear Deluxe Pit Kit (1977 Dodge Tradesman Van) NEW DESIGN

Auto World Auto World TRX131 4 Gear Deluxe Pit Kit (1977 Dodge Tradesman Van) NEW DESIGN

$19.79 $21.99

Earn $0.98 store credit

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AMT Model Kits 1472 1960 Ford Starliner Custom Skill 2

AMT Model Kits AMT Model Kits 1472 1960 Ford Starliner Custom Skill 2

$33.65 $37.49

Earn $1.68 store credit

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Auto World SRS357 18' Gold Rush "Go for the Gold" Slot Race Set HO

Auto World Auto World SRS357 18' Gold Rush "Go for the Gold" Slot Race Set HO

$154.07 $175.99

Earn $7.70 store credit

Browse reviews for Auto World SRS357 18' Gold Rush "Go for the Gold" Slot Race Set HO

Auto World SRS353R BRE Datsun 16' Slot Race SetNon adjustable power adaptor1972

Auto World Auto World SRS353R BRE Datsun 16' Slot Race SetNon adjustable power adaptor1972

$163.70 $186.99

Earn $8.18 store credit

Browse reviews for Auto World SRS353R BRE Datsun 16' Slot Race SetNon adjustable power adaptor1972

Auto World SRS357R 18' Gold Rush "Go for the Gold" Slot Race Set Peterbilt 359 D

Auto World Auto World SRS357R 18' Gold Rush "Go for the Gold" Slot Race Set Peterbilt 359 D

$143.99 $159.99

Earn $7.19 store credit

Browse reviews for Auto World SRS357R 18' Gold Rush "Go for the Gold" Slot Race Set Peterbilt 359 D

Auto World SC398 NHRA Top Fuel Dragsters - 4 GearBrittany Force - 2023 FLAV-R

Auto World Auto World SC398 NHRA Top Fuel Dragsters - 4 GearBrittany Force - 2023 FLAV-R

$32.39 $35.99

Earn $1.61 store credit

Browse reviews for Auto World SC398 NHRA Top Fuel Dragsters - 4 GearBrittany Force - 2023 FLAV-R

Atlantis Models 1450 Flash Gordon and the Martian Long Box

Atlantis Models Atlantis Models 1450 Flash Gordon and the Martian Long Box

$26.99 $29.99

Earn $1.34 store credit

Browse reviews for Atlantis Models 1450 Flash Gordon and the Martian Long Box

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!