Our transition from FactoryDirectTrains.com to FactoryDirectHobbies.com

We've been proud to provide one of the most extensive inventories of model railroading products online since 2006. We have since expanded on model railroading products to add products from several other hobbies. To reflect our now wider selection, we've renamed and relaunched our website as FactoryDirectHobbies.com.

Yes! While FactoryDirectHobbies.com is our new domain name, our company is still technically registered as Factory Direct Trains. There have been no ownership changes or sale of the company. You're still working with the same crew you've grown to love since 2006 :)

Yes! We've been able to migrate around 5 years' worth of order history from the legacy factorydirecttrains.com site to this new site. All you need to do to access your order history is to activate your customer account using the same email address you used on our old site. Please note that your order history will only reflect those orders that were placed while you were logged into your customer account and will not show any orders you may have placed while checking out as a 'guest'. Head here to get started: https://factorydirecthobbies.com/account/register

Retrieving legacy account and order history

In short, no. The "Forgot Password" link will work for accounts that have been created or re-activated on the new website, but will not retrieve passwords from the previous site. In fact, the new site does not need (or have) access to your old password, as that information was not migrated. To gain access to your old account history, check out the next question in the FAQ.

Click here and enter your name and the email address you used to login at www.factorydirecttrains.com. IMPORTANT: If you enter an email address that is different from the one you used on the old site, it will result in you creating a new account (with no order history). If this happens, simply go back and try another email address until you receive the success message, "We have sent an email to xxxxx@xxxxx.com, please click the link included to verify your email address." Once you have verified your email address, you will have access to your order history.

We were able to synchronize account and order history data from the old website dating back to through around mid-2014.

The most important thing in gaining access to your account and order history is ensuring you are using the correct email address--that is, the one you used at www.factorydirecttrains.com. Most instances of customers having trouble gaining access to their accounts is a result of them using the wrong email address. If you require further assistance, contact us, and if you have an account, we can email you the account activation email directly.

Rewards Program

There are a few different ways to earn rewards. 

1. Enable your customer account - $10 reward.

2. Refer your friends - They'll get 10% cash back on their first purchase and you will get $10 for each successful referral.

3. Finally, on most products, you'll earn 5% back in store credit!

You'll receive rewards from product purchases 5 days after your order is paid for.

Please don't do this. We reserve the right to cancel duplicate accounts and associated rewards. If you accidentally created a duplicate account, please contact us and we will remove the duplicate account.

Yes! Since placing a preorder is free, you won't need to use your rewards while placing your preorder. However, when your item arrives and your preorder is ready to be fulfilled, you may use any available rewards toward paying for your preorder on the interactive notification invoice.

Yes! Preorders are awarded reward dollars at the same 5% rate. You'll receive your reward after you pay the balance of your preorder notification invoice.

Yes, rewards expirations are noted on the rewards when they are issued. Rewards on purchases expire 120 days after issue.

Shipping

Yes, with a few exceptions, we generally ship all over the world!

It depends on where you are, but generally orders are processed very quickly. Orders processed here will take 5-7 business days to arrive. Overseas deliveries can take anywhere from 7-16 days. Delivery details will be provided in your confirmation email.

We use USPS and UPS. You’ll be asked to select a delivery method during checkout.

Product

At Factory Direct Hobbies, preordering is a cinch. Any product you see marked with a "Preorder Item" flag is available to reserve for $0 down. You won't pay anything until the item arrives and is ready to be shipped to you. Once your item is ready to ship, you'll receive an email invoice, with the ability to select your preferred shipping method and pay the balance of your order. Once your invoice is paid, your item ships to you.

We always aim to make sure our customers love our products, but if you do need to return an order, we’re happy to help. As long as the product is in new, sellable condition, we are happy to provide a refund (net of shipping). Just email us directly and we’ll take you through the process.

General Questions

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, we have closed our store to in-person shopping until further notice.

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!