Factory Direct Trains

[keystonecrossings]

There is a family relationship between BLI and FTD. It's a brother or a brother-in-law or something.

When FDT opened, they not only undercut dealers who had stock on the shelves, but they also had an inside channel to low stock, often stealing reservations from dealers.

I now only order to fill reservations. I will not stock BLI because of this relationship.

One other thing... when FDT opened, we did some IT research and determined that both FDT and BLI web sites were on the same server!

[bsoplinger]

I may be wrong (most likely) but I thought the owner of Factory Direct Trains is the brother of one of the main guys at PCM/BLI.

I heard brother in law, but regardless I'm pretty sure its a relative. And the first time FDT appeared it was exactly as mentioned here, stores who had stock of items that were being sold at below the store's cost pretty much guarenteed that the store was never going to stock PCM again. Lots of anger too, some of which probably could have been mitigated by simply offering a deal to dealers before just blowing out to the public.

[CBQ Fan]

I have three folders in my favorites: 1) hobby shops I buy from, 2) hobby shops I like to check on every once in awhile, & 3) Manufactures...now I am not sure where I should put my FDT shortcut.... ???

[John]

I have three folders in my favorites: 1) hobby shops I buy from, 2) hobby shops I like to check on every once in awhile, & 3) Manufactures...now I am not sure where I should put my FDT shortcut.... ???

Recycle Bin

[CBQ Fan]

Sounds like the best alternative to me! ;D

[davidone]

FDT is run by the son of one of the owners. The PCM/FDT relationship is one and the same. The owners of PCM/BLI are the owners of FDT.

Dave 

[daniel_leavitt2000]

Anyone know if they are still selling E8s for $100?

[wcfn100]

Anyone know if they are still selling E8s for $100?

Sure, CP, UP (b unit), IC, L&N, SOU.

http://factorydirecttrains.com/pcmemde8nscale.aspx

I guess you use the coupon code to go from $116 to $99.


Jason

[daniel_leavitt2000]

Damn, they sold out of the NYC units. I needed a single headlight FARR grill equiped unit.

[jerwayne]

When I bought my two UP E-8s one did notwork properly. I called BLI and they told me to reset it. I tried, and it didn't work. That was on a Friday. Called back on Monday and they said send it back, but then asked where I purchased it, when told FDT they said you have to send it back to FDT. I think it was the same address!

Jerry

[seusscaboose]

i like the term russian roulette...  it is appropriate for when the engines stall out and then start back up.  that being said, $100 for an E8 with sound has got to be approaching "giving them away".  I played the russian roulette game, bought on, and it works fine (compliments the other two i have). 

i always try to keep the distribution discussion and the performance discussion seperate with PCM/FDT.

I do count myself as lucky as having 3 of their engines that operate well on a regular basis.  And that statement in itself, is both positive (good engines) and negative (should i really feel "lucky").

EP