Factory Direct Models

Factory Direct Models, also called FDM, makes custom scale models of aircraft. The company says it is pilot owned and has operated for over 35 years. It builds both military and civilian models, from desktop size to full scale, and can paint them to a customer's own scheme.

FDM says it supplies models to over 50 aircraft manufacturers and hundreds of aerospace companies around the world. Its quality team is made up of former and current pilots. It offers help from the first design through warehousing and worldwide shipping. Besides airplanes, it builds wall plaques, ships, yachts, boats, cars, trucks and one of a kind displays.

Private owners can order a desktop model of their own airplane or helicopter. The company uses photos and maker drawings to copy the paint scheme, logos, registration number and antennas. A full custom interior costs an extra 300 dollars, and a presentation case costs 149 dollars. The site shows a base price of 495 dollars. It says models take about 12 weeks to build, or about 24 weeks with interior details. The order form asks for details such as colors, military markings, rotor description and registration style.

Recent builds listed on the site include a Beech 390 Premier I, a Learjet 45, a Pilatus PC-12 and a Beech V35 Bonanza. A Stinson 108-2 is also shown. A video from AOPA about the company is posted on the home page, and customers can buy a gift card.

The company lists two phone numbers and has a customer account and cart on the site.