Four for the road: Recent freight cars from Menards

The four new releases from Menards include three traditional railroads (Chicago & North Western, Erie Lackawanna, and Soo Line) and a private livery: G. Shepherd & Sons dog food!

I recently had a chance to see some recent releases from Menards – two boxcars and two gondolas. Up front are the nos. 279-5341 Erie Lackawanna boxcar and the 279-5243 Soo Line Gondola. In back are the nos. 279-5241 Chicago & North Western gondola and the 279-5343 J. Shepherd & Sons boxcar.

The traditionally–sized rolling stock have metal wheels and operating couplers. The boxcars have opening doors. All have good-looking graphics.

The Erie-Lackawanna car has a white or very light grey color and the bold E-L diamond logo. The Soo Line gondola has a bold SOO LINE on its side, with a red-painted end with SOO in white.

The Chicago & North Western gondola is yellow with the famous CNW logo in the middle of the side.

The J. Shepherd & Son boxcar is the perfect companion to the recently released J. Shepherd & Sons dog food factory! Note the giant image of Jack!

The cars cost $19.99 each plus shipping. Order online and select free shipment to your local Menards store.

Light colors and the striking E-L diamond stand out.

The Erie Lackawanna railroad mimics the diamond of the mighty Erie, suggesting who was the top dog in that merger!

G.Shepherd had tall, clear graphics, a great photo of Jack, and rooftop contrast with a black roof and silver catwalk.

Buy a freight car load of Jack's dog food and he'll be one happy pooch!

The stand-out car might be the CNW gondola with its yellow body and colorful red, white and black North Western herald.

The North Western logo is familiar to train enthusiasts who lived far beyond the route of the Grainger railroad.