Recently, on eBay, I've seen several structures, clearly marked Model Power, listed as Menards-Model Power structures. Has Menards acquired Model Power dies or is this just a way the seller(s) are trying to boost the price of there items?
Menard's website does show some Model power structures for sale, so apparently there is some connection between them.
https://www.menards.com/main/grocery-home/menards-collectibles/train-stuff-from-menards/train-stuff/ho-scale-model-power-electrical-tower/06795/p-1542180519359-c-13318.htm
Don't recall hearing about Menards buying out old Model Power existing stock or some other arrangement, but might have just missed it. Last I heard, Model Power HO stuff was being made by/for Lionel.
Can't speak to what an Ebay seller might adverstise, but the link provided above simply lists and HO scale Model Power structure for sale...sold in Menards stores or webstore. Its a Model Power product with a Menards inventory SKU #
IMO, it speaks to Menards possibly branching out their inventory to include more hobby items other than their assembled structure branded under their own name. I don't see from this where Menards is expanding into the product manufacturing business.
- Douglas
Model Power went out of business in 2014, and it's model train line was purchased by Lionel in 2018. AFAIK no "Model Power" branded products have been made since 2014, though many of the old MP items are being sold under the Lionel brand name in the familiar Lionel orange and blue boxes. I guess it's possible Menards bought some old MP stuff from somewhere and now are selling them as essentially "new old stock" until they're all gone. Maybe Lionel made a deal with Menards to sell Model Power stuff but using the Model Power name instead of Lionel for some reason.
Many of the Menard's HO scale structures look suspiciously like built-up versions of old kits...