The price chopper does it again. It appears that Menards is entering the O gauge powered engine market. Its initial offering is an F3 model at the price of $129.95. The run quickly sold out but I see this as Menards introduction to offer more O Gauge engines in different road names at affordable prices.
see it here: https://www.menards.com/main/p-1841405561230112.htm
I just knew it was only a matter of time before Menards got into the O gauge power business, it was just a question of when.
A couple of things:
I read the promo ad, and I'm a little concerned there's no mention of conventional control. (OK, "concerned" may be too strong a word, I won't lose sleep over it.) Radio control with no fall-back position is a little risky in my opinion. Electronics fail. Also, at $129.95 the electronics may be a little TOO inexpensive, if you follow my line of thought. I'd be more comfortable with a conventional control locomotive at that price point. "You get what you pay for."
That being said, a conventional control series of locomotives priced below the $200 mark could be/is exactly what the hobby needs! I did send an e-mail to their suggestion address advising a conventional control option. I haven't gotten an answer back but really don't expect to, I'm sure they're busy.
Best of luck with the new product line to 'em!
Yeah, I'm not sure what's going on with RMT. Their website's still active and it looks like they're still importing but selling directly to the consumer.
Availability seems to be spotty as well.
I like the "Beeps," own six as a matter of fact, but I agree $130 is a bit steep for a little conventional locomotive with no horn or bell. You couldn't fit one in one of them anyway.
Good little pullers though, put two or more together and they'll pull anything!
Anyway, here's the website as of today.
http://www.readymadetoys.com/
Menards is a large well financed company that is being opportunistic in trying to capture the low to mid range of the O gauge model train market. I beieve that they have been successful in this plan. On the other hand RMT is basically a one man parasite operation that imports swag and leftover stock made on abandoned tooling.
dlagrua The price chopper does it again.
The price chopper does it again.
Rob
Is it just me, or is this model longer than scale? The fuel tank in particular looks too long.
Bob Nelson
lionelsoni Is it just me, or is this model longer than scale? The fuel tank in particular looks too long.
The length looks about right, but you could be correct about the fuel tank. However, I'm not an F3 expert, and considering the proposed price point I doubt anyone's likely to worry overmuch about scale dimensions.
They did, however, pack an amazing amount of detail in the trucks!
Flintlock76 lionelsoni Is it just me, or is this model longer than scale? The fuel tank in particular looks too long. The length looks about right, but you could be correct about the fuel tank. However, I'm not an F3 expert, and considering the proposed price point I doubt anyone's likely to worry overmuch about scale dimensions. They did, however, pack an amazing amount of detail in the trucks!
Check out Model Railroader for October 2006.
This has a destailed article on F unit differences on pages 60 to 65.
My main concern would be the lack of dynamic brakes on a Santa Fe unit. An F3 should have two rectangular grilles lengthwise side by side ahead of the radiator fans (or an additional 36" fan).
The lack of a pointed roof overhang at the rear is afeature of late F7s and F9s.
The stainless steel grilles are the wong pattern, again being a late F7 early F9 feature. But Santa Fe did update their F3s with later pattern grilles.
No Santa Fe A F-unit had steam heating boilers.
However, given the intended market and the intention to produce models in other road names, this appears to be a good model even at a somewhat higher price.
Peter
I think it!s pretty clear what Menards was doing with this particular run. From the description of the engine in question:
Remember, the purpose of this test run is to gather feedback. The more people who get one, the better... this will help guide us in the future. Please email your thoughts and feedback to Ray at guest@menard-inc.com
Please email your thoughts and feedback to Ray at guest@menard-inc.com
And I'd take him up on the offer to comment.
What IF Menard's can eventually produce similar quality locomotives to their line of structures...? Could be a game-changer in the toy train market.
It's a TOY train
Some of you sound like rivet counters that should be over on MRR forum. This will be great for newbies.
Banks, Proud member of the OTTS TCA 12-67310
Good point Banks!
For that price it's unrealistic to expect super-scale realism. But for an entry-level hobbyist, it's just fine. Hey, if all you want to do is have fun with the trains it's just fine for everyone!
Oh yeah, MRR rivet counters. I think some of those boys aren't happy unless they've got something to be upset about. In fact, I might just look in there now to see what the latest agony is!
I like the review that Chris from RBP Trains just did, on YouTube.
Banks It's a TOY train Some of you sound like rivet counters that should be over on MRR forum. This will be great for newbies.
Banks,,,, you said what I wanted to!!!
Joined 1-21-2011 TCA 13-68614
Kev, From The North Bluff Above Marseilles IL.
KRM Banks It's a TOY train Some of you sound like rivet counters that should be over on MRR forum. This will be great for newbies. Banks,,,, you said what I wanted to!!!
I always believed that a model railroad is viewed in the contect of the whole. Perople do not come over with rulers and magnifying glasses to check it out. As long as a piece is "semi-scale" I'll buy it. This would not stop me from buying a $129.95 engine
fifedog I like the review that Chris from RBP Trains just did, on YouTube.
Here's the video, very well done, professional quality. (Although I wish he'd get to the various points just a little bit sooner.)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8PQaFZkQYsU
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