I have to be careful how I say things here. Based on where the trains were shelved at Christmas in the Warren store I have to believe the manager has no interest in toy trains.
"IT's GOOD TO BE THE KING",by Mel Brooks
Charter Member- Tardis Train Crew (TTC) - Detroit3railers- Detroit Historical society Glancy Modular trains- Charter member BTTS
I couldn't agree more! I'm sure their model train sales would have a huge increase if they had layouts setup in each of the Menards stores across the country. Just think about it ... most people who go to Menards are hands-on people and what kid (or adult) wouldn't want to get their hands on a nice train set with lots of optional rolling stock at an affordable price!!!
One thing about trains: It doesn't matter where they’re going. What matters is deciding to get on.
Same thing at the Morris IL. store SJ, Even at Christmas they don't have much, don't know how they decide what store does what. I think every store should have an area where they have a working layout with all of the O gauge things they sell in action and a row of product, It would draw the kids into that area and also help them have more people see them for what they are. Heaven knows they waste enough floor space on stupid stuff.
It worked in the old days in the big box stores. As a kid I could not wait to go to Sears and watch the running layout.
Heck all you got to do is watch the adds on TV, everything from glasses to sofas look like they are from the 50s &60s.
Joined 1-21-2011 TCA 13-68614
Kev, From The North Bluff Above Marseilles IL.
Mt Clemens and Warren. Last time I checked they had a couple pieces left over from Christmas in the upstairs out of season floor.
Just a heads up on "not available on-line" really means Sold Out.
Some of us thought that meant you could buy them in the store. Not true, they only carry train stock in stores at Christmas time. just trying to clarify their choice of wording.
I really enjoy the US Army rolling stock! They run great behind a Lionel WWII Troop train!
I wish Menards was closer to Staten Island but I hav been to your stores on my midwest trips.
Joe Staten Island West
I would be interested in the blue one. I'll contact you via a Trains.com conversation.
Thanks for the quick reply!
UPDATE: Trains.com conversation has been sent to you.
SotaPop Hi Mark. I have a question for you about your online ordering and product availability. Today (8/3/16) Menards shows a "Goodyear O Gauge Boxcar (Blue)", but it is "Not Available Online". Being that it's still listed on the Menards website, will you be getting more of these and then making them available again online?
Hi Mark. I have a question for you about your online ordering and product availability. Today (8/3/16) Menards shows a "Goodyear O Gauge Boxcar (Blue)", but it is "Not Available Online". Being that it's still listed on the Menards website, will you be getting more of these and then making them available again online?
SotaPop,
From the looks of it, the Blue Goodyear Boxcar is sold out and has now been removed from the website. It must have sold out pretty recently before you saw it online.
Unfortunately, I don't forsee us running these boxcars again in the near future.
Thank you,Mark the Menards Train Guy
Hi Mark. I have a question for you about your online ordering and product availability. Today (8/3/16) Menards shows a "Goodyear O Gauge Boxcar (Blue)", but it is "Not Available Online". Being that it's still listed on the Menards website, will you be getting more of these and then making them available online again?
We didn't lose. We just failed to win?
Trains, trains, wonderful trains. The more you get, the more you toot!
How about General Oliver Smith's statement during the Chosin Reservoir campaign?
"We're not retreating, we're attacking in another direction!"
Or, and no-one knows who came up with this one, but it's deathless...
"WHAT? It wasn't like that in the Old Corps!"
Or even a riddle...
How many Marines does it take to change a light bulb?
NONE! Marines ain't afraid of the dark!
I'll go quietly...
Firelock76 If Menards gets enough feedback I'm sure they'll get around to it. Hey, how about a Parris Island boxcar with a push-button that triggers R. Lee Ermey quotes from "Full Metal Jacket?" Uhhhh, now that I think about it, maybe not. But if you must go with quotes how about General Lewis Burwell "Chesty" Puller something like "All right, they’re on our left, they’re on our right, they’re in front of us, they’re behind us…they can’t get away this time
If Menards gets enough feedback I'm sure they'll get around to it.
Hey, how about a Parris Island boxcar with a push-button that triggers R. Lee Ermey quotes from "Full Metal Jacket?"
Uhhhh, now that I think about it, maybe not. But if you must go with quotes how about General Lewis Burwell "Chesty" Puller something like "All right, they’re on our left, they’re on our right, they’re in front of us, they’re behind us…they can’t get away this time
How about push a button and it fires a rocket like the old 3665
Life's hard, even harder if your stupid John Wayne
http://rtssite.shutterfly.com/
The Beeps will probably show up again sometime, from somebody. RMT was the last outfit to make them, the first was (I think) an outfit called KMT.
I've got six Beeps, two of them are the special run Marine Beeps (with caboose) and I have to say RMT did their homework on those two. The first engine was numbered 1775, the second 1798, which correspond to the founding of the Continental Marines during the Revolutionary War, they were disbanded when the war ended, and then the date of the re-establishment of the Marines.
All the Beeps are good pullers. Seem like you put two or more together and they'll pull anything!
I would love to see Menards buy out all the RMT stuff and start making Bangs and Beeps. It would be perfect.
Uhhhh, now that I think about it, maybe not.
Hey Firelock being a retired Navy I also would like to see Navy and Marine Corps markings on some items.
Hey Mark, I recently purchased two of your US Army tank cars, the sound effects are a gas! Has me in stitches every time I push the button!
Of course, being a former Marine I have to confess those US Army markings on the products are no more. Gotta root for the home team ya' know!
Hello Mark, I have ordered a few Menard's cars and they look very good. Maybe you can expand the roadnames some but otherwise you are doing a good job.
robmccHi Mark. Thanks for joining us! I've purchased several pieces of rolling stock from Menard's (even though I work for your "Orange" competitor!) and I look forward to the new releases. Being a Canadian, I especially appreciate the CN items. Aside from the NS and BNSF flatcars, will there be any plans to release more modern era road names to compliment the Fallen Flag ones? Also, I've always been curious if the Menard family has a personal interest in toy trains,since it's a rather unique product for a home improvement retailer to get into.
Thank you, robmcc!
I don't expect the orange store to make model trains anytime soon but if they do, good luck to them! J
While you are you are correct, trains are a unique item to be sold in a home improvement store, it makes perfect sense when you discover our history. Our owner, John, has been a life-long hobbyist and it’s that passion that drives our endeavors within the model train hobby.
I think we can all agree that this hobby is becoming very expensive for the average person and we aim to provide quality items at a reasonable price and the buying power of Menards helps us accomplish that feat.
We do have a few Canadian items that are close to completion, so keep an eye out! I’m sure you will also see more modern era road names pop up shortly. The Fallen Flag road names have been our bread and butter but I agree that modern era has a large following as well.
Thanks for asking! -Mark the Menards Train Guy
cheapclassics Mark, Thank you for joining this group as well. I appreciate your ads in CTT. Probably you may or may not be allowed to answer this question, but I will ask anyway. Are there any plans down the road for Menards to sell any motive power or even RTR sets? You have rolling stock, track and buildings. Thank you for whatever attention you can render on this matter. Keep on training, Mike C. from Indiana
Mark,
Thank you for joining this group as well. I appreciate your ads in CTT. Probably you may or may not be allowed to answer this question, but I will ask anyway. Are there any plans down the road for Menards to sell any motive power or even RTR sets? You have rolling stock, track and buildings. Thank you for whatever attention you can render on this matter.
Keep on training,
Mike C. from Indiana
Hi Mike,
We appreciate your support!
We typically have a couple O and HO gauge ready-to-run sets in our stores during the holiday season. We've been selling train sets from Lionel and other distinguised companies for years and the response has always been great.
I feel you may be asking if we intend to produce RTR sets ourselves. Unfortunately, we do not have plans to produce our own at this time. Thanks for asking though!
-Mark the Menards Train Guy
Penny Trains aboard! Any truth to the rumors that Menards is considering opening a store in Brooklyn Ohio? (Suburban Cleveland) Becky
aboard!
Any truth to the rumors that Menards is considering opening a store in Brooklyn Ohio? (Suburban Cleveland)
Becky
Hi Becky,
That is a good question. Unfortunately, I dont have an anwer for you.
Mark, I have been wondering if you would come over here.
I have several of your items. Nice stuff and at a good price!
sir james I Welcome Mark. There's not much traffic here but I will be happy to follow along. Will you be showing Menards newest offerings as well? S.J.
Welcome Mark.
There's not much traffic here but I will be happy to follow along.
Will you be showing Menards newest offerings as well?
S.J.
Thank you, Sir James I!
Currently, we are releasing 1-2 train items each week and there is always an element of excitement that builds for release days. I would love to share that excitement with the CTT community!
I also know Bob Keller does a great job sharing our newest products via his blog as well as Bob's Train Box. We love watching his videos and reading his articles.
Welcome aboard Mark, stop in and "chew the fat" with us anytime, or just look in from time to time, you'll be amazed what you can learn here.
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