Chris gave a really detailed review of a well made locomotive, and the demand is there. I'd say a good follow up product would be an unpowered, "B" unit. Not sold together, but as an option. Put me on the wish list if you do a Burlington Northern F7 livery, as they live too often in the realm of ho scale. Make an O scale, purdy please!
@@SoundGuyZackProd be patient they have to fix all the flaws this was a test run I think they are probably going to paint the chassis and trucks fix the horn and speed control
Nice to see that someone has figured out that if you want the hobby to survive, you can't act as if everyone is a rivet counting millionaire. Get more people into the hobby, and that's good for everyone.
I agree. All it needs is adjustable speed control and it’d be perfect. But for the price it’s a good product. Model N scale here, and this product has my seal of approval even though I don’t collect any O scale, (too big and expensive for me).
This is amazing! The engine does not even look half bad pulling the scale passenger cars. If Menards could tweak the bell and horn sounds, fix the speed, and maybe add some separately applied details, this engine would sell fast.
Thanks for doing a apples to apples comparison! My opinion about Menards is it’s a good thing for the hobby. A lot of us love the hobby but can’t afford the high end stuff. Great job Menards! Thanks for a fantastic post!
I might not be the only one hoping the MTH Railking tooling goes into their hands. At the moment Scaletrains has the HO and S, and Atlas has the Premier so I feel Menards might take good care of the RK stuff, if not maybe Williams
Chris, I thank you for the review! I think if Menard's makes these for Christmas at $150, they will sell every single one and more kids can be introduced to a hobby that has skyrocketed into one for wealthy people!
Agree! I have so many friends with kids who are trying to get them trains and the cost is tough. This is the perfect way to get the hobby to more people.
Everyone needs to keep the price in mind. For the price I think this is excellent quality. Menards seems to know what they’re doing in this market and they appear to listen to customer feedback. Can’t wait to see what other models they come out with
Looks like an excellent model for the price point! I think kids will definitely enjoy how bright the headlight is, I know that was one of my favorite things when I was a kid. Laying on the floor in the dark running trains and watching the headlight gleam off the rails!
I am very impressed. Looks like a great buy for the money. I have 11 menards buildings on my layout along with a billboard and train cars and automobiles. I am happy with everything I’ve already bought.I happy to see menards is getting into the main ingredient now.
I like that he called the engine "Menards" thats a good name for it. I also dig the chrome front and trucks/ chassis. Makes it stand out from the competition. Excellent review.
Chris, I enjoy watching your channel. As for the Menard F3 review over all it looks really good. The two things that I see are as follows: 1. The horn needs to be able to continuously sound while pressing the button. 2. They need to work on the variable speed control. Overall Menards has some great trains cars and buildings. It's nice to see that F3 is made in the USA. I am hoping Lionel brings back their manufacturing to the US. Thanks again, Ken M.
Very NICE SANTA FE locomotive with a very COOL remote! I need to check out Menards for sure! I usually by my ho scale trains and accessories from Hayes Hobby shop in Fayetteville. N.C and they are a bit pricey! Very NEAT SANTA FE locomotive with a very COOL layout! That locomotive sounds really GOOD with a very NICE horn and light! AWESOME video with an AWESOME SANTA FE locomotive Chris!
Great video Chris. I like the engine and love the price. New stuff is usually out of reach for a lot of us due to the price, so if Menards can pull this off and produce a quality product, it will be a game changer. My biggest complaint is the 0-50 speed. A good engine should be able to go slow, even crawl. So that should be their first fix. The engine certainly seems strong enough. It looks to be a great product. Looking forward to what they do next.
On the speed here is what I do: when I start, I set track voltage to 11 volts. Then start the loco, and increase voltage slowly to 18. When ready to stop, I reverse the procedure. This at least makes it that stop/start are not derailing operations. I also tested. This one is geared for torque, not speed. At 22 volts, full throttle, it still handles O42 90 degree curves. This is GREAT for grandkids.
I am very happy someone is actually getting into the O-scale market with an affordable product, regardless of its limitations. Menards gets an A+ for doing what nobody else is doing in that regard. As for the engine's performance, I certainly can get used to how it performs based on what it costs. The only changes I would make are rather minor - drop the chrome finish on the trucks and replace with gray or black; and either reduce the gearing to make it move out slower or add a flywheel to the motor for smoother starts and stops. Other than that, it's really hard to find fault in what you are getting for $200!
Sound quality is similar to the very early Lionel rail sounds system, but for the price you can’t beat it! For that price I’m surprised that it even has sound at all!
Great review Chris, I think it is great that Menards is focusing more on the general O Gauge model railroader instead of the high detailed scale market. I think that if they would offer a normal conventional locomotive with a E-unit that would give them a bigger market. All in all the sounds could use some work and the scale (to me) is a little off but hey its a toy train! Again thanks for a wonderful video Chris. Always enjoy watching your videos.
I really like the use of LEGO people on your layout! I'd never thought about how close they are to 1:48 scale... It doesn't have to be "prototypical" to put a smile on the face.
Very interesting locomotive. Its really not that bad for the price as well as Menard’s first time at a locomotive and I’m happy to see them create engines! I hope to see Menards come into the HO world a little bit more. Great video as always, Chris! Keep em coming!
It was a great review. I am actually impressed with Menard’s first try at a locomotive. I hope that Menard’s uses this and other reviews to make some tweaks and produce a great starter loco.
I also got one of the engines. It looks great! I was one of the people who got one with the controller problem. I was able to solve it by shimming the contact plates using a cut business card. I am also coupling it to my Williams F7 B unit as well as the F7 dummy. It is a great puller. Menards hit it out of the park IMHO. I love the chrome pilots by the way.
I first purchased my first Menards train item on Christmas day to get some cars for my new Lionel NKP 2-8-0. I still have the boxcar and flatcar and they are awesome!
I had signed up for the Menard's e-Newsletter back in the spring, and got the notification for this engine over last weekend. I jumped on the offer and ordered it; the unit arrived Thursday. Unfortunately, I will not be able to run it until sometime in the Fall due to construction here at the house (layout has been packed away during the process). VERY excited! I did look at the unit; very well built! Now I want the REST of the Santa Fe rolling stock to go with it!!! Menard's has a lot of wonderful freight rolling stock and O-Gauge accessories (I had to buy the "Alien Cattle Abduction"!). I hope they expand the line to include more track and rolling stock (passenger car) options. So far, everything I've bought from them has been top notch. Thank you for the review! Love your channel!
Thanks for watching! I am sure you are ready to get your layout up and running again once construction wraps! Sounds like it will be just in time for the Holidays!
FINALLY!!! Got to set up my Menard's Santa Fe diesel! Hit a slight bug with the remote, but caught the comment to take some pliers and tweak the battery contacts in the remote, and that worked. Love this engine! Got a 4x8 inside figure-8 set up and it runs beautifully (using MTH track). Bought 4 Lionel Santa Fe passenger cars to go with it. This is GREAT!!!
The only issue with Menards is that they need to expand west a little bit. I'd like to have one here in the Dallas area. I ordered some of their D-Germ as it was recommended by Junkyard Digs and I paid more in shipping than I did for the product, lol. But anyways. Very cool to see somebody else manufacturing O gauge. I'm more of an HO person but my youngest brother likes O. Also props for the Katy shirt. MKT was my home railroad growing up and now live closest to a KCS yard.
That's a decent engine at a decent price. It kind of reminds me of the engines Williams produced many years ago. It sure will allow those on a tight budget to obtain engines and enjoy the hobby too! Great job Menards! Thanks Chris for the comparison and review video.
your my new favorite train freak! Love the vids! Loved trains since I was a kid and have accumulated a bunch of o gauge trains both mth and lionel. Alas, I have to sell them off as I don’t have the room I used to have and have begun to collect ho gauge.
I was so ready to hear the horn... then you pushed the button. I would take an increased price point for a better horn and a more yellow LED system instead of blue. I can see it now, this engine coming in a starter set with menards track and cars and I think that would be AWESOME! Go Menard's!!
I really like the look of this engine! Menards has done a great job with their first engine and I seriously hope this is successful so Menards will do more like this! Awesome video Chris, love your content!
$150 for a new Diesel engine is pretty damn good! A Lionel version that breaks a lot is $300 not including Bluetooth... I think. It’s been a while since I’ve looked at the new shit cuz once you get an old Lionel Postwar engine they’re way better/more metal & they’re tough as nails.
Nice video, as always. The Menards F3 is a credible first try. Decoration and construction look very nice. I would offer a few product improvements. First, the locomotive gearing is too high for smooth operation. It should be possible to crawl the locomotive from a stop, rather than the abrupt jack rabbit start. Second, a warm white LED headlamp and backup lamp would look more realistic. Third, the chrome plating on the trucks, pilot, and fuel tank could be toned down by darkening or better yet replaced with silver paint.
Great video, young man !! So good to see some affordability in the hobby. Both Menards and Lionel, plus Williams equipment available, makes for an exciting venture in model railroading. The hobby needs more new blood. These products will make that happen.
Now Menard's just needs to make this locomotive a regular production product to where everyone can buy one an no one feels bad for not being able to get one
I'm with you in wanting that horn to be more controllable and the bell sounds are eh. The thing that really stinks is no slow speed control. But if this motor is made to last, then awesome, who cares about the bells and horns for $150. Hopefully we can get more like this (especially at this price!), since Lionel is nearing a Monopoly on O gauge (we have some MTH continuation and Williams by Bachmann is somewhat in the conversation, but still... nothing like N or HO).
I think Menards did a great job with this "entry level" Loco. Thanks for the review, Chris! I was about 1 hr late ordering mine...Sold Out! Hopefully more are coming down the line at Menards.
I LOVE TRAINS ! This is a great review. I think Maynards is on to something here. For $150 dollars it's a great starter locomotive to get a new enthusiast into the wonderful hobby of model railroading. Plus I love that it shows that you don't have to spend a fortune to have a lot of fun. Start small and watch your budget.
i LOVE Menards train cars and track. Love em all day. I didn't read the email till late in the day so this engine passed me by, from what i see on your viddy it was a solid first offering (i heart the chrome!), despite the sounds maybe being a little help needed...
Really enjoyed your video I like the fact that Menards is thinking about making locomotives one thing I would love to see is be able to go slow or fast not just one speed and maybe be able to hook more than one engine up
Congratulations Chris on THE catch of 2021. The first I heard of this was when someone posted their engine on facebook and I jokingly commented "What, did they only make a hundred of these?" Well, now I know - 200. Even for O-gauge trains that's a very small number. For the money you can't beat it. Start adding 'improvements' and the cost will go up.
Cool demo - Mine is still in the box. Waiting for the grandchildren to come over so they can take the first run. 😎 • Cheers from the Detroit & Mackinac Railway 🚂
It's on the level of some of the lion chief engines but at a lower price. They get the horn and bell figured out and they'll be able to compete with lionel for beginner engines.
For the price it looks great having affordable oh gauge trains may bring some life back into this hobby. I have some Menards freight cars and have been very pleased with them they are not scale quality or price but that’s OK they are more like the trains that I played with when I was a kid.
That is such a cool engine! I was shocked to see menards is doing engines now! I wish they would just have longer horn though on the sounds but really cool awesome engine!
Great video, Chris. I like the engine too and agree with your observations. The horn is weak and it lacks a smooth start and stop. Though I thought it was smoother in forward. Can’t beat the price. I’d buy one
Its unbelievably cool. The most excited I've been in a while. If you added a dummy A behind it with those cars, at quick glance looks like any other $1,000 engine. I did crack up though....modern Lionel (PWC 2383, Conv. Classics 2343, 120th Anniv. Set 2353/2333) just can't get their iconic engine correct. The bright, glossy red on the MTH is what the color should look like on the Menards and the Lionels. Not sure if this is cost saving, more prototypical or the marketing dept. not functioning.
The way people get into the model railroading hobby nowadays is through secondhand trains that they pick up at train sales. In the old days you bought your kids a Mark's train layout and if they did not destroy it then you bought something made by Lionel.
The acceleration thing is something to work on . It looks nice, but the chrome on the bottom and trucks is a bit much. Make the horn louder and the bell slower. I do want one of the ATSF Warbonnets when they start the production run , and other road names if they do them. I have all the ATSF Menards rolling stock and pull them with a Lionel Lionchief from The SuperChief set. Would be nice to have a Menards Chief to do the job. 👍❤🇺🇸
Thanks for this surprising model review, Chris! It's a great looking model, even with lacking much detail! I agree that the horn needs an upgrade. Being able to hold the horn button manually to get a longer or shorter horn blast would be a good improvement. Much prefer manual control, anyway.
Well, glad that Menards is dipping it's toe into locomotives. That being said, I've got my own critique on this. 1. Slow speed control and start up need major improvements. 2. This is an EMD locomotive. Sounds like it has an ALCO motor. ALCO sound board. 3. Horn needs to have the ability to be controlled by the operator, not a single shot deal. Pros 1. Good paint job. 2. Nice detail. Good basic casting detail. 3. Sounds like Menards has a good price point. With some small improvements they can give Lionel some competition that they sorely need. 4. Like the Lionchief style control. Another good idea. They really should try an ALCO or EMD switcher next. Like an SW-7 or an S-2.
The Menards F3 seems like a mix between the MPC & Kughn era locomotives that you saw in the catalogues and in the hobby shops during that time. The bright livery of the MPC era locos with the diesel sound internals from the Kughn era is a great starting point for a new manufacturer to the market. I would hope that they improve the horn sound and maybe add some flywheels to the motors (if possible), once that's done they've got a great locomotive for newcomers to the hobby.
Other than the jerky start and stop when power is applied that's a very impressive unit. For $150 I could see it being a pretty popular addition to a lot of O gauge railroads.
149.00 ! ! The 1953 Lionel catalog shows a double A ( 1 powered 1 non powered) 2353 Santa Fe or 2354 NYC had a consumer catalog price of 47.50. Yes a double in 1953 , but the current decorating ,electrical sophistication,crew sound is excellent. In the 1950s the Lionel were toys today’s these are produced for more discerning operators adults. Still this engine is a great value.
Just wanted to say you did a great review on the menards train I have a lot of their buildings and rolling stock You can’t beat their prices the train cars need a little adjustment of the axles and wheels and couplers but after that they are ok Great Batman comparison 😁
With the lack luster horn and no smoke unit is just a minor complaint for a unit at this price. It's a good first attempt menard's. Hope to see more locomotives from them.
This is fantastic! My only complaints are the bell and whistle sounds are not realistic (which should be easy to fix) and the single speed step. Great video!
Amazing engine! Little disappointed with the horn and speed control, however, considering that this is there first engine it is acceptable. Can’t wait to see how they expand their fleet.
There needs to be an affordable line of locos and rolling stock to encourage newcomers into the hobby, as well as for established modellers like myself who are on a budget. Menards just keeps on surprising in this regard, and I couldn't be happier seeing them release their first locomotive. Hopefully after a few tweaks it'll get a full production run, which I confidently predict would sell like hotcakes, and it could very well lead to more in the future, which is an exciting prospect. Definitely hope to buy one!
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Thanks for the review, Chris!
Absolutely! This was a lot of fun and I can’t wait to see what is next! Thank you for making this model.
Chris gave a really detailed review of a well made locomotive, and the demand is there.
I'd say a good follow up product would be an unpowered, "B" unit. Not sold together, but as an option.
Put me on the wish list if you do a Burlington Northern F7 livery, as they live too often in the realm of ho scale. Make an O scale, purdy please!
You guys wanna release some more now? 😂
@@SoundGuyZackProd be patient they have to fix all the flaws this was a test run
I think they are probably going to paint the chassis and trucks fix the horn and speed control
Nice to see that someone has figured out that if you want the hobby to survive, you can't act as if everyone is a rivet counting millionaire. Get more people into the hobby, and that's good for everyone.
I agree. All it needs is adjustable speed control and it’d be perfect. But for the price it’s a good product. Model N scale here, and this product has my seal of approval even though I don’t collect any O scale, (too big and expensive for me).
This is amazing! The engine does not even look half bad pulling the scale passenger cars. If Menards could tweak the bell and horn sounds, fix the speed, and maybe add some separately applied details, this engine would sell fast.
The more detail you get the higher the price goes up
I would settle for the speed and horn, I could 3d print the details if I wanted them
It's nice to know that Menard's is expanding their train business.
I love it!
Menards just needs to adjust the acceleration throttle and this train will fly off the shelves. As always ..quality video. 👍🏻
They should make it really touchy/if you goose it it’ll break the wheels free & haul ass like the old Lionel diesels did.
Thanks for doing a apples to apples comparison! My opinion about Menards is it’s a good thing for the hobby. A lot of us love the hobby but can’t afford the high end stuff. Great job Menards! Thanks for a fantastic post!
It was great to see the comparison to other models.
@@dagryffynhobby Hi, I watch your channel a lot as well. But one thing, could you please raise your volume a little. It's a little low.
@@0779BooBoo yeah I need to get a mic!
I might not be the only one hoping the MTH Railking tooling goes into their hands. At the moment Scaletrains has the HO and S, and Atlas has the Premier so I feel Menards might take good care of the RK stuff, if not maybe Williams
Just about all my stuff is old postwar stuff, Lionel, Marx and Flyer. The new stuff is out of my price range.
For that price, there is absolutely NOTHING to criticize. I'm impressed.
Chris, I thank you for the review! I think if Menard's makes these for Christmas at $150, they will sell every single one and more kids can be introduced to a hobby that has skyrocketed into one for wealthy people!
Agree! I have so many friends with kids who are trying to get them trains and the cost is tough. This is the perfect way to get the hobby to more people.
He's testing the market, a shrewd business man.
Definitely!!
I use Ho trains, because they are smaller and easier to fit in smaller spaces.
@@tuftyterror983, my post did not talk about HO gauge nor the pluses or minuses of HO. If you prefer HO, do it as it is your money and time!
Everyone needs to keep the price in mind. For the price I think this is excellent quality. Menards seems to know what they’re doing in this market and they appear to listen to customer feedback. Can’t wait to see what other models they come out with
Very Cool. 2 Thumbs up here. Always love seeing the Santa Fe's
Looks like an excellent model for the price point! I think kids will definitely enjoy how bright the headlight is, I know that was one of my favorite things when I was a kid. Laying on the floor in the dark running trains and watching the headlight gleam off the rails!
The train looks spectacular
I am very impressed. Looks like a great buy for the money. I have 11 menards buildings on my layout along with a billboard and train cars and automobiles. I am happy with everything I’ve already bought.I happy to see menards is getting into the main ingredient now.
Since most of us were kids when we got our first trains this is a HOMERUN for Menards....
Know your audience !!!
looks like a good loco for the money, hopefully Menards heeds it's feedback and fixes the horn and throttle, great demo, thanks!
I like that he called the engine "Menards" thats a good name for it. I also dig the chrome front and trucks/ chassis. Makes it stand out from the competition. Excellent review.
Chris, I enjoy watching your channel. As for the Menard F3 review over all it looks really good. The two things that I see are as follows:
1. The horn needs to be able to continuously sound while pressing the button.
2. They need to work on the variable speed control.
Overall Menards has some great trains cars and buildings. It's nice to see that F3 is made in the USA. I am hoping Lionel brings back their manufacturing to the US.
Thanks again,
Ken M.
The only good use for a Time Machine: To go back to 1960 and ride the Santa Fe!
Very NICE SANTA FE locomotive with a very COOL remote! I need to check out Menards for sure! I usually by my ho scale trains and accessories from Hayes Hobby shop in Fayetteville. N.C and they are a bit pricey! Very NEAT SANTA FE locomotive with a very COOL layout! That locomotive sounds really GOOD with a very NICE horn and light! AWESOME video with an AWESOME SANTA FE locomotive Chris!
Great video Chris. I like the engine and love the price. New stuff is usually out of reach for a lot of us due to the price, so if Menards can pull this off and produce a quality product, it will be a game changer.
My biggest complaint is the 0-50 speed. A good engine should be able to go slow, even crawl. So that should be their first fix. The engine certainly seems strong enough. It looks to be a great product. Looking forward to what they do next.
Improve the whistle sound!! Its very weak !!!!
I am with you on the value and the comment about speed control. Curious to see how these evolve. Nice haul as well during your vacation!
On the speed here is what I do: when I start, I set track voltage to 11 volts. Then start the loco, and increase voltage slowly to 18. When ready to stop, I reverse the procedure. This at least makes it that stop/start are not derailing operations.
I also tested. This one is geared for torque, not speed. At 22 volts, full throttle, it still handles O42 90 degree curves. This is GREAT for grandkids.
I am very happy someone is actually getting into the O-scale market with an affordable product, regardless of its limitations. Menards gets an A+ for doing what nobody else is doing in that regard. As for the engine's performance, I certainly can get used to how it performs based on what it costs. The only changes I would make are rather minor - drop the chrome finish on the trucks and replace with gray or black; and either reduce the gearing to make it move out slower or add a flywheel to the motor for smoother starts and stops. Other than that, it's really hard to find fault in what you are getting for $200!
Exact thing I said as well
The horn could better, but still a great starter.
Sound quality is similar to the very early Lionel rail sounds system, but for the price you can’t beat it! For that price I’m surprised that it even has sound at all!
Great review Chris, I think it is great that Menards is focusing more on the general O Gauge model railroader instead of the high detailed scale market. I think that if they would offer a normal conventional locomotive with a E-unit that would give them a bigger market. All in all the sounds could use some work and the scale (to me) is a little off but hey its a toy train! Again thanks for a wonderful video Chris. Always enjoy watching your videos.
A very exciting development indeed! I can't wait to see what other locomotives they make!
I really like the use of LEGO people on your layout! I'd never thought about how close they are to 1:48 scale...
It doesn't have to be "prototypical" to put a smile on the face.
Very interesting locomotive. Its really not that bad for the price as well as Menard’s first time at a locomotive and I’m happy to see them create engines! I hope to see Menards come into the HO world a little bit more. Great video as always, Chris! Keep em coming!
Great review Chris and that engine looks great on your layout. Thank you for the shout out as well, it's much appreciated!
It was a great review.
I am actually impressed with Menard’s first try at a locomotive. I hope that Menard’s uses this and other reviews to make some tweaks and produce a great starter loco.
Great intro budget train. Super stoked to see the next train they make. Full control horn is a must.
I also got one of the engines. It looks great! I was one of the people who got one with the controller problem. I was able to solve it by shimming the contact plates using a cut business card. I am also coupling it to my Williams F7 B unit as well as the F7 dummy. It is a great puller. Menards hit it out of the park IMHO. I love the chrome pilots by the way.
I first purchased my first Menards train item on Christmas day to get some cars for my new Lionel NKP 2-8-0. I still have the boxcar and flatcar and they are awesome!
Cool! The Santa Fe is my second favorite railroad, and the f unit's are my favorite engines on their fleet. Nice video, thanks!
I had signed up for the Menard's e-Newsletter back in the spring, and got the notification for this engine over last weekend. I jumped on the offer and ordered it; the unit arrived Thursday. Unfortunately, I will not be able to run it until sometime in the Fall due to construction here at the house (layout has been packed away during the process). VERY excited! I did look at the unit; very well built! Now I want the REST of the Santa Fe rolling stock to go with it!!! Menard's has a lot of wonderful freight rolling stock and O-Gauge accessories (I had to buy the "Alien Cattle Abduction"!). I hope they expand the line to include more track and rolling stock (passenger car) options. So far, everything I've bought from them has been top notch.
Thank you for the review! Love your channel!
Thanks for watching! I am sure you are ready to get your layout up and running again once construction wraps! Sounds like it will be just in time for the Holidays!
FINALLY!!! Got to set up my Menard's Santa Fe diesel! Hit a slight bug with the remote, but caught the comment to take some pliers and tweak the battery contacts in the remote, and that worked. Love this engine! Got a 4x8 inside figure-8 set up and it runs beautifully (using MTH track). Bought 4 Lionel Santa Fe passenger cars to go with it. This is GREAT!!!
Menards in Avon Indiana NEVER has never had enough trains for sale at all, where can a catalog for all trains for sale??
Nice going Menards! Love their building! Wish they did S gauge engines!
Pretty cool that your first piece from Menards is their First Engine! Congrats. Great video!
The only issue with Menards is that they need to expand west a little bit. I'd like to have one here in the Dallas area. I ordered some of their D-Germ as it was recommended by Junkyard Digs and I paid more in shipping than I did for the product, lol. But anyways. Very cool to see somebody else manufacturing O gauge. I'm more of an HO person but my youngest brother likes O. Also props for the Katy shirt. MKT was my home railroad growing up and now live closest to a KCS yard.
That's a decent engine at a decent price. It kind of reminds me of the engines Williams produced many years ago. It sure will allow those on a tight budget to obtain engines and enjoy the hobby too! Great job Menards! Thanks Chris for the comparison and review video.
When they get the acceleration worked out I am in !!! Then come out swinging with unpowered A and B units as well as more road names
Put a flywheel inside to smooth out acceleration and improve on the horn sound, and they have a winner.
Jump all the electronic crap and run it off the transformer throttle.
Enjoyed the latest video today .Thanks
your my new favorite train freak! Love the vids! Loved trains since I was a kid and have accumulated a bunch of o gauge trains both mth and lionel. Alas, I have to sell them off as I don’t have the room I used to have and have begun to collect ho gauge.
I was so ready to hear the horn... then you pushed the button.
I would take an increased price point for a better horn and a more yellow LED system instead of blue. I can see it now, this engine coming in a starter set with menards track and cars and I think that would be AWESOME! Go Menard's!!
I really like the look of this engine! Menards has done a great job with their first engine and I seriously hope this is successful so Menards will do more like this! Awesome video Chris, love your content!
Thanks for the comment and for watching!
Great review Chris! Looks great and surprisingly runs really well on a layout of your style
Thats a cracking little engine, iv never heard of them , im in UK 🇬🇧 💪👍
I could have watched it for hours running your track. It's a lovely train have fun with it.
Very nice F Series Deisel Engine from Menards.
I would purchase one .
Awh man Im disappointed i missed this!! Hope they make them a normal addition to their line, I love their cars and buildings!
$150 for a new Diesel engine is pretty damn good! A Lionel version that breaks a lot is $300 not including Bluetooth... I think. It’s been a while since I’ve looked at the new shit cuz once you get an old Lionel Postwar engine they’re way better/more metal & they’re tough as nails.
Nice video, as always. The Menards F3 is a credible first try. Decoration and construction look very nice. I would offer a few product improvements. First, the locomotive gearing is too high for smooth operation. It should be possible to crawl the locomotive from a stop, rather than the abrupt jack rabbit start. Second, a warm white LED headlamp and backup lamp would look more realistic. Third, the chrome plating on the trucks, pilot, and fuel tank could be toned down by darkening or better yet replaced with silver paint.
The engine looks pretty sharp with those chrome platted passenger cars
Great video, young man !! So good to see some affordability in the hobby.
Both Menards and Lionel, plus Williams equipment available, makes for an exciting venture in model railroading. The hobby needs more new blood. These products will make that happen.
Now Menard's just needs to make this locomotive a regular production product to where everyone can buy one an no one feels bad for not being able to get one
I'm with you in wanting that horn to be more controllable and the bell sounds are eh.
The thing that really stinks is no slow speed control.
But if this motor is made to last, then awesome, who cares about the bells and horns for $150. Hopefully we can get more like this (especially at this price!), since Lionel is nearing a Monopoly on O gauge (we have some MTH continuation and Williams by Bachmann is somewhat in the conversation, but still... nothing like N or HO).
I think Menards did a great job with this "entry level" Loco. Thanks for the review, Chris! I was about
1 hr late ordering mine...Sold Out! Hopefully more are coming down the line at Menards.
Thank you for this review! Definitely going to pick up a couple when there are more available! If they do more road names, then I’ll be getting more!
I LOVE TRAINS ! This is a great review. I think Maynards is on to something here. For $150 dollars it's a great starter locomotive to get a new enthusiast into the wonderful hobby of model railroading. Plus I love that it shows that you don't have to spend a fortune to have a lot of fun. Start small and watch your budget.
i LOVE Menards train cars and track. Love em all day. I didn't read the email till late in the day so this engine passed me by, from what i see on your viddy it was a solid first offering (i heart the chrome!), despite the sounds maybe being a little help needed...
I enjoyed your video on the Menards O gauge Santa Fe I am impressed with the the price and quality of the unit looks good Thanks Bent56
Really enjoyed your video I like the fact that Menards is thinking about making locomotives one thing I would love to see is be able to go slow or fast not just one speed and maybe be able to hook more than one engine up
Congratulations Chris on THE catch of 2021. The first I heard of this was when someone posted their engine on facebook and I jokingly commented "What, did they only make a hundred of these?" Well, now I know - 200. Even for O-gauge trains that's a very small number. For the money you can't beat it. Start adding 'improvements' and the cost will go up.
Great review. I think Menard’s is on to something. Definitely a great value. Thanks for sharing.
Thanks guys! Hope you are having a great summer
Cool demo - Mine is still in the box. Waiting for the grandchildren to come over so they can take the first run. 😎
• Cheers from the Detroit & Mackinac Railway 🚂
I gave this engine to my nephew after I made the video and he loves it, great idea to let your grandkids have first run!
Really looks great. And a great price also. ....
Need to tweak and refine the horn and get rid of the Jack rabbit starts and they could have a winner on their hands
Great review, nice layout. Thank you
It's on the level of some of the lion chief engines but at a lower price. They get the horn and bell figured out and they'll be able to compete with lionel for beginner engines.
Menards finally did it!!! Great review!
For the price it looks great having affordable oh gauge trains may bring some life back into this hobby. I have some Menards freight cars and have been very pleased with them they are not scale quality or price but that’s OK they are more like the trains that I played with when I was a kid.
It looks good performs well and budget friendly I think Menard has a winner there will be interesting to see what else they come out with 👍👍
That is such a cool engine! I was shocked to see menards is doing engines now! I wish they would just have longer horn though on the sounds but really cool awesome engine!
Nice job, once again great video.
Great video, Chris. I like the engine too and agree with your observations. The horn is weak and it lacks a smooth start and stop. Though I thought it was smoother in forward. Can’t beat the price. I’d buy one
Let's hope they mass produce this one for the common people with cheap(er) little layouts! Thanks for sharing.
Certainly not a bad engine for the price. And it worked right out of the box. Makes me want to go check out the O Gauge trains come train season.
Its unbelievably cool. The most excited I've been in a while. If you added a dummy A behind it with those cars, at quick glance looks like any other $1,000 engine. I did crack up though....modern Lionel (PWC 2383, Conv. Classics 2343, 120th Anniv. Set 2353/2333) just can't get their iconic engine correct. The bright, glossy red on the MTH is what the color should look like on the Menards and the Lionels. Not sure if this is cost saving, more prototypical or the marketing dept. not functioning.
Excellent review!
Nice review,thanks Chris
The way people get into the model railroading hobby nowadays is through secondhand trains that they pick up at train sales. In the old days you bought your kids a Mark's train layout and if they did not destroy it then you bought something made by Lionel.
The acceleration thing is something to work on . It looks nice, but the chrome on the bottom and trucks is a bit much. Make the horn louder and the bell slower. I do want one of the ATSF Warbonnets when they start the production run , and other road names if they do them. I have all the ATSF Menards rolling stock and pull them with a Lionel Lionchief from The SuperChief set. Would be nice to have a Menards Chief to do the job. 👍❤🇺🇸
Thanks for this surprising model review, Chris! It's a great looking model, even with lacking much detail! I agree that the horn needs an upgrade. Being able to hold the horn button manually to get a longer or shorter horn blast would be a good improvement. Much prefer manual control, anyway.
Well, glad that Menards is dipping it's toe into locomotives. That being said, I've got my own critique on this.
1. Slow speed control and start up need major improvements.
2. This is an EMD locomotive. Sounds like it has an ALCO motor. ALCO sound board.
3. Horn needs to have the ability to be controlled by the operator, not a single shot deal.
Pros
1. Good paint job.
2. Nice detail. Good basic casting detail.
3. Sounds like Menards has a good price point. With some small improvements they can give Lionel some competition that they sorely need.
4. Like the Lionchief style control. Another good idea.
They really should try an ALCO or EMD switcher next. Like an SW-7 or an S-2.
The Menards F3 seems like a mix between the MPC & Kughn era locomotives that you saw in the catalogues and in the hobby shops during that time. The bright livery of the MPC era locos with the diesel sound internals from the Kughn era is a great starting point for a new manufacturer to the market. I would hope that they improve the horn sound and maybe add some flywheels to the motors (if possible), once that's done they've got a great locomotive for newcomers to the hobby.
Thank you so much for a review! I was wondering how this loco performed for while-
I just like the paint details and watching it go on the track
And I appreciate that they didn't do it sloppy
Nice, great puller!
Other than the jerky start and stop when power is applied that's a very impressive unit. For $150 I could see it being a pretty popular addition to a lot of O gauge railroads.
I think that's the idea, and that idea is awesome! I hope these turn out nicely.
The longer body on this reminds me of the fp7. The California Zephyr had a few of them, and they were longer
pretty good for their first time
149.00 ! ! The 1953 Lionel catalog shows a double A ( 1 powered 1 non powered) 2353 Santa Fe or 2354 NYC had a consumer catalog price of 47.50. Yes a double in 1953 , but the current decorating ,electrical sophistication,crew sound is excellent. In the 1950s the Lionel were toys today’s these are produced for more discerning operators adults. Still this engine is a great value.
I work for Menards in Baraboo wisconsin and I never knew we sold locos
Just wanted to say you did a great review on the menards train I have a lot of their buildings and rolling stock You can’t beat their prices the train cars need a little adjustment of the axles and wheels and couplers but after that they are ok Great Batman comparison 😁
With the lack luster horn and no smoke unit is just a minor complaint for a unit at this price. It's a good first attempt menard's. Hope to see more locomotives from them.
Nice engine!
This is fantastic! My only complaints are the bell and whistle sounds are not realistic (which should be easy to fix) and the single speed step. Great video!
Agree about the bell, whistle and speed. Hopefully we get electronic couplers too but we shall see. Thanks for watching!
And the sound board. Swear it sounds like an ALCO.
great video
Amazing engine! Little disappointed with the horn and speed control, however, considering that this is there first engine it is acceptable. Can’t wait to see how they expand their fleet.
There needs to be an affordable line of locos and rolling stock to encourage newcomers into the hobby, as well as for established modellers like myself who are on a budget.
Menards just keeps on surprising in this regard, and I couldn't be happier seeing them release their first locomotive. Hopefully after a few tweaks it'll get a full production run, which I confidently predict would sell like hotcakes, and it could very well lead to more in the future, which is an exciting prospect. Definitely hope to buy one!
Wow it looks pretty good for that price especially these days too I’d buy one!