I wish Menards did preorders. I love that paint job but it sold out before I could order a set. Sadly they avoid doing reissues. It is frustrating when they advertise "Buy it now or pay much more on eBay later!" Oh well. Maybe someday they will get tired of eBay scalpers making the money and reissue the Blue Bonnets, the Sinclair tanker and other items that sold out really fast. Menards is pretty much the only new stuff I buy anymore. I wish they would run in conventional but for the price I can accept remote only operation. BTW I have had great customer service with Menards trains. I ordered one of the Santa Fe box trucks. When I unpacked it I found out it had no rear axle. I sent them a message and some pics via email. A few days later a package showed up at my house. It was a box truck with the rear axle. I was impressed. I would have gladly picked it up at the store. I liked that they let me keep the defective one. I may rig up an axle and tires / wheels or may kit bash it into something.
@@oldtechman10134 I have done sound recordings for the East Penn High railers club. I'm shocked there isn't someone in a booth taking an hour's to just record a few lines.... Slap it in and boom. Ho is smaller and you can get in cab toilet flush sound effects. Insane that for the price they can't add at least a few more so an hour running session isn't so repetitive
I am glad that someone is making an entry level engine and the metal track. This would be something I would give to a younger child to have them learn how to treat a model engine. As to the modern Lionel with the electronics, I am not sure how long they will last and since Lionel doesn’t provide parts anymore I am not sure how long they will last. Went to look if I could purchase stock in the company but it is privately owned. I enjoyed the engine and your review of it. Finally, I agree, this hobby is supposed to be fun, “why so serious Batman?”
Trainworld in Brooklyn had a great sale on Williams locomotives a few years back. Powered units for $99. Double a cab sets for $200 plus a free dummy b unit. You cannot beat free
One of my first childhood memories is my Grandfather's lionel figure 8 setup under his Christmas tree. I am now 48 and have 4 grown kids of my own. The train hobby is very close to my heart and I have a devoted train room. I own all scales, but mostly O. Most of those are Lionel and Williams. I have alot of Menards and I love them! I have rolling stock and vehicles of theirs. They are a very very good company and have very good models. No, they may not be perfect BUT... Where does our hobby start? In the imagine of us as children. Menards makes it possible for a parent who is raising 4 kids (as myself) to bring the magic of model trains I remember as a child to my kids on Christmas day. This is the magic that keeps this wonderful hobby alive! My kids and I love and appreciate Menards very much! My youngest is 18 now.and graduates this year. 3 boys and a girl love model trains now and alot of that has to do with me being able to afford Menards trains while raising them to keep the hobby alive. This is just real talk, from a real Dad who love the hobby as much as his children. Thank you ❤
Hands down best review I've seen of an A set. You hit the nail on the head when you made the statement "Calm down, have fun". I can't exactly afford Lionel products but i can afford Menards and thanks to them i can actually enjoy the hobby and afford it. One day ill have some Lionel locomotives but for now I'll enjoy what i can afford from Menards.
Affordable used O gauge items are available at train shows and flea markets. I recently purchased a running Marx diecast 666 Loco/Tender set with four cars, 50 watt transformer, 19 sections of tubular track, and 90’ crossover at a church flea market for $17, so there are many bargains out there waiting for you. 🚂
I personally think that this locomotive is really great for getting started in the O gauge hobby. It’s cheap and honestly looks really good with those chrome trucks in my opinion. My only suggestion would be to change the almost blue lights to a warm white light.
I have to say it seemed to pull with GUSTO!!!! In the red war-bonnet paint it would be nice for running around a christmas tree. Or in a custom paint scheme of red/white/green. Yes, you get what you pay for. This isn't a $1K+ train. This isn't for a collector. This is for the collectors 5-year old who wants a train of his own. I kick back and put on train content vids to just chill. I chilled with this video, a tall glass of water, and a few handfuls of peanut M&M's. Thank you.
Menards has filled a niche in the hobby market in the hobby business. By making “affordable “ halfway decent models younger enthusiasts can afford to pursue their interest in the hobby without the massive outlay other manufacturers require.
Menards reminds me of kline.They also filled a niche and so did industrial rail. Before atlas snatched them up.I don't understand why they sold to atlas so fast.They were gaining in popularity.
Hi Eric. I too got a set. I loved it right out of the box. My budget does not allow me to be able to get the high end trains from Lionel or Atlas or MTH. I rely on the older trains I’ve been getting at train shows. I bought the Red F3 Menards train too from a vendor at the Allentown show and picked up the dummy in red colors directly from Menards. The Blue set right out of the box worked great. But the dummy squeaked so bad. Tried lube but just sound horrible. The blue engine ran great for about 15 minutes then stopped dead on the track. Sounds worked and motors seemed to run but engine was seized up. No forward or backwards. Red set had its problems too. I sent back the blue set to Menards on February 28, 2023. I got a notification it was received but nothing since from Menards Train Room since. Not sure if I will every get it back ?? The red set I tweaked and fixed myself. Had to fix trucks as the train kept on jumping the tracks. The trucks were too wide and needed to be pressed together on the axel more. That was an easy fix. Also lubed the gears. And also going to add weight like you have done. Thanks for the review. Just hope I get the blue set back some day. Guess I should have just fixed myself. Not sure what kind of repairs it needed. I was so sure I would void the warranty if I took apart myself. But, guess I should have just went for it.
Menards absolutely is the best. Florida East Coast flatcar with a USA rocket on it was $30. The open deck car carrier with 6 1956 Ford trucks was a bit more, but it’s worth it and cool. Got to select which railway stickers you put on it too.
I'm a postwar/prewar operator. The closest item I have to the items you are demonstrating are my Lionel AA 204's from 1957. Much to my surprise, these units really caught my eye. If I had a pair of them, I would be running them now. The horn could be improved, and the chrome trucks would look better in silver. I would suggest applying some white lithium grease to the plastic gears and they should be fine. I'm blown away by the crew talk. It sounds great. Good upload Erick.
Being how things seem to be going regarding pricing and RUclips putting expectations on modelers to have the highest end of engines and rolling stock, I love that something like this is available. Having two young boys myself, this would make a great toy trains for them to use as opposed to one of my higher end scale Lionel trains. It allows someone to be apart of the hobby at a very very entry level price point that looks fairly nice. It also helps someone appreciate the higher end models as well and helps to understand their price point in comparison. I hope to see Menards continue on this route and maybe get a Steam engine put out eventually.
You have the right approach in assessing these Menard’s locomotives, which is refreshing, as many hobbyists are far too critical when examining lower end, very affordable, new O gauge items. 🚂
Ha this is great! Great starter engines. Fun video. Made me want to get out our Frisco Starter set from Lionel we got my son nearly 20 years ago that got us started in the hobby . Had a blast running the conventional control locomotive and the simple 0-27 cars through our elaborate layout with all the mountains and tunnel districts . Menards offerings bring a lot of fun and options to the hobby. Love their buildings . Admittedly I am only purchasing high end stuff now but occasionally it’s fun to wander into the world of simple .
They have painted kick plates under the ladders, they have builders place on the side, portholes with plastic inserts nicely equipped for decoration if you ask me
When I had my trains in '65 it was still an affordable hobby for a kid with after school job! Looks like although cool lights and "realism" have improved immensely the costs have about 3-500 Xed!!!
I worked at Menards as a teenager. It was a weird but fun place. We def had the bargains on a lot of things. It was always odd to me we had a candy section heh. I still remember my first day and my boss sending me out to pick up cigarette butts in the parking lot - me and my buddy were both cart boys. Then I graduated to Mill Work dept. I worked there in 1993. It's crazy I went in there not long ago and one or two guys who were older, non high school guys were still working there. lol I do vaguely remember seeing train stuff in our Christmas area when that was set up each December.
Menards is doing something that seems to have gone by the wayside- reducing the barrier of entry. A lionel set used to be $199.99 when i started collecting and now it seems that it’s at least double that. Sure there are more bells and whistles but if someone is interested in starting out or getting into it for their kids? $500 is too much of an investment to see if it’s a fun hobby or not. Menards having stuff at the 200 and below pricepoint i hope will grow interest in the hobby and keep the interest alive. Especially with the new generations who don’t have the room or space or disposable income.
Remember seeing some stickers on packaging or signage in store early on with the Menards train stuff that the model railroad stuff is because of someone high up in ownership or management is a train buff/ modeler. So we don't get to quote the late great John Candy and say that the capacitor blowed up blowed up real good.
Cool to see another Menards loco review! Personally I like the chrome trucks, it sets it apart from the crowd. One thing they could improve is change those blue LEDs for warm white, that should not change the cost I wouldn't think.
They look good Eric. For the price, Menards could put trains under a Christmas tree and create the initial interest in model trains. Thanks for the video!
Same for me but for Norfolk and western. Like they have so many cars painted in a Norfolk and western scheme. (clearly fictitious as It looks like 611s livery but still)
You're through and enjoyable to watch Eric. I'm loyal to N Scale because of what you can do with N Scale and the space. I have HO, been with that since I was a kid, but because of you I have a new found appreciation for O Scale!👍🏽
They look great, would love to buy some if more come available. I'm going to check whats available in flat cars with loads Fri at the show but if they are too pricey then I'm ording from Menards.
I heard from another RUclipsr that some of the Menards freight cars are actually scale sized supposedly. Been wanting to pick up some at some point. Their flashed series with the diecast vehicles are pretty cool
I have not seen any Menards rolling stock that are scale. They are closer to O-27 type toy trains. They are proportional however. And, like Eric says, very reasonably priced.
Remarkable for the money. Menards structures are also really well made - again, for the money. I agree with your comment, Eric - it's all about fun and not necessarily about precision or fine art.
Yeah their structures are amazing! The club I'm in has some on their O scale layout as well as the HO layout, they look awesome when they're all lit up!
WELL DONE Eric.! Have not got lucky enough for the Locomotive yet so BIG Thanks for the inside look. At this price point I don't complain much at all. Very few times I have had to return one. Enjoyed.! 😊
Great review and great video! Glad I waited to see your review of these trains. It was honest and informative. Like you, I think it is great that Menard’s is making this affordable entry level train. What a great way to get more people interested in this great hobby. Thank you again!
Eric, great video. I had never thought of Menards but will now go to them. In this video, I saw the big fans in one of the shots. Now living in NM and going to AZ, and CA all the time these fans fill the landscape. I do not like them but wondered where you got them in the O scale. I may get some just to keep my layout "current". Thanks, Don
Very nice model for the money, paint job looks pretty good, not bad for how cheap it is and the sounds are okay, but I agree that they should put metal gears instead of plastic ones, you get more years out of it and really get your money's worth too. Very clever way you added more weight to it to make it heavier. Great review Eric!
Awesome review Eric. I had no idea Menard’s produced a set of ‘Bluebonnets’. They look really good and are affordable which is something that is sorely lacking in the hobby today. Lionel could take a page out of Menard’s book and focus on making less expensive trains at affordable prices (looking at you Lionchief Plus 2.0!). Not every diesel needs smoke, minute details or fancy sounds like the LC+ 2.0 F3 units. Just a simple, well-made reliable engine that can do the job perfectly well, maybe with the added bonus of cruise control and operating couplers (Lionchief Plus). As for the sounds, these sound exactly like the sounds from the earliest run of Lionel’s Lionchief Plus RS-3 diesels that had the annoying beeping as opposed to the more colourful whistling sounds when you turn on the power. It would seem like Menard’s simply reverse-engineered the sounds and applied it to their diesels, hence why the horn cuts off. Perhaps as time rolls on they will fix the problem and add their own sounds to their engines. Which makes me wonder, will Menard’s perhaps produce other engines? Like more diesels, electrics or even steam locomotives? Keep up the great work Eric! And love the Eric’s Trains diesel! Super!
You didn't compare the size of these units to the size of the Lionel ones. I would have been interested to see that. What I miss when I run the Lionel low priced option is the squeal of the brakes. Many thanks though for the video. Merry Christmas & Happy New Year.
I think that at that price point it is great for people wanting to get kids into the hobby and they can grow from there. I personally applaud Menards for getting into this market
I'm 80 still a kid and I like a bargain....well presented thank you from UK PS I have a Lionel 1949 F3 set, 75 years old still running very well inc E unit ! and a 1912 Standard Gauge Electric 0-4-4-0 brass outline,again still running...................... decent Lionel is not easy to find in the UK now.........
I bought the Santa Fe Funit to pull some Santa Fe passenger cars and it did well. Problem was the cheap plastic controller. But we love it for the 129 cost we paid.
I'm so glad you gave this set an honest review! I appreciate your critique of the product, not everyone is sponsored to buy trains! Your suggestions were really good. For the money it seems to be a good buy. Thanks for timely review.
I think your tank car has more pulling power Eric- jk :) Nothin wrong with that. Like that, you work these videos from the VL to the more affordable Manards stuff and just about everything between! There is something in it for everyone. Entertaining videos, Eric! Thank you
JLC used an electric train display in his New York display window to lure customers into his appliance store. I think Menards is doing something similar.
Wow, I never knew you could find engines so cheap nowadays. I mostly need my O Gauge stuff for Terrain in my model games, so I'm not looking for quality, these are perfect!
Thanks for all of your videos I enjoy them and enjoy the fact that your significant other is involved with your hobby. I like that you give a fair review of the products that you showcase. I do not know why so many o scale train owners like to put down Menards endeavor in the train market, they should applaud them. They bring more people into the train market that they can now afford. Yes it is lower quality but they look and run very good for the price. Not everyone can afford the super high price of a new Lionel engine only to have to send it back after a few weeks because it broke because you used it for 5 hours. I guess if people would calculate the cost verses run time and enjoyment they would see the need for lower priced trains.
ok i got a lot to say here 1. the over spray does not bother me if you look at Postwar / some MPC they did the same thing they most likely made a buck paint stencil it is cheap and gives you acceptable results. 2. Lionel has failed in keeping the sounds up to date it began when they closed down the Santa Clara engineering office because of this new must have everyone in one building concept. People did not know that the Santa Clara office is where the hart of engineering was the sound engineer Rudy was stationed there and did a great job. He had access to the preproduction models and made significate improvements to the sound quality. Also he did have fun making the road specific sounds. He was not the voice actors in most product but he did do a some recordings for example the PRR keystone Hobby shop only version was his voice I have not heard the 2022 or 23 version yet but most likely it is still his voice. 3. I don't know if anyone else here is seeing this but the RCMC boards have been cheapened in the legacy models. I have a 1st generation RCMC models and still run them to this day with out any issues. The new Models I have been seeing have killed 3 boards already only 6-8 months old. Some shortly right out of the box. Now I have been working on PCB boards and doing Lionel repairs for 12 years now quality seems to be falling. the design is sound but I think some components are being substituted with less quality ones. From the video that board Manards is using looks pretty simple but well thought out. I am interested to see how they last. 4. The only thing I would change is use Pure white or warm white LEDS. 5500K-4500K range the 10000K blue tent white LEDS don't look right. About time some one gives Lionel a run for there money. Maybe this might make some of the Lioncheaf product to lower in price.
Very cool product, but those crew talk sounds! They were literally fantastic. As others have pointed out, Lionel should really improve here considering how much they charge..
I assume you could change the plastic trucks for metal. I remember those Amtrak F-40PHs , the non powered had sound boards. Than again, I guess that want keep customers.
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'Relax, calm down.....have fun'. respectfully, I wish this was more common in the hobby.
Same here. Model railroading is supposed to be fun.
This needs to be more common in society, not just this hobby. 😉
I agree I love model trains
I wish Menards did preorders.
I love that paint job but it sold out before I could order a set.
Sadly they avoid doing reissues.
It is frustrating when they advertise "Buy it now or pay much more on eBay later!"
Oh well.
Maybe someday they will get tired of eBay scalpers making the money and reissue the Blue Bonnets, the Sinclair tanker and other items that sold out really fast.
Menards is pretty much the only new stuff I buy anymore.
I wish they would run in conventional but for the price I can accept remote only operation.
BTW I have had great customer service with Menards trains.
I ordered one of the Santa Fe box trucks.
When I unpacked it I found out it had no rear axle.
I sent them a message and some pics via email.
A few days later a package showed up at my house.
It was a box truck with the rear axle.
I was impressed.
I would have gladly picked it up at the store.
I liked that they let me keep the defective one.
I may rig up an axle and tires / wheels or may kit bash it into something.
My brother and sister in law work at the home office of Menards and supposedly Jon menard, the owner has a huge o scale layout in his office
It's a big plus anyone well known or established promoting the Hobby.
Nice
oh man I'd love to see that
This just proves to me that Lionel could do a LOT more sound sequences. It's so easy to just add sounds files to a micro hard drive.
Always have been able to . MTH reuse so many sound’s unfortunately. That’s why they struggled in HO scale which has so many options
Well, to be fair, I would imagine Menards only made a single road number, so making road number specific sounds is a hell of a lot easier.
@@oldtechman10134 I have done sound recordings for the East Penn High railers club. I'm shocked there isn't someone in a booth taking an hour's to just record a few lines.... Slap it in and boom. Ho is smaller and you can get in cab toilet flush sound effects. Insane that for the price they can't add at least a few more so an hour running session isn't so repetitive
So cheap they don’t have seats for the crew members. They have to stand for their entire shift. LOL
I am glad that someone is making an entry level engine and the metal track. This would be something I would give to a younger child to have them learn how to treat a model engine. As to the modern Lionel with the electronics, I am not sure how long they will last and since Lionel doesn’t provide parts anymore I am not sure how long they will last. Went to look if I could purchase stock in the company but it is privately owned. I enjoyed the engine and your review of it. Finally, I agree, this hobby is supposed to be fun, “why so serious Batman?”
I’m thankful that Menard’s is making it easier for people to get into O Gauge. Awesome Video Eric! 🚂
Good video eric😊
Trainworld in Brooklyn had a great sale on Williams locomotives a few years back. Powered units for $99. Double a cab sets for $200 plus a free dummy b unit. You cannot beat free
One of my first childhood memories is my Grandfather's lionel figure 8 setup under his Christmas tree. I am now 48 and have 4 grown kids of my own. The train hobby is very close to my heart and I have a devoted train room. I own all scales, but mostly O. Most of those are Lionel and Williams. I have alot of Menards and I love them! I have rolling stock and vehicles of theirs. They are a very very good company and have very good models. No, they may not be perfect BUT... Where does our hobby start? In the imagine of us as children. Menards makes it possible for a parent who is raising 4 kids (as myself) to bring the magic of model trains I remember as a child to my kids on Christmas day. This is the magic that keeps this wonderful hobby alive! My kids and I love and appreciate Menards very much! My youngest is 18 now.and graduates this year. 3 boys and a girl love model trains now and alot of that has to do with me being able to afford Menards trains while raising them to keep the hobby alive. This is just real talk, from a real Dad who love the hobby as much as his children. Thank you ❤
Hands down best review I've seen of an A set. You hit the nail on the head when you made the statement "Calm down, have fun". I can't exactly afford Lionel products but i can afford Menards and thanks to them i can actually enjoy the hobby and afford it. One day ill have some Lionel locomotives but for now I'll enjoy what i can afford from Menards.
Thanks!
Affordable used O gauge items are available at train shows and flea markets. I recently purchased a running Marx diecast 666 Loco/Tender set with four cars, 50 watt transformer, 19 sections of tubular track, and 90’ crossover at a church flea market for $17, so there are many bargains out there waiting for you. 🚂
That's right, Menard's definitely makes the hobby all the more affordable to many getting into the hobby, which is fantastic!
7:19 kinda funny how the ~$1000 (when it was in stores) ge vision line es44 hybrid is clearly in the background.
The paint reminds me of the Delaware and Huson. I love it!
HELLO from the UK. What a great layout. I just love o gauge and I find American railroads amazing. Well done. ,🙂👍🚂
I personally think that this locomotive is really great for getting started in the O gauge hobby. It’s cheap and honestly looks really good with those chrome trucks in my opinion. My only suggestion would be to change the almost blue lights to a warm white light.
I have to say it seemed to pull with GUSTO!!!! In the red war-bonnet paint it would be nice for running around a christmas tree. Or in a custom paint scheme of red/white/green. Yes, you get what you pay for. This isn't a $1K+ train. This isn't for a collector. This is for the collectors 5-year old who wants a train of his own. I kick back and put on train content vids to just chill. I chilled with this video, a tall glass of water, and a few handfuls of peanut M&M's. Thank you.
I love your good hearted attitude for this hobby Eric.
Thanks that means a lot
Menards has filled a niche in the hobby market in the hobby business. By making “affordable “ halfway decent models younger enthusiasts can afford to pursue their interest in the hobby without the massive outlay other manufacturers require.
Menards reminds me of kline.They also filled a niche and so did industrial rail.
Before atlas snatched them up.I don't understand why they sold to atlas so fast.They were gaining in popularity.
Oh yea Then why can I not find them online or at the store
🍻🍻👍
These do look Amazing!, the Blue and Yellow Color are Incredible👍👍.
Hi Eric. I too got a set. I loved it right out of the box. My budget does not allow me to be able to get the high end trains from Lionel or Atlas or MTH. I rely on the older trains I’ve been getting at train shows. I bought the Red F3 Menards train too from a vendor at the Allentown show and picked up the dummy in red colors directly from Menards. The Blue set right out of the box worked great. But the dummy squeaked so bad. Tried lube but just sound horrible. The blue engine ran great for about 15 minutes then stopped dead on the track. Sounds worked and motors seemed to run but engine was seized up. No forward or backwards. Red set had its problems too. I sent back the blue set to Menards on February 28, 2023. I got a notification it was received but nothing since from Menards Train Room since. Not sure if I will every get it back ?? The red set I tweaked and fixed myself. Had to fix trucks as the train kept on jumping the tracks. The trucks were too wide and needed to be pressed together on the axel more. That was an easy fix. Also lubed the gears. And also going to add weight like you have done. Thanks for the review. Just hope I get the blue set back some day. Guess I should have just fixed myself. Not sure what kind of repairs it needed. I was so sure I would void the warranty if I took apart myself. But, guess I should have just went for it.
Just found your video. Your trains brought me back to my childhood and made me smile. Thank you…
Menards absolutely is the best. Florida East Coast flatcar with a USA rocket on it was $30. The open deck car carrier with 6 1956 Ford trucks was a bit more, but it’s worth it and cool. Got to select which railway stickers you put on it too.
I'm a postwar/prewar operator. The closest item I have to the items you are demonstrating are my Lionel AA 204's from 1957. Much to my surprise, these units really caught my eye. If I had a pair of them, I would be running them now. The horn could be improved, and the chrome trucks would look better in silver. I would suggest applying some white lithium grease to the plastic gears and they should be fine. I'm blown away by the crew talk. It sounds great. Good upload Erick.
Chill and have fun. Best advise. Probably will always have to grease those gears before the next run. All good.
Being how things seem to be going regarding pricing and RUclips putting expectations on modelers to have the highest end of engines and rolling stock, I love that something like this is available. Having two young boys myself, this would make a great toy trains for them to use as opposed to one of my higher end scale Lionel trains. It allows someone to be apart of the hobby at a very very entry level price point that looks fairly nice. It also helps someone appreciate the higher end models as well and helps to understand their price point in comparison. I hope to see Menards continue on this route and maybe get a Steam engine put out eventually.
Totally agree Eric I’m also excited to try and get some Menards buildings at York this week I want that nuclear power plant lol
I have the first red f3 and love it Wish I would have gotten this one
You have the right approach in assessing these Menard’s locomotives, which is refreshing, as many hobbyists are far too critical when examining lower end, very affordable, new O gauge items. 🚂
Ha this is great! Great starter engines. Fun video. Made me want to get out our Frisco Starter set from Lionel we got my son nearly 20 years ago that got us started in the hobby . Had a blast running the conventional control locomotive and the simple 0-27 cars through our elaborate layout with all the mountains and tunnel districts . Menards offerings bring a lot of fun and options to the hobby. Love their buildings . Admittedly I am only purchasing high end stuff now but occasionally it’s fun to wander into the world of simple .
Awesome!
Great video -- you covered everything ! "IF I could talk to the folks at Menards..." You CAN'T. [No one can.] THAT'S the biggest problem !!
They have painted kick plates under the ladders, they have builders place on the side, portholes with plastic inserts nicely equipped for decoration if you ask me
When I had my trains in '65 it was still an affordable hobby for a kid with after school job! Looks like although cool lights and "realism" have improved immensely the costs have about 3-500 Xed!!!
I worked at Menards as a teenager. It was a weird but fun place. We def had the bargains on a lot of things. It was always odd to me we had a candy section heh. I still remember my first day and my boss sending me out to pick up cigarette butts in the parking lot - me and my buddy were both cart boys. Then I graduated to Mill Work dept. I worked there in 1993. It's crazy I went in there not long ago and one or two guys who were older, non high school guys were still working there. lol I do vaguely remember seeing train stuff in our Christmas area when that was set up each December.
Menards is doing something that seems to have gone by the wayside- reducing the barrier of entry. A lionel set used to be $199.99 when i started collecting and now it seems that it’s at least double that. Sure there are more bells and whistles but if someone is interested in starting out or getting into it for their kids? $500 is too much of an investment to see if it’s a fun hobby or not.
Menards having stuff at the 200 and below pricepoint i hope will grow interest in the hobby and keep the interest alive. Especially with the new generations who don’t have the room or space or disposable income.
Remember seeing some stickers on packaging or signage in store early on with the Menards train stuff that the model railroad stuff is because of someone high up in ownership or management is a train buff/ modeler.
So we don't get to quote the late great John Candy and say that the capacitor blowed up blowed up real good.
Very nice for the price.good starter set for budget minded people
Menard buildings are great.
Cool to see another Menards loco review! Personally I like the chrome trucks, it sets it apart from the crowd. One thing they could improve is change those blue LEDs for warm white, that should not change the cost I wouldn't think.
They look good Eric.
For the price, Menards could put trains under a Christmas tree and create the initial interest in model trains.
Thanks for the video!
I am waiting for MENARDS to have a regular release of these F7 A-A sets in the SOO LINE 1960's paint scheme.
Me too
This
Same for me but for Norfolk and western. Like they have so many cars painted in a Norfolk and western scheme. (clearly fictitious as It looks like 611s livery but still)
It's good for getting people into hobby.
You're through and enjoyable to watch Eric. I'm loyal to N Scale because of what you can do with N Scale and the space. I have HO, been with that since I was a kid, but because of you I have a new found appreciation for O Scale!👍🏽
* Thorough..
Thank you!
They look great, would love to buy some if more come available. I'm going to check whats available in flat cars with loads Fri at the show but if they are too pricey then I'm ording from Menards.
I heard from another RUclipsr that some of the Menards freight cars are actually scale sized supposedly. Been wanting to pick up some at some point. Their flashed series with the diecast vehicles are pretty cool
I have not seen any Menards rolling stock that are scale. They are closer to O-27 type toy trains. They are proportional however. And, like Eric says, very reasonably priced.
Remarkable for the money. Menards structures are also really well made - again, for the money. I agree with your comment, Eric - it's all about fun and not necessarily about precision or fine art.
Yeah their structures are amazing! The club I'm in has some on their O scale layout as well as the HO layout, they look awesome when they're all lit up!
Not bad looking locomotives I really like the crew talking dialog Eric you are the best model train expert in my opinion I like the chrome as well
WELL DONE Eric.! Have not got lucky enough for the Locomotive yet so BIG Thanks for the inside look. At this price point I don't complain much at all. Very few times I have had to return one. Enjoyed.! 😊
The bluegrass by itself is a subscription for you, sir. lol
This was a very informative video for a new person like me who is considering getting into the hobby. Thank you.
I like the set. Great for us small layouts.
Great entry level product. Let's see more like this Menards.
Thanks!
Great review, beautiful layout....love the Shelby at the crossing!
Thanks!
Like the sirt!!! I have the same one!! I have a red AA unit and love it for the price.
It is recommended procedure to run dummy units in front of the power unit so you don't pull it off the track from the weight of the train 🚂🚃🚃.
Great review and great video! Glad I waited to see your review of these trains. It was honest and informative. Like you, I think it is great that Menard’s is making this affordable entry level train. What a great way to get more people interested in this great hobby. Thank you again!
Thanks for watching!
Totally forgot about the Menard's trains. Definitely something I'll be looking into for Christmas time, now that I have space for a tree. :D
Better looking, Better running, cheaper than any postwar or mpc era lionel crap. Keep up the good work menards!!
I don’t know if I’d go that far, but yeah they are nice and good deal
Obviously these are not meant to be heirlooms but to introduce folks to the hobby affordably,I commend that effort!Very nice unit I think.
Eric, great video. I had never thought of Menards but will now go to them. In this video, I saw the big fans in one of the shots. Now living in NM and going to AZ, and CA all the time these fans fill the landscape. I do not like them but wondered where you got them in the O scale. I may get some just to keep my layout "current". Thanks, Don
11:52 Confucius say "any business who wish only to break even, makes no cents" Nice lookin f unit.thanks for posting.
Very nice model for the money, paint job looks pretty good, not bad for how cheap it is and the sounds are okay, but I agree that they should put metal gears instead of plastic ones, you get more years out of it and really get your money's worth too. Very clever way you added more weight to it to make it heavier. Great review Eric!
Awesome review Eric. I had no idea Menard’s produced a set of ‘Bluebonnets’. They look really good and are affordable which is something that is sorely lacking in the hobby today. Lionel could take a page out of Menard’s book and focus on making less expensive trains at affordable prices (looking at you Lionchief Plus 2.0!). Not every diesel needs smoke, minute details or fancy sounds like the LC+ 2.0 F3 units. Just a simple, well-made reliable engine that can do the job perfectly well, maybe with the added bonus of cruise control and operating couplers (Lionchief Plus).
As for the sounds, these sound exactly like the sounds from the earliest run of Lionel’s Lionchief Plus RS-3 diesels that had the annoying beeping as opposed to the more colourful whistling sounds when you turn on the power. It would seem like Menard’s simply reverse-engineered the sounds and applied it to their diesels, hence why the horn cuts off. Perhaps as time rolls on they will fix the problem and add their own sounds to their engines. Which makes me wonder, will Menard’s perhaps produce other engines? Like more diesels, electrics or even steam locomotives?
Keep up the great work Eric! And love the Eric’s Trains diesel! Super!
You didn't compare the size of these units to the size of the Lionel ones. I would have been interested to see that. What I miss when I run the Lionel low priced option is the squeal of the brakes. Many thanks though for the video. Merry Christmas & Happy New Year.
I think that at that price point it is great for people wanting to get kids into the hobby and they can grow from there. I personally applaud Menards for getting into this market
I'm 80 still a kid and I like a bargain....well presented thank you from UK
PS I have a Lionel 1949 F3 set, 75 years old still running very well inc E unit ! and a 1912 Standard Gauge Electric 0-4-4-0 brass outline,again still running...................... decent Lionel is not easy to find in the UK now.........
Hopefully they keep doing this. Anyone buying O scale trains for realism is already losing out. O scale trains will always be toys.
Like you said Eric what do you want for the money. They might look really good with some heavy weathering on a siding.
They might indeed
Very nice video of the Menards trains. They look really cool!
Thank you very much!
I keep hoping they will make them permanent and once they get it going to offer a few different shells too.
That shine from the chrome has me dying to get a set of these if they ever come up for a decent price.
Menard's has really produced some great pieces. FYI... They fit perfectly on MrTrain shelves too so you can display ALL those trains you buy!
I bought the Santa Fe Funit to pull some Santa Fe passenger cars and it did well. Problem was the cheap plastic controller. But we love it for the 129 cost we paid.
I got my first train today from Menards going to do a track around the ceiling through walls in a few rooms hopefully it works haha
I'm so glad you gave this set an honest review! I appreciate your critique of the product, not everyone is sponsored to buy trains! Your suggestions were really good. For the money it seems to be a good buy. Thanks for timely review.
Thanks! Oh, and I’m not sponsored lol.
Why is the front snow plow section on the front truck.??? It's not like that in N or HO.???
I think your tank car has more pulling power Eric- jk :) Nothin wrong with that. Like that, you work these videos from the VL to the more affordable Manards stuff and just about everything between! There is something in it for everyone. Entertaining videos, Eric! Thank you
For the Price, its Nice! I have some Menard stuff...pretty nice
JLC used an electric train display in his New York display window to lure customers into his appliance store. I think Menards is doing something similar.
Wow, I never knew you could find engines so cheap nowadays. I mostly need my O Gauge stuff for Terrain in my model games, so I'm not looking for quality, these are perfect!
I like them and I love that menards is creating and carrying them. The only thing I would change is dull down the trucks so they are not as shiny
the train at menards is a DC 0ga. i was looking at buying one (new to this) and the box clearly labels as 18v dc power.
Thanks for all of your videos
I enjoy them and enjoy the fact that your significant other is involved with your hobby. I like that you give a fair review of the products that you showcase.
I do not know why so many o scale train owners like to put down Menards endeavor in the train market, they should applaud them. They bring more people into the train market that they can now afford. Yes it is lower quality but they look and run very good for the price. Not everyone can afford the super high price of a new Lionel engine only to have to send it back after a few weeks because it broke because you used it for 5 hours. I guess if people would calculate the cost verses run time and enjoyment they would see the need for lower priced trains.
ok i got a lot to say here
1. the over spray does not bother me if you look at Postwar / some MPC they did the same thing they most likely made a buck paint stencil it is cheap and gives you acceptable results.
2. Lionel has failed in keeping the sounds up to date it began when they closed down the Santa Clara engineering office because of this new must have everyone in one building concept. People did not know that the Santa Clara office is where the hart of engineering was the sound engineer Rudy was stationed there and did a great job. He had access to the preproduction models and made significate improvements to the sound quality. Also he did have fun making the road specific sounds. He was not the voice actors in most product but he did do a some recordings for example the PRR keystone Hobby shop only version was his voice I have not heard the 2022 or 23 version yet but most likely it is still his voice.
3. I don't know if anyone else here is seeing this but the RCMC boards have been cheapened in the legacy models. I have a 1st generation RCMC models and still run them to this day with out any issues. The new Models I have been seeing have killed 3 boards already only 6-8 months old. Some shortly right out of the box. Now I have been working on PCB boards and doing Lionel repairs for 12 years now quality seems to be falling. the design is sound but I think some components are being substituted with less quality ones. From the video that board Manards is using looks pretty simple but well thought out. I am interested to see how they last.
4. The only thing I would change is use Pure white or warm white LEDS. 5500K-4500K range the 10000K blue tent white LEDS don't look right.
About time some one gives Lionel a run for there money. Maybe this might make some of the Lioncheaf product to lower in price.
Lionel is pricing themselves out of business. People will never get there money back out of it. So enjoy the fun!
Thank you Steve’s and the rest.
2:18 *”REALISTIC TRAIN SOUNDS”*
I heard the enthusiasm in that! 🤣🤣🤣🤣
They will be good for setting on a shelf !
Nice video. The Menard's stuff is always interesting.
Regardless of the price, I can expect that the thing works!
It definitely works!
I assume the metal trucks help weight down the powered unit and provide more traction. The plastic trucks are probably a cost saving measure.
That thing looks awesome
I know your video is a year old but where did you get the stone retaining wall from. I love that.
I got a couple of them,they look just as good as my liknels and mth models running around the track. Ill buy more.
I've been thinking about getting some menards o scale cars because 1: 48 vehicles are hard to find
I have bought some of the train cars from there and they are pretty good quality.
Menards: “let’s add RoadNumber Specific crew talk”
Meanwhile at Lionel HQ: *”WRITE THAT DOWN! WRITE THAT DOWN!”*
Vision Line: “BRUH”
In 1995 and 1996 RailSounds produced for locomotives, the Lionel crew talk mentioned the specific number.
Thank you for the video - beautiful layout
Did you build the cut stone walls yourself - I need to do something like that on my layout
Thank you
0:25
Nice layout and great review
Very cool product, but those crew talk sounds! They were literally fantastic. As others have pointed out, Lionel should really improve here considering how much they charge..
Totally agree!
I assume you could change the plastic trucks for metal. I remember those Amtrak F-40PHs , the non powered had sound boards. Than again, I guess that want keep customers.
Great vidio, Thanks for the morning coffee...
I think Menard's is selling a toy here, for kids, so I think it is excellent.
You know that’s not bad at all for a cheap starter set. I may go and look for a Menards set some day
Can you use it with out the remote ? Like traditional Lionel where you have a jumbo transformer?
Damn those are nice