Is there any power supply besides Menards that will work? I just had a birthday, and one son gave me the hobby shop, and the other son gave me Moe's Garage - but neither son purchased the power supply! I'm mostly interested in just checking them out to make sure all work correctly; is there a RadioShack p/n or some other wall wart that works, at least temporarily? I have no problem sending off for the Menards's unit, but I want those lights working NOW! ;-)
I think you will have at least two issues to overcome. 1) voltage - you'll need a transformer with a DC output of 4.5 volts probably not to hard to find, however 2) the connector to plug into the building. Finding a transformer that matches that might be a challenge. A challenge because most manufacturers of these wall warts seem to come up with their own odd connector. Some standardize, some don't.
Steve
Originally Posted by Carl Orton:
Is there any power supply besides Menards that will work? I just had a birthday, and one son gave me the hobby shop, and the other son gave me Moe's Garage - but neither son purchased the power supply! I'm mostly interested in just checking them out to make sure all work correctly; is there a RadioShack p/n or some other wall wart that works, at least temporarily? I have no problem sending off for the Menards's unit, but I want those lights working NOW! ;-)
Originally Posted by banjoflyer:
Originally Posted by Carl Orton:
Radio Shack offers one for about $20.00. It has only one plug.
The Menards multi-plug unit costs a lot less.
One other option that I use frequently is to visit a local thrift store.
Donated electronics often have power supplies like these.
My local store has a large basket full of these things. I wade through them reading the tiny type showing their output voltage. When I find a 4.5 VDC unit it usually has the right size plug. They typically cost me 50 cents apiece.
Maybe that'll work for you.
Mark
Carl,
Our buildings run on a standard 4.5 volt power adapter which is commonly used with other buildings such as Lemax and Department 56. However, I would advise against using a transformer that converts higher amperage down to 4.5 volts. That being said, any 4.5 volt power adapter should work. Mark is absolutely right, there are some great bargains out there if you hunt for them but just double check the output.
Now, allow me add a “plug” for us (pun intended 
). Here are the links to find 1-Outlet and 3-Outlet power adapters at Menards.
Thank you,
Mark the Menards Train Guy
Just received mine a couple days ago, and WOW! what a great model for the price. The detail and interior lighting is really cool!
Regulated DC voltage output is another concern. I bought the Menards three output 4.5v adaptor, even though I had read here that it is an unregulated type.
I just put my volt meter on it, and sure enough output without any accessory attached to any of the three outputs is ~9v. When I plugged in the hobby shop to one lead, the voltage dropped to ~6v. Then I plugged in the camaraderie bar to a second lead and voltage still held at ~6v.
As mentioned, the lack of regulated power has been discussed here, but not sure if any one has had problems running these for extended time with the Menards adapter? I believe the 4.5v max recommendation is analogous to Miller brand signage, where 4.5v max is specified...both of these models have that type of lit signage.
However, I'm still not sure how much of a concern that is...mainly because I'm not sure if there is any circuitry within the model to limit the voltage to the 'miller' like signs at 4.5v?
To your question Carl...I did find a universal Enercell brand multi-voltage adapter, which is regulated, and tested it back when I purchased the bar & grill. It's output held at 4-4.5v. It has a two prong universal plug head to use multiple size barrel jacks. The one I bought came with 3-4 standard size barrels...one of which fit the size on these. Miller also sells a regulated 4.5v adapter. Others have mentioned the Lemax adapters as an option.
Robert
I am using 3 Menards 3 plug power supplies, that are under the layout, and plugged into power strips on the floor, to power the 6 Menards buildings and two Lemax type structures. The power strips are plugged into a wall outlet that has an on-off power switch. When I turn that switch on, all the buildings light up, and power goes to the MRC Dual and Z4000, which I then turn on. The one unused plug will be used by the Menards Plumbing Supply which in en route. The whole mess works fine.
Originally Posted by Diok S:
I am using 3 Menards 3 plug power supplies, that are under the layout, and plugged into power strips on the floor, to power the 6 Menards buildings and two Lemax type structures. The power strips are plugged into a wall outlet that has an on-off power switch. When I turn that switch on, all the buildings light up, and power goes to the MRC Dual and Z4000, which I then turn on. The one unused plug will be used by the Menards Plumbing Supply which in en route. The whole mess works fine.
Thanks Diok S...that is good to know!
I am about ready to pull the trigger on the new Menards' Morton Salt building that hit my e-mail from Menards today. Wow! I haven't fully embraced the Menards' cars yet, because I was a little disappointed in the early intros. But I can't help but wanting the matching Morton hopper car to go with this building (And the newer large flat cars with fully sprung trucks would make for some really cool circus cars--have entered my wish list) . I also will buy the 3 plug adapter because 1.) for $9, how can you go wrong? 2.) Why risk a Lemax plug (though Menard's Mark says it's okay here)?
My $20,000 question, however, is why doesn't Menards come up with a plug-in converter that allows you to run these buildings on 12 - 16 v track power? That, it seems to me, would fully indocrinate the Menards' product line- up as true, serious, O Gauge product line instead of just toys for the the Christmas crowd that puts up a temporary train during the holidays. I can't speak for all O Gaugers but Miller Engineering's foresight to make a converter encouraged me to buy a group of neon lights that I have enjoyed for several years on my last layout. Illinois Central, Breyers' Ice Cream, Miller Beer, Glacier Park, Mobile Oil, etc... flashed when my accessory transformers were fired up! And the cool thing is, as I did, you can always buy extra converters to add more Miller neon lights without the multitudes of adapters and boxy plugs that seems to be a fire hazard at some point. Afterall, how many strips of outlets are safe on a normal sized layout?
Jim Barret and the Backshop, where are you? Tell us how to make a converter!
I have the power plant, the Red Owl store, the Sauerkraut building and now, with the Morton Salt plant, I'm feeling good about my Wisconsin/Chicago corridor on my layout... though it isn't built yet as I am finishing my basement in preparation. Thank you, Menards, for helping keep the hobby alive!
I agree with Iron Horse. This lack of ability to hook up to track power or an accessory power buss is a non-starter for me, no matter how good the buildings look.
IRON HORSE posted:I am about ready to pull the trigger on the new Menards' Morton Salt building that hit my e-mail from Menards today. Wow! I haven't fully embraced the Menards' cars yet, because I was a little disappointed in the early intros. But I can't help but wanting the matching Morton hopper car to go with this building (And the newer large flat cars with fully sprung trucks would make for some really cool circus cars--have entered my wish list) . I also will buy the 3 plug adapter because 1.) for $9, how can you go wrong? 2.) Why risk a Lemax plug (though Menard's Mark says it's okay here)?
My $20,000 question, however, is why doesn't Menards come up with a plug-in converter that allows you to run these buildings on 12 - 16 v track power? That, it seems to me, would fully indocrinate the Menards' product line- up as true, serious, O Gauge product line instead of just toys for the the Christmas crowd that puts up a temporary train during the holidays. I can't speak for all O Gaugers but Miller Engineering's foresight to make a converter encouraged me to buy a group of neon lights that I have enjoyed for several years on my last layout. Illinois Central, Breyers' Ice Cream, Miller Beer, Glacier Park, Mobile Oil, etc... flashed when my accessory transformers were fired up! And the cool thing is, as I did, you can always buy extra converters to add more Miller neon lights without the multitudes of adapters and boxy plugs that seems to be a fire hazard at some point. Afterall, how many strips of outlets are safe on a normal sized layout?
Jim Barret and the Backshop, where are you? Tell us how to make a converter!
I have the power plant, the Red Owl store, the Sauerkraut building and now, with the Morton Salt plant, I'm feeling good about my Wisconsin/Chicago corridor on my layout... though it isn't built yet as I am finishing my basement in preparation. Thank you, Menards, for helping keep the hobby alive!
Agreed. I just started a post this morning asking if anyone is running these things off transformer/track power and how.
I CANNOT plug adapters in. I am not equipped to do so. I have no more available plugs and the adapter limits location of the building on the layout. I would very much like to buy several of the buildings (where I'll put them I don't know) but the "must use adapter to make it light up" system is a deal breaker.
Why the "adapter" system is used, I don't know. I would think it would be easier have quick connect/disconnect connections underneath the structure. Unless, of course, Menard's is making good money selling adapters.....
Thanks for the reply. I've looked at "stepped-down" products on e-Bay (from a tip on this forum) that somehow allow you to splice the wires into them and then use transformer power, but I'm cautious about trying them because I don't want to fry the buildings I have from Menards.
Again, I want to throw a reach out to Jim Barrett, The Backshop Guru himself, the master magician, the King of O Gauge Innovation, to help us like he has so many times, for a solution to this seemingly solvable problem.
Another option that I will try is to run aftermarket LED lights that run on track power (see Evans designs -- good products) to replace the lights on the buildings. My Sauerkraut building was purchased at an end of season closeout display at a great price but 2 lights don't work -- so that will be my testing building.
I have the menards depot(48 leds) and farm service(7 leds and a fan) that I power off the accessory feed on my xfrmr. I use an ac/dc buck converter bought on ebay for $2.50(bought 3 only use one). 12v Ac power in 4.5v dc out(what menards buildings require) out to a buss which is wired to the buildings using 5.5mm x 2.1mm barrel plugs. Current draw is 590mA. Here is a link to a thread that discusses the converter. menards power from transformer. After checking price is now a little higher shipped.
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Ted W,
So let me get this right (see photo), you just hook up the wires from the transformer (red is positive, blue is negative) to the buck on the right of the photo and then run the outputs to the Menards' buildings? And then you just buy the plugs that fit the little outlets in the buildings from ebay as well and solder the output wires to those? And then do you adjust your transformer until the buildings light up the best?
Thanks for the response and info. I think the post you mentioned is where I first heard of this but the wiring needs to be explained to elementary-school-level-brained gray haired hobbyists like me.
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In a word yes. Once converter hooked to track power or accessory power on xfrmr use a volt meter on out terminals(left side in your pic) and turn brass screw on top of blue component until you get 4.5v dc out. Will not need to adjust again. Specs on converter says good to about 3A. My measurements suggested about 10mA per led. Total your buildings for that number. I cant take any credit for this system. I got it from a thread by Gunrunner John and Stan2004, who guided me through the whole way holding my hand. I was exactly where you are, but this puppy works great. Wish Menards would wise up. More money in wall warts. And, suppose they sell buildings to non-train hobbyists also. TW. BTW, I bought plugs that use screw connections. 
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TW,
Wow! Thanks for the info. I am going to try it! I have a partially working Herman's Sauerkraut building that I will experiment with. But it sounds pretty straight forward. The adjustment screw tip helps a lot and makes me feel way more confident. So I assume 10mA per l.e.d. means 10 l.e.d lights on a building would equal 1A? So 3a would power 30 l.e.d.s? Sorry for amps 101 lesson but I really am a newborn when it comes to understanding amps.
It's great how this forum works with guys like Gunrunnerjohn and Stan2004. I'm indebted to all on these forums.
IH, Been there, made the same mistake. 10mA means 10 led is 100mA or 100 led is 1Amp(1000mA) I probably could be accused of a thread jack, so I apologize for that. TW
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