I have never purchased anything from Menards yet, but understand from posts on the Forum that Menards makes quality products at reasonable prices. That Menards is beginning to manufacture and/or market O Gauge locomotives is great news.
I am not keen on Santa Fe and western railroads, but very interested in similar future diesel locomotives and steamers with Northeastern road names.
More good news for me is the new Menards locomotive runs well on 031 curves and has a handheld remote control that has the basics, which sounds similar to the LionChief Plus remotes.
Such a reasonable price for such a good quality locomotive is terrific.
Other basic features I would like to see for future Menards locomotives is operating electrocouplers that work by pressing 1 button on the remote, and good smoke units for both diesels and steamers.
Arnold