Interesting point Jim. Perhaps they did this intentionally, to drum up interest.
But, if so, it may be somewhat risky.
No doubt, the Train Review magazines will create lists of "Must Fix" items at the end of the reviews, and no doubt, the Members of this Board will assemble as similar detailed list.
If so, then Menard's is going to have to fix all of those items, or draw negative reviews from people in the know.
On the other hand, since probably 95% of the folks who walk into Menards and want to buy a train set for Christmas probably never do any research, or read any reviews, maybe it won't matter at all?
And maybe, little kids will like the Jumping starts and Quick stops?
(I spent most of the first two years with my Lionel Super-O set building Lincoln Log walls and cabins, full of cowboys and Indians, and watching the big Steam Engine and Tender crash through them at high speed .)
Mannyrock
"
