The Menards buildings are Woodland Scenics/Menards buildings. By selling a slightly different (no interior photo & lights) less expensive structure through Menards WS probably expects to increase sales volume by reaching customers outside the model RR world. This is especially true given the few towns with hobby shops today. No question buying the model at the local hobby shop does help that shop stay in business - but the price differential is substantial. The building price at Menards was $79.95 each and shipping for all three structures came to only $11.42 - less than the sales tax if I drove 50 miles to the hobby shop. By calling WS directly you can purchase the printed interior to upgrade the Menards version - cost $15.00 plus $4.90 shipping. I’ll change some of the signage on the Menards buildings to personalize them, and plan to add full interior in the corner building as with large windows it will show nicely. The very nice WS sales representative I talked with said they are pleased with O scale sales to date and look to continue the line with 3-6 new limited edition buildings each year. Seems to be Woodland Scenic’s building version of AtlasO’s private reefer madness. She said she would like to hear from O scalers about what kinds of buildings they would like to see in the future. My input included a gas station, movie theater, and houses similar to their HO models.
Ed Rappe
