Oh my!  What a surprise!

WOW, I never expected you guys to do locomotives, color me surprised!

Order is in. Is this for immediate shipping, Mark?

Interesting remote design.  I'm with John, I would have bet against it but good for you guys!  Looking forward to see what's next.

Should we assume this is Bluetooth control?  Any more info you can share on the range, etc?

@Jim R. posted:

Order is in. Is this for immediate shipping, Mark?

Awesome! We'd love to hear how you like it. Be honest with us!

Correct, these are ready to ship.

-Mark the Menards Train Guy

Can we get a picture of the underside?  Traction tires?

@Former Member posted:

Can we get a picture of the underside?  Traction tires?

WOW!

Are there more offerings in the works ?

@MartyE posted:

Interesting remote design.  I'm with John, I would have bet against it but good for you guys!  Looking forward to see what's next.

Should we assume this is Bluetooth control?  Any more info you can share on the range, etc?

I don't have in-depth knowledge of the remote electronics but I do know it is not Bluetooth. We haven't tested the full range but it works great from 20 feet away, no problem.

-Mark the Menards Train Guy

Mark;

        Thanks for the announcement.

My order is in. This should make the other big model train manufacturers pay attention.

Thanks;

idea-thinker

Great to see. Really cool.

A little surprised here also.  Had to order one and check it out, only 200 being made and its only  $146.00.  They advertise $129.99 with the worthless rebate for those of us on east coast that would not be able to drop in to use the $16.00 rebate.  But still at $146.00 I gave it a shot.  I believe they showed a delivery date in July - lets see.    JP

It was bound to happen and I, for one, am glad for Menards and their customers.  I look forward to the reviews of this engine.  Not a Santa Fe runner but there are many other roads Menards can release if this engine is well received.

@Menards posted:

I don't have in-depth knowledge of the remote electronics but I do know it is not Bluetooth. We haven't tested the full range but it works great from 20 feet away, no problem.

-Mark the Menards Train Guy

Thanks Mark.  Looking forward to the feedback.

At least Menards lets you know when your a beta tester .  This is gonna be a big thread. Nice job Menards!

I don't think you can buy a dummy engine at that price.

Is it required to use the proprietary radio or does it work conventionally?

AC and DC power? Can I run this on a command and conventional layout?

I'm in. Order placed. Looking forward to running it.

@idea-thinker posted:

Mark;

        Thanks for the announcement.

My order is in. This should make the other big model train manufacturers pay attention.

Thanks;

idea-thinker

I'm sure the "other big model train manufacturers" are not too worried.   This loco does not compete with any of their offerings, and dare I say, it's not designed to.   Totally different market.

Conversely, I applaud Menard's for doing this.

How many cars will this diesel pull on a 072 curved layout?

Entry price point is what this hobby needs, imagine 10x more newbies like me.  Just ordered one.  Thanks Menards.

Entry point is awesome. I right away started thinking about one for my young nephew.  applaud menards not only for this but their continued building options that are outstanding.

Ordered.  I'm rarely an early adopter of anything, but I'm rolling the dice.  An early birthday present (very early).

@BwanaBob posted:

Ordered.  I'm rarely an early adopter of anything, but I'm rolling the dice.  An early birthday present (very early).

LOL!

I'm going to use that with the CEO

Hopefully I can duck fast enough.....

I ordered mine.

I have some feedback.  Would you consider putting e units in these like they do on Lion Chief plus locos.  That way you can run them with the remote or conventional transformer control.

I assume this one can only be controlled by the remote and that is fine.

If I were to acquire a bunch of these (believe me I want to) I would prefer the option to operate them conventionally like all of my other locos.

I would be open to a sperate sale plug in/ wire in/ solder in module if you are worried about raising the price by adding an e unit.

Having said all of that, this is so cool.  I asked the Menards train guy about engines years ago,

He said they were working on it and asked me to keep quiet about it.

Hope it is OK to talk now.

So looking forward to running my "Menards & Santa Fe All the Way" train.

Glad to see some other options out there for pepole starting in the hobby.

So when are the passenger cars and freight engines coming out? 

Sorry I typed this before reading your post all the way through.

Should I email that e unit conventional control suggestion in?

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

Just placed my order!

Just ordered one! This looks really cool and I'm excited to see how it runs. This is fantastic that you guys are starting on locomotive production.

@EscapeRocks posted:

I'm sure the "other big model train manufacturers" are not too worried.   This loco does not compete with any of their offerings, and dare I say, it's not designed to.   Totally different market.

Conversely, I applaud Menard's for doing this.

My thoughts exactly. Congrats to Menards and I will follow closely. However, I'm far from "in" on this and will wait see how the product line shakes out first.

Ear to the ground, er, rail.

I'm pleasantly surprised but not shocked.  If you connected the dots of Menards and trains, the path leads to right where it is today.  It looks like Menards figured out a way to build a new line from scratch using existing technology.  The consumer wins and this is good for our hobby.   Thank you Menards for keeping our hobby alive and well!  When are we going to see OGRR do a detailed video of Menards' secret layout with all the highways full of animated cars and trucks?

I ordered one along with a bunch of other stuff.  I have ordered several times from Menards.  The only thing I don't like are the handling fees ("processing fees").  The "handling" should be built into the price.

As promised I will be giving the rebate to a forum member when I get it because I can't use it living in the Northeast.

John

BIG THUMBS DOWN, they were soooooo close, but for the love of god why do your own control system! Blue tooth, TMCC, DCS dont do a new thing!

Congrats Menards Looks good. Now.............Can We have a reissue of the autoracks with the 6 pickup trucks?

I’ll sit out for now. I wonder what tooling they got? Wbb, weaver, k-line? Let’s see how they run, but if all is well, I’ll likely buy one, especially if it’s in one of my favored road names.

Looking forward to being a beta tester - as I just ordered one.

Me too!  Excited to see how it goes.  

It looks nice and it sounds nice but I’m going to sit out this test run (My reasons are largely budgetary). I also like the fact that it lacks dual headlights. The NYC, the PRR, the CNJ, the Reading, the B&M and other RR’s didn’t  have any. Nor did the Katy’s or the Rock Island’s freight F-3s.

I would consider buying a couple if Menards authorized/released a limited-run in Santa Fe’s blue and yellow “cigar band” freight scheme.

EDIT:  I respectfully pass on being a Beta-tester.

Did they sell out yet?

@IRON HORSE posted:

I'm pleasantly surprised but not shocked.  If you connected the dots of Menards and trains, the path leads to right where it is today.  It looks like Menards figured out a way to build a new line from scratch using existing technology.  The consumer wins and this is good for our hobby.   Thank you Menards for keeping our hobby alive and well!  When are we going to see OGRR do a detailed video of Menards' secret layout with all the highways full of animated cars and trucks?

Agree, a pleasant surprise here as well. I have quite a few Menards items and so glad for the products they offer. Just ordered mine and will test it well and give reports, they asked us to. Imagine the units to follow, ABA set, multiple road names, excitement builds. I believe they will listen to the "200" and make any adjustments/advancements for follow on products. This helps so much in the entry point for new kids at a great price. Thanks Menards!

Fantastic!!!!!  Thanks Menards!!!!!!  Love your train stuff!!!!!!  My order for a F3 is in!!!

Will provide feedback. So happy you are offering locamotives!!!

Dave

ok, so when does this thread turn into a discussion of how Menards will be purchasing MTH Railking tooling?  Asking for a friend, LOL!

Nice looking train at a fantastic price. I sure hope they continue down this path.

Being an operator, the following comments.  First, why not remote controlled couplers.  I think that is a must. Secondly, these were usually sold in AA sets so a dummy should be offered ( with remote controlled coupler).  Thirdly, why not use bluetooth or one of the other control systems ( the listed range is rather limited.)That being said I am glad you are in the loco arena.  Art

Looks Like I'm in, Will love to test.  At the price point I am glad for Whistle/Bell/Commentary, and hopefully is a good runner like some of the Original RMT models before they got pricey. 

I'm sure reasonably priced sets will follow that will get kids into the hobby, hence the controller system.  Maybe 5 years down the line we will be talking about Menards Monarch Line of High End trains

Curious to know about tech support and part availability as you launch into Engines, don't need a lot of tech support for buildings and rolling stock.  This changes the game.

I am not sure why Menard's doesn't realize that they could clean up if they produced turnouts in addition to their tubular track (even just manual ones).  I love their track as do many, but have to look elsewhere at high priced turnouts to attach to it.

Anyway looking forward to testing the dual motor Santa Fe.

John

@Strap Hanger posted:

ok, so when does this thread turn into a discussion of how Menards will be purchasing MTH Railking tooling?  Asking for a friend, LOL!

Nice looking train at a fantastic price. I sure hope they continue down this path.

That’s already been discussed with most rolling their eyes. At the time I thought it was a pipe dream. Now, who knows. I just want to see a continuation of the railking line at decent prices.

@Art Lites posted:

Being an operator, the following comments.  First, why not remote controlled couplers.  I think that is a must. Secondly, these were usually sold in AA sets so a dummy should be offered ( with remote controlled coupler).  Thirdly, why not use bluetooth or one of the other control systems ( the listed range is rather limited.)That being said I am glad you are in the loco arena.  Art

Having to target a certain pricing point, somethings that you or I might consider must haves need to be left off.
If you look closely at the underside pics, there are other areas where some design issues had to be taken into account as far as cost go.
One has to be very careful with feature creep after initial design, or else one begins to miss the target price point

This is exciting.  On another note... are you going to sell the highway with the moving automobiles as well?  That looks great!

@Art Lites posted:

Being an operator, the following comments.  First, why not remote controlled couplers.  I think that is a must. Secondly, these were usually sold in AA sets so a dummy should be offered ( with remote controlled coupler).  Thirdly, why not use bluetooth or one of the other control systems ( the listed range is rather limited.)That being said I am glad you are in the loco arena.  Art

Obviously, Menards wants to keep the price point under $150. (And as stated, there are folks that can't take advantage of the rebate offers...) Bluetooth and remote couplers would probably push the retail over $200 for a powered unit.

Rusty

@peter allen 072518 posted:

BIG THUMBS DOWN, they were soooooo close, but for the love of god why do your own control system! Blue tooth, TMCC, DCS dont do a new thing!

Those are closed systems and would require licensing from MTH and Lionel, which adds cost plus the tech. This would be a $350 engine if they did that. Bluetooth requires an app to run, which are very expensive to build and maintain relative to this market size…I still cringe from past personal experience.

For the target market this price point and remote is fantastic. This is an awesome entry level offering

I was pleasantly surprised to see this but I sort of figured down the road they would be  doing this.  I ordered one to try it out. I am amazed at the price but also understand that you get what you pay for and that you can't get all the bells and whistles for that price. I think Menards will definately be helping those who want to get into the hobby by offering reasonably priced engines. They already offer rolling stock and buildings at reasonable prices..........................Paul 2

@EricTrainMan posted:

Those are closed systems and would require licensing from MTH and Lionel, which adds cost plus the tech. This would be a $350 engine if they did that. Bluetooth requires an app to run, which are very expensive to build and maintain relative to this market size…I still cringe from past personal experience.

For the target market this price point and remote is fantastic. This is an awesome entry level offering

While it may not be Bluetooth, the remote bears a striking resemblance to those found in Lionel sets.  Could it be that it is the same control system used in earlier LC sets?  These were not Bluetooth.

@MartyE posted:

While it may not be Bluetooth, the remote bears a striking resemblance to those fond in Lionel sets.  Could it be that it is the same control system used in earlier LC sets?  These were not Bluetooth.

Striking resemblance is right. First thing I noticed in the ad before any loco features.

For this price I ordered one as well.  It will be perfect for my TCA divisions portable layout and it will go well with my K-line B Unit Dummy that doesn't have an A unit to go with it.  I'll be curious to compare it to my other F3s.

@Menards - waiting for an answer regarding whether or not it will operate conventionally.

Love the look and price point, but if the only way to run it is with the proprietary remote, then I'm probably out.  Concerned about availability of a replacement controller, and don't want to deal with yet another control system. 

Also hoping for a dummy A or B unit to accompany it.  If there are no plans to produce a dummy A or B, I would suggest selling a road switcher - a lone F3 just looks odd to most train folks.

Ordered!  Christmas came early in July

Definitely looks great!  I would be happy to try one, but by the time I get home, I’ll bet the 200 are spoken for! 😄

Menards, thank you, thank you, thank you. This is fantastic news! And your price point hits this out of the ballpark. Love the old school vibe, with the remote control twist. Don’t need smoke, remote couplers, this is a fantastic entry level offering. I’m not a Santa Fe guy, but will definitely pick up some with U.P. Or Milwaukee Road Livery. My Grandson will be very excited that he will be able to afford a nice loco. Hope the testing goes well. Such exciting news!

Joel

I ordered one and am looking forward to trying it out.

Neal  Jeter

Wow Christmas in July!!!
Thanks my order is in 😆

This is fantastic!  I might just spring for one even though I have MTH engines and DCS, would be a unique shelf queen.

I am assuming this is an RF linked engine that can run on the DCS 18V rails (I know the DCS won't control engine but the rail voltage will be there though you can dial  down TIU voltage in another mode)

BUT being a negative Nancy, who will repair these when they break, and future replacement supply parts? (think how hard its been to get parts for some Lionel and MTH accessories years later)

That's right, all 200 sold out in less than 3 hours. Wow!

I look forward to hearing everyone's thoughts!

Thank you,
Mark the Menards Train Guy

Looks good; I think I'll buy myself one as an early retirement gift. I am not retireing for at least 20 years, but better early than late.

My order is in.  We've been talking about this for a long time, and now the engines have arrived.  I'm more than happy to be a Beta tester for Menards and for the good of our hobby.  Can't wait to test it and offer feedback.  Plus I can use the 11% rebate at my local store.

Gee whiz, guys!?!  It sells for less than $150, and some of you are complaining that it doesn't have dual headlights, electocouplers, and an expensive CC system??

@peter allen 072518 posted:

BIG THUMBS DOWN, they were soooooo close, but for the love of god why do your own control system! Blue tooth, TMCC, DCS dont do a new thing!

Licensing, licensing plus royalty for every unit produced, I imagine.

@Menards posted:

SOLD OUT!

That's right, all 200 sold out in less than 3 hours. Wow!

I look forward to hearing everyone's thoughts!

Thank you,
Mark the Menards Train Guy

RATS!!!!  I snooze, I lose!  Hope you make more.

I'm anxiously awaiting for the first teardown video/pics to see what's under the hood!

Is the main frame diecast or stamped steel? The description lists it as being both types.

I’m surprised it took 3 hours.  

RTR sets are getting pricey and make it harder for parents to add one when other toys are more affordable on many budgets. Menards has always been a leader in making toys for a great price, kind of like Marx in the 50's.

I hope the tests are very favorable and any bugs get worked out for future production runs.

@RoyBoy posted:

Is the main frame diecast or stamped steel? The description lists it as being both types.

Roy,

I read it as Stamped steel frame and the trucks are metal with die-cast frames.

From the looks of the remote, it's probably similar to LionChief. The major difference is that on the lowest end LionChief there is no volume control and the horn and whistle buttons are reversed.

The lowest end Lionel sets can be run on AC or DC, although I am not sure any are dual-motored so the power transistors may need to be rated for more current.

I missed getting one, so I'll have to wait until someone gets their hands on one to check the frequencies and possibly the FCC ID number on the handheld.

@Ron_S posted:

RTR sets are getting pricey and make it harder for parents to add one when other toys are more affordable on many budgets. Menards has always been a leader in making toys for a great price, kind of like Marx in the 50's.

I hope the tests are very favorable and any bugs get worked out for future production runs.

Ron - I have one on the way.  I will have to find a day to swing by the P and P to see how it works with the multitude of command signals in the layout building between the various clubs.  My order said to expect delivery around the 17th.  We shall see?

Jonathan,

Dallas also got one, it will be fun seeing and hearing about the way it works at the layout and home layouts, even carpet ones.

Ron

I just got out of PT and expected them to be gone.  I’ll look forward to seeing how they work for folks, but am assuming I’ll get one on another run of them.  I want to see this project succeed, Mark Menards.

Got an order in. I am a tinplate guy, so this is not my cup of tea, but I think it will get some great use on the club meet table layout.

I am jealous that things like this are available to you, and at the same time amazed at the non stop complaining about what is missing from an entry level item. Everything that some you want added runs up the price in one way or another.

If this works, and I suspect it will. think of the nice under $300 starter sets that can be put out, or assembled from individual items.

thanks Menards

Steve

See, this is the problem with having to work, you miss out on things like this! Darn!

Mark

great news   I have been waiting for a long time for an engine from Menards.  I missed out on this one but keep them coming

Marty

@rrman posted:

RATS!!!!  I snooze, I lose!  Hope you make more.

Agree! Man, I haven't been this disappointed in missing an offering since I missed the 1st release of the railking PRR K4 in '96. I'm hoping they do these again.

I hope that more are made with other decoration… period correct please!

So I’ve read thru the comments on this forum, other forums and Social Media about this engine. I passed on it but not for all the other reasons that people have been saying, “it doesn’t have smoke, it doesn’t have Electro Couplers, it doesn’t have a place to take it to when it breaks.”

This is a TRIAL run of this loco. What this means is that if they can figure out the bugs like other things in the hobby such as the DCW WIFI App operations, this can open a door to a new manufacturer of locomotives.

I would worry about everything else last. If these engines turn out to be great locos and the response to Menards is positive, they will start producing these again and others road names maybe different types of locos.

The loco was being sold around 130. Find a loco with smoke, electro couplers and all the bells and whistles of a command control system, new in the box from a retailer…

This loco is geared more for someone who wants a loco that they can put on the track, it can pull anything that is put behind and let it go but don’t have to spend tons of money.

I certainly would of bought this loco, but there are people out there that are more happy and excited to get this than I would in life right now. I know at least 5 people who bought them and I will get to see them in person when they get here.

This is very exciting to see and probably in December, at least one person that sees a loco operate and how to maintain it and where it should go might be able to own a Menards Loco of there own.

Take it at face value gents. If  you want all the fancy features then the big mfr's have plenty to offer.

Think back to where their models were when command systems were first offered.

I'm looking forward to testing it out. My first Beta test! WHOO HOO!

Just think......20 years from now we can sell them on Ebay as first run collectors items for a ridiculous amount of money. .

@EscapeRocks posted:

Roy,

I read it as Stamped steel frame and the trucks are metal with die-cast frames.

I see that now. Thanks.

But under "not just a pretty face" it says the frame is diecast. So it's probably a misprint.

The 5 and 8 year old begged me to buy it.. when I went to get it, it was gone.

If their reaction is any clue to how this will do I think they will sell a lot of them.

Is two pounds light for a locomotive?  It sounds light.  Let’s see how long they last once in service.  

Aldovar ,

Those reactions are EXACTLY what these locomotives should mean, great price, good looks and it is something kids (Of ANY age) can run the wheels off of having FUN!

My grandkids currently run a Thomas , they love the fact it is their's and something they get to run without any hovering and corrections, this is a good step up for the NEXT train when that time comes if Menards goes into full scale production.

It sounds good and is priced right.  I hope that they are successful.  But, I have 8 assorted Santa Fe F units already.  I have 10 Menards structures on the layout.  They make great stuff.   In any event, I wonder if it is new tooling or a redo of somebody else's.

"While it may not be Bluetooth, the remote bears a striking resemblance to those found in Lionel set"

As is the pricing.  LionChief separate sale locos are about $40 more.  LionChief sets as low as $200 for Thomas.  Menard's has carried Lionel sets and rolling stock for years so I suspect this was contracted with Lionel or a Lionel factory,  but does not bear the Lionel name.  The remote conforms almost exactly to the external outline of the LionChief remote.  Notice that the remote and loco bear little or no resemblance to RailKing in price or control system appearance. I suspect when you examine the PCB boards in the loco and the remote, they will look remarkably like LionChief, but I could be wrong.

Wow!.....I've been doing some paperwork since around 9 AM......missed the big announcement.....good for the hobby!

If you want my choice for a steamer......please do a streamlined I-5 Hudson in New Haven colors/livery.  

Peter

I am happy to hear these sold out -- great for the hobby.  I was excited and I had one in my shopping cart this morning but decided to pass.  I have a great MTH Santa Fe Railking F3 PS3 that I absolutely love.  A Menards engine could not compete with it for track time --- but for $130 versus $550 or so,  I'm sure it was not intended to outperform my MTH model.  I'll look forward to hearing feedback from forum members.

Will these pass muster as far as shipping to Cali ?

We have had issues with Prop 65 labeling requirements in the past for some but not all items.

@Doug W. posted:

Will these pass muster as far as shipping to Cali ?

We have had issues with Prop 65 labeling requirements in the past for some but not all items.

My order was accepted and I live in So Cal.

Steve

Maybe the next one!

Wow, although I’m late to make an order as they’re Sold Out, I will be checking at the Menards store in Evansville, Indiana  later this fall/winter when they begin their Christmas sales displays. I hope the folks that get theirs in the next few weeks will give us some interesting details on how they operate. The price is right for a beginner in the hobby. Remember when Williams brought out their line of diesels way back in the 70’s? Menards has some very interesting accessories, buildings, signs, houses, all good quality. This thread should grow by leaps and bounds as this new addition to their line of O gauge products is very fascinating. Happy Railroading Everyone

@MartyE posted:

While it may not be Bluetooth, the remote bears a striking resemblance to those found in Lionel sets.  Could it be that it is the same control system used in earlier LC sets?  These were not Bluetooth.

Striking resemblance?  Well not quite, other than a warbonnet paint job.  The LionChief set locomotives are FT's, with way different roof details and 4 portholes on the side.

Images: Menards and Lionel

The Menards locomotive bears a much closer resemblance to an F7 without dynamic brakes and the nose isn't shaped like any other model I've seen.  I will say the exhaust stacks and fans do closely resemble the Lionel postwar F3's.

There's really a bunch of detail issues with the model I could site, but this model isn't designed to please rivet counters, just those looking for an inexpensive locomotive option and I believe it succeeds on that point.

Rusty

@Landsteiner posted:

"While it may not be Bluetooth, the remote bears a striking resemblance to those found in Lionel set"

As is the pricing.  LionChief separate sale locos are about $40 more.  LionChief sets as low as $200 for Thomas.  Menard's has carried Lionel sets and rolling stock for years so I suspect this was contracted with Lionel or a Lionel factory,  but does not bear the Lionel name.  The remote conforms almost exactly to the external outline of the LionChief remote.  Notice that the remote and loco bear little or no resemblance to RailKing in price or control system appearance. I suspect when you examine the PCB boards in the loco and the remote, they will look remarkably like LionChief, but I could be wrong.

I wonder if it can be run with the Universal Remote?

My first impression was that it was an F7, and for the price point, would make any kid happy when it pulls a train around the track. Too many are trying to get a Lamborghini at a Volkswagon price.

@Rusty Traque posted:

There's really a bunch of detail issues with the model I could site, but this model isn't designed to please rivet counters, just those looking for an inexpensive locomotive option and I believe it succeeds on that point.

There are certainly several items to cite for those of us who enjoy counting the rivets, but what is striking to me is how closely this comes to an actual Phase IV ATSF F3.  It has the correct pancake fans, the continuous grille, late number boards, and the correct style pilot.  It is surprising scale looking even down to the bulldog nose which is hard to replicate.

Not sure where the number came from though.  Definitely not an ATSF F unit number.