If they turn out to be a good puller and reliable, I'd love to see it offered in an SP black widow paint scheme.
@cabinet Bob posted:
Alrighty Bob... Do your duty and post up some close up pics and video. Let's see how slow you can get it to crawl... Pop off the shell too and let's see it's innards! 
Rusty Traque: pretty sure you misread Marty’s post. He was referring to the Remote resembling the Lionel Lionchief remote. Not the engine itself.
@TedW posted:Rusty Traque: pretty sure you misread Marty’s post. He was referring to the Remote resembling the Lionel Lionchief remote. Not the engine itself.
Thanks Ted. That’s exactly what I said.
Great to see that they are sold out. Let’s hope all the bugs can be worked out and more locomotives will be offered.
@Bill Sherry posted: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
You can always send it to a friend or OGR member that can use it. Their prices always seem fair and the rebate is a bonus. Know any seniors in "Menardsville" land? I'm sure they'd appreciate the gift.
Fantastic news for the O gauge hobby! Cannot wait to read the feedback.
Lets talk repair work. Who will do it? How long is the warranty good for? Will we be able to buy parts and do the repair work ourselves?
@Former Member posted:Alrighty Bob... Do your duty and post up some close up pics and video. Let's see how slow you can get it to crawl... Pop off the shell too and let's see it's innards!
If the loco can come close to a crawl, I would be ecstatic. Speed control is likely my favorite feature of legacy/dcs engines, so any bit of tweaking to provide smooth slow speed operation would be greatly appreciated.
@jim sutter posted:Lets talk repair work. Who will do it? How long is the warranty good for? Will we be able to buy parts and do the repair work ourselves?
That is the sixty four thousand dolor question.
@jim sutter posted:Lets talk repair work. Who will do it? How long is the warranty good for? Will we be able to buy parts and do the repair work ourselves?
@John Pignatelli JR. posted:That is the sixty four thousand dolor question.
A small issue. Guessing they have a plan. Do any TV's have a warranty after 30 or 60 days? Staples wouldn't even exchange an unused defective stapler of theirs received as a gift because we didn't have the receipt.
If this locomotive can be run with Lionel’s universal Lionchief remote I believe that Menards will have a hit on their hands. If this means adding yet another remote system to the hobby well then I’m not as sure.
Would be interesting to know if any of this came from K-Line tooling, can't wait to get mine for the open up !
my order is in and confirmed
@Daniel Bobrovsky posted:Would be interesting to know if any of this came from K-Line tooling, can't wait to get mine for the open up !
The details don't match up with a K-Line F-unit.
@jim sutter posted:Lets talk repair work. Who will do it? How long is the warranty good for? Will we be able to buy parts and do the repair work ourselves?
I'm guessing refund/credit or exchange for defective units. Functioning returned units to be placed in Menards Mystery Boxes.
Rusty
@Dick S posted: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.
I suspect old rail king tooling from before proto
@RixTrack posted:I suspect old rail king tooling from before proto
Nope. Not RailKing... The early RailKing F's are short and stubby. (and sorta cute...)
Rusty
Huzzah, Menards!
Well-placed steps into a bigger world:
Locomotive style - check!
Livery - check!
Beta test with real, experienced users -- double extra good check!
I eagerly await the testers' reports, and your response & reaction.
Best of luck in your new venture!
I should have mine tomorrow or Wednesday so I will post my video review on my channel as soon as I can. I'm going to try and cover as much as possible and do some comparisons with my Legacy Santa Fe for sizing purposes.
Pretty excited for this new entry, I think Menards is on the right track (pun intended)
-Matt
What time of day did you order yours? I received the email at 11:31 EST. Could not order, it was sold out.
I heard about it here first from an earlier receiver of the email. I received my Menards Newsletter email with the Engine in it at 11:55am
I ordered from Menards at 11:02
I think a Pennsy in Tuscan red and Brunswick green would do great. How about a Baltimore and Ohio, Western Maryland, New York Central, Chesapeake and Ohio and a New Haven for starters.
I’m sure once they are happy with them, there will be many more road names.
Steve
I am so thankful to Menards for producing these affordable new locomotives and trains!! Will definitely order from the next batch! JohnA
@jim sutter posted:I think a Pennsy in Tuscan red and Brunswick green would do great. How about a Baltimore and Ohio, Western Maryland, New York Central, Chesapeake and Ohio and a New Haven for starters.
Im in for a DLGE PRR unit single stripe!
As long as the dimensions are correct for an EMD f unit, I'm in at even $150.00! Today you cant buy a new loco or many of its parts at that price. If it comes with 2 can motors and you want tmcc/dcs compatibility, nothing is stopping you from gutting the electronics and installing ERR/ DCS in it! For more details, there are lots of brass parts from psc, o Scale America, American models, P&D hobby shop, etc.
Read the time stamp on this thread. Mark the Menards Train Guy posted it here at about 9:30 a.m. EDT. That’s when the orders started.
Because I follow Mark on this forum and have opted to receive emails on everything he posts, I got an email notification of his post from OGR at 9:36 a.m. and completed my order 18 minutes later.
I must have been asleep at the wheel and missed this one. At less than $150.00 I'll order one next time around. Road name doesn't matter as it will go to the paint shop to become an U.S. Army F3.
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@Jim R. posted:Read the time stamp on this thread. Mark the Menards Train Guy posted it here at about 9:30 a.m. EDT. That’s when the orders started.
Because I follow Mark on this forum and have opted to receive emails on everything he posts, I got an email notification of his post from OGR at 9:36 a.m. and completed my order 18 minutes later.
Same here. I’m on the west coast, but my bladder demanded I get up earlier than I wanted. Glad I did.
Steve
I tried to order as soon as i got the email, but of course sold out... I would have been ordering online, but i think i saw on the website it was only sold in stores??
what a disappointment.
"I tried to order as soon as i got the email, but of course sold out... I would have been ordering online, but i think i saw on the website it was only sold in stores??"
"Only sold in stores" is what their web page defaults to when the sell out of somthing on line. Everyone (all 200) who ordered one of these beta tester first batch of 200 ordered them online.
Unless these somehow turn out to be horrible failure that can not be fixed there will be more.
Could there be a new topic when all of you start receiving and having a chance to enjoy Menard's locomotive. Pics, videos, and opinions...
@TM Terry posted:Could there be a new topic when all of you start receiving and having a chance to enjoy Menard's locomotive. Pics, videos, and opinions...
My guess is that there will be more than one at first and a moderator will combine them. Just a guess.
John
Amazing how fast some things can come and go. 3 hours to sell out 200 units. Congrats to @Menards. If the first criteria of your beta test was "will the established hobby community give it a try?", then I think you have a smashing success. Looking forward to reviews and future road names. you could not have picked a much better model to start with.
All I can say is wow and thank you. Saw the announcement too late to even consider purchasing one but from the video and price of $146 my feed back is great job. Keep the locos coming.
Maybe this was asked already. Is this an introductory price to get folks to provide feedback or do you see this as the pricing moving ahead?
I'm looking forward to more road names!
I applaud Menard's for again introducing a product that is priced and aimed at the entry-level O Scale/gauge modeler, and has some form of handheld control (although I can't find WHAT the Menard's handheld is, exactly). The "other" companies' offerings are similar in price, with handheld control, but (I think) all have small, and only ONE motor.
These Menard's engines should hit a market for parents (and youth) who are tired of the limited pulling power, and (the resulting) motor failures of other "starter set" engines.
Is there an existing B unit that would work with it?
John
@jini5 posted:Congrats Menards Looks good. Now.............Can We have a reissue of the autoracks with the 6 pickup trucks?
Yes, please!
This is a really great offering. I am sorry I missed it but I would like to echo some of the sentiments already written here.
We have purchased a good amount of the rolling stock. I am very pleased with the quality, value, and operation of all the cars we have purchased. My eleven year old was very happy to outfit a couple of different road named trains with some decent consists.
I also think it is great for the hobby that Menard’s is trying their hand at power units. I am looking forward to seeing some run videos real soon even though the Menardsville layout is pretty cool. Thank you Menard’s!
@MartyE posted:Maybe this was asked already. Is this an introductory price to get folks to provide feedback or do you see this as the pricing moving ahead?
I'm looking forward to more road names!
$146.06 is certainly and odd-ball number for a MSRP. Retail pricing normally ends with $.95, $.98 or $.99. It will be interesting to see if the price changes (up or down) once the F-unit goes into full production. I know the post-rebate price ends in $.99, but as has been stated on OGR over multiple posts, not everyone can take advantage of the rebate.
Rusty
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@Rusty Traque posted:$146.06 is certainly and odd-ball number for a MSRP. Retail pricing normally ends with $.95, $.98 or $.99. It will be interesting to see if the price changes (up or down) once the F-unit goes into full production. I know the post-rebate price ends in $.99, but as has been stated on OGR over multiple posts, not everyone can take advantage of the rebate.
Rusty
Thanks Rusty. I guess I need to check my prescription. LOL! I would guess, but maybe wrong, if it goes into full manufacturing the price may increase a bit. Seems low even in "entry level" realm. But who knows. Menard's knows what they need to charge to make it worth while so we'll see where the chips land on the final price. Certainly are getting a lot of attention. I would hope when folks report their findings they can report the facts without the unnecessary drama that sometimes derails a good report.
As far as the odd ball MSRP, I guess it was to it the $.99. Because $129.99 is a better value than $130. 
Has it been mentioned yet whether these engines have there own Wall Wort or do they operate on 18V to the Track?
Just wondering????
I would be interested in hearing about it’s durability and pulling power as well. It does seem to be a good strategy by Menards to gets these locomotives out to the public in limited numbers as a test run. Really interesting to see how this develops.
An F3 is not on my wish list, but if this is successful it will be interesting to see what future engines they do. At 13", their F3 is scale length so I assume the other dimensions are good too. If future engines are also scale sized that would be great (for me).
As a command control engine, does it matter to any of you that it does not have electrocouplers?
@Fredstrains posted:Has it been mentioned yet whether these engines have there own Wall Wort or do they operate on 18V to the Track?
Just wondering????
I would say you use an existing layout with power already available. It seems to me they are just selling an engine and remote.
@CAPPilot posted:As a command control engine, does it matter to any of you that it does not have electrocouplers?
Not at the price point they seem to be shooting for. I think they have a good set of options for the price they are targeting.
Thanks Menards. I'm just happy to see a company willing to make entry level priced locomotives.
Very interested in purchasing.
Would like to see Southeastern US Roadnames available as well. Southern, Clinchfield, etc.
I can’t believe I missed out. That thing looks ten times nicer than my 2014 Lionel Black Widow FT, and command control to boot. Hasn’t Lionel abandoned the base Lionchief? Perhaps Menards licensed it and perhaps that answers the concerns about future service. Either way, I’d be happy to make this my first warbonnet if they do another run. Along with the auto rack! And probably some buildings while I’m at it…
This is what we need. More affordable locomotives that will be fine when the two-year-old dials up full reverse and accordions a freight train.
Menards says the engine weighs 2 pounds 12 ounces. Just our of curiosity, I checked my 8 Lionel Santa Fe F units. he powered units weigh between 4 and 5 pounds each. The dummies between 2 1/2 and 3.
Watching the video, it's obvious the sounds depicted didn't come from the engine shown on screen as there were no background sounds such as wheels on track. I wonder what the fidelity will be. It certainly is a variety of crew talk though.
@MartyE posted:Watching the video, it's obvious the sounds depicted didn't come from the engine shown on screen as there were no background sounds such as wheels on track. I wonder what the fidelity will be. It certainly is a variety of crew talk though.
Amazing amount of crew talk!! Listening to my scanner, UP, BNSF and CN hardly squawk at all except for track warrants. The local Cedar Rapids and Iowa City CRANDIC does alot of talk but only because they switch local industries so mostly conductor to engineer chatter.
I recall that PRR required their crews to call signals, but discontinued now I guess due to PTC implementation.
Anyway can't wait to read beta test results, good, bad, ugly, or "fer git aboud it"
@Dick S posted:Menards says the engine weighs 2 pounds 12 ounces. Just our of curiosity, I checked my 8 Lionel Santa Fe F units. he powered units weigh between 4 and 5 pounds each. The dummies between 2 1/2 and 3.
The video shows a short train and no hill climbing, so that is probably a clue as to traction capability of F3. But certainly would be adequate for kids play value.
If Menards does sets, it will have to supply a hefty transformer, for the first time train under the Christmas tree parents.
If anyone has purchased this and is not able to use the rebate due to their location, please consider donating the rebate portion of the receipt to a museum in a area that has a Menards store. I am involved with the Western Union Junction RR museum in Sturtevant Wisconsin and I know those unused rebate forms could go to a good use towards paint and other items to keep up our equipment we have on display
I was hoping Cabinet Bob would put one through its paces. His reviews have always been very good.
I think it is great Menard's is doing this.
As far as reviews, and so forth: let's make sure to take of our long time O-Gauge enthusiast hat, and look at it for what it is. I see a lot of comments already comparing it to Railking and Lionchief and Lionchief+. Remember, this is not that.
I see many suggestion, and while all good, I think defeat the purpose of this offering from Menard's. Every time we add a feature to make it like "what we're used to", we add cost.
Also, every entry level train does not have to be thought of as a gateway into this as a hobby. It's okay if it truly is juts a toy for play value, with limited or no upgrade ability. I know tons of people/families who just have a simple oval with a cheap train, and that's all they want. This new product is perfect for them. They're not worried about electro-couplers, or ability to run with TMCC/DCS, etc.
I do hope these are successful as I do believe there is a market for it.
@EscapeRocks posted:Also, every entry level train does not have to be thought of as a gateway into this as a hobby. It's okay if it truly is juts a toy for play value, with limited or no upgrade ability. I know tons of people/families who just have a simple oval with a cheap train, and that's all they want. This new product is perfect for them. They're not worried about electro-couplers, or ability to run with TMCC/DCS, etc.
David
Unfortunately there are those who want it all. Remember Lionel offered the LC sets because folks didn't want the "complicated" remotes and just wanted a train that went. Lionel gave it to them and then they wanted to operate several of these engines in one remote. Lionel gave it to them. Then they wanted more features...so on and so on. Now we have LC+2.0. Back to 1 step below Legacy.
Hopefully Menard's can keep those folks in check. There is definitely a market for their offering.
Good for Menard's!! Glad somebody is coming in to fill the void after so many left... Williams, Weaver, K-Line, and pending. And it is not gold-plate priced. If they do a steamer, you better check my pulse, the shock, you know, but l might jump on that!
@BNSF-Matt posted:I should have mine tomorrow or Wednesday so I will post my video review on my channel as soon as I can. I'm going to try and cover as much as possible and do some comparisons with my Legacy Santa Fe for sizing purposes.
Pretty excited for this new entry, I think Menards is on the right track (pun intended)
-Matt
The make-or-break question for me is whether or not it will run conventionally and/or with the Lionel universal remote. Since Menards hasn't replied to my previous post about that, I hope you can include this in your review.
If it only works on the Menards remote, I can see a lot of disappointed kids and inexperienced users when the remote is dropped or lost and they're dead in the water. The folks on this forum know what we expect to get at this price point, but I'm not sure that the casual user will see it the same way.
@Mike Slater posted:If anyone has purchased this and is not able to use the rebate due to their location, please consider donating the rebate portion of the receipt to a museum in a area that has a Menards store. I am involved with the Western Union Junction RR museum in Sturtevant Wisconsin and I know those unused rebate forms could go to a good use towards paint and other items to keep up our equipment we have on display
That's a great idea for those of us on the east coast.
I will look them up.
They've got cars, track, buildings, scenery, and now an engine. All that's missing that I've been desperately waiting for is switches!
Maybe?
@BNSF-Matt posted:Quick screenshots and video of the engine idling. Unfortunately, I can't show you folks anything else because the remote is not functioning. I may have to open the remote as I'm not getting a power light to come on and yes I put batteries in it
Sounds decent. Hope the remote is an easy fix. If you have a LC universal it might be worth giving it a try. You never know.
@MartyE posted:Sounds decent. Hope the remote is an easy fix. If you have a LC universal it might be worth giving it a try. You never know.
Yes! I am really curious if the LionChief Universal Remote works with this locomotive. The Menards remote looks like a twin of the LC remote.
Does the locomotive beep when the power is turned on but the remote isn't activated yet? That's what LionChief locos do .
@Landsteiner posted:Does the locomotive beep when the power is turned on but the remote isn't activated yet? That's what LionChief locos do
No beeps, once power is applied to the track the engine sounds turn on and the front marker lights turn on as well. I'm guessing I should see the remote light turn on when remote switch is flipped, but nothing happens. I tried 3 different sets of batteries as well. I even tried turning on the remote first and then track power, but end in the same result. I think I just have a bad remote, but I will keep doing some troubleshooting.
Either it's not LionChief or has slightly modified circuitry is my guess. If it's not LionChief, that would be disappointing for those, like me, who hoped it would work with the universal remote from Lionel. Probably would have bought one or more eventually if compatible with LionChief or the app, but probably won't if it's some incompatible third system and won't work in conventional, as it apparently won't.
Matt, maybe you could remove the shell and show us what they have for motors and what the board looks like. That might answer the question if the electronics are Lionchief.
Pete
@Csxcellent posted: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.
It appears that the tooling is actually new, as it has a couple of obvious (at least to me) flaws, bases on the video. There may be others.
- the contour of the nose is incorrect, obvious from the top; there is a "sharpness" to it.
- the loco is too long for an F3, and/or the trucks are mounted too far toward the ends of the frame, an issue that afflicts the Williams Alco PA. Related: note the extra length of the fuel tank.
(Others may have seen this, but I did not read all the thread reply pages.)
As for tooling, does anyone know about the Railking F3 tooling? Could this be MTH tooling and their former infrared control system?
@BNSF-Matt posted:Quick screenshots and video of the engine idling. Unfortunately, I can't show you folks anything else because the remote is not functioning. I may have to open the remote as I'm not getting a power light to come on and yes I put batteries in it
How did you get it so fast?
@D500 posted:It appears that the tooling is actually new, as it has a couple of obvious (at least to me) flaws, bases on the video. There may be others.
- the contour of the nose is incorrect, obvious from the top; there is a "sharpness" to it.
- the loco is too long for an F3, and/or the trucks are mounted too far toward the ends of the frame, an issue that afflicts the Williams Alco PA. Related: note the extra length of the fuel tank.
(Others may have seen this, but I did not read all the thread reply pages.)
I think for the price point the phrase "Close enough" comes to mind. While it's always good feedback for Mark the Menard's Guy, I think to keep costs in check they probably are taking some liberties which is what I would expect. I doubt the target audience for this unit would care. I think it looks good for what it is.
Regardless of the details, it is good news for the hobby that Menard's is making this step towards a full line of toy trains.
A few quick notes:
- The unit is indeed longer than a scale Lionel legacy F3 (see photo)
- I live in Chicagoland so I'm quite close to the Menards distribution center - most Menards items for me come next day with standard delivery
- I took a quick photo of the inside of the remote if folks want to see that
- I don't own a universal remote, but I do have a few LC remotes. I doubt that will work, but can try
- I think the engine looks fine for the cost point - I wasn't expecting prototypical accuracy and nobody else should either
- If I do open the engine up it won't be until later on tonight
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Matt, are there any more components on the back of the PC board or a second board in the handle section?
Pete
You can't walk without crawling first. Menards, this is a good start, I would say it won't take you guys long to be running with all this new engine, which I'm sure there will be more.
Thank you, Matt, for the initial photographs and description of the problem with the remote.
I am with everyone else who said at that price point, I don't expect authenticity. Actually, I think it looks quite good! Now all of you 200 testers, it's up to you to beat it up, show Menards the weak spots and I'm sure Menards will work them out. I take it that is the intent of the first 200.
OK, those few chips are where the action is. Thanks again for posting these.
Pete
@BNSF-Matt posted:
- The unit is indeed longer than a scale Lionel legacy F3 (see photo)
@D500 posted:
- the loco is too long for an F3, and/or the trucks are mounted too far toward the ends of the frame, an issue that afflicts the Williams Alco PA. Related: note the extra length of the fuel tank.
The roof hatch arrangement (notice the short hatch between the hatch where the dynamic brake fan would go and the cooling fans ) suggest the locomotive is more FP7 than F3, which would account for the longer length. And yes, no dynamic brake was on option on the FP7's.
Rusty
@MartyE posted:I think for the price point the phrase "Close enough" comes to mind. While it's always good feedback for Mark the Menard's Guy, I think to keep costs in check they probably are taking some liberties which is what I would expect. I doubt the target audience for this unit would care. I think it looks good for what it is.
But, with all the good to great renditions of the EMD F-units over the years, readily available in various forms and vintages, why would we need a poor one? And yet another "Warbonnet", to boot. There is a photo above that shows the length of the new piece - it is even longer than I thought - somewhere between an F and an E, maybe. (An "FE"?)
They asked for feedback, so there is mine. I would not buy one, but I'm not that F-unit guy, anyway.
BNSF-Matt, Just wondering, is this on a track with all command bases unplugged? Thst might be causing interference, just a thought. Thank you very much for the great pictures, it’s a very nicely painted diesel. Also, will it run in conventional? It’s very interesting. Happy Railroading Everyone
@BNSF-Matt posted:Nope, it's just the battery compartment and hot and common leads to the main board. Below is the reverse side of the main board.
With a sample size of only one loco and one remote, it's impossible to tell if the problem is in the remote or in the loco.
Everyone is ASSUMING that the problem is in the remote, but it could just as easily be in the loco.
@D500 posted:But, with all the good to great renditions of the EMD F-units over the years, readily available in various forms and vintages, why would we need a poor one? And yet another "Warbonnet", to boot. There is a photo above that shows the length of the new piece - it is even longer than I thought - somewhere between an F and an E, maybe. (An "FE"?)
They asked for feedback, so there is mine. I would not buy one, but I'm not that F-unit guy, anyway.
As I mentioned above, the loco is more or less an FP7 and not an F3. FP7's were 4 feet longer than F3/7/9's. It would be interesting if one of the 200 has a GDD FP7 to compare length only to.
While the next photo is of S Scale models, it illustrates the difference in length between an F3 and FP7.
Otherwise, the devil is in the details, but given the price point for this product I'm not going to drill down into them. I'm taking it for what it is: a reasonably priced, attractive, entry level O gauge locomotive.
Rusty
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@leapinlarry posted:BNSF-Matt, Just wondering, is this on a track with all command bases unplugged? Thst might be causing interference, just a thought. Thank you very much for the great pictures, it’s a very nicely painted diesel. Also, will it run in conventional? It’s very interesting. Happy Railroading Everyone
Great question Larry, I tried this on my command layout and my workbench which lets me run conventionally if needed. When power is applied to the track in both places the unit turns on, but does not move. So it's safe to say the unit will only function with the remote connected to it.
I also think it looks great, and I own quite a good number of SF warbonnet diesels. Hopefully I can get this resolved so I can pull some passenger cars.
@BNSF-Matt posted:A few quick notes:
- The unit is indeed longer than a scale Lionel legacy F3 (see photo)
- I live in Chicagoland so I'm quite close to the Menards distribution center - most Menards items for me come next day with standard delivery
- I took a quick photo of the inside of the remote if folks want to see that
- I don't own a universal remote, but I do have a few LC remotes. I doubt that will work, but can try
- I think the engine looks fine for the cost point - I wasn't expecting prototypical accuracy and nobody else should either
- If I do open the engine up it won't be until later on tonight
I wonder if the length is the same as an FP7?
@Rusty Traque posted:As I mentioned above, the loco is more or less an FP7 and not an F3. FP7's were 4 feet longer than F3/7/9's. It would be interesting if one of the 200 has a GDD FP7 to compare length only to.
Otherwise, the devil is in the details, but given the price point for this product I'm not going to drill down into them. I'm taking it for what it is: a reasonably priced, attractive, entry level O gauge locomotive.
Rusty
I wish I could say I own an FP7, however I do have SF scale F3s, F7s, E8s. Alco PAs, and E6s
Gotta love when the scale/prototype guys come into the Menard's threads and crap all over them. Especially when they have no intention of buying an item anyway.
As far as this particular new offering: looks like a F3 (or F7) and the paint looks good. All the other stuff are things that I, and a lot of Menard's customers simply don't care about.
@BNSF-Matt posted:I wish I could say I own an FP7, however I do have SF scale F3s, F7s, E8s. Alco PAs, and E6s
Well, Santa Fe never owned any FP7's, so your collection is complete.
Given all the big buck fantasy locomotives Big L churns out, can we really complain about a low priced fantasy FP7?
Hopefully for future releases, Menards will call it what it better represents, an FP7.
Rusty
@EscapeRocks posted:Gotta love when the scale/prototype guys come into the Menard's threads and crap all over them. Especially when they have no intention of buying an item anyway.
As far as this particular new offering: looks like a F3 (or F7) and the paint looks good. All the other stuff are things that I, and a lot of Menard's customers simply don't care about.
**AHEM**
Read what I said, particularly as folks are commenting about the length:
"As I mentioned above, the loco is more or less an FP7 and not an F3. FP7's were 4 feet longer than F3/7/9's. "
"Otherwise, the devil is in the details, but given the price point for this product I'm not going to drill down into them. I'm taking it for what it is: a reasonably priced, attractive, entry level O gauge locomotive."
Otherwise, I suppose a little education about a prototype is a bad thing????
Rusty
@Menards posted:Feedback Wanted
These engines have been in development for several years and delayed further by COVID-19.
This limited edition is our first locomotive, and we want to know your opinion of the model's appearance, functionality, reliability, performance, value, and most of all, did you have fun running it? This will help guide us in the future.
Please email your thoughts and feedback to Ray at Guest@menard-inc.com
Remember, the purpose of this test run is to gather feedback. The more people who get one, the better. With this in mind, and because the supply is so limited, we ask that you limit your purchase to one engine per customer.Features
- Very limited - Only 200 produced
- Two powerful motors - Great for pulling!
- Easy-to-use remote control with forward/reverse, horn, bells, and crew commentary
- Adjust volume with a dial on the side of the controller
- Call and response audio between engineer, fireman, and dispatcher (25 phrases)
- Directional lighting illuminates going forward and backwards and lighted number boards
- Rugged stamped-steel frame
- Metal trucks with die-cast frames
- Realistic train sounds with on/off switch (located on underside of engine)
- Locomotive Weight: 2lb. 12 oz.
- Locomotive Dimensions: 13"L x 2-1/2"W x 3-1/2"H (not including horns)
Get on board with the test run of this brand new locomotive from Menards!Shop Now >
The Iconic F3 Locomotive
The classic F3 locomotive hails design from the Golden Age of American railroading and offers mighty O gauge action with two-motor power for hauling long trains.
The F3 is an iconic locomotive, often dubbed "the diesel that did it," in the transition from steam to diesel locomotives. The Menards F3 features America's most recognized railway graphics - the classic Santa Fe War-Bonnet livery that set a new visual standard for railway graphic design.
Not Just a Pretty Face
This precision crafted model has two powered motors, a rugged die-cast metal frame, metal truck side-frames, and power pickup rollers on each wheel set.
The F3 comes equipped with crew figures in the illuminated cab. Safety is assured along the line with a bright LED headlight, backup light, and classification lighting. The model has working front and rear couplers.
Cast-in detailing includes portholes, rivet and seam detail, and exhaust and radiator fans.
The model showcases premium painting and decoration of the complex Santa Fe silver, black, red, and yellow livery.
The F3 measures 13 inches long and easily operates on O-31 diameter curves, and all contemporary track brands.
Radio-Equipped
The F3 comes with an easy-to-use hand-held wireless controller. Easy for youngsters or adults to hold and use.
- Easy rotating forward-reverse directional control
- Select horn or bell sounds
- Trigger crew communications
- Adjustable volume control
- Quick battery replacement
In case you missed it, I've attached today's Menards Train email. If you'd like to sign up for these, click here.
Do this in a Christmas Livery and you’ll sell 5,000.
@RixTrack posted:Do this in a Christmas Livery and you’ll sell 5,000.
Absolutely. If it came close to matching the reindeer o27 Lionel passenger cars, I’d get one and I don’t need another Christmas engine.
I like it! A great entry-level loco. I would buy a Pennsy verson someday, perhaps. I am not a rivet counter, but the red-ish LEDs behind the number boards seem kinda weird, unless it is just photographing wrong?
@BNSF-Matt posted:Quick screenshots and video of the engine idling. Unfortunately, I can't show you folks anything else because the remote is not functioning. I may have to open the remote as I'm not getting a power light to come on and yes I put batteries in it
What VOLTAGE are U using to the Track???
@Fredstrains posted:What VOLTAGE are U using to the Track???
18 volts from my Z4000. It's the remote that's the problem, the power indicator on the remote doesn't even light up. I opened the remote, solder joints look fine, no bad wires that I could see. Main board looks fine, no burn spots or damage. I think I just have a bad remote.
@BNSF-Matt posted:18 volts from my Z4000. It's the remote that's the problem, the power indicator on the remote doesn't even light up. I opened the remote, solder joints look fine, no bad wires that I could see. Main board looks fine, no burn spots or damage. I think I just have a bad remote.
Do you have a fast track power supply you can try it with ?
The layout looks fantastic. Very nice way to show a new model.
Interesting that all these years there has been an interest in menards offering motive power and the naysayers emerge. Something affordable, something with a remote, technology that doesn't require excessive wiring or add ons, something easily converted to battery power, geeze this is a home run or at least a triple. I hope they continue down this path.
@BNSF-Matt posted:18 volts from my Z4000. It's the remote that's the problem, the power indicator on the remote doesn't even light up. I opened the remote, solder joints look fine, no bad wires that I could see. Main board looks fine, no burn spots or damage. I think I just have a bad remote.
I don't suppose there is a frequency/channel switch or jumper on remote or engine underside?
If the remote is open, I would measure the voltage right where it enters the board to rule out broken wire inside insulation. Ditto the RF board inside engine if separate from main. Look that antenna is not broke loose in engine or remote.
What power supply are you using? Chopped wave may be giving RF board fits, try a sinewave supply (old Lionel ZW, KW, 1033 etc)
Or gilding the cake, have ham with radio sweep through on chance remote is transmitting, but you would need to know approximate frequency range (FCC sticker should point to FCC file with the frequency) Of course if you had a spectrum analyzer (right GRJ? )......
Otherwise you may have the first qualified OBF (Out of Box Failure) to return to Menards Mr. Mark. 
