(11/10/16) O Gauge Red Owl Store from Menards!

Burger King!  I can smell the flame broiled goodness

I think it's obviously a building, could be a restaurant or Cabinet Bob's workshop! Just sayin!

The three rotating warp nacelle fronts to a Starfleet Dreadnought style starship?

Really!   You had to have rotating vents.  I have no idea what it could be but I want one.  

Ed

Could this be the Red Owl grocery store?

franktrain

It could be my Christmas present!

Oh my, it's a girls shower room.

Red Owl store.. Final answer...

a shoe store for Bob !!   

Rotating vents?  What a neat idea.  How come I didn't think of that, myself?  Now, let's see what they are on.

Paul Fischer

TShearer posted:

a shoe store for Bob !!   

 

YOU Sir, are way too funny !!!

A roof-top bar. Those are the bar stools.....

Whatever it is; I thought I could have lived without it, until now

Gilly@N&W posted:

A roof-top bar. Those are the bar stools.....

Whatever it is; I thought I could have lived without it, until now

Wooo   Whooo !!

If it's a factory, or some industry, I am in. If it's another downtown retail business, I maybe out.

I am holding out for some kind of small industry. But then again rotating roof vents could be on top of many things. Guess we will have to wait for another teaser. Until then I have my new station to keep me stable..........Paul

I only give a hoot if it's the Red Owl store.

I would love a diner... but I don't think that's a diner roof in the picture.

I don't think these vents are on the roof. I think they are either on the back wall or on one of its sides. Maybe a supermarket, a meat packing plant or a fish market.

When did you see turbine vents mounted on a wall?

Rusty

I believe those are roof vents

Rotating vents?  What a neat idea.  How come I didn't think of that, myself?

Paul Fischer

IDK but you are a few years too late! These rotating vents work great from Model Tech Studios!

http://modeltechstudios.com/os...ntoperational-2.aspx

Same goes for this operational exhaust fan too!

http://modeltechstudios.com/os...fanjustlikereal.aspx

I don't think they are vents.  Those little red marks must mean something.  They're mounted on what looks like a cement block structure.  I haven't the slightest clue.

99.9 % sure.. roof vents on the Red Owl Store...

cabinet Bob posted:

99.9 % sure.. roof vents on the Red Owl Store...

If it is a Red Owl store, I hope they make this truck too.

Definitely turbine roof vents. Don't overthink this. So ...

it's 2:00  We are WAITING......

BINGO !!!  And ordered.. WOW !!!

Bingo? Wow? We haven't gotten anything yet on the East Coast! They do come directly to you Bob, I knew it!!!

I can't find it on there page, do you have the sku?

Introducing our newest building – The O Gauge Red Owl Store!

Enhance your train layout with an O Gauge Red Owl Store! Modeled after a real Red Owl storefront that existed in Eau Claire, WI, this prebuilt and prelit model is a beautiful representation of a grocery store franchise from yesteryear. Plus, it has over 45 LED lights!

Outfitted with 24 LED lights on the exterior, the Red Owl’s iconic sign comes to life with a steady-on or playful blinking pattern. And beneath the beaming light, you’ll notice that this small store is brimming with eager shoppers and well-stocked shelves. Peer through the wide windows to watch the shoppers as they peruse the simulated grocery aisles within. A total of 8 figures are scattered throughout this attractive structure, which includes 6 adults (4 individuals with shopping carts), 1 child and Jack the German Shepherd!

And on the roof, you’ll see 3 animated ceiling vents and 2 air conditioning units, which really put this display over the top. Along with vintage “Ivory Snow” and “Kellogg’s” advertisements encasing its exterior walls, this train model is also adorned with “Red Owl” lettering that is illuminated by 20 LED lights! Plus, with the addition of truck doors on the backside of the building, this Red Owl Store looks like its back in business! SKU# 279-3472 

The footprint of this beautiful structure is 8-5/8" x 17-1/2" and height is 5-1/2".

Click here to see more

Thank you,
Mark the Menards Train Guy

thanks for the link, ordered!!!   Mark are we on a building a week schedule??  Just want to know if I should leave some open spaces on the layout!!!!

Ok, finally got to see it! I think they send it to Bob first, if he likes it, they release it to the rest of us! Beautiful! in the words of a infamous American,Bingo, Wow!! LOL

rboatertoo posted:

thanks for the link, ordered!!!   Mark are we on a building a week schedule??  Just want to know if I should leave some open spaces on the layout!!!!

rboatertoo,

We are on a blistering pace, that's for sure. I hope you like this building as much as we do!

-Mark the Menards Train Guy

ordered !  bin waiting for this one

Man, that sure is cool! Too bad I don't have a place on my layout for one, I hope Menards keeps up the great work and everyone who wants one, gets to enjoy it.

Another gem from our friends at Menards.    

How do they do it?  

Mark,

Agree, very cool.  Thanks for specifying the exact dimensions.  I went to the website after Bob's "Wow" since we had nothing else to go by.  The dimensions there are a bit confusing.  I'll have to do some serious thinking (and gluing) to create a space for this one.  Looks fantastic!!  I want this one and the new station, but, no more room to spare on my 35 foot long table.

Since I may have to put these 17 inches high, off the table (uppermost level), can anyone remind me how the guys wire these without the 4.5 adapter?

Jerry

JerryG posted:

Mark,

Agree, very cool.  Thanks for specifying the exact dimensions.  I went to the website after Bob's "Wow" since we had nothing else to go by.  The dimensions there are a bit confusing.  I'll have to do some serious thinking (and gluing) to create a space for this one.  Looks fantastic!!  I want this one and the new station, but, no more room to spare on my 35 foot long table.

Since I may have to put these 17 inches high, off the table (uppermost level), can anyone remind me how the guys wire these without the 4.5 adapter?

Jerry

You need to buy the 4.5 adapter  to power it up.see the website to order it. Bob 

Good I need more building.  It is hard to find good buildings at an reasonable price.  Lionel and mth building lack so much and cost so much more.   

If Menards is on a "blistering pace",  l will stay tuned, with earphones on, cranking the generator on my crystal set. Never heard of this market chain,  but l do like the less common.

Is that film star Marilyn Chambers on the side of the building ?  COOL !

I may need to buy this one....

CHOO-CHOO MIKE posted:

Is that film star Marilyn Chambers on the side of the building ?  COOL !

yep.  Her (in)famous ad before she entered the business.

A Western Auto Store would look great on my layout

Brent

How wide spread was Red Owl chain, or just local to Wisconsin?  Drop down to Iowa?

Course doesn't matter, if you like it, buy it, its your layout!!

Wow!  Looks great to me.  I already know where it will go.  It will have to have a descent sized parking lot for all the shoppers, especially when they have a bread price war with the IGA store at the other side of town.  My Cocoa Cola semi is loading up for the grand opening, I can't wait.

Art

CHOO-CHOO MIKE posted:

Is that film star Marilyn Chambers on the side of the building ?  COOL !

When the film came out, all the Ivory Snow boxes were removed from the shelves in California - and shipped to the stores in Utah, where, presumably, the film was not that popular.

The Red Owl chain was in Minneapolis in my youth.

Nice building. People, who have artistic skills and talent could convert this building to some other type of business. I only hope with this building, Menard's will continue to deliver more new buildings for Christmas.

This is one of the neatest building offerings I've seen from Menards! Looks awesome!! Working in the grocery business myself, this is a must-have for my future layout. Now I know what I want for Christmas!

rrman posted:

How wide spread was Red Owl chain, or just local to Wisconsin?  Drop down to Iowa?

Course doesn't matter, if you like it, buy it, its your layout!!

We had them in Upper Michigan.  And I just ordered it! 

There were Red Owl stores in Estherville and Emmetsburg in Northwest Iowa back in the 60's.

Art

Very cool building. Looks amazing. 

Love it!  Since I'm on the west coast, a conversion to a vintage Safeway might be in order.

rrman posted:

How wide spread was Red Owl chain, or just local to Wisconsin?  Drop down to Iowa?

Course doesn't matter, if you like it, buy it, its your layout!!

Second time I'm cross posting my reply from an earlier thread:

Red Owl was once a grocery store chain that operated in Michigan, Wisconsin, Minnesota, Iowa, and North and South Dakota. The company dates back to 1922. The first store was in Rochester, MN. Its last owner, Supervalu Inc., began phasing them out in the 1980s. One still exists in Green Bay, WI. There were more than 400 stores at one time.

I lived in Rochester for eight years and in Minnesota for 22 years, so I am quite familiar with them.

Department 56 in 2002 released a ceramic building depicting a Red Owl. (See below for one from my collection.)

Jim R.

We had 2 or 3 in Sioux City, IA.

Dick

I was kinda hoping it was something I didn't like.....I am going to a train show Saturday.(need some $$).......but it's too cool to pass up!!!  I can see it on my main street....

Matt Kramer posted:

Love it!  Since I'm on the west coast, a conversion to a vintage Safeway might be in order.

Safeways were on the East coast also. I do like the design of the Red Owl also.

  I'm waiting for a Bohack.

I need one in A&P, Penn Fruit, Acme,Ralphs, Lucky's, Albertson's, Kroger,  Publix,  Trader Joe's. It looks like were you can tell were  I was stationed . I like a sticker to put over Happy Holidays and Say " Merry Christmas" please, Happy Holidays is a Deal breaker.

John

This looks really great. I like that it looks a bit more modern than most offerings. 

Love it.  To many it might seem very ordinary and uninteresting, but this is how they really looked.  It's an iconic brand that I honestly haven't even thought of in years.  But as soon as I see it, it immediately brings back memories.  So that's what's great about a building like this.  Any midwestern visitor who happens to see this is instantly going to be taken back.

This also reminds me a lot of other buidings that looked like this in the 70s and 80s.  Auto parts stores, paint stores, etc, motorcycle sales.  So many uses for a basic, utilitarian retail store with a bunch of windows in the front and very easy for anyone to modify appropriately on their layout.

CHOO-CHOO MIKE posted:

  I'm waiting for a Bohack.

Wow... brings back a lot of memories of Bohack's on Nostrand Avenue in Brooklyn growing up. I'd be in for one of those.

Jim 1939 posted:

Oh my, it's a girls shower room.

 

"Porky's"

Is that who I think it is in the Ivory Snow ad?

Yes it is. Did you read the discussion above?

A Piggly-Wiggly would be nice too, Mark.

Love the Red Owl store!!!!!

Ken

Picked mine up yesterday at our local Menards. This is my favorite building that Menards has produced to date. Awesom detailing inside, a real show piece. My wife, who could care less about train stuff, really raved about this building. Great job Menards.  

Mark, I ordered and paid for the Red Owl on Thursday (shipped to store) and it arrived on Sunday. Just my luck, Menards began another 11 percent rebate week on Sunday.

I asked about getting the rebate applied to the purchase, given the circumstances, but the procedure the manager suggested seems a bit cumbersome. (It involves using an 11 percent price adjustment form and a reprinted receipt, for which I would have to write a letter explaining this all.)

Is there a simpler way to do this? I suggested doing a return and buying it back on the spot, but they were reluctant.

Jim R. posted:

Mark, I ordered and paid for the Red Owl on Thursday (shipped to store) and it arrived on Sunday. Just my luck, Menards began another 11 percent rebate week on Sunday.

I asked about getting the rebate applied to the purchase, given the circumstances, but the procedure the manager suggested seems a bit cumbersome. (It involves using an 11 percent price adjustment form and a reprinted receipt, for which I would have to write a letter explaining this all.)

Is there a simpler way to do this? I suggested doing a return and buying it back on the spot, but they were reluctant.

First, I would like to preface this reply by letting others who are curious about the 11% price adjustment know that the 11% rebate adjustment does not apply to orders that included the free box truck.

Jim,

Bad luck indeed. I guess one of the great "Menards Mysteries" is not knowing when the next 11% sale pop up.

I did contact Customer Service on your behalf and you are eligible for the 11% price adjustment since you did not order the box truck. They will reach out to you shortly (if they have not done so already).

You are correct, you will have to send the 11% price adjustment along with a printed receipt from your online purchase. I have never heard of a written letter of explanation for this process but you can always ask Customer Service once they contact you.

We will make sure that you get your price adjustment. Just let me know if you have any further questions.

-Mark the Menards Train Guy

Here is a tip to know when the 11% sale is coming.

Menards sales usually end on a Sunday.

If a 11% rebate is starting the previous sale will end on Saturday.

Any time you see an ad that ends on a Saturday there is a good chance the 11% rebate will start  Sunday.

And the rest of us wait for what I affectionately refer to as the Midwest and Ohio rebate to end so we can have another buy one, get one deal! Just sayin!

play trains posted:

And the rest of us wait for what I affectionately refer to as the Midwest and Ohio rebate to end so we can have another buy one, get one deal! Just sayin!

Don't feel bad, Sat. I bought another power station for 99.00 in store , then sun. the 11% came out..no rebate or free truck... just my luck..Bob

I feel bad Bob, but not very bad because you probably have the corner on box trucks and 40,000 trees! LOL

Menards posted:

Jim R. posted:

Mark, I ordered and paid for the Red Owl on Thursday (shipped to store) and it arrived on Sunday. Just my luck, Menards began another 11 percent rebate week on Sunday.

I asked about getting the rebate applied to the purchase, given the circumstances, but the procedure the manager suggested seems a bit cumbersome. (It involves using an 11 percent price adjustment form and a reprinted receipt, for which I would have to write a letter explaining this all.)

Is there a simpler way to do this? I suggested doing a return and buying it back on the spot, but they were reluctant.

First, I would like to preface this reply by letting others who are curious about the 11% price adjustment know that the 11% rebate adjustment does not apply to orders that included the free box truck.

Jim,

Bad luck indeed. I guess one of the great "Menards Mysteries" is not knowing when the next 11% sale pop up.

I did contact Customer Service on your behalf and you are eligible for the 11% price adjustment since you did not order the box truck. They will reach out to you shortly (if they have not done so already).

You are correct, you will have to send the 11% price adjustment along with a printed receipt from your online purchase. I have never heard of a written letter of explanation for this process but you can always ask Customer Service once they contact you.

We will make sure that you get your price adjustment. Just let me know if you have any further questions.

-Mark the Menards Train Guy

Mark,

The 11% Rebate Offer always confuses me. So are you saying that I can purchase the building, have it shipped to me in New York, then complete the Rebate Form, mail it back with a copy of my Sales Receipt and Menards will send me a credit check for the 11% Rebate?

I always thought that the 11% Rebate only applied to in-store purchases or that the amount can only be applied to a future in-store purchase. How would I use the 11% Credit Check that is mailed to me?

I'm looking to purchase the Train Station and the Red Owl store.

Mike

I just ordered one.  I wanted to wait for free trees or a free truck....but I got nervous it would sell out.   Now to find a place for it....

ezmike posted:

Mark,

The 11% Rebate Offer always confuses me. So are you saying that I can purchase the building, have it shipped to me in New York, then complete the Rebate Form, mail it back with a copy of my Sales Receipt and Menards will send me a credit check for the 11% Rebate?

This is correct. You will just have to print out the 11% rebate form and your receipt for the online purchase. I've attached the rebate form for your convenience.

I always thought that the 11% Rebate only applied to in-store purchases or that the amount can only be applied to a future in-store purchase. How would I use the 11% Credit Check that is mailed to me?

This is also correct. The 11% rebate may only be used for in-store purchases. However, we've had many members of the forum trading, selling or transferring the credit checks as 645 stated above.

I'm looking to purchase the Train Station and the Red Owl store.

Mike

Mike,

It seems to me that you have a good understanding of the 11% rebate. I elaborated as best I can in you post above. If you have more questions, please ask.

-Mark the Menards Train Guy

Menards posted:

ezmike posted:

Mark,

The 11% Rebate Offer always confuses me. So are you saying that I can purchase the building, have it shipped to me in New York, then complete the Rebate Form, mail it back with a copy of my Sales Receipt and Menards will send me a credit check for the 11% Rebate?

This is correct. You will just have to print out the 11% rebate form and your receipt for the online purchase. I've attached the rebate form for your convenience.

I always thought that the 11% Rebate only applied to in-store purchases or that the amount can only be applied to a future in-store purchase. How would I use the 11% Credit Check that is mailed to me?

This is also correct. The 11% rebate may only be used for in-store purchases. However, we've had many members of the forum trading, selling or transferring the credit checks as 645 stated above.

I'm looking to purchase the Train Station and the Red Owl store.

Mike

Mike,

It seems to me that you have a good understanding of the 11% rebate. I elaborated as best I can in you post above. If you have more questions, please ask.

-Mark the Menards Train Guy

Thanks 645 and Mark. Its crystal clear now.

Mike

Chugman posted:

There were Red Owl stores in Estherville and Emmetsburg in Northwest Iowa back in the 60's.

Art

My grandparents lived in Spirit Lake hardly 10 blocks north of the one on Gary Ave.. that was late 70's early 80's... 

Love this Menards!

Save Big Money!! And buy some awesome train stuff too! I miss that here in the mile high country. 

Mines on it's way.......

Mark....please don't make anything I like for a while!!! No Art Deco buildings, no 50's era downtown stuff, no cool manufacturing buildings etc.......

just kidding......bring all the above on!!  thx

My order states that it is shipped to guest.  You do not post an e-mail address and no response from customer service.   Did not receive package.

Can you look into this?     -    Thanks Gary   -   Red Owl Store & Free treck

trainroomgary posted:

My order states that it is shipped to guest.  You do not post an e-mail address and no response from customer service.   Did not receive package.

Can you look into this?     -    Thanks Gary   -   Red Owl Store & Free treck

No problem, Gary.

I looked up the order on the Menards "Order Tracker" as you have shown above.

Once I did that, I clicked on "Tracking Details" button and again on the green text "Trailer/Tracking #".

Below is the status according to the tracking information. I hope that Helps!
-Mark the Menards Train Guy

Gary,

My experience is variable.  If you click on the top "tracking details" you should get another screen that presents a tracking number.  Click on that.  You should see that is has moved from Eau Claire to a center in Michigan.  After that, you should see it's present location and anticipated arrival date.  If not, you'd better email the customer service folks.  As I'm sure you know, they are quite accommodating.

Their service seems to be an odd combination of USPS and FedEx.  I have had a few orders get stuck for a few days in one of the centers, but, rarely had to wait more than 8-9 days.  Most come within 4 or 5 days.  I live in Connecticut.

Jerry

As usual, way to go Mark.

Also, I should wait another week to order this store.  Do you have a way of knowing how many are left?

Jerry

Hi Mark and Jerry

Looks like the packaged started out with Fed-Ex, at MENARDS and was dropped off at my local USA Post Office.  I was un able to see these details,  Just showed, "Shipped in full to guessed"  This is causing "Chaos" I am the guessed. not my post office.

Mark / Why do you start off shipment with Fed-Ex and drop off at my local post office. Fed Ex and UPS are my neighborhood, every day.  I would prefer to go with UPS or Fed-Ex all the way and avoid my US Post Office.

Thanks - Gary   I will take a photo, when it shows up to myself,  "The Guessed".

JerryG posted:

As usual, way to go Mark.

Also, I should wait another week to order this store.  Do you have a way of knowing how many are left?

Jerry

Jerry,

I don't anticipate these running out by next week, so you should be OK.

-Mark the Menards Train Guy

I saw one of these on display at our local Menards, night before last. It is a drop dead beautiful model. Now on my Christmas Wish List!

trainroomgary posted:

Hi Mark and Jerry

Looks like the packaged started out with Fed-Ex, at MENARDS and was dropped off at my local USA Post Office.  I was un able to see these details,  Just showed, "Shipped in full to guessed"  This is causing "Chaos" I am the guessed. not my post office.

Mark / Why do you start off shipment with Fed-Ex and drop off at my local post office. Fed Ex and UPS are my neighborhood, every day.  I would prefer to go with UPS or Fed-Ex all the way and avoid my US Post Office.

Thanks - Gary   I will take a photo, when it shows up to myself,  "The Guessed".

Gary,

I will admit that I have very little understanding of how the shipping aspect is handled but was able to obtain a little more information for you.

The cheapest "economy" shipping option is typically handed in a service called FedEx SmartPost. Through this service, FedEx takes your package the majority of the way but ultimately leaves packages at your local post office. The package will then leave the facility on normal delivery routes, which is a cheaper (less efficient) means of delivery.

We do have a FedEx Ground delivery option but it is a few dollars more expensive. If you choose this method of transportation, FedEx would deliver the package directly to your home.

-Mark the Menards Train Guy

FedEx  Smartpost is pretty common around here. FedEx and UPS both dislike rural delivery......drive 25 miles to drop off one package. So more and more the cheap way is mass shipping with one of the parcel services and hand off to local USPS. It's cheap but often slow. I'll watch the tracking on a package and it will sit in Grove City OH for 36 hours at times.  

But I'll take the slow if Menard's can keep shipping cheap. 

An issue with my order. Hi Mark the Menards Train Guy

I received the following e-mail from MENARDS......

Placed order, "Shop Now" 

Received package: after some e-mail Chaos, 

Wow - Looks great. We have them in Yooper Land in northern Michigan. This photo is from the 60's but the new stores look just like the model.

Ran into a problem, does not work as advertised. In the e-mail, that I placed my order from.

The box states that you have to purchase , the following to run the lights. LED Lighting. "Requires 4.5 Volt adapter (Menards SKU#289-4005 or 289-4006, sold separately)".

Mark - Can you send me out one of these adapters?  The e-mail that I purchased this item from, did not mention anything about this adapter?  At you cost?

Thanks - Gary

 Seriously??????????

trainroomgary posted:

 

Mark - Can you send me out one of these adapters?  The e-mail that I purchased this item from, did not mention anything about this adapter?  At you cost?

Thanks - Gary

I do not think power adapter is included with any buildings.   I do sympathize with not being able to illuminate just yet.

Hi Mark

What is the best camera?, is the camera with you.

What is the best question?, the one you ask.

Look forward to working with Mark - The Menards Train Guy

Gary 

Trainroomgary, all of the buildings that Menards has announced here require a separate sale power supply, and the website descriptions for each building say so.

There was nothing deceptive here. To ask Menards to send you a power supply at their cost .... ? 

Hi Mark (Menards Guy)

revived my Red Owl today,  the Red Owl animated sign is inoperative.  i checked the connector just in case it came loose in shipping still no luck.  should i return it to the store and have them order a new one ?  what is the best procedure. 

Bill_R posted:

Hi Mark (Menards Guy)

revived my Red Owl today,  the Red Owl animated sign is inoperative.  i checked the connector just in case it came loose in shipping still no luck.  should i return it to the store and have them order a new one ?  what is the best procedure. 

Bill_R,

The best contact for this would be guest@menard-inc.com. They will be able to exchange the building for you. Just keep me posted and I can try to speed the process along.

I apologize for the troubles!

-Mark the Menards Train Guy

Thanks Mark

just sent them an e mail.  By the way the building is AWSOME I love it 

Bill_R posted:

Hi Mark (Menards Guy)

revived my Red Owl today,  the Red Owl animated sign is inoperative.  i checked the connector just in case it came loose in shipping still no luck.  should i return it to the store and have them order a new one ?  what is the best procedure. 

CabinetBob mentioned  remove sign, correct loose wire to try.

https://ogrforum.ogaugerr.com/t...rrived-with-pictures 

Hey  CabinetBob

I did just that.  even tried reversing the two pin connector just in case it was plugged in backwards also moved two conductor connector over one position on the three ribbon cable that connects to the sign just in case that was plugged in wrong.  nothing else I can do.  I would rather have fixed it myself just as you had.  I gave it my best shot.  no disappointment here as fixing things on the layout is part of the hobby. just sayin (:

Menards posted:

Bill_R posted:

Hi Mark (Menards Guy)

revived my Red Owl today,  the Red Owl animated sign is inoperative.  i checked the connector just in case it came loose in shipping still no luck.  should i return it to the store and have them order a new one ?  what is the best procedure. 

Bill_R,

The best contact for this would be guest@menard-inc.com. They will be able to exchange the building for you. Just keep me posted and I can try to speed the process along.

I apologize for the troubles!

-Mark the Menards Train Guy

 

What if you buy off eBay ?

What if you buy off eBay ?

Would that not be considered a used item then??  Menard's does not wholesale these as far as I know......besides....the Menard's items I see on ebay are way over MSRP/

Erik C Lindgren posted: 

What if you buy off eBay ?

Erik,

Ask for the original sales receipt (whether paper or electronic) from the seller and we might be able to help you out. I can't guarantee anything but that is a good place to start.

-Mark the Menards Train Guy

Why would you buy it off eBay when it is still available from Menards?

Bill_R posted:

Hey  CabinetBob

I did just that.  even tried reversing the two pin connector just in case it was plugged in backwards also moved two conductor connector over one position on the three ribbon cable that connects to the sign just in case that was plugged in wrong.  nothing else I can do.  I would rather have fixed it myself just as you had.  I gave it my best shot.  no disappointment here as fixing things on the layout is part of the hobby. just sayin (:

Make sure you hit the button by the switch.it cycles the sign from off and on to all on.Bob

CB 

where is this button you are referring to.  i see the power jack and next to it is a switch which by the way does not  seem to do any thing.  all the LED's come on and roof vents are turning but no Red Owl sign.   

CB

 not only is there no button i an guessing that smoke should not be coming out of the store hah.  i think i will leave this on up to customer service.

Bill_R posted:

CB

 not only is there no button i an guessing that smoke should not be coming out of the store hah.  i think i will leave this on up to customer service.

Vignette !  

its on order.  might not get here soon enough to save the store !

Bill_R posted:

its on order.  might not get here soon enough to save the store !

Wow..sorry.but Menards will take care of it.. don't  let the flames spread ..

Still  curious about this so called button. I don't even see it on side  profile pictures on Menards website .  I have other Menards buildings that have neon type signs that do have the button but not on red owl.  Can you post a picture of yours

Bill_R posted:

Still  curious about this so called button. I don't even see it on side  profile pictures on Menards website .  I have other Menards buildings that have neon type signs that do have the button but not on red owl.  Can you post a picture of yours

Sorry, just looked at mine, it's a slider switch to change modes.. Bob

Hi Mark - The Menards Train Guy

Thanks for hitting me up with an e-mail.  Went to the Livonia, Michigan Store, went to the Guest Services, explain the issue about the 4.5 Volt Adaptor, She hit me up with a $3.00 off coupon and I told her that the train department was out of the adaptor. She paged the electrical department and a sales clerk walk me to the electrical department and handed me the 4.5 Volt Adaptor SKU 289-4005 and I was on my way.

Look forward to working with you and Menards on future toy train projects and home improvements.

Gary

I received mine today and absolutely love it.   Great building!   I did notice it had a few scratches and small breaks in the material.  However; it wasn't bad enough to send back.  You can't even see them once I put it on the layout.  Just figured Menards would want to know. 

Hi Mark (from Menards)

I EMAILED GUEST@MENARDS-INC.COM PER YOUR RECOMENDATION RE : ISSUE WITH MY RED OWL. ON THE 18TH AND AS OF YET HAVE NOT RECEIVED A RESPONCE.  I WOULD LIKE TO TAKE YOU UP ON YOUR OFFER TO LOOK INTO IT  ON MY BEHALF

THANKS IN ADVANCE FOR YOUR HELP

Tracking says my Red Owl will land at my door Wed!!!!

Just for fun looked on ebay and saw folks trying to sell these for $250!! If it sells PT Barnum was right. 

Can't wait for mine!!

Are the Menards buildings plastic or wood construction?

I've yet to see one in person and there is no mention on line.

Thanks

Dave

Soo Line posted:

Are the Menards buildings plastic or wood construction?

I've yet to see one in person and there is no mention on line.

Thanks

Dave

Bits of both.

Soo Line posted:

Are the Menards buildings plastic or wood construction?

I've yet to see one in person and there is no mention on line.

Thanks

Dave

The Power plant was mostly a nice laser cut AND engraved MDF type material. I've done some work with this type manufacturing and I'd rate theirs a A-. Details are of various materials. Only top end Woodland Senics buildings are in the same class......and as they are injected plastic they can mold in more details. Comparing the Menard's power plant to WS Morrison Door, about the same size, it's $99 vs $169 msrp. At that difference I'd buy the Power Plant. thx

Jon and Dave .......Thanks

I ordered the Sauerkraut and Dakota Cabinet Factories.

Wonder if these are the same........plastic and wood?

Thanks

Dave

As I understand all Menards structures are made the same way. At the rate they turn them out and at the price I'd say they are all about the same material wise. I think you will be happy.

I always thought Menards and Woodland Scenics shared manufacturing costs and got runs of the same buildings from the same source, with Menards going with some variation that allowed it to sell its run of each building at a lower price. I mean, there are at least several buildings offered by both companies that are virtually identical, other than the signage. Is this not the case? 

Peter

That may have been true as Menards first offered buildings but it seems that the Menards offerings are now unique to them! While I like the Woodland Scenic buildings, you can't beat Menards prices or the very diverse buildings they offer! A Sauerkraut factory, a burnt engine shed, a spectacular power and light building? C'mon, who woulda thought !!! LOL

Menards and Woodland Scenics only worked together briefly, and Menards has worked with other manufacturers over the past decade.

Menards previously worked with Lemax on at least one ceramic building (circa 2005) that depicted an original Menard Cashway Lumber store and then with another manufacturer, Enchanted Forest, on some heavy resin buildings depicting a modern Menards building (2011) and garden center (2012). (Photos attached.)

The Menards Seed and Feed building is heavy resin, like the Menards 2011-12 buildings. So is the Quonset hut.

The Menards Hardware building from 2013 was injection molded and either made by Woodland Scenics or was a clone of Woodland Scenics' Harrison Hardware building.

Many of the recent issues, including the Menards Hobby Shop, are primarily MDF, a wood product by definition made with wood fiber and resin materials that are compressed.

The Red Owl (photo attached) is mostly MDF with what I believe is embossed plastic representing bricks and roofing material. The fourth photo shows the underside of the building and part of the interior, all MDF. 

I'm not sure who manufacturers the MDF buildings for Menards, but I have heard mention of a factory called Golden Wheel in China that is currently working with Menards on other products for the train line.

Informative write up Jim.

Thanks

Dave

Got mine just like tracking said it would........

My spin on it......

1. It's BIG!!! I read the dimensions.....but something about having it hand...it seems bigger. Big enough to make it look real.....but no over powering.

2. Lighting looks good. I do wish they had added a few under the front awning...but I can do that if really needed.

3. On powering up the roof vents did not turn. Not a big enough issue to return it. Stuck my hand inside, wiggled wires and moved stuff....heard them start up. Flipped it over.....two of three turning. Manually spun far left fan....it turns....and stops....but starts back. Not sure it's designed this way....but I like the way it's working!!

4. Brick detail is laser engraved and not an overlay. Doing it this  way is more costly but much more reliable than a glued on paper or plastic. 

5. Packaging - not real important as most of us will rip it open and toss it. But this building package has tons of cool historic info about Red Owl. It is a vac formed upper and lower much like WS type package. 

6.  The Bad - The Owl logo sign needs a real dark room to see if it is lit up. There are a few very small places were you can find a glue smear or just rough assembly. NONE OF THEM are an issue....and I will add some light weathering and it will all go away.

7. Overall - A very nice 'outside the box' structure. I like the other buildings on the market.....but we do not need another 1920's era brick storefront.  This is more post war or Mid-century Modern style......much needed. It's gonna be the start of urban renewal of my downtown.  I feel it's a good value, well made and a great addition to the O hobby. Thanks to Menard's but a bigger thanks to whoever gave the go ahead at Menard's to enter this field!!! 

I just did a scratch test in one of the bricks. You're right. It appears to be laser-engraved MDF, not a plastic on top of the MDF. I think a clear lacquer or urethane finish was applied to the walls, giving it a more more plastic-like feel and look. Fooled me.

I own a commercial laser machine.....I can spot its work pretty easy. Getting it to look this good is not as easy as you'd think.