Great thread! 
Reminds me of the "MTH can do no wrong" days.
When I started this thread back in 2015, it was evident that the track may have had some issues. It appears as though these issues may have been corrected and the problems may have been rectified. For that reason, it would seem that Menard's is attempting to offer products that are both affordable, and still fully functional, and up to our expectations. I commend them of their efforts in these matters.
It is good to see that someone still cares about their customers' satisfaction.
Menards has appeared to have corrected their track production problems. Back in 2015, when this thread originated, I bough a few trial sections to only to discover the metal appeared to be thinner and my track pliers would not tighten the ends of the rails enough to make a tight connection between track sections.
This year the track on display at Menards had a nice tight fit as it should. Still, I prefer used Lionel track to new off-brand, but I can understand why others would go with it providing they get newer tight fitting production.
Dirty, rusty, used track is more realistic looking than shiny new track. 
Wonder when Lionel's patents expire and Menards can start producing their own knock-off version of FasTrack?
Mark, I hope you have seen and read this post. I'm sure everyone would appreciate it, if you would provide us with some information on your track. Has Menard's taken steps to improve your original track and has all your original track been pulled from your store shelves.
Joe Hohmann posted:Great thread!
They have had and still have more product issues for sure. But they seem to pan out in on the consumer end given a shot or two. It may take some grooming by us 
The white in the screw holes is a barcode I'd bet, I didn't really look...plop...fini'
I'd say the finish is very reflective,and shiny, but the plating looks frosted, like an etch; shiny zinc/galvanized coating. It is evenly applied, not patchy or uneven. 
More likely the hardboard is wavey on tie seat... but?
The pins have no groove that I could see, like Marx pins. So I could see recrinmping being harder. But the pins are longer like Marx, softer steel so can be bent slighty, etc. It is a different fit, but a good one. This is it, and dirty too. Never been squeezed back together. Ties are stiffly secured but not over crimped at all; note the barely perceptible flex on the rail foot. And speaking of that, strong enough to walk on, so makes comparison of durability to Lionel a job for a lab test.
It seems like a good enough track .for. me
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Dan986 posted:I just saw the Menards track on my first visit to their store in a few years.The track looked like cheaply made junk,just like all the buildings and freight cars they had on the shelves.I saw all the Menards hype on the OGF and was really disappointed when I saw their items in person.
The Menard's buildings that I have seen are really nice, they are not junk.
I'm still tempted to pick up some 096 curves since no one else has made that radius in tubular.
A lot of my layout is Menard's tubular track. I have been pleased with the quality.
Überstationmeister posted:Dennis Holler posted:I'm still tempted to pick up some 096 curves since no one else has made that radius in tubular.
Kline did.
True, forgot about that. I've not seen any anywhere either. Doesn't mean it's not out there, but I have not run into any.
if you have seen my Menardsville, all the track is by Menards and works perfect !!
Just curious, did menards buy this tooling or make their own?
For what it is worth I like their buildings.
Joe Gozzo
I still hope they will consider making 'S" guage tubular track and switches!
Thanks, Phil
Menards should make standard gauge track.
The other idea would be for Menards to make 5 rail track that could be used for "O" and Standard gauge. This would be a great to run trains under the tree for the holiday or as a outside loop on your layout.
Hope the Menards folks read this and consider the idea
RonH posted:The other idea would be for Menards to make 5 rail track that could be used for "O" and Standard gauge. This would be a great to run trains under the tree for the holiday or as a outside loop on your layout.
Hope the Menards folks read this and consider the idea
Now that would be awesome!
