I got a pile of Menards track. 30” straights, 072 and 054. Takes solder well for power wires and it runs just fine. Great price point to buy a pile of track for a large layout. Not as “nice” as some of the scale track but if you’re after that tubular look, it’s great!
Menards track was introduced in 2015. Plenty of discussion on the forum then.
https://ogrforum.ogaugerr.com/...how-many-will-but-it
And since. This is just a sampling.
https://ogrforum.ogaugerr.com/...my-new-menards-track
https://ogrforum.ogaugerr.com/...40#78438393778946140
https://ogrforum.ogaugerr.com/...l-fasttrack-switches
https://ogrforum.ogaugerr.com/...-match-menards-track
https://ogrforum.ogaugerr.com/...36#81819043125301636
As for Internet sales, I’d estimate that 95 percent of its train sales is online. Did you try going to Menards website?
@Ace posted:I recall a while back the Menard's track had issues with center rails shorting to ties because the crimps compromised the thin insulators. Is that ancient history now? Or still something to watch for?
I believe Menards resolved that issue not long after we were hearing reports of it. As you say, that was a number of years ago now. I don't recall anyone bringing that up recently.
Somehow this old thread was recycled. I still have the same knock on Menards tubular that I had a few years ago. The metal is too thin and does not make good contact with the pins. I've tested different batches in the stores each season and they don't seem to be able to get a handle on this issue with their supplier. Some batches are good but most of the tracks I test in the store have loose track pins that cannot be tightened even if you squeeze them tight with a track pliers.
Big Al, have you ever mentioned this to someone in the store or show them what you are talking about?
“Somehow this old thread was recycled. I still have the same knock on Menards tubular that I had a few years ago. The metal is too thin and does not make good contact with the pins. I've tested different batches in the stores each season and they don't seem to be able to get a handle on this issue with their supplier. Some batches are good but most of the tracks I test in the store have loose track pins that cannot be tightened even if you squeeze them tight with a track pliers.
Big Al “
I have found the exact opposite at my local Menards ( Manchester Missouri ). The track seems heavier than Lionels and the track pins are tight enough for a good electrical connection. I have a large loop (temporary) with one lockon and no power drop anywhere. I have not had to do anything other than put it together. Last time I was there they had 31, 36, 42, 54, 72 and 96 inch diameters and they all seemed to fit snug.
@Keith k posted:my local Menards (Manchester Missouri)
Me too! Just returned from there. Pickings are a little slim right now but to be expected in June.
@Keith k posted:“Somehow this old thread was recycled. I still have the same knock on Menards tubular that I had a few years ago. The metal is too thin and does not make good contact with the pins. I've tested different batches in the stores each season and they don't seem to be able to get a handle on this issue with their supplier. Some batches are good but most of the tracks I test in the store have loose track pins that cannot be tightened even if you squeeze them tight with a track pliers.
Big Al “
I have found the exact opposite at my local Menards ( Manchester Missouri ). The track seems heavier than Lionels and the track pins are tight enough for a good electrical connection. I have a large loop (temporary) with one lockon and no power drop anywhere. I have not had to do anything other than put it together. Last time I was there they had 31, 36, 42, 54, 72 and 96 inch diameters and they all seemed to fit snug.
That has been my experience as well. Tried them for the first time a few months ago and they are solid.
John
