Skip to main content

Haven't heard much about the new Menard's tubular track since it was announced a few months ago.

How is it working out for folks?  Any pros or cons?

There are no Menard's anywhere near where I live, and they apparently don't do internet sales. But, my daughter-in-law lives in Bloomington, and there is one right there.  If the track is good, I may ask here to buy some for me before she comes out to visit next month.  (Can't get new Lionel tubular curved sections at my flea market anymore. Lots of straight sections, but no curved.   And, I have already spent the last year picking through all of the used tracks sections, and took the very best.  All that is left is really twisted junk.)

Thx,

Mannyrock

Original Post

Replies sorted oldest to newest

The Menards track has been around for several years now and the general consensus is that the track is very good.  As for as internet sales, most of there items are internet sales only.   My Menards carries a full track selection year round and they have signs directing you to their website for bulk pricing on the track.  Even during the holidays, they only carry a small percentage of what is available.   Go to their banner above and you will be amazed at all the items they have

Edit,   I can find posts on their track going back six years, so it’s been around for quite a while.

Last edited by Keith k

Manny, Menards track has been out for several years.  I built my current layout using it and Lionel UCS/RCS sections and Lionel and K-Line switches. I have had no problems, works fine.  I did have some shipped to me.  One thing that can be a bit surprising, the O-36 curve sections are longer than the O-42. Not a problem in any way, when I opened the box of O-36 I just thought I'd gotten the wrong thing since they were long.

0-42 on the bottom, O-36 on top.  Sides painted, ties added.

42v36

Track ballasted

under bridge

Wab Mixed

I'm quite happy with it, will likely use it on my next layout.

Attachments

Images (3)
  • 42v36
  • under bridge
  • Wab Mixed
Last edited by Ross
@PRR1950 posted:

I believe those rebates are useable by bearer despite having been mailed to a particular person.  If so, why not offer them for sale at a 50% discount or some other attractive and agreeable number?  At least you would get something out of them.

Chuck

I think I would rather give them to a forum member next time.  It's not that much money and I can't use them.   Call it a small gesture for all the selfless help fellow forum members give here.  

John         

@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.

“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:

“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

Add Reply

Post

OGR Publishing, Inc., 1310 Eastside Centre Ct, Suite 6, Mountain Home, AR 72653
800-980-OGRR (6477)
www.ogaugerr.com

×
×
×
×
Link copied to your clipboard.
×
×