Menard's Reading Hoppers, First Impressions

John,

We can agree to disagree. It's not about the price - It is about the overall quality, not just the visual aspects. 

You are more qualified than most, willing to invest the time and effort to make the changes and modifications. Not everyone is willing too or wants to do that.

You also made my case with the last comment -  " would be a bit more upset had I paid Lionel, Atlas, or MTH prices for these hoppers and had similar issues, but I didn't, I paid $99.99 for six of them".

It is unacceptable for any manufacturer to deliver poor performing products. If they don't perform or are damaged I return them, many times for a replacement or alternative but this thread is more than just a few minor adjustments.

PSU1980, Just one question for you. Have you bought any Menards rolling stock?

Yes, for my 14 year old nephew last Christmas, no issues.  What has my purchase of Menards rolling stock or buildings  got to do with this thread - it is speaking to design and quality of new hoppers???

I was just asking cause this post started as one persons simple review of some cars he received. If you go back and read from the start, you will see that everyone that has posted here has said why they like or dislike what they got. The ones who didn't like them and contacted Menards was very well taken care of. The ones who liked what they got stated so and what they were willing to fix them self. As it was said earlier You get what You pay for. It seams most people are willing to deal with what they receive in there own special way.

This wasn't a post to lecture the rest of us on how we deal with what we buy.

just my thoughts.

PUFFRBELLY posted:

Just printed out a FEDEX Return Shipping Label provided by Menards.   It will be on it's way back to Menards tomorrow & a replacement hopper will be sent to me (No Charge).  For the money, these are nice cars!  Just sayin'  Chief Bob (Retired)

How will any replacement hopper be any different, though?   It appears from Mark's posts, that the designs remain the same for now.  

Regarding picking on some manufacturers and going easy on others.  I think the common thread here is that Menards has been doing this for  a relatively short time. They have a decent product favorably priced. Most of us want to see them succeed; I know I do. How many other manufacturers follow these threads AND respond. I've not seen any. A little attention to customers goes along way.  And, how many times has Menards missed a delivery date? Again, none to my knowledge (granted they do have a different business model than most).

Steve

Regarding the plastic truck plate. Has anyone tried a metal plate from another manufacturer to determine if they would work?

Steve

Steve, I couldn't find a metal plate that was an exact fit.  I don't fancy making plates, though it wouldn't be hard if you had the right tools to punsh and to bend them.  I think many of the issues would be solved with a metal truck mounting plate.

I straightened a couple of the other lopsided ones with some heat on the mounting plate and holding it in alignment while it cooled.  We'll see if that's a permanent fix for them...

Got the remaining two cars from Menard's, my fleet is complete.  Ran them around for about half an hour, no issues after a few tweaks and trimming the steps.

Sounds great John, it sure is nice when you get quick and good response from a seller!

gunrunnerjohn posted:

Got the remaining two cars from Menard's, my fleet is complete.  Ran them around for about half an hour, no issues after a few tweaks and trimming the steps.

gunrunner,

I'm glad to hear that! Thank you for your help and all the notes you provided. We sincerely appreciate it!

-Mark The Menards Train Guy

Good news and I think they will take your notes seriously too. I am sure provided good ones. I think Menards really does try to make improvements as soon as a problem is discovered and they are aware of it.  

I'll just have to buy some more hoppers from the next production run to test them out!

That's a shame you will now have to purchase more rolling stock. (Wonder if my wife would fall for that one?) 

LOL I know my wife wouldn't! But I keep trying and so should you!

The only trouble I had with the 4 Menards flat cars I bought for $7.99 each was going over 22.5 Fastrack crossings. The wheels would either derail and/or short circuit. I used a Dremel tool and changed the profile of the wheel flanges to eliminate the problem.

mike g. posted:

LOL I know my wife wouldn't! But I keep trying and so should you!

Unfortunately, after being married for 42 years, I think she has my number and knows all my tricks...but I won't give up! 

I think I have maybe 2 more years then I'll be done, she will know all my trick by then!

Any videos of the Reading Hoppers?