Menards and Super O Track

That would certainly be interesting and would likely garner a lot of support

I agree with you, lots of folks talk about it here on the forum. Maybe Menards could start producing it and the folks would all be happy? It would be nice if they made a full track system out of it as well, like multiple curves and switches as some of the other track systems have. Don't know if it will fly, but I think it's a good idea. 

Super O has a loyal following, but that's about it. The voices you hear on this forum aren't enough to justify production. If the market was there, someone would have done it by now.

Menards made a decision on which track to make already. The key for Menards is cost against sales. Low price, broad interest.

Since Menard's has already produced "O" Gauge tubular track, I would rather see them manufacture switches and rubber roadbed to go with their tubular track.

My two cents, I have some, looks good, limited track sections make layout planning difficult, items that require larger curve diameter do not like it, several of my cars and locos do not play well with the tie height, requires more frequent cleaning than gargraves.  If I could readily and easily replace it on my layout I would do so in a heartbeat.  Great product in its time, its is will past.

Originally, I thought this might be a good idea. However, given it is limited to O36 diameter, I would pass. If you like the realistic look with the thin middle rail, why wouldn't MTH Scaletrax work just as well?

I always hoped that Gargraves would make the thin solid center rail track but at this point I have settled on their phantom track with the blackened center rail.

TM Terry posted:

... If not, it seems that Menards would be the perfect manufacturer to fill the need, and quickly. They turn around product faster than any O-gauge manufacturer I know.

We don't really know they're the fastest--they don't announce or catalog what they're making ahead of time when a given product is green-lit for production--only when it's ready for sale.

---PCJ

RailRide posted:

TM Terry posted:

... If not, it seems that Menards would be the perfect manufacturer to fill the need, and quickly. They turn around product faster than any O-gauge manufacturer I know.

We don't really know they're the fastest--they don't announce or catalog what they're making ahead of time when a given product is green-lit for production--only when it's ready for sale.

---PCJ

None the less, that methodology gives Menard an Amazon-like appearance compared to other O-gauge manufacturuers.

Typically, O-gauge manufacturers have a harvest-like production: you plant a tree and in a year or two there might be fruit.

I too think MTH's Scaletrax looks pretty darn close to Super O.  Not exact, but close...like a next generation Super O.  Do fans of Super O like it?

Super O guys want someone -- in this case, Menards -- to reproduce Lionel's track system so they can add on to the original Super O track. It's not strictly about the looks.

But that wish has been going on for decades. The core group simply isn't large enough to entice a manufacturer to reproduce a line that was discontinued more than a half-century ago.

I do feel bad for the Super O guys, who are very loyal, but there are other market elements that work against my interests, too. (Won't bore you about what they are.) That's just the way it is.

Jim R. posted:

Super O guys want someone -- in this case, Menards -- to reproduce Lionel's track system so they can add on to the original Super O track. It's not strictly about the looks.

But that wish has been going on for decades. The core group simply isn't large enough to entice a manufacturer to reproduce a line that was discontinued more than a half-century ago.

I do feel bad for the Super O guys, who are very loyal, but there are other market elements that work against my interests, too. (Won't bore you about what they are.) That's just the way it is.

Well, if you go to eBay, there is a ton of it for sale. Not sure why we need new track. I am sure the old stuff will clean up well with a little effort. Also, there are folks in the business of reconditioning it and selling it. 

George

I caught the mention about rubber roadbed for tubular track.  I'd like to see its return also!

     Hoppy

The problem with Super-O is not the track- plenty available and can be bent into any curve you want. The problem is the switches. I toyed with Ross switches and Super-O track. I think I am just going to go with Ross. I still think Super-O is the best looking track available.