Menards Box Cars

Thanks Eric

Great review Eric.  However, I don't want to be picky, but you're comparing the Menard's 40' model boxcar to a much longer boxcar, and of course the larger boxcar will be... well, larger!

If you compare the Menard's 40' boxcar to a scale 40' boxcar, the results are quite different.  Here's some shots comparing the Menard's boxcars to the Lionel Vision Line PFE Reefers.  Now I suspect that few are going to suggest that the VL 40' Reefers aren't scale sized, so let's check that out.

When compared to a scale car of the same type, the Menard's cars are very close to scale.  Rolling down the track, I can assure you that few will notice the slight difference.  The Menard's cars are about 1/8" narrower and lower than the VL Reefers, and very close to the same length.  For both, the 10" body length is exactly 40 scale feet.

Obviously, as you have pointed out, the detailing is vastly different.  From the last shot, you can see all the add detail on the VL car, including the opening hatches, the added walkway, and the ladders and other bits that have been added on to the more expensive car.  However, I paid just a touch more for the Vision Line PFE Reefers, so I can overlook that issue.

gunrunnerjohn posted:

Great review Eric.  However, I don't want to be picky, but you're comparing the Menard's 40' model boxcar to a much longer boxcar, and of course the larger boxcar will be... well, larger!

If you compare the Menard's 40' boxcar to a scale 40' boxcar, the results are quite different.  Here's some shots comparing the Menard's boxcars to the Lionel Vision Line PFE Reefers.  Now I suspect that few are going to suggest that the VL 40' Reefers aren't scale sized, so let's check that out.

When compared to a scale car of the same type, the Menard's cars are very close to scale.  Rolling down the track, I can assure you that few will notice the slight difference.  The Menard's cars are about 1/8" narrower and lower than the VL Reefers, and very close to the same length.  For both, the 10" body length is exactly 40 scale feet.

Obviously, as you have pointed out, the detailing is vastly different.  From the last shot, you can see all the add detail on the VL car, including the opening hatches, the added walkway, and the ladders and other bits that have been added on to the more expensive car.  However, I paid just a touch more for the Vision Line PFE Reefers, so I can overlook that issue.

Well said John !!

gunrunnerjohn posted:

Great review Eric.  However, I don't want to be picky, but you're comparing the Menard's 40' model boxcar to a much longer boxcar, and of course the larger boxcar will be... well, larger!

If you compare the Menard's 40' boxcar to a scale 40' boxcar, the results are quite different.  Here's some shots comparing the Menard's boxcars to the Lionel Vision Line PFE Reefers.  Now I suspect that few are going to suggest that the VL 40' Reefers aren't scale sized, so let's check that out.

When compared to a scale car of the same type, the Menard's cars are very close to scale.  Rolling down the track, I can assure you that few will notice the slight difference.  The Menard's cars are about 1/8" narrower and lower than the VL Reefers, and very close to the same length.  For both, the 10" body length is exactly 40 scale feet.

Obviously, as you have pointed out, the detailing is vastly different.  From the last shot, you can see all the add detail on the VL car, including the opening hatches, the added walkway, and the ladders and other bits that have been added on to the more expensive car.  However, I paid just a touch more for the Vision Line PFE Reefers, so I can overlook that issue.

Fair point, but in the end what I said is true...it's not a scale model..it's semi-scale (i.e. close to scale). The reason I made the clarification in the video is because if I didn't someone would surely come along and make a nasty comment cutting the car to pieces because it doesn't look realistic. For that reason I want to make it clear to the viewer that the car is not intended to be a high-end scale model.

Another reason I point that out is so that the viewer is fully informed before making a purchase. If someone wants to run it with scale equipment, more power to them, but I don't want to be blamed because someone buys the car thinking it's a true scale model only to find out that it's not. Much of stuff I do in my videos falls under the "CYA" category, and this is one example of that.

Thanks for the info. I've got lots of other reviews for Menards cars in the works, so I'll be sure to add your feedback into the next one. I'll also be sure to bring up this point in the upcoming review for OGR magazine.

-Eric

I personally am delighted with this product. I've been waiting for a compressed O Gauge offering from Menards. Thanks Eric for making the distinction.

If you have to come down on one side of the fence or the other, the Menard's boxcar is much closer to scale size than to traditional size (say 6464 series) boxcars.  As John wrote, the size difference is not noticeable.  To me, they blend well with scale size equipment. 

Fair points Eric, and certainly few would mistake the Menard's cars for something like the truly scale cars from Lionel, MTH, or Atlas.  I just thought the huge boxcar you rolled in probably made the point a little too well.

I like the Menard's cars for taking to modular shows, no delicate details to knock off in handling.  I'd never consider taking something like the VL PFE Reefers to shows, way too much delicate detail to not get damaged in the deal.

Thanks Eric for the video. I need to get on the ball and buy some more of these Boxcars  I have a Menards just 4 Miles from my house