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Since there are no Menards in my local area, my response may ultimately be based on shipping for what I may be interested in.  Since track is heavy and one of the items I'd consider (long straights) are also bulky, it may not be economical.

 

Even if not a full case, I may order some short 10" straights just to compare and see how they look together.  I tend to like larger diameter curves (54, 72), and based on the comments on the main Menards track thread, I'm pretty confident I will not like the lower number of ties for those vs Lionel curves.

 

-Dave

 

 

Last edited by Dave45681

Like someone else above, you can sign me up for the 30" straights if 1) the pricing is consistent with their 10" straights, and 2) the shipping costs aren't a nightmare.

 

The easternmost Menards is in Ohio ... which might mean shipping track will be expensive.  Perhaps they'll have a booth at York next Spring and we can do a cash and carry from there?

 

Steven J. Serenska

 

Giving more to those I've given sets to over the years. A few got some MTH RealTrax and said it was too hard to take apart and electrical connections were an issue so they went back to tubular. All looked into my recommendation of FastTrack and said it was too expensive for them. So Menard's to their rescue!

Dave45681,

In answer to your question about cutting this track, I would say it will be easy to cut with your saw. That's another big plus using tubular track. You can cut it to fit.  I too hope Menard's makes rubber roadbed for their track. Rubber roadbed will give it a finished look. Plus all the trains will run a lot quieter. Menard's, you are doing great.

Last edited by jim sutter
Originally Posted by jim sutter:

Dave45681,

In answer to your question about cutting this track, I would say it will be easy to cut with your saw. That's another big plus using tubular track. You can cut it to fit.  I too hope Menard's makes rubber roadbed for their track. Rubber roadbed will give it a finished look. Plus all the trains will run a lot quieter. Menard's, you are doing great.

Thanks.  I have always had a favorable view of tubular over integrated roadbed for this reason.

 

My question was more from the angle of wondering whether whatever made the track strong enough that the young lady could stand on it without it bending might also make it more difficult to cut than other tubular.  (I'm guessing if it is, it would not be too much harder to cut - I may have to order a few small straights just to play around)

 

-Dave

Originally Posted by Yojimbo:

I'm really surprised at all the interest in this. Is there that much of a market shortage at shows and stores of the tubular track?

Last few shows I went too, its mostly rusted 027. Hardly ever any O gauge, although the 022 switches are plentiful. I am glad its still being made, I still need about 500 plus pieces for what I am planning....

Just got to see some Menards track.  Almost a Lionel knockoff ie looks like Lionel right down to the gray insulator pads and track pins, but minus Lionel name.  Seemed pretty sturdy giving a straight piece the twist and radial bend test.  If I didn't have shadow rail, I would certainly be tempted to use Menards for replacement or expansion.  Of course as always, time will tell how well the track holds up, but from here it looks like a winner.

 

Bet Lionel and MTH are seething at this upstart Menards with track, buildings and rolling stock aimed at the hi rail "toy" train market, and rolling this stuff out regularly, rather than cataloging it and then waiting to see demand "before we might think of producing it" .  Photoshop is a wonderful tool to show new stuff, but I rather liked old Lionel and AF artist catalogs (against  backgrounds which is a no-no today, as the little darlings might think it came with the set (guess us oldsters were smarter and had imagination and could separate fantasy) ) where they planned what they were going to run that year for Christmas and for the most part produced it and put it out there.

 

For me it all about operating and having fun, not meticulously placing grass blades and worrying about boiler rivets.  But then each to his own. 

 

Wow, talk about starting at track and ending with train catalogs, go figure.

I for one am very excited to see Menard's producing the old "O" Gauge tubular track. Next year, I will turn 70. I guess I'm old school. For years, when I was a dealer I tried to convince Lionel into making additional "O" Gauge track sizes to no avail. I had my ideas but they weren't theirs. Right now and I'm just happy to sit back and watch to see what all Menard's does. They have a lot of options.

Mark the Menards Train Guy posted this information last month before the initial track offerings became available.  I expect the other offerings will be coming soon.
 

"Our track is “O” gauge and “O” height. We will not be offering O27 at this time. Here is a list of the tubular track we hope to offer. I can assure you, the price will be right!"

 

10” Straight

30” Straight

31” Curve - 8 Pieces Per Circle

36” Curve - 8 Pieces Per Circle

42” Curve - 12 Pieces Per Circle

54” Curve - 16 Pieces Per Circle

72” Curve - 16 Pieces Per Circle

96” Curve- 16 Pieces Per Circle

 
 
Originally Posted by Mallard4468:

I will consider buying it if available in the wider radius sizes - 42, 54, etc.  

 

Right now, I have a ton of O-31 and enough O-72; otherwise I'd consider it.

 

Last edited by J Hartley CAE

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