Menards-Trains for Christmas.

Can you get on a waiting list ?

Jim, I believe set for Christmas is where Menards is heading with the F unit.  I know timing seems to be short to address comments returning from the first batch but I have a feeling Menards may have been aware of some of the issues prior to release.  We'll have an answer in a few short months.

@jim sutter posted:

Now that Menards has sold 200 Santa Fe diesels in less than two hours, wonder if the trains will get a higher priority? I sure hope so.

A few others have brought up the idea of a Christmas scheme engine. They could sell a bunch at a low price~130-150. Just make it match the Lionel reindeer passenger cars and I’d be very interested. I may even be interested with a b&o or western Maryland. A set of fun car/ truck flatbeds, a few boxcars and a caboose, led by the fp7,  would make a very nice starter set for the youngsters. The postwar crowd is also likely to fall in love with a menards set, as their products are much more fun forward, and low on detail. This could help resurrect the hobby with a new generation.

It’s just a gut feeling, but I really think Menards was pushing for fast feedback on its first locomotive in the hope it can make modifications and a production run in time for its store shelves, which are stocked for toys from October to December.

Yet I know that’s not an easy task. Maybe not even realistic, given global shipping delays recently. But I can see John Menard making such a push nonetheless.

My guess would be for a Christmas set (meaning a seasonal paint scheme) next year, not this season. That would give Menards more time to create matching cars, special packaging and an earlier availability date than may be possible this year.

@Jim R. posted:

It’s just a gut feeling, but I really think Menards was pushing for fast feedback on its first locomotive in the hope it can make modifications and a production run in time for its store shelves, which are stocked for toys from October to December.

Yet I know that’s not an easy task. Maybe not even realistic, given global shipping delays recently. But I can see John Menard making such a push nonetheless.

My guess would be for a Christmas set (meaning a seasonal paint scheme) next year, not this season. That would give Menards more time to create matching cars, special packaging and an earlier availability date than may be possible this year.

I think you're right Jim, they already have the track system in place, they already make the boxcars, tankers, hoppers etc., all they have to do is change the paint on a special run. All that's left is a loco and power/control system.

@Rail Dude posted:

I think you're right Jim, they already have the track system in place, they already make the boxcars, tankers, hoppers etc., all they have to do is change the paint on a special run. All that's left is a loco and power/control system.

They need to add switches and power to their product line if this is their plan. Most people aren’t going to want to scrounge around at train shows or on the internet looking for power and switches to go with their new locomotive.

I am really hoping Menard’s jumps in with both feet.

Maybe they can aquire the Williams line from Bachmann. It seems Bachmann is phasing it out.

I would of loved it, if they had purchased the Weaver Train Company.

So this was some sort of Beta Test? 

Clever.

Shows the respect for and strength of the Forum membership!

@dkdkrd posted:

So this was some sort of Beta Test?

Clever.

Shows the respect for and strength of the Forum membership!

That's basically what Menards said in the thread announcing the locomotive:

"These engines have been in development for several years and delayed further by COVID-19.

This limited edition is our first locomotive, and we want to know your opinion of the model's appearance, functionality, reliability, performance, value, and most of all, did you have fun running it? This will help guide us in the future.

Please email your thoughts and feedback to Ray at Guest@menard-inc.com

Remember, the purpose of this test run is to gather feedback. The more people who get one, the better. With this in mind, and because the supply is so limited, we ask that you limit your purchase to one engine per customer."

Rusty

Does add a little anticipation and suspense to the coming fall train season.  Hopefully more trains and less flooding, fires and other bad news .

@dkdkrd posted:

So this was some sort of Beta Test?

Clever.

Shows the respect for and strength of the Forum membership!

Or to take advantage of the "have to have it" mentality of half the forum to get some testing done while making money.  LOL!

I'm kidding!   LOL!

Truth be told this was announced across a few different forums so I'm not sure we were specifically targeted.  I believe it also went out in a Menard's email blast.