Let’s have some fun!
Here’s a hint about what's coming next week!
Have a great weekend!
Mark the Menards Train Guy
Original Post
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Nasa freight car(s) is my guess.
I knew you'd be posting again soon. Glad to see you back!
A toy store!
Glad to have Mark back!
If it has anything to do with Buck Rogers I am in for a couple.
Buck Roger’s used rocket dealership?
I’m in for one!!!
A rocket launch pad or box car launcher.
Ming’s Chinese Restaurant and used Spaceship Dealership???
That looks like a design similar to the one on the box the Marx Tin Windup Buck Rogers Rocket Ship from 1927 came in, but without the smoke and "25th Century". Is Menards going tinplate?
My guess is a copy of Marx' rocket on a flatcar.
If it’s space related, I look forward to it.
Steve
The Earth space ship will battle the aliens in their flying saucer.
There will be lights, sounds, and moving craft.
Andrew
Welcome back Mark!
Rocket ship fuel tanker
Welcome back Mark!
Johnny Rocket’s Burger Restaurant.
@RockyGN posted:Welcome back Mark!
Rocket ship fuel tanker
I hope not. It’s been done by Lionel a couple of times. But, then, it would also make sense. They’ve got the tankers, just need the paint masks, etc.
Steve
@CAPPilot posted:That looks like a design similar to the one on the box the Marx Tin Windup Buck Rogers Rocket Ship from 1927 came in, but without the "25th Century". Is Menards going tinplate?
My guess is a copy of Marx' rocket on a flatcar.
I like the idea a LOT - Menards Tinplate!
It's a 5 and Dime store. Good to hear from you Mark
Carnival ride? Good to see your post Mark!
Comic Book Store?
Probably NOT a re-badged York Royal Hotel! 
I missed out when they were available. Seriously, I wonder if it is another flying saucer or a complimentary piece.
Pajamas?
@Pingman posted:Pajamas?
Hmm. Menards does sell clothing. That would be a twist.
How about those kiddie rides that used to be outside some stores? Maybe a store, of some kind, with an operating kiddie ride.
Steve
Thank you for posting a hint, Mark of Menard's.
Now I will watch every day to see what's up. Wait a minute---I do that anyway! 
How about a flatcar with a rocket as a load.
Cool Mark from menards is back! I hope it is a neat building
Glad you are back Mark and I love these 'guessing' posts.
Space X headquarters? Haha
Mark, thanks for being the better person and coming back ! We really do enjoy your posts.
A steam engine?
BUCK ROGERS RESTUARANT
@Menards posted:The first hint I posted looks like it was missing something… I fixed it now. Everything is better with SMOKE!
-Mark the Menards Train Guy
OK… updated picture, updated guess… Ming’s Chinese Restaurant and Cigar Bar??? 
@Menards posted:The first hint I posted looks like it was missing something… I fixed it now. Everything is better with SMOKE!
@CAPPilot posted:That looks like a design similar to the one on the box the Marx Tin Windup Buck Rogers Rocket Ship from 1927 came in, but without the smoke and "25th Century". Is Menards going tinplate?
My guess is a copy of Marx' rocket on a flatcar.
Looks like they added the "sparkling flint action" or something similar for the smoke so I am sticking with my original guess.
@Menards posted:The first hint I posted looks like it was missing something… I fixed it now. Everything is better with SMOKE!
-Mark the Menards Train Guy
I really, really want to see this. I nearly put smoke in my Menards Oak Point nuclear power station, but balked.
Thanks Mark it’s great to see you post!! I have a feeling I’ll be making another Menards purchase 😂😆
Redo guess: A Rocket ship on a launching pad with smoke?
A bit of a stretch, but the Rock Island Rocket. A passenger train for the RI. If so, this would be Menards first passenger car set (well, I assume set). Menards does like railroads that served the area where Menards HQ is located.
Steve
A rocket launch pad with a small scale Artemis rocket ready to blast off to the moon.
@GG1 4877 posted:A rocket launch pad with a small scale Artemis rocket ready to blast off to the moon.
Does it come with a small leak?
And welcome back Menards!
Jerry
Did anyone else pick up on Apples55 Merciless responses?
I was first going to guess that Menards had somehow acquired the molds for the Phantom engine but now with the smoke hint I've got to second the rocket launch pad guess with flashing leds and smoke unit for liftoff.
Unless I have forgotten something, a product with a smoke unit/generator would be a first for Menards. I am also thinking rocket ship/launch pad (no leak) and the timing as well as the cartoon illustration seem to suggest that. If so I could jump on that bandwagon.
@Menards posted:The first hint I posted looks like it was missing something… I fixed it now. Everything is better with SMOKE!
-Mark the Menards Train Guy
Mark, Thank you for the hints.
My guess:
The much anticipated production run of the Santa Fe F-unit Diesel may be about to be released, with smoke?
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@coach joe posted:Did anyone else pick up on Apples55 Merciless responses?
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I'm just sitting on a bar stool thinking how great this will be.
@SteveH posted:My guess: The much anticipated production run of the Santa Fe F-unit Diesel may be about to be released, with smoke?
Actually, that is a pretty good guess based on the hints.
To dispel certain guesses, Ming the Merciless was the bad guy in Flash Gordon. His rocket ship was held up in space by two visible wires rather than smoke thrust. 
Let's hope I'm ready for their F3's again
Glad to see Mark back posting. Whatever it is, if it involves smoke that’s great news. Because if I know Menard’s, if they’re putting smoke in something that means they’re putting smoke in a LOT of stuff - just like what they do with LEDs. No idea what it is but I’m on the edge of my seat!
I’m also looking forward to the Menard’s 1966 Chrysler Newport convertibles!!
@cabinet Bob posted:I'm just sitting on a bar stool thinking how great this will be.
Red Rocket beer reefers and tank cars.
Doug
This is Probably a Movie Theater and this is just a picture of the movie poster on a wall. should be interesting
Meet you at The Rocket: The Rocket Diner from Menards! Click here to shop now!
Dimensions: 18"W x 8-3/4"D x 3-3/4"H
For decades, old railroad gear has been utilized for many non-transportation purposed. Dining cars and trolley cars have become eateries; cabooses have become tourist information offices, coffee shops, or craft stores. The Rocket Diner combines an iconic piece of railroad equipment with a trendy spot for a burger. The Rocket turns sitting trackside and having your breakfast into big-time fun!
The basics: This is a fully assembled and decorated restaurant with a difference. The main structure is a diesel locomotive body! The accessory’s footprint is 18 x 8-¾ inches with a height of 3-¾ inches. The locomotive has an illuminated headlight and markers and an electronic sign on the front side. There is also an operating smoke unit (to simulate frying those burgers) utilizing water vapor (no smoke fluid needed).
A service area for the wait staff wraps around the side and rear of the building. The patio is equipped with tables, chairs, customers, a waiter, and even menus.
The accessory is designed for use with the Menard’s 4.5-volt power supply sold separately (Menards SKU nos. 279-4061/4361, 4062/4362, or 4050). Power may be applied through a power connection on the back of the building, or by a drop-down pigtail plug from beneath the building.
Why you need this: For an outdoor bistro, the landscaping is attractive and designed to make customers linger! The base is decorated with grass and 22 bushes. The L-Shaped patio has planters on four sides, and yes, the flowers are in full bloom. The patio has timber plank-style flooring. You’ll find four brown round tables and white chairs for eight customers. Each table even has a menu mounted in the center.
The main structure is the body of an Electro-Motive F-unit diesel. Alas, the once majestic locomotive has been gutted of its diesel engine and now serves up tasty food for hungry patrons. The model is decorated in homage to the iconic Rock Island graphics, with subtitle "GOOD FOOD" emblem on the nose. In years gone by, Rock Island and its passenger service was once dubbed "The Route of the Rockets."
The nose of the locomotive features an illuminated headlight. Both sides of the nose have number boards bearing the word "ROCKET." About mid-structure you’ll see chase lighting for the word "DINER." This sequences as D-I-N-E-R and then flashes twice, and restarts again. This is positioned just above the name "The Rocket."
The locomotive is clearly the kitchen now. A smoke unit is placed in the middle of the body. The "smoke" is water vapor poured into the unit through a hole plugged with what looks like a fan with a filter to catch grease! It generates a nice wisp suggesting the cooks are in action.
A side extension has been added to the building. It has gently curved lines and darkly tinted pass-through widows and doorways serving patrons on the deck.
The patio has four seated customers and a waiter on standby. Jack the German shepherd rests near a doorway - no doubt hoping someone will trip and drop an order of cheesy French fries at his paws!
Parked nearby is a die-cast metal 1957 Dodge Sweptside pickup truck. This officially licensed model is a throwback to an era when pickup trucks could have fins and non-traditional colors. Two pleased customers are making their exit from The Rocket.
The Rocket Diner ups the ante in the passenger car-turned-eatery category is concerned. The cab unit has plenty of "Wow" packed into it, and the layout of the serving area is actually very pleasant, and just what your O gauge town folk will appreciate!
Really cool rendition of a diner. I hope this doesn't mean Locomotive production was called off due to Beta test results and they re-purposed the shells into the diner.
Interesting.
Now that's one I didn't see coming. Love diners and Dodge pickups, may need one of these.
Well, I was partially correct, I got the Rock Island part. Great idea Menards.
Steve
@coach joe posted:Really cool rendition of a diner. I hope this doesn't mean Locomotive production was called off due to Beta test results and they re-purposed the shells into the diner.
Agreed. However they could do a Santa Fe shell diner with a southwest them.
Steve
I like it!
I think the Menards Rocket diner would look cool pared with the Kline starlite/broadway/20th century diners side by side.
This diner is certainly inventive and looks sharp, but here is a cautionary tale about turning on the smoke feature....
About 25 years ago at York, ultrasonic atomizers to create smoke from water were sold by several dealers in the Silver Hall. It was a neat effect and I bought one. But it didn't take too long for me to realize that effectively putting a humidifying source smack dab in the middle of the layout in the basement was a bad idea in terms of promoting mold and rust. On the plus side, water vapor is safe to breathe!
My only interest is what they're using for a smoke unit? Appears to be some sort of fog unit type. Might be on to something new when it comes to smoke units!
I like it although I think a traditional smoke unit would have been better from the points Bruce mentioned and you could get scented fluids to add to the diner smells like "Bacon". That's not a complaint just a thought. Nice building Menard's!
Another great product from Menards.
I agree that french fry scented smoke fluid would be a big hit. Doesn't seem like to far a reach to retro-fit a fan driven smoke unit under the shell.
Bob
That’s cool! I love the idea of it being water instead of oil. Easy for me to say, I live in Phoenix. I am going to have to get this for my 5-year-old. It will work well with his trains and his cars.
Way to modern for me, wrong rail road, but I have to have one! Too Cool!
Okay guys I sorta colleft dinners so this is a wanta-gotahave-& need!!
Really cool i'm sure it will be a hot seller, hopefully they'll have other roads in future releases.
@coach joe posted:Really cool rendition of a diner. I hope this doesn't mean Locomotive production was called off due to Beta test results and they re-purposed the shells into the diner.
That was my first thought also, when I saw the Menards e-mail. I doubt it, however. It is a cool diner, in any event.
@jay jay posted:That was my first thought also, when I saw the Menards e-mail. I doubt it, however. It is a cool diner, in any event.
i felt the same, at least i have have 1 FP9
@MartyE posted:I like it although I think a traditional smoke unit would have been better from the points Bruce mentioned and you could get scented fluids to add to the diner smells like "Bacon". That's not a complaint just a thought. Nice building Menard's!
mmmm. bacon
I'm all over it like flies on a cow's behind.
Love the amount of smoke!!
I'm thinking MAGA-STEAM Coffee and or Bacon 
Alas, no makin' bacon: Menard's web pages note that it uses water only, not smoke fluid. I will be interested to see how it works.
@Bruce Brown posted:several dealers in the Silver Hall. It was a neat effect and I bought one. But it didn't take too long for me to realize that effectively putting a humidifying source smack dab in the middle of the layout in the basement
Wouldn't your basement de-humidifier solve that problem? And don't we run our trains in the basement more in the winter when it's dry?
I noticed Lemax just added the same sort of water smoking unit to their Halloween line-up this year. Menards carried Lemax until this year. Perhaps there's the influence. Seems like a pretty nice solution to those that don't like mineral oil smoke.
Cool diner. Thumbs up!
The smoke/mist unit is along the lines of those small water mist machines you can buy anywhere.
The pic here is of a really small one.
Now for scents, they make all kinds of essential oils in many varieties. A few drops in the water each time you fill up. You could probably just add a few drops of your favorite smoke fluid too.
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Very different. Nice job and nice product.
Brought my "Rocket Diner" home this afternoon. Overall size is close to the footprint of the Jeep Stealing UFO. It appears that when the water level gets low it auto shuts-off the mister (smoke unit), most likely water sensor activated/deactivated. Found no switches. Does not appear to have any outside lights for the patio or outside areas. Have not plugged it in yet, will do that tomorrow when I place it on the layout. My overall opinion is that Menard's did a great job on this building (Diner). Definitely glad I purchased it.
Another nice addition to peoples layout from Menards.
Really cool, too bad it uses water, I'd love a coffee and bacon and eggs scented oil to use in it !
As a side note I hope the diesel with that paint scheme makes an appearance as a real locomotive in the future!
Jerry
Oh my god I have to get that. I’ll have to put an order in.
Ordered mine yesterday.
So Han Solo isn’t really dead, he’s just working at the Rocket Diner as a server? Lol!
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I like the water vapor system. They should do that in more accessory items and have the smoke units for the locomotives. That would require much less maintenance. You don't need to worry about corrosion in most accessory items.
Now if they spit water all over the place like some fog machines do than thats another story.
Brad
This is Great! And it means we'll probably get more liveries for the powered F3 soon! Pray for New York Central!
The way it blows that vapor out, it looks like a steam engine safety valve popping off. I would think that a good ol' Seuthe smoke unit with the smoke just wafting out would look much more realistic.
@B rad posted:I like the water vapor system. They should do that in more accessory items and have the smoke units for the locomotives. That would require much less maintenance. You don't need to worry about corrosion in most accessory items.
Now if they spit water all over the place like some fog machines do than thats another story.
Brad
Had mine running for about 30 minutes and didn't see any "water spit". The mist is very fine, but a lot of it coming out. I added lighting for night time dinning (a street lamp near the dining patio). I looks great on the layout!
The front view is night operation and the rear shot is day operation on the layout.
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I love the water vapour effect. Because of living with a family member with bad lungs, there has never ever been an opportunity to use smoke fluid--it could trigger an asthma attack in this family member, and that was just not worth it. Now, with this water vapor mist, this seems like a great way of getting around that health issue!
Great job, Menards!
Something that the designer(s) overlooked; where do the customers sit and eat when it is raining?
Did anyone mention adding music ?
@PRRMP54 posted:Something that the designer(s) overlooked; where do the customers sit and eat when it is raining?
Not sure if there are windows inside or not, but couldn’t there be a few tables inside?
@Csxcellent posted:Not sure if there are windows inside or not, but couldn’t there be a few tables inside?
The windows are dark, no inside fixtures in the wrap around. The engine shell is empty but does have light bleed over from number boards and headlight.
@PRRMP54 posted:Something that the designer(s) overlooked; where do the customers sit and eat when it is raining?
If it's raining on your layout, I'd be tempted to check the area for a mischievous youngster with a garden hose or watering can. 
@Retired posted:The windows are dark, no inside fixtures in the wrap around. The engine shell is empty but does have light bleed over from number boards and headlight.
its a toy
Keep nit picking with your obvious comments. Menard's is trying to give you a reasonable product at a reasonable price. Be thankful.
It would be great to put that Rock Island livery on the production batch of F-units, along with Santa Fe.
@DMASSO posted:Keep nit picking with your obvious comments. Menard's is trying to give you a reasonable product at a reasonable price. Be thankful.
I usually remain silent on this forum because of the attacks posters receive from others. As for me I will again revert to being silent so my posts don't become a focus for sarcasm, chastising or critical comments.
Signing off!
@Retired posted:I usually remain silent on this forum because of the attacks posters receive from others. As for me I will again revert to being silent so my posts don't become a focus for sarcasm, chastising or critical comments.
Signing off!
Not sure if those comments about your comments are warranted. I appreciate getting product user information because my Menards near me has them in stock but I'm not sure if they have one plugged in on display and I'm not going to see the smoke in action. So I appreciate the detail, @Retired, as you operate the one you bought. Just because the windows are darkened, doesn't make the product bad. And the bleeding engine lights provide some exterior light, which can be a good thing. So thank you for the info.
Menards does a Great! Job , filling in a nitch , that other Mfg.'s have forgotten, making toy trains for kids. For the price dad ,mom or the grand parents, can pick a car ,track . and structures, for that up coming Christmas holiday . I personally dont use their cars or track ( run 2 rail scale) . Their building, I have a bunch of them, love them ! was lucky enough to get the Betta 2 SF FP9, for a future project. Kudo's to Menards for helping get a new generation into toy trains
Just made some room for it, looks great!! Glad to see you back here Menards 😃
thanks Mark, Roger
@Dave Koehler posted:its a toy
I don't think this was a complaint but an observations.
Most of the comments here have been rather positive. A few constructive comments as well about the smoke generator and sounds but I don't see any posts that are out of line. The smoke unit being water is an interesting choice and probably is a better cost option for the price point. Now some will try to make this thread out to be negative and try to make drama but I think we can all agree it's a good product at the price point. Anyone making suggestions is just that. I really don't see anyone seriously criticizing the product.
@MartyE posted:I don't think this was a complaint but an observations.
Most of the comments here have been rather positive. A few constructive comments as well about the smoke generator and sounds but I don't see any posts that are out of line. The smoke unit being water is an interesting choice and probably is a better cost option for the price point. Now some will try to make this thread out to be negative and try to make drama but I think we can all agree it's a good product at the price point. Anyone making suggestions is just that. I really don't see anyone seriously criticizing the product.
wasn't meant to be a complaint, it not a scale museum piece, Its a toy , (If You dont like the term, toy please feal free to look up the definition.) for kids of all ages. As far as the smoke unit using water, thats been around since the 70?s , you may want to use distilled water , it wont leave a white residue on the model
@Dave Koehler posted:wasn't meant to be a complaint, it not a scale museum piece, Its a toy , (If You dont like the term, toy please feal free to look up the definition.) for kids of all ages. As far as the smoke unit using water, thats been around since the 70?s , you may want to use distilled water , it wont leave a white residue on the model
OK where is the disconnect here? @Retired described what he observed about the building he purchased and you said it's a toy. I'm not really sure what you were getting at. He didn't complain. Yes it's a toy. This is a forum. We can comment on a product and even say what we like and don't like it doesn't make it bad. Dave I think you are reading into comments something that's not there or maybe I'm missing something.
I think we can all agree that Menard's is offering some pretty cool stuff and a good value.
@Dave Koehler posted:wasn't meant to be a complaint, it not a scale museum piece, Its a toy , (If You dont like the term, toy please feal free to look up the definition.) for kids of all ages. As far as the smoke unit using water, thats been around since the 70?s , you may want to use distilled water , it wont leave a white residue on the model
Distilled water is a great idea. It may also keep the smoke feature working well for a long time.
10 years ago I bought a gallon of distilled water for my Postwar #38 water tower, which has worked flawlessly ever since. I still have plenty of that distilled water left. Arnold
