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Have a cold one: The O gauge Sprecher Brewery from Menards

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The basics: The Sprecher brewery is a compact, multi-story industrial building measuring 9-1/2 inches wide, 11 inches deep, and 13-1/2 inches tall. The model has interior and exterior LED lighting and a multi-colored Sprecher electronic sign with a sequential lighting pattern. The loading dock features three workers, hand-trucks, beer kegs, and beer cases.

For illumination, the factory requires a Menards 4.5 volt power supply, Menards SKU# 279-4061, 279-4062, or 279-4050. You may wish to consider the 8- or 9-piece Plug & Play accessory kits (SKU# 279-4035, 4681) and to serve multiple structures and vehicles. All are available separately.

Why you need this: Wisconsin knows beer, and for many decades, Milwaukee staked its claim as America’s beer capitol. Randy Sprecher began his journey in small batch brewing in California in the 1970s. He was hired by Pabst to become Supervisor of Brewing Operations at the Pabst complex in Milwaukee. In 1984 when he was downsized, he struck out on his own and established his own beer brand.

He leased a three story industrial building in Milwaukee, and later built a brewery of his own in 1993. The family of Sprecher beverages has expanded to include regular and seasonal beers, hard sodas, ciders, and nine types of regular and seasonal soft drinks. The brewery has become a tourist destination.

The model is a compact four-story design, with a shipping dock and office door on the first floor, large industrial-style windows on the upper floors. The gem is a dazzling Sprecher logo that combines colors with a design evoking the firm’s German brewing heritage.

The paint is a sedated gray and tan color scheme.

The first floor loading dock has three workers, three beer kegs, three beer cases, and Jack, who is making sure the employees don’t take all of the free samples! The roof of the second floor has three large pipes running up and into the third level, just behind the sign. The roof of the third level has a raised edge, giving it a classic architectural look. You’ll also find HVAC equipment, and a water tank with a flashing red LED. The roof of the fourth floor is flat and calls out for personalization with workers or signage.

The back of the building has a brick wall and includes the innovative "tunnel insert" that can be removed for a train to run through.

O gauge hobbyists have been calling for a brewery and Menards has delivered one. The building has personality, and it carries with it a story affirming that you can still think up a great idea, and create and sell a quality product. Whether or it’s lager or cherry soda is up to you. Make room on your layout for this one!

"I'm totally underwhelmed.  After waiting all this time this is the best Menards could come up with?"

I have to applaud Menard's for the additions they have contributed to this hobby in the way of rolling stock and buildings.   With that said, I know you can't please everyone with each new release and I wish them the best with this offering but I will pass this on this round.

Great job Mark!  I give you credit for designing a brewery that can fit into many eras in order to appeal to most everyone.

I wasn’t in the market for a brewery and I’m out of space, but it looks so great that I’m going to buy one anyway.  I can put it on my desk next to my Menard’s parking garage until I can figure out how to reconfigure everything.

Keep up the good work and thanks for all of Menards’ contributions to the hobby.

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OGR Publishing, Inc., 1310 Eastside Centre Ct, Suite 6, Mountain Home, AR 72653
800-980-OGRR (6477)
www.ogaugerr.com

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