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Jim M Sr posted:

Well, my fist thought was of the one where Gomer Pyle worked in Mayberry, but found this, and it sure isn't the one I remember.Image result for Wally's

I'd be in for a gas station!!!! Oh....and Mark/Menard's.....I just happen to have the design work for a nice streamline gas station I did for a company but was never produced. It was designed to be laser cut.....just sayin.....

AMCDAVE beat me to the punch. That's okay. I had a dream last night that I was in an alternate universe in a Menards store and there in front of me on the shelf was my old time brewery I have been waiting for. But then the teaser came out today and it was back to reality. So without any further rambling I will say it is going to be a neat fast food restaurant..................Paul

coach joe posted:

Dave I'd be in for one of those diners.  Don't know why whoever you designed it for passed on it.

Thanks sir......it was one of those ideas that didn't pan out. It happens a lot in any biz but the hobby biz is tough to get a product produced.  I have a number of structures designed but never made.....some may show up on my layout!! thx

 

645 posted:
Alfred E Neuman posted:
Bill T posted:

Gas station with lighted vehicles

What makes you think Menard's would include lighted vehicles? 

What, me worry?

You must have missed one of Menards' previous offerings which was the "Sally's Restoration Shop" which did include two lighted vehicles:

https://www.menards.com/main/h.../p-1489386348873.htm

Maybe Santa will bring you a Catch Those Things That Go Over Your Head for Christmas.   

What, me worry?

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Jim R. posted:

Mark, when is the big announcement? Early next week?

Good question.

We have a pretty good idea when they will arrive but I don't want to put my foot in my mouth and give a release date yet. I would suspect sometime in the next two weeks would be a safe guess.

-Mark the Menards Train Guy

Last edited by Menards
Menards posted:

Good question.

We have a pretty good idea when they will arrive but I don't want to put my foot in my mouth and give a release date yet. I would suspect sometime in the next two weeks would be a safe guess. It depends on if they pass the quality test too.

-Mark the Menards Train Guy

Two weeks ?   I can't promise how good my credit is gonna be by then

BwanaBob posted:

Wouldn't it be cheaper to send someone from Menards to do quality inspection in China, in case it fails the expense and time of shipping failed goods back is spared?

Maybe not cheaper.....faster? Yes.  I work with a company that manufactures hobby products in China. As many companies that have products made in China there are just as many QC agreements.  NOT knowing what Menard's agreement is....let's look at what is typical.  A QC sample is sent, approved by owner. Product is produced and shipped. Item fails stateside QC and owner returns. All this cost is often charged to the manufacture. (add to that shipping USA to China is a small fraction of cost China to USA)  It boils down to the terms of manufacture....but my guess is Maenard's folks are smart enough to have a deal beneficial to them. 

Side note....I passed on working for a different hobby company once because it required 3-4 trips to China a year. NOT my idea. and many others, of a good time. 

 

 

AMCDave posted:
BwanaBob posted:

Wouldn't it be cheaper to send someone from Menards to do quality inspection in China, in case it fails the expense and time of shipping failed goods back is spared?

All this cost is often charged to the manufacture. (add to that shipping USA to China is a small fraction of cost China to USA)  It boils down to the terms of manufacture....but my guess is Maenard's folks are smart enough to have a deal beneficial to them. 

 

 

That surprises me about shipping.

I can find many items with free shipping from China.

It looks to be between $9 and $13 to mail the first ounce to China.

I guess container traffic is different because so few things go from the US to China?

It would be a way to get their containers back as well.

 

Garfield posted:
 

 

That surprises me about shipping.

I can find many items with free shipping from China.

It looks to be between $9 and $13 to mail the first ounce to China.

I guess container traffic is different because so few things go from the US to China?

It would be a way to get their containers back as well.

 

Think of it like trucking companies that charge little for 'back haul' often just to pay cost rather than run empty......my daughter  in law owns a trucking company that hauls wood products out of WV....and uses back haul to reduce cost. 

The meds are working. I stay reserved now when I hear the word Brewery mentioned. As I calmly write I have my little backup. Not as nice as a Brewery from the Great and wonderful Menards. If this would happen by Christmas I would more then be happy but if it doesn't I am just as happy with some coal. Pic of my little, little backup brewery. And it is just a sliver as to what could be. Honest Santa I have been good. Well at least better then last year. Send me a brewery....Paul

DSCN1133

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Dad, Playtrains would have said something smooth, but he just cant seam to get out of his Shell! 

Paul that's a good idea! I tried listing to a beer can for the sound of the ocean, all I got was beer in the ear!

Gilly, Love the idea and the picture! That's what this forum is about sharing ideas and fun times!

mike g. posted:

Dad, Playtrains would have said something smooth, but he just cant seam to get out of his Shell! 

Paul that's a good idea! I tried listing to a beer can for the sound of the ocean, all I got was beer in the ear!

Gilly, Love the idea and the picture! That's what this forum is about sharing ideas and fun times!

The forum IS about fun times---But at who's expense!!!!

“Service with a smile” at Wally’s Service Station! Click to see more!

 

Dimensions: 15"L x 9-3/8"W x 7"H

Wally’s Service Station is prebuilt, prelit and ready to go! It features a revolving Shell sign, which is illuminated from below and shines spectacularly. This motor-driven sign is reminiscent of a golden age where porcelain signs were so popular.

This structure contains over 30 LED lights, including 6 gas pumps with prelit globes, and sits upon a beautifully weathered base. Additional accessories include 3 workers, a soda machine, handcart, trashcans, several stacks of tires and Jack the German Shepherd.

Let Wally and his crew fill up your tank and check under the hood.


In case you miss it, I’ve attached our today’s O gauge email. If you want to get these emails in your inbox, click here to sign up!

Have a Merry Christmas!
Mark the Menards Train Guy

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Last edited by Menards

Nice looking building but The Wolf has already leased some of my real estate.

SInclair.I also have investors knocking on my door to buy a prime piece of real estate for a brewery.  Don't know how much longer I'll keep the piece of property as the taxes keep going up and the community is in dire need of a brewery to boast the economy.

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Last edited by wild mary

Welllll, that sure doesn't look like a brewery to me. At present I'm a little deep in the service station area but will still find a space for this one, it's a good looking piece.  However, I do think it's time for Mark and the gang to do a brewery. I believe I/we are going to have to hire a lobbyist to get my/our project into the production stream.

Heeeeellllo Mark, we want a brewery, we want a brewery, we want a brewery..................................etc. 

Last edited by milwrd

The more I look at Wally's the more I like the art-deco look.  Fits right in with my era.  One question I have is "do the bay doors open"?  If they do I'm in for another service station.  The other thing that bothers me are the two Shell signs protruding out from the sides.  Those would have to be surgically removed.  So much to ponder.

wild mary posted:

The more I look at Wally's the more I like the art-deco look.  Fits right in with my era.  One question I have is "do the bay doors open"?  If they do I'm in for another service station.  The other thing that bothers me are the two Shell signs protruding out from the sides.  Those would have to be surgically removed.  So much to ponder.

I agree about those two signs on the sides. They do not look right to me either. A friend of mine used to own about 15 Shell stations. He said he never saw one in the southern U.S. that had "wing" signs like that. I wonder just how hard it would be to cut those off, and maybe hide the cut marks with tall shrubs or something. Otherwise, a very neat , "must have", structure for my layout.

Jeff

wild mary posted:

The more I look at Wally's the more I like the art-deco look.  Fits right in with my era.  One question I have is "do the bay doors open"?  If they do I'm in for another service station.  The other thing that bothers me are the two Shell signs protruding out from the sides.  Those would have to be surgically removed.  So much to ponder.

I agree, the Art Deco and, the price and lit pumps will set it apart.

Menards posted:

Here's a video of Wally's in action!

Please note the Shelby is sold separately but the jeep is FREE with a $19.99 (or higher) purchase now through December 26th!

-Mark the Menards Train Guy

I like it, but in the video the rotating Shell sign’s movement seems to be a little herky-jerky.  I was going to buy one, but think I’m gonna pass now.

play trains posted:

Herky or jerky, I love it a lot and I'm going to own it! LOL

I slight stumble would never keep me from ordering the Shell station. I've been asking for Art Deco and as my luck would have it a gas station. I already have way to many as I am a car guy AND I designed a station for a company that never mailed it but I will use it on my layout,  A downtoen mid block Art Deco building and I'll jump for sure!!! thx

LaramieJoe posted:

I must agree with the herky-jerky comments. My York Hotel's roof vents make a horrible grinding noise as they turn. All three of them! I tried conductive oil, but that did nothing. And they are hard to get at from underneath. Any suggestions?

My Red Owl vents make noise......I'll never hear them once 6 or 7 trains are running......even if I turn their sound off!!!!  

wild mary posted:

Good eye Matt.  Doesn't look like it'll hold up over time.  Can't believe Menards would use a less than perfect model for their video.  That's a deal killer for me.

I wonder about holding up over time for a lot of menards buildings. I was in the Massillon Ohio store this morning. 3 of the 5 buildings they have on display and plugged in, are showing pulsing LED's. I would hate to see someone buy these, get them home and figure out something is wrong. Hopefully someone knows enough to not buy a building with pulsing lights.Makes you wonder how long these have been plugged in. I wonder if they get turned off at night. Also thought LED's were supposed to light forever with no issues. These buildings I saw definitely had issues.

Doug N posted:
Menards posted:

“Service with a smile” at Wally’s Service Station! Click to see more!

 

Dimensions: 15"L x 9-3/8"W x 7"H

Have a Merry Christmas!
Mark the Menards Train Guys

Mark, What is the thickness of the base and the dimensions of the squares on the base?

Thanks

Hi Doug,

The base is 1/4" thick and conceals the wires needed to illuminate the gas pumps. The squares in the "concrete" are roughly 2-1/2" x 2-1/2".

I hope that helps!
-Mark the Menards Train Guy

Overall a nice looking building but no lighted or detailed interior? Are those tinted window inserts on the garage doors and office, or solid wall panels painted black to simulate windows? While I can understand the garage bays being closed during evenings, does it seem odd to anyone but myself that while the station is obviously open to pump gas at night with exterior lighting and employees milling around that the office interior would be dark as though closed for business? That dark office seems so unnatural to me?

Btw, if a detailed and lighted interior was impossible because the mechanism for the rotating rooftop sign is located in there, I wish stickers could have been affixed to the windows to simulate an office interior? Hopefully Mark the Menard's rep will add clarification..

 

Last edited by ogaugeguy

I am still debating on this one. I really like it. I remember when I use to see those types of signs at the gas stations when it was windy they would hesitate when they revolved. The only thing that sort of bothers me is the one sign on the building at the side. It doesn't appear to allow enough space for a car to enter the pumps on the inside. I would be taking that one off. But all in all it is another home run. Well done Mark and Menards and for a decent price too. On another note Dad was more then likely up at corporate opening all the next items to come our way..................Paul

jim sutter posted:

I wonder if someone was under the gun to get these out before Christmas? 

Jim: I really don't think so. It takes many months from design to delivery and no one has total control of when the product shows up at the dock. I just think its great when we see a new product announced just before Christmas !!!  Now for the next announcement.....

I think folks are a bit spoiled when it come to Menard's model train items. At $90 for a structure this large, this many lights and details, moving sign and licensed.....it is a deal. The lack of interior is two fold IN MY OPINION ONLY......Motor for sign is in office area. The other is making a price point. A full interior in the office and bays could add an easy $50 ....and thus pushing it well past the comfort zone for many of us. I just spent $30 on a auto shop interior details....and I need about 3 times more to fill it!! Let's keep in mind this is a small side line for a big company.....bet they make more money off the snack foods and soft drinks they sell!!! Speaking as a person in the hobby biz for almost 40 years now.  Thanks...

AMCDave posted:

I think folks are a bit spoiled when it come to Menard's model train items. At $90 for a structure this large, this many lights and details, moving sign and licensed.....it is a deal. The lack of interior is two fold IN MY OPINION ONLY......Motor for sign is in office area. The other is making a price point. A full interior in the office and bays could add an easy $50 ....and thus pushing it well past the comfort zone for many of us. I just spent $30 on a auto shop interior details....and I need about 3 times more to fill it!! Let's keep in mind this is a small side line for a big company.....bet they make more money off the snack foods and soft drinks they sell!!! Speaking as a person in the hobby biz for almost 40 years now.  Thanks...

Your points are good ones,  AMCDave, but how much more would it have added to the cost having printed stickers of an interior added on to the office windows and door? I've unknowingly purchased online structures with black painted windows and door openings and appearance-wise they're neither attractive nor realistic.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Printed interior stickers would maybe add $1 to the station. But I'd insist they be included but not installed as interior stickers look plasticville to me.....the black windows look like dark tint you see in desert areas.....to me. Maybe this is a opportunity for someone to make interior stickers for the station......Bet they could be done on low numbers for $5 a set or so.... 

AMCDave posted:

Printed interior stickers would maybe add $1 to the station. But I'd insist they be included but not installed as interior stickers look plasticville to me.....the black windows look like dark tint you see in desert areas.....to me. Maybe this is a opportunity for someone to make interior stickers for the station......Bet they could be done on low numbers for $5 a set or so.... 

Good Point Dave !! Never thought of being in the desert areas  !!!

p51 posted:

Nice structure!

Such a shame I model a very rural area in the 40s, as most of the structures I see in O seem to be from the 50s and 60s (when the majority of O scalers were teens and young adults, I guess).

Though I can't use it on my layout doesn't mean I can't appreciate it anyway.

Now if they just would do cars from the 40's thru the 60's I would be happy 

On my layout I have up and running the World Headquarters, the Royal York Hotel, the Pepsi plant, the American Light & Power, Grandpas house, The fire station, Dakota cabinet and the lighted billboard. These are all great products and work as advertised. I for one am grateful that Menards has stepped in and started producing affordable  model railroad products for layouts with a modern theme.

I honestly don't understand all the nit picking about the Shell station. I have not seen a report from one person that actually owns one of these products and if you do and are not satisfied Menards is great about returns. If you don't like this item then don't order it but don't cut it down without having one to critique.

I currently have the Morton salt factory on order and I can't wait to see what great product is coming down the pike.

Keep up the great work Menards!

Rusty Traque posted:
GLENN L. TAYLOR posted:

 

I honestly don't understand all the nit picking about the Shell station.

 

It means Menards has officially joined the brotherhood of contemporary O Gauge manufacturers...

Rusty

LOL...so very true, Rusty!!  You’re really not considered a full-blown, card-carrying member of the O-gauge manufacturer/importer fraternity until you receive some unsolicited criticism for your products...and a good dose of nit picking.  And even more importantly—demonstrate that you’re thick-skinned enough to take it!!  Right or wrong, it goes with the territory.  Welcome to the club, Menards!

Last edited by CNJ #1601

That pegasus would look sweet.

Grandparents used to run a Sinclair then a DX.

Have had my eye on the MTH Sinclair for years but haven't bought it yet.

Of all the critiques of the Shell station I have to say I agree with the signs on the side seeming odd.

Looks like they block access to one side of the pumps.

Yes I realize these are plastic non functional pumps on a model that is meant for a train layout but it still bugs me. Not a huge thing, but does make me go hmm.

 

A few years ago Menards had a set with a die cast truck and a facade of a older style gas station.  They came in Quaker State.  I really wish they would make those again but in brands that actually ran gas stations.  I did not get one when they first came out.  Haven't been able to find one since.  I would probably get one of each if they came out in different brands.

K Line made one just like it as well.

 

Texaco

 

Garfield posted:

 

 

 

A few years ago Menards had a set with a die cast truck and a facade of a older style gas station.  They came in Quaker State.  I really wish they would make those again but in brands that actually ran gas stations.  I did not get one when they first came out.  Haven't been able to find one since.  I would probably get one of each if they came out in different brands.

K Line made one just like it as well.

 

Texaco

 

"Quaker State", did have gas stations. However, they were not very common nationwide. We had Quaker State stations in parts of Ohio back in the 50's and 60's.

Jeff

rtraincollector posted:

Walley's

I'm wondering if some surgery to the guy standing by the pump if you could not put the Army Jeep in that spot by those pump's it would even be better if the jeep would fit without moving him. Like he is or about to work on it some. 

Yes I ordered one. 

Hey Mark of Menards, would love to see this in HO.

Thanks,

Steve

jini5 posted:
wild mary posted:

Good eye Matt.  Doesn't look like it'll hold up over time.  Can't believe Menards would use a less than perfect model for their video.  That's a deal killer for me.

I wonder about holding up over time for a lot of menards buildings. I was in the Massillon Ohio store this morning. 3 of the 5 buildings they have on display and plugged in, are showing pulsing LED's. I would hate to see someone buy these, get them home and figure out something is wrong. Hopefully someone knows enough to not buy a building with pulsing lights.Makes you wonder how long these have been plugged in. I wonder if they get turned off at night. Also thought LED's were supposed to light forever with no issues. These buildings I saw definitely had issues.

At the most these LEDs have 2,000 hours of on time, 3 months / 24 hours a day. Any reasonable quality LED will last well beyond 40,000 hours. That doesn’t sound like much of issue, to me, especially when they offer them at 50% off as the close out the seasonal displays later this month. 

banjoflyer posted:
rtraincollector posted:

 

I'm wondering if some surgery to the guy standing by the pump if you could not put the Army Jeep in that spot by those pump's it would even be better if the jeep would fit without moving him. Like he is or about to work on it some. 

Yes I ordered one. 

See the video. The Jeep does fit between the worker and the pumps however he doesn't face the pumps.

I received my Shell station this past Saturday. It was well packed and without damage. The free Jeep was shipped inside the Shell station box in it's own box. The LED lights are a bit bright but most stations also have bright lights so....

The revolving sign on the roof works perfectly. No hesitation of movement at all. Very smooth. This is a very well made item. The double thick base hides the wires to the pump lights. The earlier comment about the glass windows being dark for light resistance to heat is plausible. I'm sticking with that one. Add your own signs to the windows to advertise items on sale. Here's a pic of a converted gas station with black window film applied in real life:

Add this station to your layout for a neat retro look!

Mark

Thanks but I was thinking between the man and the sign on the rear like he was getting ready to work on it some. I got mine in the other day also and see it will fit with no problems, But thanks again for your reply

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