What I find interesting is the response to the people who pointed out the inaccuracy of mixing the US Army with naval equipment. It isn't "yeah, good point, but you can vote with your wallet", it's "anal retentive", "IT'S A TOY", etc. That reaction makes me sad.
This is a forum, a place for people to share thoughts and ideas. I'm one of those "anal retentive" people that shared my observation of the mixture of equipment. I also acknowledged it's a toy. But my view on Menards is that they are trying to be accurate. Menards has come nowhere close to making something as fantastical as an aquarium boxcar. They strive for accuracy in their buildings and cars. Sure, it's not necessarily the "scale modeling" some folks go for in this hobby, but they have certainly avoided the fantastical. This offering is not meant to be fancy or whimsical. And that brings me to my point: If striving to achieve some semblance of accuracy (heck, they make "weathered" cars!), then make sure that effort translates to every offering where intended.
I've enjoyed the suggestions of how we can reconcile the issue. I especially liked the idea of buying two, remove the deck gun from one and the container from the other, paint the guns grey and put them both on the same car. That makes great sense. Deck guns had to get to shipyards some way!
I have tremendous respect for Menards. I've been a customer for over 15 years. My house is a "Menards" house. It's been nearly exclusively remodeled with Menards goods, including the roof and siding. My layout framework: Menards lumber, wire and foam, even. That it offers train stuff is great and much appreciated. I own several pieces and will most likely continue to purchase offerings. My criticism on this item is simply a critique based on what I've seen in the consistency of their offerings.
As for myself: I'm a rambling wreck! I'm willing to lash up my Soo Line SD40-2 with my CN ES44AC. I've got stock that rolled in the 1940s in a consist with modern stock. Good gravy, what a mess! But that's me, buying what I like, ignoring what I don't and then enjoying the things I have all the while recapturing the little boy in me that loved trains and that I could have one in my house.
