I'm not sure if this qualifies as cool, it's Menard's stuff. I took advantage of the Menard's vehicles on sale for $4.99, less if you can use the coupon. I live in California and no Menard's here. So I ordered and received 3 Dodge vehicles including the US Forestry Power Wagon, which is COOL! Then I saw the Western Pacific Hoppers and thought I'd take a chance on them. I bought a 6 pack which works out to $18.50 for each hopper. Of course these prices do not reflect taxes and shipping charges.
For $4.99 ea. these are nice die-cast models.
Note, the hopper bodies are colored plastic and not painted!
Some of the individual numbers were a little crooked! These are decals, not painted. Perhaps the assembler had little too much rice wine at lunch!
The lids actually open! Nice touch.
Unfortunately, Mendards used to have steel trucks, now they are plastic! The couplers pay the price, they are very weak and with just a small consist release easily. I'm sure I can solve this issue, just haven't played around enough yet. At least they still have steel wheels and axles.
Future video of hoppers in action coming soon.
