(04/25/23) New! "O Scale" Rocket Launching Tower from Menards!

Not really for me, but it’s kinda cool

Wouldn't an O-scale Saturn rocket need to be 7.5' tall? Am I missing something? No offense to Menards, I love the buildings, but 16" seems ridiculously small for an O gauge rocket. Interestingly, you can find a 1:48 Saturn rocket for sale on the internet! It costs $8,995! 

Hopefully it doesn’t do a SpaceX imitation!

Indeed, a true O Scale Saturn V would be 90.75 inches in height. (7.5625 ft).

When Mark said he was using O scale in quotes, he meant to imply that it wasn’t really O scale. I mean, it’s really obvious. Because here is how big a 1:48 scale command and service module are (as I have previously posted):

Order placed -  should look good on my second level.  Glad itʻs not "scale", I would have to cut a hole in my ceiling!
First Menardʻs order, might order the double track bridge for my second level as well.

@RadioRon posted:

Looks good, Menards!   And to you guys commenting on the fact that the rocket "isn't scale," for the love of pete, GIVE IT A BREAK.  Its a TOY!   So, your stance is that it should either be FULL SCALE or just not made at all?  Please find another nit to pick.

No.  I think the stance is it should have the word scale in the description.  Clearly its a toy just not a scale one!

Thanks again Mark and Menards!

This can certainly be placed on the top of a hill or in the back corner of a layout for forced perspective if is scale is important, but for me it’s a fun accessory and doesn’t matter.

When you use water use distilled water. Most tap water has minerals that will create "dust" or scale (other kind) on surfaces. Same problem with humidifiers and clothes irons - even my dog dish. My current gallon bottle of distilled came from Fresh Thyme. Cheap.

Hielsie

No one said "don't make it if it isn't full scale".  Just don't call it O Scale if it isn't (especially if it's not even remotely close).

I like the pictured flat car with the scale Command/Service Module.  That would be an interesting offering.

no idea where this will go but ordered anyway.. too cool!

I think it would be cool on the layout as well as off the layout on a shelf or desk.

That's awesome. I don't have room for it but I think it's a great idea.

Thank you Menard's, I just ordered one. Why, I do not know. But, if I set it up, it just may go next to the cow-abduction flying saucer. This "scene" in Bowman, SC just cries out to be duplicated.* Or, it just might go on a sorta-planned HO layout.

* I took these photos back in 30dec08:

@Jim R. posted:

Awesome, Jim! Dragon's kit?

@CNJ Jim posted:

Awesome, Jim! Dragon's kit?

Dragon model, but ready built.

I don't have room on my layout for the O scale. However, it occurred to me I could model a "roadside attraction" with the HO scale version.  I think it will look pretty cool.    Now, if only Menard's would build a "Shuttle" accessory. Move the Shuttle to the Gantry on a "crawler"... That would be awesome. Lionel didn't like the idea much...hope mighty Menard's does.

Mark, is it possible to remove the rocket from the launching pad?

Perspective and selective compression are what to use for this Rocket Launching Tower.

This would be for a backdrop of a shelf railroad or the center piece on a door layout.

Andrew

Ordered mine, but I wished it had audio added, perhaps with countdown and liftoff sounds.

Jim R, Any ideas where to find the Saturn 5 module? The Google search function is too

slanted towards "Apollo Module" responses. Thanks UnclePeteRR

@UnclePeteRR posted:

Ordered mine, but I wished it had audio added, perhaps with countdown and liftoff sounds.

Here's 2 videos of a launch of the Saturn with pretty cool audio you could possibly use:

And this one with sounds I never heard until I found this video, like the turbo pumps winding up at about 12 seconds:

I just might get this one Menards, no real place to put it on a layout but it will look cool in my home office. I know it has be de-throned as the most powerful rocket ever built or flown but it's always been my favorite and like they say, "You dance with the one that brung ya.".

And for the "nit pickers" here is Menards quote on the size...

And, yes, before everyone chimes in, we are using "O scale" in quotes!

Jerry

@UnclePeteRR posted:

Jim R, Any ideas where to find the Saturn 5 module? The Google search function is too

slanted towards "Apollo Module" responses. Thanks UnclePeteRR

I’m not sure what you’re asking. The command and service modules would be under Apollo modules. The Saturn V was the name of the rocket assembly, not the modules mentioned.

If you are looking for the modules I have and photographed, just do this search and you’ll find these same results shown in this screenshot.

Thanks,  Jim R & BaltimoreTrain, I will down load the takeoff sequence and  make the

model kit and mount on a flatcar.

Menard's has struck another homerun in my opinion.

So the model itself isn't 7.5' in height - big deal.  If it were how many of you complainers would have bought one?  I doubt any of you would have as now it would be far too large and impractical. 

For the typical Lionel layout this would look great as Lionel's original rocket launcher was much larger.

This a reasonable desk top model and fun conversation piece.

Great job Menard's!!!!

Heres my version, I made awhile back with smoke and audio for those who haven’t seen it before.

-Pete

I'll say it once more since we seem to have some reading comprehension problems out there.

There is no issue about this cool offering existing ; only that is was labelled scale, which has an actual meaning.  This rocket does not meet that definition due to the prohibitive size it would require.

Stop labeling us as complainers; this is a legitimate criticism of the product description.  It is not nitpicking.

I don't believe it is reading comprehension but simply trying to find something nit pick.

The ad clearly states  "And, yes, before everyone chimes in, we are using "O scale" in quotes!"

So its intention is that this is for the "O scale" market vs. their HO version which is much smaller.

We all know that a 7.5' model is  impractical and that this simply a mock model and not necessarily to scale no matter its size.  I imagine you have several Lionel cars and cabooses which are nothing close to scale yet you run them with your scale equipment.

So why not simply accept their new offering for what it is: A a fun attempt at bringing something new to market for those who don't care about actual scale.

Again Menard's has done a great job and they should be applauded for it.

This is absolutely cool. Number me amongst the Doubting Thomases that never thought Menards would  get into locomotives. And now this...the first  launch pad scene since the Lionel #175 and bretheren  back in the 50-60s (absent the actual "launch"), and featuring a more realistic vehicle. I am gobsmacked. What will Menards do next?

Putting something in quotes doesn't absolve the message of absurdity. I appreciate everyone buying it, though. As I wrote, I like many of Menard's offerings and when people buy the offerings it keeps them in the O gauge business. I agree with Bob that offering a critique is not nit-picking, it's feedback. Feedback is a good thing and doesn't warrant defensive ad hominem attacks.

Nice to see this from Menards.

I have a 175 postwar Lionel rocket launcher.  Any ideas how to add some rocket smoke ala Menards?

Scale or not, room or not, it's pretty cool looking so it has been ordered.  My LEGO rockets stand about 16" tall so it will fit right in.

@Jeff2035 posted:

Mark, is it possible to remove the rocket from the launching pad?

@Jeff2035,
The rocket is attached to each arm of the tower to ensure stability, but I would imagine it would be easy enough remove the rocket.

-Mark the Menards Train Guy

Hmmm, it seems we have a few folks that just can't get over the fact that "0 Scale" was being used in jest to describe the new offering.   

Instead of nit picking, you could have simply offered a SOLUTION - something some of you can't seem to do very well or at all.

Since you can't I'll do it for you.

I would recommend that Mark of Menards change it to "O Gauge" which is a term used by many manufacturers who offer non scale merchandise. 

I suspect that the English School teachers and Webster Dictionary writers on this forum will then STOP their insane nit picking.   

More often than not folks like yourselves like to suck all the air out of the room anytime any fun item comes along that isn't manufactured by Lionel or MTH. 

Just my opinion mind you.

Now I will step down from my soap box and go back to more important things like catching up on what this O Gauge Forum has to offer - like the latest digital magazine.

@Menards posted:

Hi Everyone,

Check out our newest "O scale" structure. It is packed with cool details, lights and even smoke! This is fun and fantastic!

And, yes, before everyone chimes in, we are using "O scale" in quotes!

Click here to shop now >

3, 2, 1 … Lift off! The Rocket Launching Tower by Menards

The mightiest rocket of the American space program was the majestic Saturn V of Apollo fame! Rising 363 feet into the air, the 6.2-million-pound giant could produce 7.6 million pounds of thrust - more than enough to transport three Astronauts to the Moon! Thirteen Saturn Vs propelled thirteen trips to the Moon!

The Rocket Launching Tower salutes the American space program and allows you to include a rendering of this technological marvel on your own O gauge layout.

The basics: This is fully assembled and decorated. There is illumination of the launch tower and red flashing warning lights on top of the structure. At the base of the rocket platform you’ll spot rapidly flashing red LEDs. Below the platform is a grate that house Menard’s water vapor "smoke" system. Carefully add water, and when power is applied, a visible torrent of vapor can be seen - simulating launch!

The Rocket Lunching Tower requires a 4.5-volt power supply sold separately (Menards SKU nos. 279-4061/4361, 4062/4362, or4050). Power may be applied through either a rear table-top plug in, or from below the building with a pigtail connector.

Why you need this: Okay, this is pretty cool in its own right, but if you have a military or space theme anywhere on your railroad, this is a natural addition to it.

The Launching Tower has an 8-¾ by 8-¾ inch foundation with a height of 16-½ inches. There is a complex array of structural support beams as well as conduits for electrical line or fuel for the liquid-powered rocket motors.

It has a massive tower structure with six levels. Five feature support arms reach out to the rocket. The rocket itself is a good model of the real thing. It is white, and decorated with black striping and an American flag. An Apollo capsule is up top, and you’ll find rudders and engine nozzles at the bottom.

The four rapid-flashing red LEDs warn folks that something big is about to happen. Then water vapor flows out at a rapid rate, suggesting the countdown is almost complete! Next stop, the Moon!

The Menards Rocket Launching Tower salutes our space program and a project for which every American can be proud!

Ordered  it  will go great with my complete LIONEL ROCKET BOOSTER SET !

Don't know what I'm going to do with this, or where to even put it, but could not resist!

When I visited the Kennedy Space Center they had a Saturn V laying on its side. Yep, over 300 feet long. If it were to explode the kill radius might be three miles. NASA wants viewers to be 3 1/2 miles away.  The control building is about that far away. The building has narrow slit windows with vanes that automatically shut if there’s an explosion. Otherwise, debris might fly into the control room.
How would you model that big bang at true O scale. Sounds like a job for the Adams Family.

@Basil posted:

Wouldn't an O-scale Saturn rocket need to be 7.5' tall? Am I missing something? No offense to Menards, I love the buildings, but 16" seems ridiculously small for an O gauge rocket. Interestingly, you can find a 1:48 Saturn rocket for sale on the internet! It costs $8,995!

So it's TT-Scale, what's wrong with that?

@gunrunnerjohn posted:

So it's TT-Scale, what's wrong with that?