Sorry Swafford. I was hoping to receive some good feedback from Menard's concerning your drawings on your scale freight cars and your structures. Maybe someday, but not right now. You have some great ideas. Please keep posting. Who knows, maybe MTH or Lionel may pick up on them.
Jim, I think you got good feedback from Mark. Menards is not going to become MTH or Lionel and put out something that may or may not be produced. They have their product in hand before offering. You are asking them to do something that you may be more accustom to with the big manufacturers. For one, I like this business model. It is a surprise every month...some times two or three. It definitely adds an element of fun not seen by any other manufacturer. It reminds me of shaking that Christmas present trying to guess what is inside. Not everything they offer will everyone want, but they seem to be making hit after hit that fits someone's need or fits in someone's modeling era. Swafford's designs would not be universally wanted, but that is not saying something will not be done in the future.
But with that said, the last thing I want them to do is to bow to any of the criticisms about not being completely scale, having unrealistic models, adding unnecessary detail that will add to their production costs. The "deep pockets" O-gaugers have already moved the market with the big 3 or 4 in that direction. Sometimes I have GUILT written all over my face by just looking at some of that stuff. I am a "shallow pocket" guy and truly look forward to those Menards releases. I won't buy everything offered, but the great thing is I know I can without a smidgeon of guilt.
Rick
Sorry Mark, I believe this would be a better seller me thinks.
At my age it would have to come with instructions! LOL
Menards posted:Check out this brand-new Santa Fe Flatcar with Shell Tanker! Not only does it feature an 11-1/2’’ deck with beautifully painted woodgrain, but it also comes equipped with premium metal trucks and operating couplers. But this impressive piece doesn’t stop there! Sitting atop the flatcar is a die-cast Shell Tanker Trailer. From its bold yellow and orange paint scheme and Shell branded decorations, this lifelike tanker is truly a great piece of die cast! SKU# 279-3437
Plus, get an 11% rebate now through Saturday, August 20, 2016.
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Thank you,
Mark the Menards Train Guy
Holy Schmokes this car is heavy ! - weighs about the same as the die cast Lennox semi tractor trailer.
I am loving the detailing on the wooden deck with absent rivet hole. Now to decide which tractor to pair up 
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