(09/19/17) New! York Hotel Royale from Menards!

An open comment to Mark the Menards guy

I just received my York Hotel yesterday and it is probably the nicest building Menards has ever build in terms of build over cost.  truly a phenomenal value.  Its the only building I am considering ordering a second one to put side by side to display as double towers,  its that impressive !

P.S. as a side note when I went to My Menards store in the Detroit area to pick up my hotel I gathered up all my rebate checks and ordered the Pepsi plant while at the store.  $1.22 out of pocket.  What a great day HAH 

Thanks again 

Bill R

Just ordered the Hotel, without a place for it on my layout. But I will fix that somehow. I'm collecting a heap of things from the US, both toy trains, lawn mowerparts  and etc for a collective trip across the atlantic

One of Toronto's major landmarks is the Royal York Hotel...now the Fairmont Royal York.  In recent times it has become obscured behind modern glass and steel structures but for years was a prominent skyline icon.  Its tower is copper topped like the lower roof over the concourse of Union Station in the foreground...both structures constructed roughly around the same time, so the similar use of material is no coincident.  No trains run through the Royal York but the subway does run under it.

Bruce

PJB posted:

Mark,

I'm a big fan of the Menards structures and have bought many.  I've been asking for years for someone to please offer true city buildings, and voila!  This appears to be a good one - I really hope it's the first in a series.  You say it's made out of MDF.  I tried zooming in on the website photos of this building to see the brickwork detail, but the photos aren't high enough resolution.  

Any chance to get some close-up photos of the brickwork and building corners posted here?  

Thanks.  

Peter

Just received my hotel tonight.  With the time I had, I took it out of the box, checked it out and lit it up.  Wow, this thing is really grand!  Nice size, nice detail and I like the lighting effects.  The roof revolving things are also very cool.  It's true that most all rooms have someone peaking from the same spot in the blinds, but that's a trivial thing.    

At this point, I've got two follow-ups for Mark / Menard's: 

1 - For folks like me who are trying to attain a true cityscape comprised of big beautiful and non-cookie cutter buildings - not a bunch of the 3-4 story buildings available from other suppliers that everyone puts on their layouts and calls this a "city" - I hope this hotel is the first in a string of city buildings from Menard's.  I for one would buy them all.  And, my guess is this one was a big hit.  If so, I'm hoping Menard's is considering a plan to make more true city buildings?  

2 - I'm almost thinking I should buy a few more to help with the city skyline, given true city buildings are tough to find.  The question is - can they be cut down or reshaped so they don't all look alike?  

Thanks.

PJB

You are absolutely correct! I hope that Menards will release more tall city buildings and I would be happy to pre-order! This building will look quite silly standing by itself...I will keep my fingers crossed

Brian

banjoflyer posted:

I too received my Hotel a few days ago and put it on the layout today. It looks spectacular!

There are many, many LEDs on this building along with the revolving roof turbines so I'm sure it does require the higher rated (5 amp) wall wart to operate it properly.

Menards does sell their version of this 12VDC  5A wall wart but I have had lots of luck with some found online from other vendors. On my hotel I am using this. It is rated at 6 AMPS.

 

the male plug fits the Hotel's female plug perfectly. Don't forget there is another female plug -in port on a short wire inside the building should you choose to keep the wiring hidden from view. The wire is long enough to allow the port to hang down under your train table surface. That way you can access the port without moving the building.

Just thought I'd present another source for a power unit.

Mark

 

 

Mark,

While you can certainly use any 4.5-volt transformer that has enough wattage (power) to light the York hotel, 12-volts is 2.5 times too much electrical (pressure) and will result in the LEDs and the 3 rotating exhaust fan motors failing prematurely and will void any warranty.

Thank you,
Mark the Menards Train Guy

Pepsi Pepsi Pepsi, No Coke !  just the Cheeseburger please. 

booker110 posted:

PJB

You are absolutely correct! I hope that Menards will release more tall city buildings and I would be happy to pre-order! This building will look quite silly standing by itself...I will keep my fingers crossed

Brian

There are many examples of tall hotels not being in the middle of a city downtown.  Next to an airport or a casino or even standalone out in a suburb.  I know especially in O-gauge, it's hard to represent anything other than a city or small-town, but we just have to be creative.

Mine came the other day, fast shipping, and good job Menards. I may be able to place it at a location in my downtown city that would be idea since the structure's tunnel part would be utilized over a SuperStreets line, although I'll have to extend the foundation of my 2nd tier city very close to the river. If successful I'll post some pictures in the scenery forum. The picture below shows the location and you can see my challenge - the Royal would go where the red bricked 5 story building is currently sitting, with the Royal's front facing the camera shot in this photo and the rear would go against the plane panel of the structure wrapped around the steel column.

As I thought, with the recommended transformer the hotel LEDs are way too bright, at night anyway. To me, white LED's do not cast off natural light, and I don't see how I can paint them without tearing this structure apart. I'll likely toy around with one of my weaker transformers in an effort to dim the intensity output.  

Menards posted:

prrhorseshoecurve posted:

So who's layout was that filmed on? Will Menards do that automated roadway that is  in the film ? With the amount of vehicles Menards sells, there's got to be some traffic on someone's layout!

prrhorseshoecure,

That's the private layout of a friend of ours. We've been lucky enough to shoot a couple videos there.

As for the automated roadway, that may be a tough thing to produce considering everyone's layout is different. I do love the concept, so maybe I can do some more research. It would be an excellent companion to our selection of die-cast vehicles.

-Mark the Menards Train Guy

If you haven't caught on by now it's Cabinet Bob's layout 

How else do you think he gets them so fast

Very impressed with this building, although the turrets on the roof did not turn, but no big deal!

Wire disconnected?

Hello All.  My "York Royal Hotel" arrived today!  Have been looking forward to this item based on all the positive comments on this site.  I like the concept, and I like what Menards is doing, but the execution, in my opinion, leaves something to be desired.  The interior lights are much too bright.  There is white paint splatter on various places on the building.  The red awning that wraps around the building, next to where the 334 Carlisle sign is located is crooked.....and the 334 Carlisle sign is crooked!  The front, where all the front doors are, is crooked.  There is a random binding type noise coming from inside the building which is probably some part of the device that rotates the roof fans.  I am disappointed with the quality of this item.  It is a shame, because as I said, I feel that the basic design concept is good.  If I lived anywhere near a Menards, this would go back to them. 

That's great feedback and adds value to the discussion!  You ought to try to return the building to get a better one -- Menards is great about that.   Based on the buildings I've purchased, it is very clear there is variance between each one.  I chaulk some small quality issues up to the individual hand-made nature of each building and accept it as unique character.  It happens to other O Gauge stuff, too.  I've also found several Lemax items at Menards or Michaels, in the store, that have quality defects, too.  I generally look over several of the Lemax items and choose the best one.  I make sure the decals are fully embedded and straight.  It reminds me of my Bunn coffee maker from 20 years ago that has a crooked label.  Had I noticed it,  I would have returned it because every now and then I cringe when I'm brewing my morning coffee!  I've been fortunate with the Menards buildings because every one I've ordered has been acceptible, given their hand-made nature.  Good point, though.  Signage and awnings are critical to get as "right" as possible.

I checked Expedia, Hotels.com, Trivago, and Priceline and can't find this place on any of them.  This might be some kind of scam!   

I had a great visit to the Menards in Johnson Creek, WI today.   Guys, Menards is starting to unroll their Christmas toy stuff in their stores, which means O GAUGE.  I personally viewed the Pepsi plant, the fire station, and the school bus facility today.  What fun just to look at this stuff.  I also saw the new tow truck and cement mixer truck.  I saw the Santa Fe box car at its really low price but looked awesome.  I was like a kid in a candy store.  (Sorry Mark, did not buy anything,.. yet).  My point is this:  now is the time to start going to the stores to see the stuff in person!  Out of all the new buildings I don't have, man, the Pepsi plant and the school bus repair station are on top of my list based on detail, lighted stuff and pure play value.  Yet the new fire station fits the bill, too... and then... to cap off the day, I see the new "world headquarters" building in my e-mail.. can't wait to see that, too.... 

OK....the York Hotel arrived and is installed on the layout.  There is a smaller suburban city on the north side of the layout complete with its own subway system.  This building adds some needed height...just wish I would have put a backdrop rather than shelves on that wall...!  Here are a few pics....

Alan, that is a perfect building for your layout! Great job!

Alan, even you "smaller suburban city" is rather grand.  The way you combine different buildings (kits) into new structures, the Plasticville Town Hall(s) on top of something else for height, use buildings of other types and scales,the Dept 56 Budweiser brewery and the gothic cathedral blend perfectly with the Ameritowne and other typical "O" buildings.  The shot of the York next to the Brunswick is the first picture that gave me a true idea of how tall the York really is.

I couldn't resist this one either.  After waiting a week or so, I finally figured out a place to put it. 

More views of the new hotel, the long and short.   There was no room on my table layout for this, so, I built a shelf.  Had to paint the wood as sky and add a few clouds.  Two factory building backdrops, some Yankee (Aaron Judge) black trim to hide several power wires coming down from the top.  I built the shelf long enough to accommodate the Watkins city block which is just small enough and will come next week.  The Red Owl store gives you the scale of the hotel.  A large refrigerator goes next to the shelf and prevents further expansion.

It's too bad it's too high to see the turning roof vents, and too recessed to see the other half of the building.  Still, I think this Hotel is pretty spectacular and fits in nicely with the trolley station.

The bottom shows the Morton factory in another room, which needed another shelf added. Good idea by Menard's to follow city planners who can only go up when they run out of space.   Hope they can figure a way to get rid of those adapters.  I have one more spot for a three ended one, and hope it will work with the Watkins buildings and two of the new lighted billboards.

Of course, lots more little details to complete and it's never done.   I'd love to add more of these great buildings, but...runnning...out...of...room.

Jerry

Menard's doesn't need to build engines. They just need to keep turning out these great buildings and other fine accessories. Plus, they need to continue and endless supply of freight cars. Someday, if they decide to get into uncharted waters, they should do passenger cars. Buildings, accessories, freight cars, passenger cars and track. The possibilities are never ending..

jim sutter posted:

Menard's doesn't need to build engines. They just need to keep turning out these great buildings and other fine accessories. Plus, they need to continue and endless supply of freight cars. Someday, if they decide to get into uncharted waters, they should do passenger cars. Buildings, accessories, freight cars, passenger cars and track. The possibilities are never ending..

All I want and others is a black single dome 8000 gal tank car, please. 

John Pignatelli JR. posted:

jim sutter posted:

Menard's doesn't need to build engines. They just need to keep turning out these great buildings and other fine accessories. Plus, they need to continue and endless supply of freight cars. Someday, if they decide to get into uncharted waters, they should do passenger cars. Buildings, accessories, freight cars, passenger cars and track. The possibilities are never ending..

All I want and others is a black single dome 8000 gal tank car, please. 

Ditto X2.....buildings and great freight cars....

I finally made it over to the Closest Menards to pick up the hotel.  Another home run Menards!  I am going to get to work on getting it put on the layout as soon as I can.  Here it is upon arrival, checking out ok and looking terrific!

AMCDave posted:

John Pignatelli JR. posted:

jim sutter posted:

Menard's doesn't need to build engines. They just need to keep turning out these great buildings and other fine accessories. Plus, they need to continue and endless supply of freight cars. Someday, if they decide to get into uncharted waters, they should do passenger cars. Buildings, accessories, freight cars, passenger cars and track. The possibilities are never ending..

All I want and others is a black single dome 8000 gal tank car, please. 

Ditto X2.....buildings and great freight cars....

Build it and they will come!

Nice to see the Menards mascot is walking through town !

VistaDomeScott posted:

Nice to see the Menards mascot is walking through town !

That is a well-behaved pooch!  Nice loose-leash walk there.  My pup would be eager to meet all the other people on the block.  We have a long way to go to catch up to Jack!

Thanks to everyone for posting photos! We love to see them!

-Mark the Menards Train Guy

John D. posted:

VistaDomeScott posted:

Nice to see the Menards mascot is walking through town !

That is a well-behaved pooch!  Nice loose-leash walk there.  My pup would be eager to meet all the other people on the block.  We have a long way to go to catch up to Jack!

Id say he is a well trained pooch !

A good buddy installed ours yesterday.  Without raining on the parade, the height pales in comparison to our Pioneer Valley scale size kit bashed nine story hotel.  I know we're mixing apples and oranges but I would have thought someone would have mentioned this before.  The lights are far too bright.  If the lighting was designed to draw attention to the building they certainly accomplished what they set out too do.  Reminds me of lighted cars that 'glow' if the inside walls aren't painted. Photos were taken with the ceiling lights on, if the room was darkened the glow would be too much.  Is anyone using 3v or 3.5v instead of the 4.5v from Menards?  John in Lansing, ILL

Got mine the other day with the thought that I would worry about placement later......well it was so nice I expanded my layout just to showcase it....

My second York Hotel arrived today after Menards taking the first one back.  The package was poorly packaged with one little piece of clear tape holding the box shut.  The item has a peeling front sign, broken roof trim, paint and glue drippings on the roof and walls.  Sadly the steps and front trim is poorly glued and in many areas separating already.  I plugged her in and the roof top fans grind loudly and ....it is just me...or it that bright light LED lighting inside blinding?  I am going to again, contact, Menards for a resolution.  I am happy many found it well  done but this is my second chance I gave this product.  My best to all.

John, the led lights are very bright...but the roof top fans should be virtually silent.

I am sorry to hear  you received two lemons but give it a try again since it is a nice addition to any layout if properly packaged and shipped.

-Pete

I love mine.  It is the nicest building on the layout.    However;  my fan is very loud as well and it came poorly packaged. I absolutely love Menards but about half of my items have arrived dinged up.  I have only sent one back but it does bother me a little now that the prices are starting to increase.  I have also never received any of my rebates.  I don't have a Menards near me what I was doing to give them to a forum member.

Oh no...the rebates are Menards coupons????  I should have read the paperwork better.  I just assumed it was a rebate check.  I will not be buying from Menards again.

I know not what to do with the second York Hotel...send it back?  Pack it away and just give up?

Panther97..agreed...they need to whip the shipping department into shape.  Orders came packed in cardboard boxes, lose with no packing.  Items were slamming around boxes all the way to Peyton, CO.

My two buildings, power house and Morton’s Salt we’re really well packaged. Must have been a good part of the costs.

Different vendor for the hotel?

johnshorse posted:

Oh no...the rebates are Menards coupons????  I should have read the paperwork better.  I just assumed it was a rebate check.  I will not be buying from Menards again.

I know not what to do with the second York Hotel...send it back?  Pack it away and just give up?

Panther97..agreed...they need to whip the shipping department into shape.  Orders came packed in cardboard boxes, lose with no packing.  Items were slamming around boxes all the way to Peyton, CO.

I love their stuff and will continue to buy from them.  I just wish they would take a little more care packaging the products.  

I agree with you guys. Both my American Power building and York Hotel arrived in bad shape, but are still very good buildings. I hope Menards will rework their shipping, but I still love their accessories. 

I have never received a poorly packaged train or building from Menards.

Regarding rebates,  this has been discussed many times on this forum.

Stupid way to do rebates.