Menard's own factories?

Upon examination of Menard's products; I would say that they are being made on new tooling. Size and detail  are different from other manufacturers.  Menard's has proven that they can make a profit on quality $19.95 box, flat and gondola cars. The competitors that charge up to $89.00 are probably very concerned. IMO, they are the new K-Line.   As for RMT, it is obvious that outsourcing did not make them as competitive as they needed to be.

I wonder where those factories are? Anyway, with believable prices and no BTO equine excrement, maybe it might prove practical for them to acquire some of the RMT power units to complete their trains.

Menards' most likely has existing contract builders in China for store-brand merchandise that they tapped to produce the trains (ex: Golden Wheel Diecast has been identified as the builder in a past thread). Except for the 11.5" and 14" flatcars, everything else is pretty much clones of postwar Lionel product, but using their own tooling, much like Williams/WBB freight cars other than their boxcar.

As for the profit statement, remember that Menards' has an entire super-home-improvement store of product to make the bulk of their income with. They don't need to make as much per car as do the traditional train manufacturer/importers have to. In fact, their lower-end product will often be treated as loss-leaders (ex: die-cast trucks or flatcars with vehicle loads that are occasionally offered as free throw-ins with each train item of $19.99-or-higher in a given order), something you'd never see Lionel, MTH or Atlas do.

The above reason also why you don't see anything about BTO from Menards--they don't have to sell out their production runs that same year, and can afford to have product carried from one year to the next since it's not necessary to tailor production runs (at least of their 'O-Gauge Train Stuff") to closely match a sales estimate for a given year. (Contrast this with a past statement from Weaver that they'd rather make 500 of something and sell out the entire run in one go, than to make 700 and possibly have 200 sitting around at the end of the year--the same likely holds true for all the other train companies).

 As for their release cycles, you do realize that since they don't announce product until they're in the warehouse ready to ship (another luxury they have that everyone else in the biz doesn't), we also don't have any idea how long any of their items are in development after they're conceived.

---PCJ

I think the next question is how long before Menards starts making locomotives. Then it will really get interesting.

Right now I believe their freight cars are just a fly in the ointment to the big boys. Powered units would change all that!!

Well, since one of the big guys at Menards is a known train nut / aficionado, perhaps he's looking at their effort as doing his part to grow the hobby of model railroading. Notice they've now branched into HO buildings as well. As PCJ noted above, as long as they don't *lose* money on them, it all works.

Like KIA did with autos, when Menards gets their freight car production to be very reliable, and then moves into the more scale like, "high end" product, I'll bet the larger train manufacturers will have to take greater notice.

As to KIA, I had always thought that a newer manufacturer that gave a longer warranty would have a newly found competitive edge. KIA did extend their warranty, and, with other improvements, KIA's fortunes turned around.

Personally, some of the reports about the Menard's freight cars have made me skittish about purchasing them.  Unlike many who sincerely enjoy a challenge and a repair project, having to repair a newly purchased freight car is not on my list of things that I wish for or, plan to do.  The Menard's store is not that close to my house, and returning the defective cars is a 3+ hour, unnecessary project.  If Menards were to pay return shipping for defective product -- UPS, the U.S.Post Office, and, FedEx are all close to home -- and, come up with some means of making the return process less time consuming, inconvenient, and, expensive,  I think that would go a long way toward increasing their customer satisfaction level.

But that's just my opinion, and others are obviously willing to "ride the rapids", and complete the necessary repairs as a trade-off for a good price, and an attractive, useful, inexpensive product.

Jeff T posted:

I think the next question is how long before Menards starts making locomotives. Then it will really get interesting.

Right now I believe their freight cars are just a fly in the ointment to the big boys. Powered units would change all that!!

I really doubt they will be getting into locomotives.  That's an entirely different game full of electronics, much more advanced engineering, and most importantly, now they would have to deal with repairs.

towdog posted:

Jeff T posted:

I think the next question is how long before Menards starts making locomotives. Then it will really get interesting.

Right now I believe their freight cars are just a fly in the ointment to the big boys. Powered units would change all that!!

I really doubt they will be getting into locomotives.  That's an entirely different game full of electronics, much more advanced engineering, and most importantly, now they would have to deal with repairs.

If they did do engines it would be conventional I would think. With a simple electronic E-Unit or maybe even a 2 position E unit. Or even a forward/reverse switch like some have. I don't think it would beyond that for some time. And that would be fine as if you really wanted to up grade you can always get ERR or if I understand you all right you can buy the parts to even go Proto 2 or 3. I don't know anything about MTH systems.

I would not look for Menards to get into the exotic and delicate electronics. I would guess they might go to the simple, durable, and reliable type of power of early Williams. If Wms., and RMT,  got power made once, Menards with its financial clout, and the interest, could match and maybe best that. If they became the "Marx" low price leader, with Wms. reliability, maybe central service, reachable from their stores, with infrequent need, would work. All in my imagination, of course..

Dennis GS-4 N & W No. 611 posted:

Personally, some of the reports about the Menard's freight cars have made me skittish about purchasing them.  Unlike many who sincerely enjoy a challenge and a repair project, having to repair a newly purchased freight car is not on my list of things that I wish for or, plan to do.  The Menard's store is not that close to my house, and returning the defective cars is a 3+ hour, unnecessary project.  If Menards were to pay return shipping for defective product -- UPS, the U.S.Post Office, and, FedEx are all close to home -- and, come up with some means of making the return process less time consuming, inconvenient, and, expensive,  I think that would go a long way toward increasing their customer satisfaction level.

But that's just my opinion, and others are obviously willing to "ride the rapids", and complete the necessary repairs as a trade-off for a good price, and an attractive, useful, inexpensive product.

Dennis GS-4 N & W No. 611,

The vast majority of our customers love the items they have purchased from us. And although it may not seem like it , issues that arise are very few. In my experience, it is easier to look past a good experience than it is to dwell on an unfortunate experience.

We don't ask for hobbyists to fix broken cars - they do it because they want to.

We are known for our excellent customer service and making sure you are happy with your purchase. We will not hesitate to replace a damaged or defective item for you at no charge. If there is something wrong with an item, we will send you a prepaid return label and send you a replacement for free.

I hope this helps!
-Mark the Menards Train Guy

Dennis GS-4 N & W No. 611 posted:

Like KIA did with autos, when Menards gets their freight car production to be very reliable, and then moves into the more scale like, "high end" product, I'll bet the larger train manufacturers will have to take greater notice.

As to KIA, I had always thought that a newer manufacturer that gave a longer warranty would have a newly found competitive edge. KIA did extend their warranty, and, with other improvements, KIA's fortunes turned around.

Personally, some of the reports about the Menard's freight cars have made me skittish about purchasing them.  Unlike many who sincerely enjoy a challenge and a repair project, having to repair a newly purchased freight car is not on my list of things that I wish for or, plan to do.  The Menard's store is not that close to my house, and returning the defective cars is a 3+ hour, unnecessary project.  If Menards were to pay return shipping for defective product -- UPS, the U.S.Post Office, and, FedEx are all close to home -- and, come up with some means of making the return process less time consuming, inconvenient, and, expensive,  I think that would go a long way toward increasing their customer satisfaction level.

But that's just my opinion, and others are obviously willing to "ride the rapids", and complete the necessary repairs as a trade-off for a good price, and an attractive, useful, inexpensive product.

No need to feel that way. They stand behind their products.

The few Menard's cars I've purchased to check out are actually good running pieces. 

A few things I would offer to improve on is:

 - Hopper car weight: fairly light car 

 - Placement of the stamped Menard's logo. I bought the Santa Fe box car and having the white Menard's logo stamped in the red stripe just doesn't appeal to me. Maybe stamping the frame of the car or adding "Built by Menards" in detail writing on the car information cluster.

- Packing for shipment: 2 out of the 3 cars ordered had a wheel set or two dislodged from the truck. 

I hope they continue to expand this line and maybe we will have a reasonably price manufacture for rolling stock and other detail parts.  

I received three hoppers which are flawless and good looking. Also two power plants that are fine, just one lamp out on the building and the other had to mess with the door to make it flush. That one had a serious knock on one side of the box, so shipping I guess caused it. The one with the lamp out looks prototypical !!

I also was missing the free army flat car on one order and the Menard Guy sent me one, and thanks again!!

Menards posted:

Dennis GS-4 N & W No. 611 posted:

Personally, some of the reports about the Menard's freight cars have made me skittish about purchasing them.  Unlike many who sincerely enjoy a challenge and a repair project, having to repair a newly purchased freight car is not on my list of things that I wish for or, plan to do.  The Menard's store is not that close to my house, and returning the defective cars is a 3+ hour, unnecessary project.  If Menards were to pay return shipping for defective product -- UPS, the U.S.Post Office, and, FedEx are all close to home -- and, come up with some means of making the return process less time consuming, inconvenient, and, expensive,  I think that would go a long way toward increasing their customer satisfaction level.

But that's just my opinion, and others are obviously willing to "ride the rapids", and complete the necessary repairs as a trade-off for a good price, and an attractive, useful, inexpensive product.

Dennis GS-4 N & W No. 611,

The vast majority of our customers love the items they have purchased from us. And although it may not seem like it , issues that arise are very few. In my experience, it is easier to look past a good experience than it is to dwell on an unfortunate experience.

We don't ask for hobbyists to fix broken cars - they do it because they want to.

We are known for our excellent customer service and making sure you are happy with your purchase. We will not hesitate to replace a damaged or defective item for you at no charge. If there is something wrong with an item, we will send you a prepaid return label and send you a replacement for free.

I hope this helps!
-Mark the Menards Train Guy

We at the CL&W Ry LOVE the buildings from Menard's!  THE best deals for the best detailing and they look GREAT on the layout.  Have not yet purchased rolling stock ... they Military line is very tempting!  The would look great with the Desert Storm special from K-line years ago ... :-)

As for offering engines, I think that with the pricing of mass produced electronic boards these days it would be fairly stupid to go conventional.  As a hobbyist I can duplicate all the functionality of a LionChief Plus engine for about $20 over the cost of a conventional electronic E-unit... As a mass producer using custom designed electronics, it could be done for a couple dollars.  Of course it would be rather amazing if Menards dipped a toe into the world of hobby electronics as well, then could offer a kit to refit engines with electronics similar to LC+ or bluerail using off the shelf modules.  

JGL

My only regret is I do not have enough room for more Menard's buildings.

Menards posted:

Dennis GS-4 N & W No. 611 posted:

...If Menards were to pay return shipping for defective product -- UPS, the U.S.Post Office, and, FedEx are all close to home -- and, come up with some means of making the return process less time consuming, inconvenient, and, expensive,  I think that would go a long way toward increasing their customer satisfaction level....

Dennis GS-4 N & W No. 611,

The vast majority of our customers love the items they have purchased from us...We are known for our excellent customer service and making sure you are happy with your purchase. We will not hesitate to replace a damaged or defective item for you at no charge. If there is something wrong with an item, we will send you a prepaid return label and send you a replacement for free.

I hope this helps!
-Mark the Menards Train Guy

Thanks Mark!  I actually just returned from the new Menards in our area before reading your above response.

Prior to reading this, I had purchased several flats with loads that I just picked up and intend to run.   (I'm sure you have noticed the thread that I started for this purpose to elicit input as to appropriate choices.)  

The new Menards in our area is uber clean, and very attractive.  I also took the time to look at a number of the Menards buildings on display, and, they look quite nice, as numerous posters suggest, including JDaddy in the post above.  

Importantly, the following sounds very fair, and, I was unaware of this policy:

"If there is something wrong with an item, we will send you a prepaid return label and send you a replacement for free."

So, this does help!

So, Mark, did the flier mentioned by the original poster of this thread really make a reference to Menards factories as it pertains to trains?

I receive all the Menards fliers via email and my Menards app, and I do see references to factories during the "Made in the USA" sales. One of those production facilities, which I believe makes nails, is in the old Menard Cashway Lumber location and building (technically in Chester) that first served the Rochester MN area when I moved to town in 1974. But I don't recall seeing any references to Menards factories abroad.

Jim R. posted:

So, Mark, did the flier mentioned by the original poster of this thread really make a reference to Menards factories as it pertains to trains?

I receive all the Menards fliers via email and my Menards app, and I do see references to factories during the "Made in the USA" sales. One of those production facilities, which I believe makes nails, is in the old Menard Cashway Lumber location and building (technically in Chester) that first served the Rochester MN area when I moved to town in 1974. But I don't recall seeing any references to Menards factories abroad.

I believe that  was the intention as the flyer/ad was just about the trains and buildings.

645 posted:

Jim R. posted:

So, Mark, did the flier mentioned by the original poster of this thread really make a reference to Menards factories as it pertains to trains?

I receive all the Menards fliers via email and my Menards app, and I do see references to factories during the "Made in the USA" sales. One of those production facilities, which I believe makes nails, is in the old Menard Cashway Lumber location and building (technically in Chester) that first served the Rochester MN area when I moved to town in 1974. But I don't recall seeing any references to Menards factories abroad.

Correct - Menards does identify the city/state of where a product is manufactured when they are running a "Made in the USA" themed sale. I have never seen train items in a "Made in the USA" flyer and if they did know no city/state would be listed as the train items are not made in the USA. Also when Menards puts train items in a flyer that is usually during the Christmas/New Years holiday season which is when they don't run one of their occasional "Made in the USA" themed weekly sales.

Maybe the Train Guy at Menard's would comment to this question?

From the below response from Menards concerning some hopper cars, it appears that at least some of their train offerings are being made in China:

https://ogrforum.com/t...rs-first-impressions 

Menards trains are a small side business of a very large company.  Since I don't have a seat in their board room, I don't know what their long term goals are for their train sales.  It sounds like there is someone within Menards upper management that is pushing this; what happens when that person is gone?  MTH, Lionel, Atlas, GGD and the other companies focused on trains are all much smaller by comparison, and it seems like Menard's could easily push the others out of the market if they wanted too.  I can see Menard's, if they wanted to expand their train sales, buy out one of the other companies.  Lionel by Menards

My guess, FWIW, is all their stuff is being made in China, given the price points for their products and the type of products they are, even assuming Menard's let's say is breaking even on trains (ie they use them as basically promoting the store), the cost structure of doing it here is such that unless they had a totally automated factory, I doubt it would be made here and even break even. And if 'made here' you likely would find the final assembly being done here from parts made overseas, it is what Lionel did with their freight cars a couple of years ago. 

CAPPilot posted:

Menards trains are a small side business of a very large company.  Since I don't have a seat in their board room, I don't know what their long term goals are for their train sales.  It sounds like there is someone within Menards upper management that is pushing this; what happens when that person is gone?  MTH, Lionel, Atlas, GGD and the other companies focused on trains are all much smaller by comparison, and it seems like Menard's could easily push the others out of the market if they wanted too.  I can see Menard's, if they wanted to expand their train sales, buy out one of the other companies.  Lionel by Menards

I was kind of hoping John Menard was a big O Gauge fan...big layout and all that.

John Menard is (or was) a TCA member

My two cents:  I haven't bought anything except Menard's train stuff for months, and I have two layouts-one overhead and one table that was just expanded up two levels.  You can't beat the price and the train stuff looks great.

Also:

1) I have more than 30 Menard's cars and several buildings.  No problems with the buildings, but I also have had the problem of some cars arriving with misaligned wheel sets and the similar problems with the trucks.  They must get bounced around pretty good during shipping for that to happen consistently.  Fortunately, almost all problems are very simple to fix and no further problems with those cars after a few wheel and truck adjustments.   Menard's prices for their gorgeous stuff has made my train decisions easy and I intend to keep purchasing from them as long as I have room on the layouts.

2)  I had two boxcars come with really messed up trucks and wheels.  Couldn't fix 'em.  As Mark says, their customer service takes care of replacement promptly and efficiently, with no cost to me.  I couldn't ask for better service.

3)  I agree with the guys-Menards is making a real difference in the hobby.  Gotta love it...

4)  All sixteen Santa Fe cars on the top level are Menard's cars.  The bridges I built with the intention of matching the Santa Fe colors.

Jerry

Gene Dickerson posted:

From the below response from Menards concerning some hopper cars, it appears that at least some of their train offerings are being made in China:

https://ogrforum.com/t...rs-first-impressions 

All of Menards train stuff is made in China. That wasn't the question.

The original poster said he saw a flier consisting only of train stuff that said "made in our own factories." I said I know Menards has U.S. factories because they have occasional "Made in the USA" sales for which the fliers list domestic locations where Menards merchandise is made. But I had never seen a train flier (it's flier, not flyer, by the way, as it pertains to ads) suggesting the items were made in Menards factories abroad.

But for all I know Menards does have its own factory in China.

So we're hoping that Mark the Menards Train Guy can confirm, clarify or refute.