These new engines have been redesigned to the remarks of the first bata test. 200 are in this batch
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Where are they hiding them? The only one I've found is still asking for BETA testing. I guess because it still is BETA testing.
Well this answers that question.
Menard's confirmed. Still a BETA test model.
Bob,
When placing the order it adds the Penske Truck but doesn't subtract the fee for it when I'm checking out.
Please let them know.
Link to engine
Bet they are sold out within hours.
@samparfitt posted:Bet they are sold out within hours.
or minutes.... I can no longer add it to the cart.
@MartyE posted:Menard's confirmed. Still a BETA test model.
Yep. Hard pass for me.
@johnstrains posted:Yep. Hard pass for me.
I don't get the rush to get one. Is it because it's cheap, limited, or something else? Is it just the 'gotta have it crowd" that's jumping on these? Eventually they'll put out a non-beta version with hopefully all the kinks worked out and suggestions taking into account and they'll be plenty on the market.
She gone now!
@samparfitt posted:Bet they are sold out within hours.
They are now!
@MartyE posted:I don't get the rush to get one. Is it because it's cheap, limited, or something else? Is it just the 'gotta have it crowd" that's jumping on these? Eventually they'll put out a non-beta version with hopefully all the kinks worked out and suggestions taking into account and they'll be plenty on the market.
It's history in the making. In 500 years, Menards could be the biggest model train mfr in the universe and these beta's will be priceless heirlooms. (Joking)
Sold out !
SOLD OUT, CRAP.
I posted this info in another thread, but is worth reporting here. You might recall we eventually agreed these models were FP7 units, not F7 models. Well, they are actually FP9 units, evident by the position of the first porthole on the body. Even more intriguing, given that only Canadian railroads ordered the FP9s from EMD. (Some FP7s on American railroads were converted to FP9s, but very uncommonly.)
Hopefully the next batch uses FP9 in its description, not F7.
FP 7 F7 or FP 9 these are toy trains, my grandkids don’t care!! 😆 it looks the same to us!
No mention of flywheels unless they’ve accomplished this via electronics. Without some kind of coasting feature , highly unlikely I would purchase the final production item.
Steve
@Jim R. posted:I posted this info in another thread, but is worth reporting here. You might recall we eventually agreed these models were FP7 units, not F7 models. Well, they are actually FP9 units, evident by the position of the first porthole on the body. Even more intriguing, given that only Canadian railroads ordered the FP9s from EMD. (Some FP7s on American railroads were converted to FP9s, but very uncommonly.)
Hopefully the next batch uses FP9 in its description, not F7.
While most were built by GMD in London, Ontario for Canadian roads, don't forget the NdeM FP9s built in LaGrange along with a few units for Saudi Arabia. The original NdeM passenger diesel scheme is quite elegant.
Based on my experience with the beta model, I won't be purchasing more. However, the one I have is a prime candidate for a complete internal and external make over.
I checked as soon as I saw the email, which was an even 2 hours after the email was sent. Was already sold out. The price was slightly higher than the first batch, but 200 units in 2 hrs is amazing.
Same here. Read email at lunchtime, checked after I got home, saw 2 hr old email for Me arts, checked ad, and we’re sold out. Glad for Menards, even happier I wasn’t in the market for them. Hope they make lots more for those who are!
Bummed I missed these while I was working. I’m excited to see what the 2.0 model has in store. When they arrive, please post a video here!
Boy, they went fast, not that I wanted a SanteFe, but hard to believe there are that many folks looking for O gauge SanteFe locos. I'd like to find a Lionel B unit dummy of an ALCO in UP yellow and red to add to a modern era 6-18119 set.
Wake me when they hit "gamma" and have corrected the more severe operating issues noted. 
Hopefully soon and at a similar price. Nice to see the excitement, and I'm confident they will get a final version eventually that is satisfactory to many, but right now it's potential not reality for the marketplace.
I'm sure Menard's will have a potpourri of road names and a B unit when regular production begins.
Was wondering if anyone has done an analysis of the control system used in these new Menard's engines. If I was lucky enough to obtain one, it would have been my first instinct and would have been added to eight loco control systems I have previously analyzed.
I looked right after getting an e-mail and it was sold out too. Had already made plans for bringing my LTI TMCC Santa Fe F-3 ABA units out of mothballs this holiday, so I am good!
I was lucky enough to get one this time around (I had the opportunity, but passed on the first beta). It shipped same day and is scheduled to arrive on Wednesday. I, too, am curious to see what changes were made: flywheel and better horn/bell are at the top of my list based on what I've seen on YT.
Ultimately, though, I bought it for our kids, as we could use a good LionChief-type puller under the Christmas tree, and for that price, it was the right price for the right kind of engine at the right time. I'm glad to see Menards making a go of this--here's hoping it leads to some steamers in some fashion.
I get mine Monday (Tentatively) and will try to get a video up same day. What features/upgrades are you most interested in seeing?
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@TheRambles posted:I get mine Monday (Tentatively) and will try to get a video up same day. What features/upgrades are you most interested in seeing?
Metal worm and worm wheel gears!
Would like to better understand the wireless control system used in the new loco,
Well, if dying to spend 150 on a SanteFe, there is a Lionel #2423 set for 150 on Mercari. They are rough looking, but perhaps consider them weathered.
@TheRambles posted:I get mine Monday (Tentatively) and will try to get a video up same day. What features/upgrades are you most interested in seeing?
Conventional (not remote!) control!!!
Thank you!
Or at least conventional capability.
I still don’t get the “have to have it” but as long as those who got one are happy that’s the only opinion that counts. I look forward to seeing what they took from the suggestions from the first group.
I guess I had a few of the “gotta have it” moments early on but not so much anymore.
Looking forward to what Menards makes next.
@MartyE posted:I still don’t get the “have to have it” but as long as those who got one are happy that’s the only opinion that counts. I look forward to seeing what they took from the suggestions from the first group.
I guess I had a few of the “gotta have it” moments early on but not so much anymore.
Looking forward to what Menards makes next.
I jumped on the first batch when they came out over the summer Marty. Don't know if I'd call it a "gotta have it" or more of a curiosity since we Menards fans have been waiting and wondering about locos patiently.
I like my 1.0 model, warts and all. It may get a ERR upgrade on day.
I'll be interested to see what changes they were able to make in a short time.
@TheRambles posted:I get mine Monday (Tentatively) and will try to get a video up same day. What features/upgrades are you most interested in seeing?
What improvements were made in the speed control. The hard stops/ starts of the 1.0 model are probably my biggest issue. Any improvements in the sounds would be good too.
Would like to see what it looks like under the hood like when one looks to buy a car.
Cabinet Bob,
Could you please tell us, the changes that were made on this new diesel. Please take care and have a wonderful and safe Sunday.
Merry Christmas,
Jim Sutter
Since this is a new entry and is a wireless controlled loco, I am curious what system of the three basic types Menard's chose to use.
@BOB WALKER posted:Since this is a new entry and is a wireless controlled loco, I am curious what system of the three basic types Menard's chose to use.
If you read the volumes of info from the first release, you’d know Menards is using a simple remote control system, not some proprietary system from others.
