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@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.

Last edited by MartyE
@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)

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.

@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 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 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.

Last edited by MartyE
@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.

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