Menards Track How many will buy it?

Eddie,

If I was getting into trains, I would. When I built layouts in the past, I always used "O" Gauge track and loved it. 

 

My current layout 20 x 22 is a mix of Gargraves track ( 2 main lines ) and 027 ( 1 main line with 054 curves ). I am in the process of removing the 027 line and the revamped layout will be Gargraves only. Will be taking the 027 track to a local train meet to sell.

 

   Bill T.

I haven't seen a price list yet.
I have a good supply of brand new Lionel "O" gauge track, and plenty of Postwar Lionel 022 switches in very useable condition. The curves are all 031.

I could see purchasing wider radius curves to complement what I have.

Since there are no Menards in my local area, my response may ultimately be based on shipping for what I may be interested in.  Since track is heavy and one of the items I'd consider (long straights) are also bulky, it may not be economical.

 

Even if not a full case, I may order some short 10" straights just to compare and see how they look together.  I tend to like larger diameter curves (54, 72), and based on the comments on the main Menards track thread, I'm pretty confident I will not like the lower number of ties for those vs Lionel curves.

 

-Dave

 

 

As someone who has decided to go back to all tubular like I had a couple of years ago - and basically sell all of the other track types that he has - including ones he just recently purchased  (thanks to those forum members who sold me those tracks) - count me in.

 

I am saving space for the O-36 track when it comes out.

Me!! Tubular O all the way...I have tons of Lionel, and many places still have it available. But if the supply ever runs out, I will be able to get some from Menards :-)

Would love if they made the gray rubber roadbed like Johnsons use too....

Like someone else above, you can sign me up for the 30" straights if 1) the pricing is consistent with their 10" straights, and 2) the shipping costs aren't a nightmare.

 

The easternmost Menards is in Ohio ... which might mean shipping track will be expensive.  Perhaps they'll have a booth at York next Spring and we can do a cash and carry from there?

 

Steven J. Serenska

 

I wonder if Switches are far behind from Menards? Lionel already stopped making them, and I know there are plenty on the secondary market, but I wonder if Menards will pick up the slack or is ROSS going to continue with tubular switch offerings...

If I had a need for it, I would.

Already have!

I want a track with a much better appearance than tubular.  I doubt if that is what

will be offered, but something like K-Line tubular, but at a good price.  Not sure

when tubular was first offered, but it might have been a hundred years ago.  Time

for progress.

Giving more to those I've given sets to over the years. A few got some MTH RealTrax and said it was too hard to take apart and electrical connections were an issue so they went back to tubular. All looked into my recommendation of FastTrack and said it was too expensive for them. So Menard's to their rescue!

Established layouts are not going to change but I think there is still a market for new tubular track.

With the exception of switches, Lionel tubular track is still available for the time being at most stores.  

There's the problem.

 

Just had a piece of it in my hand at our local Menard's, looks great to me. I do not have a need for it, but if I did I would not hesitate in purchasing it. It is nice to see a new player in the game!! Kudo's to Menard's!!

Once I get done tearing done my layout to build a larger and better designed one I plan on using Menard's track in all the areas which are underneath scenery to save costs. No sense buying ~100 feet of Atlas track only for it never to be seen.

 

--Greg

 

I would like to see Menard's make O27 profile track in an O24 diameter curve where a circle will fit on a 24" by 24" surface, so you don't have to re-bend your own. Great for small spaces, but they said they won't be doing any O27 stuff and I doubt there would be enough demand for the tighter curves, but I can hope!

The Truth is that since I have so much fastrack already I won't be able to buy it, however if I had no Fastrack, maybe

Another thought - will this track be easily cut for custom lengths with a hobby razor saw?

 

-Dave

 

 

If new rubber road bed was made I would consider pulling up my 0-84 loop of Fastrack and putting down the old tried and true tubular track.  Menards has been making good products and I would expect no less from there new tubular track.

I'll be buying a circle of 042, and perhaps more.  I've got a 4 X 8 to build for my grandson.  Yeah, I'll have to pay the freight to Washington State.

I might buy some tubular track in a few months, depends how far I get on my layout.

Have to wait for new windows first then I will do the layout.

 

Lee Fritz

Dave45681,

In answer to your question about cutting this track, I would say it will be easy to cut with your saw. That's another big plus using tubular track. You can cut it to fit.  I too hope Menard's makes rubber roadbed for their track. Rubber roadbed will give it a finished look. Plus all the trains will run a lot quieter. Menard's, you are doing great.

We can only hope Menard's will make the rubber roadbed to go with the track.

That would definitely be a big seller!

 

Especially in Gray which has not been produced in a long time! If they made the gray, I would be buying Cases of it!!!

I plan to get some 072 for a loop in my un- air conditioned garage.

Menard's track costs about $1.60 for a 10" straight, Lionel 10" straight is $2.95 from a large online retailer.  Seems like a no brainer to me if I wanted new o gauge tub track.  I don't believe shipping costs are going to be a deal breaker. 

When I build my next layout, I probably will for larger curves and extra straits.

Thanks.  I have always had a favorable view of tubular over integrated roadbed for this reason.

 

My question was more from the angle of wondering whether whatever made the track strong enough that the young lady could stand on it without it bending might also make it more difficult to cut than other tubular.  (I'm guessing if it is, it would not be too much harder to cut - I may have to order a few small straights just to play around)

 

-Dave

I'm definitely in for the O42/O54 curves (have plenty of the others) and some of the long straights. The O36 tubular looks interesting though, however.

 

Peter

I'd definitely be in for some once the larger curves start coming in, particularly O42.  I have enough O31 for now.

And I'll agree on the gray rubber roadbed.  It's an easy way to give tubular track a finished look.

I'm really surprised at all the interest in this. Is there that much of a market shortage at shows and stores of the tubular track?

I'm really surprised at all the interest in this. Is there that much of a market shortage at shows and stores of the tubular track?

 

 

Yojimbo No, I'm quite amazed also. We rarely sell it but have it in stock. Everyone really loves Fastrak.

Exactly my thoughts Charlie. I see this as much to do about nothing.

 

I have two to three boxes of tubular that I would be thrilled to get half of what Menards is charging. I see acres of this stuff at shows. My guess is we'll see people buying this after the holiday season at a discount.

Last few shows I went too, its mostly rusted 027. Hardly ever any O gauge, although the 022 switches are plentiful. I am glad its still being made, I still need about 500 plus pieces for what I am planning....

Around here, the only tubular you find at shows is rusted junk.  I once got a decent-sized box for $5, I knew most of it wouldn't be in great shape but for $5 I took it.  I ended up junking about 90% of it.

Also, new Lionel tubular isn't exactly cheap, especially the larger-radius curved sections...

Just got to see some Menards track.  Almost a Lionel knockoff ie looks like Lionel right down to the gray insulator pads and track pins, but minus Lionel name.  Seemed pretty sturdy giving a straight piece the twist and radial bend test.  If I didn't have shadow rail, I would certainly be tempted to use Menards for replacement or expansion.  Of course as always, time will tell how well the track holds up, but from here it looks like a winner.

 

Bet Lionel and MTH are seething at this upstart Menards with track, buildings and rolling stock aimed at the hi rail "toy" train market, and rolling this stuff out regularly, rather than cataloging it and then waiting to see demand "before we might think of producing it" .  Photoshop is a wonderful tool to show new stuff, but I rather liked old Lionel and AF artist catalogs (against  backgrounds which is a no-no today, as the little darlings might think it came with the set (guess us oldsters were smarter and had imagination and could separate fantasy) ) where they planned what they were going to run that year for Christmas and for the most part produced it and put it out there.

 

For me it all about operating and having fun, not meticulously placing grass blades and worrying about boiler rivets.  But then each to his own. 

 

Wow, talk about starting at track and ending with train catalogs, go figure.