Menards tubular track.

be sure to check prices of case quantities of the track. I did the math last winter and ended up buying more curves than i needed in a case, but still got them cheaper than just buying the individual pieces that I needed. i did free shipping to store and picked it up. The track needed a little pinch to make the pins fit tight, and it came lightly oiled. I am happy with the track, but I must admit I have little experience with other track, so take it for what its worth. Menards did carry fast track on their site but I never compared prices on it. When I add on to my layout in the future, I do plan to buy more menards track.

Thanks for the input.  I feel this might be a good place to start and learn as I go.  I'm doing a shelf track around the ceiling so the track won't really be seen to spend money on the high end tracks.   Just want it to work with out going broke.  I did order a track tool to help with the loose pins;   That seems to be an issue with their track.

My dad picked up a case of the O-54 curves and they worked for what he needed them for. The only problem was that a few of the center rails weren't insulated properly. He had to tighten them up but after that they worked great.

I have the shelf in now and ready for some track,  trying to figure it all out.

It works OK for the price.Check for missing and or loose insulators.I had issues with a few pieces that I installed.

Thanks again gang!   My original plans had to be way downsized and I almost gave up completely.  But after a year my very humble layout is about to see track.   Unless I get some real negative responses I will probably order track tomorrow.   They have free tree offer going on now.   I'm going to try to post a pic of the shelf.

I don't have any Menards track but the selection and prices are good. However I remember there was an issue with some forum people getting numerous pieces of new Menards tubular track with bad center-rail insulators that had apparently been crimped too hard. So watch out for that. Hopefully that problem was limited to certain batches and has since been corrected?

https://ogrforum.com/t...bular-track-question

Thanks Ace!

Month or so ago, I had purchased a couple dozen pcs. Track was heavy, looked great. But I ended up finding out several pcs shorted out, crimped too hard I guess. Also the pins were really loose when put together. I had intended on keeping them, went to Menards, picked up a meter so I could test them one by one. Turned out the meter cable had been packaged with a couple staples right through the cable. That was enough for me, i returned everything. Picked up a loop of Fastrack, 5 minutes later the trains were running.

To Menards credit, the returns were troublefree and quick. Looking back, I still can't believe so many pcs were bad, but i bet someone had a larger order and took the bad pcs back and didn't say anything, just a guess. Easy fix or not though, I am of the opinion if you buy new you shouldn't have to work on things right out of the package.

I think you'll be fine though, just take your time hooking up, test as you go. Armed with that info would have saved me a couple trips back to the store. Have a meter handy with your track pliers and add a few extra jumper wires and you'll be good to go...

Nothing against Menards but most dealers have plenty of proven performance  original Lionel tubular in stock.

Rod Miller

Thanks guys.   Every bit of advice at this point helps.  I will keep you posted on the process.   

Rick,

I have not had any experience with Menard's track, but I do want to compliment you on your shelf.  I too built one, I will have to dig up some photos.  Your corners look like mine, where the shelves just but up against each other, bit no shelf to go under the curve.  So far, I haven't had trouble with the track unsupported a little bit, but I'm sure I am just marking time.  I'll try to get my photos up in a day or two.

 And, yes, Edinburg is not far from Butler.  

Tat2d1 posted:

I have read past threads on the subject.   I am now looking at possibly purchasing some of the MENARDS  tubular track.   What are your current thoughts?

Another good source for tubular track is TinMan...a sponsor here.

http://www.tinman3rail.com/straight.html