Power source for Menards engine house

Buck converter, alternative to menards power brick.  You could read this thread for another way to power all your Menards buildings without using an ac plug. Use accessory xfrmr power.  TW

Whatever you do, get a regulated adapter.  There were quite a few threads here on OGR about the unregulated adapters Menards was selling (the ones you listed).  My understanding is Menards will be offering new adapters in March.

Alternatively you can do a web search for "regulated 4.5V adapter".  There are many alternatives.  A similar 4.5V adapter sold by Lemax for their line of lighted/animated buildings:

https://www.amazon.com/Lemax-7...Output/dp/B005VXV2QM

Or a generic universal regulated adapter where you select 4.5V DC as the output voltage and install the correct plug type (5.5mm/2.1mm - outer/inner diameter of that plug):

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B015PXUHYA?psc=1

Or if you don't mind waiting a few weeks for shipping from Asia, you can get quite a bargain on eBay (direct eBay links aren't allowed on OGR):

If you find something and aren't sure, just post a link here and someone will confirm suitability.

I used a RCA universal AC to D.C. 500 mA Power adaptor sold at Radio Shack. I set it at 4.5 volt but the Menards engine house does not light up. Tried both ports on the engine house, found the on off switch and mode button. The number on the power adaptor box is AH50BF.  The model number on the adaptor is KWS-06TU050E.  Should this adaptor work?

Amtrack   Hmmm, 500mA might be on the low end for power required. I did a small test using two Menards buildings.(with help from Stan) The farm supply and depot. 55 led and a fan motor total.  The amp draw was 590mA, so the leds take about 10mA each. It would seem to me your building should work however.  Is the barrel connector the right size?

Are there any videos of what the fire damaged engine house looks like with the LED's working? I didn't see any on you tube.  I may just try to replicate it using Miniatronics LED's.  It was a EBay purchase so sending it back to Menards may not be an option.

I can't confirm for sure that your RCA adapter is of the regulated ilk, but if set to 4.5V and properly connected it should do something.  As far as being properly connected it appears that the 2-pins that come from each plug can be plugged in one of two directions into the universal adapter?  What this does is allow you to reverse the polarity of the DC.  I don't know if it came with instructions but you want the center/inner contact to be positive or "+".  Usually these universal adapters have some kind of molded/stamped indicator that shows you how to orient the different plugs so that "+" is on the inside/center.

If that's not the issue then not sure what else it could be.

From what I can tell it looks like Menards indeed has come through with replacement 1-way and 3-way adapters.  Note how they specifically mention how the new adapters replace the model numbers you mentioned.  In my opinion their pricing is also quite reasonable.  I don't know how their rebates work but that's just icing on the cake!

amtrack5899 posted:

Are there any videos of what the fire damaged engine house looks like with the LED's working? I didn't see any on you tube.  I may just try to replicate it using Miniatronics LED's.  It was a EBay purchase so sending it back to Menards may not be an option.

Here you go

Do you happen to have a video?  I think that's what the OP is after to see what kind of animated lighting he needs to replicate the burning embers or whatever it does.

I don't recall if it was this specific building but there was another thread where the issue was how to have the building start in one of the modes where you have to press some button to switch modes.  Apparently it always starts in the solid-on mode.  What a nuisance if the building is on the other side of the layout.  I don't recall a simple solution like adding a wire between A and B.  Seems it would involve some kind of timer module that clicks a relay 2 or 3 times when powered to simulate pressing a button 2 or 3 times.

Thanks guys, I could barely see the red glow with the lights out therefore I ordered a 2000mA power adaptor from Menards.  I don't think the 500mA is big enough.

Dang! 2000mA, You just might have a real Menards fire damaged engine house!!    Bob, I like your smoke effect 

Mine works with the 500...........I would guess maybe 15 or 20 LEDs.

This is one of the simplest of the buildings.

Stan thanks for posting.    I just ordered "grandpa's house" and a 3 cord 2000mA adapter to light my train station and hobby shop!  WOOOO HOOOOO finally! 

Jim