(10/29/21) Ray's Wreckers from Menards!

@mustang posted:

Mark @ Menard's;

Shouldn't you be calling this "Repurposed", rather than "New". You're just doing the same thing MTH and Lionel have done for years, where you take the same building, mold it in a different color and add some new stickers. I think you've bought and resold this building at least twice before, Quaker State as mentioned and maybe "Ford" in the earliest of years. I'm sure this is not a special build for Menard's, other than maybe the stickers.

Needless to say, I'm disappointed. I expected something better from Menard's. Please don't get stuck in that rut.

What's next, UPS Sign instead of FEDEX on the same building? Maybe Corvette Carl's instead of Mustang Sally's with Corvettes instead of Mustangs. I could go on and on.

Needless to say, this one is NOT on my radar.

I think Menards does a pretty good job in its' offerings be it repurposed buildings or not,  Sometimes we forget that Menards is not in the toy train business.  They are doing us a service by offering what they do.  Thanks Menards.  BTW where is Jack?

Well it looks like a very nicely done building plus you get a lighted tow truck! 

Poor Jack may be missing because lying around outside a gas stations drive is dangerous - thus he's inside the building where he's safe!

Nicely done menards, now if only you could expand towards the east coast.

@Mark Holmgren 110217 posted:

Excellent points. Putting a Mopar name on things also makes it better.

I’ve been waiting over 30 years for a 1966 Chrysler Newport convertible in daffodil yellow with a black top and interior. Frankly I’d be delighted in any color. This doesn’t exist on the planet, Menard’s! You could own the market!!

Yes. And when was the last time I heard anyone say "Chrysler Newport", though they were thick on the ground at one time? A friend had a beautiful '64 2-door hardtop Newport in college in the late 60's. I loved driving it, even with the square steering wheel. It was no 300K, but the 361 and Torqueflite would haul and handle well enough.

OK - I'm off topic here. Back to the trains.

My late father in law had a Texaco station in his early life.

I ordered one and will change the name.

The people have spoken! 2022 will be a big year for Menard’s and the Chrysler Newport!

@mustang posted:

Mark @ Menard's;

Shouldn't you be calling this "Repurposed", rather than "New". You're just doing the same thing MTH and Lionel have done for years, where you take the same building, mold it in a different color and add some new stickers. I think you've bought and resold this building at least twice before, Quaker State as mentioned and maybe "Ford" in the earliest of years. I'm sure this is not a special build for Menard's, other than maybe the stickers.

Needless to say, I'm disappointed. I expected something better from Menard's. Please don't get stuck in that rut.

What's next, UPS Sign instead of FEDEX on the same building? Maybe Corvette Carl's instead of Mustang Sally's with Corvettes instead of Mustangs. I could go on and on.

Needless to say, this one is NOT on my radar.

This item was also made by K-line first, also in a Texaco scheme, something I always wanted to point out with the Quaker State station but the Quaker State had upgrades vs. the K-line

Thanks for thinking of us, Menard's! Your latest release isn't my cup of tea, but it looks like a nice building for those layout-builders pressed for space who also have backdrops or retaining walls that can support a business in front of it. And it's got lighting, too!

Though that may be true that KLine did originally did make this, it was made over 15+ years ago.  At that time it was only the station.  It definitely didn't come with interior lights nor a lighted pickup truck.  I image many folks who don't have that earlier version will get one.

Mine arrived today.  I'm pleased with it.  Here are a few more pictures of it:

@SteveH posted:

Mine arrived today.  I'm pleased with it.  Here are a few more pictures of it:

Steve,

Looks nice.

What about the paper part they mentioned in the back?  Is it an issue?

Thanks,

John

John, The front definitely looks much better.  The paperboard on the back is glossy and has some glare when viewed from certain angles.  If it was a problem, maybe a spray matte clear coat would eliminate the glare?

It's fine for my purposes.  I plan to use it up against a backdrop.

I like it.  I think I'll order one.

Thanks Steve,

John

Looks neat

I like it, but I don't have a place for it. Hopefully they will make the truck available for separate sale in the future.

@SteveH posted:

Mine arrived today.  I'm pleased with it.  Here are a few more pictures of it:

Steve,

  I something thru the window, is Jack in the building?   Inquiring minds want to know.

@Allegheny posted:

Steve,

  I something thru the window, is Jack in the building?   Inquiring minds want to know.

Yes, you could look at it that way Power input Jack, I prefer to think of it as a large hose from the air compressor

Edit, I just realized you're probably talking about Jack the German Shepard, no I haven't been able to find his likeness at Rays, he and his brothers are currently hanging out at Wally's Gas Station and the Dairy Barn.

@SteveH posted:

Yes, you could look at it that way Power input Jack, I prefer to think of it as a large hose from the air compressor

Edit, I just realized you're probably talking about Jack the German Shepard, no I haven't been able to find his likeness at Rays, he and his brothers are currently hanging out at Wally Gas Station and the Dairy Barn.

Thanks Steve!  Yes I was referring to the Jack the German Shepard.   Glad to hear he's having fun with his pal's instead of lying around all day!  He needs his steps too!

I am not sure if this was discussed with the similar prior issue.

Usually you  can power unit from the side or below. The current unit only has a side power port and an empty hole below.

You need to unglue the port and move it to the base hole.

If you do that, does it leave an unsightly hole in the side ?

Yep!

Lighted unit with sign named for my late father in law.

@M. Mitchell Marmel posted:

UNCLE MILTIE?!

Mitch

(a tad before my time, but still fun)

Thanks for the memory jog!  Remember it well!!  Anyone remember watching "Test Patterns"?  TPs would appear on screen before the days broadcast which usually began around 4pm and ended at midnight!

Cheers, Dave

I have the K-Line version. I wish the wrecker were a separate sale item.