Do you have any idea as to what new cars and buildings Menard's will be producing for 2020. Do you think this is the year they produce a engine. What about tubular switches and rubber roadbed to go with their track? Tell me what you think.
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They really need to offer an engine at an affordable starter price. I truly believe there are new holiday train buyers looking at these products at Menards wondering what to run these nice cars with.
I think we will see another fast food brand similar to the Taco Bell.
Since we no longer get the Lionel Christmas exclusive locomotives that were featured in the Sears and JC Penney catalogs, I think it would be cool for Menards to offer their own Lionel exclusive series from time to time, especially during the holiday season. Since Menard's target market is focused on selling affordable, entry-level trains, a simple, conventional locomotive would be fine.
A perfect bullet proof loco for the first Menards loco would be the Beep. Seems like RMT has stopped using their Beep tooling, maybe RMT and Menards could work out deal that would be mutually beneficial to both companies. Not sure who RMT used to manufacture the Beep but that is probably where the tooling is currently at.
A Beep and 3 pieces of rolling stock would make a great low cost starter set that no other company could match.
More great buildings that I don't have room for on the layout.
Would love to have a crystal ball to know but each year has brought out a variety of items. Rolling stock, buildings not made by anyone else. I would like to see new rolling stock not done by Menards yet. An engine would be a welcome addition. Might even help bring the competitions prices down. Building flats would fill a void. How about uncoupling tracks and switches for the tubular track. More unlighted vehicles in the 1940 to 1955 range. But what ever they produce it will be great..............Paul 2
I keep hoping for empty well cars to use with the containers. This has become my "brewery" quest....... The buildings are cool, but there's only so much real estate available. I like Paul's idea of more flats like the gas station.
Rob
I am waiting for the 1/48 scale lighted autos in the 40’s or 50’s to go with their really nice trucks that I have stocked up on.
I keep wishing for a large footprint, weathered coaling building/facility. Bout given up hope
John Menard is the inspiration for every train item Menards produces for its train line. Especially when it comes to buildings, there is no telling what he will come up with next. (Or did someone predict a toilet factory at some point in advance?)
Freight cars? I don’t anticipate much new other than more unique fantasy schemes.
Locomotive? The rumor is that something is in the works, but there has been nothing official, of course.
So won’t guess what’s coming. But what I want is a bungalow-style home, a Red Owl box truck, a new wood reefer and a postwar-inspired diecast steam locomotive. (I am being realistic in my wish list, because I sincerely doubt Menards is going to tool up for a scale locomotive that would cost more than $500.)
I hope for a Wonder Bread----Hostess Cake Bakery. Little people need bread and cake lol.
I don't know but it would be really nice if they stopped ignoring the Central Railroad of New Jersey (CNJ)!!!!
VistaDomeScott posted: ...snip...I think we will see another fast food brand similar to the Taco Bell.
I would like to see a Krispy Kreme free-standing store; the possibility of that probably would depend on the licensing requirements. Dept 56 did one (nice but not really scale) so a slim licensing possibility does exist.
Jim R. posted:...snip... (Or did someone predict a toilet factory at some point in advance?) ...snip...
Well, they do have to manufacture them somewhere! 
PRRMP54 posted:Jim R. posted:...snip... (Or did someone predict a toilet factory at some point in advance?) ...snip...Well, they do have to manufacture them somewhere!
Actually they had a company doing that at one time, not to long ago, it was something and thrones and had a toilet rotating on the top of the building, bet Bob has one on his layout some where
Bill T posted:A perfect bullet proof loco for the first Menards loco would be the Beep. Seems like RMT has stopped using their Beep tooling, maybe RMT and Menards could work out deal that would be mutually beneficial to both companies. Not sure who RMT used to manufacture the Beep but that is probably where the tooling is currently at.
A Beep and 3 pieces of rolling stock would make a great low cost starter set that no other company could match.
While reading this thread, I was thinking the same thing, the RMT engines (at a good price) would be a perfect starting place for Menard's getting into engines!
Wasn't thinking about this one, but they sure would be great for starter sets, too as you suggest.
rtraincollector posted:PRRMP54 posted:Jim R. posted:...snip... (Or did someone predict a toilet factory at some point in advance?) ...snip...Well, they do have to manufacture them somewhere!
Actually they had a company doing that at one time, not to long ago, it was something and thrones and had a toilet rotating on the top of the building, bet Bob has one on his layout some where
I know. That was the point. No one predicted it ahead of time.
PRRMP54 posted:VistaDomeScott posted: ...snip...I think we will see another fast food brand similar to the Taco Bell.I would like to see a Krispy Kreme free-standing store.
With a lighted "HOT" remote controlled sign. But even if it isn't remote controlled, it would be a 'must buy" for me.
I’m hoping for some ore cars.
I would like to say thank you, to everyone that responded to my question. You may continue with your responses to my question. I didn't want anybody to think I wasn't following my post.
O gauge freight cars and buildings. Leave the RMT items with RMT. Think of something else.
Dave
Waiting for Menards to come out with an engine to be considered a "serious" player.
PRRMP54 posted:VistaDomeScott posted: ...snip...I think we will see another fast food brand similar to the Taco Bell.I would like to see a Krispy Kreme free-standing store; the possibility of that probably would depend on the licensing requirements. Dept 56 did one (nice but not really scale) so a slim licensing possibility does exist.
I live in the state of N.C.Krispy kreme home and sure have seen my fair share of their stores.And have eat my fair share to.Sure that would be be a welcome to any town on a layout.
jim sutter posted:I would like to say thank you, to everyone that responded to my question. You may continue with your responses to my question. I didn't want anybody to think I wasn't following my post.
As far as locomotives go how about a nice 2-8-0 or 2-8-2 in convental.Just a head light smoke and whistle.
I'd like to see them offer the buildings in kit form.
Bill
Some more road names as others have mentioned. Add LIRR, PRR, etc.
Livening about 6 mounts out of the year in England A Fish n Chips would be a nice addition. Usually called a "Chip Shop" or "Chippy" by the Brits, Menard's can get plenty of ideas from Google.
How about a nice Church? Something along the lines of a larger Plasticville Cathedral would be nice. Nobody makes anything like that.
An engine would also be nice, but I won't even wish for a steamer. Perhaps a Marx diesel switcher?
NSBill posted:I'd like to see them offer the buildings in kit form.
Bill
Menards doesn’t make any buildings from molds and tooling. All its current buildings are handcrafted MDF (medium density fiberboard) structures that are hot-glued together, with sophisticated custom electronics inside. Doesn’t lend itself to kit form.
Besides, there are plenty of kits already available from Walthers, Korber, Atlas and others.
I prefer Menards to focus on unique assembled structures. I do miss some of its earlier resin structures.
I hope they begin offering the option of purchasing their AC to DC adapters with or without an On/Off switch. Some of their buildings do have an On/Off switch on the structure (American Power & Light, for example), others don't ( the newly issued Schneider Freight Building). I've done it, but I'd prefer not to mess around with placing a switch in-between the adapter and the building. Simply stated, it would be cleaner for every adapter to have an On/Off switch as an option. In fact, there's an active thread right now on how to set up a DC powered building with an On/Off switch. It's called "Power Supply for Menard's Buildings".
Just a thought.
Bill T posted:A perfect loco for the first Menards loco would be the Beep. Seems RMT has stopped using their Beep tooling, maybe RMT & Menards could work out deal that would be mutually beneficial to both. Not sure who RMT used to make the Beep but that is probably where the tooling currently is. A Beep & 3 rolling stock pieces would make a great low cost starter set no other company could match.
A puny BEEP would look pretty silly with Menards' rolling stock, some of which falls in the full- (or semi) O category
Diesel engines that would be upgraded to TMCC with moderate amounts of features such as front and rear lights and smoke.
I don't see Menards offering switches, or locomotives. If they did offer a locomotive, I think it would be something simple and conventional, no horn, bell, or smoke. A switch engine, something on the lines of a K-Line ALCO S-2, MP15 or a Center Cab switcher, also with directional headlight only, to keep the cost down. Have it offered in half a dozen road names, and run on O27 curves. Upgrades could be done by the owner.
I look forward to new road names and paint schemes on their current rolling stock offerings, a stock/cattle car would be a nice addition, also. More 1930's through 70's cars and trucks would be cool, too.
Rusty
I have no idea what they will offer, but I can always hope for:
I have no idea what Menard's will come out with. But I do know that their trains are affordable.
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