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Post by ptc on Jul 13, 2021 12:35:46 GMT
"If you build it, they will come." How true this is. Sold out within three hours, historic.
I figured that eventually Menards would expand it's train related offerings into engines, so yesterday's announcement was not a compete surprise to me. I give them a lot oi credit for this bold move and we are just at the beginning stages of what will surely follow. There certainly is a demand for their product line.
I get a kick out of those who want a low-cost engine from Menards to compete feature for feature with other offerings that cost hundreds of dollars more. Give me a break!!!!!
Menrads should be applauded and I see this move as being very positivist for our hobby.
Your thought?
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Post by Joe Saggese on Jul 13, 2021 12:41:45 GMT
This looks like a great entry level engine at a great price. I have the feeling that Menards hit a home run with this and there will be more to come. Now to wait for them to make a PRR engine (hint hint).
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Post by Deleted on Jul 13, 2021 12:52:55 GMT
With the success of the sale on this F3, I hope their are other road name offerings on this engine.
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Post by Deleted on Jul 13, 2021 13:04:47 GMT
It's awesome that Menards has stepped into the engine market. Hopefully with the sell out timing/demand and feedback they'll have an engine line up by 2023.
The OGF will be the best place for feedback on the engine
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Post by Adam on Jul 13, 2021 14:24:58 GMT
Its a bold move and I think a savvy one. They have made a name for themselves as an entry level player and this move will further solidify their place. I think this will be fun!
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Post by josef on Jul 13, 2021 15:30:03 GMT
I believe this engine, and if reviews come favorable, it may make a surge in our scale for newcomers, and those on a budget. I'm amazed at what I saw and the features provided at such a low cost. To those here that were able to get one, Kudos to you for quick action. I would have loved to acquire one.
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Post by MichRR714 on Jul 13, 2021 16:05:54 GMT
Very interesting move. Exciting to have some new product coming online. Since the Menards folks are Milwaukee Road fans I'm excited to see what will come next  |
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Post by Deleted on Jul 13, 2021 18:51:02 GMT
I was glad to see Menards come out with this engine with great features for the price! The Santa Fe was certainly the road name to use on this first offering! I'll look forward to seeing how folks like it and for more to come along in some other road names.
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Post by ptc on Jul 13, 2021 19:21:53 GMT
Yes, Indeed, when these engines hit the streets, this will be the go-to place to get an honest review. |
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Post by mixedfreight on Jul 13, 2021 20:48:17 GMT
Well, Menard's announcement bowled me over when I found out about it. Never would have thought they'd offer anything more "electrical" than a building, a sign board, or some die-cast vehicles featuring LED lights! Needless to say, great to see it!!!  I sure hope they can offer these down the road in some good, Rock Island paint schemes. I'd be in for some if so. Note to Menard's: Bankruptcy Blue is NOT a "good" Rock Island paint scheme. Anything/everything pre-Bankruptcy Blue.................. Great!!! But if you choose to offer Bankruptcy Blue, once the initial 50~100 units or so have sold, the balance will sit in unsold stock for eternity and a day along with your 1960's bi-level auto carriers filled with late model two thousand teens (2015 +) Buick cars. Hint, hint.  |
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Post by david1 on Jul 13, 2021 22:40:31 GMT
I found the announcement to be very surprising. I have a lot of Menards products but engine wise I was not very hopeful but its nice to be surprised.
I was looking for a Santa Fe F unit in AA or AB. I have ordered the Menards A unit and hoping some time in the future I can get another powered A or dummy A's and B's.
If the new engine proves to be worthy when we all see them I don't think we should be surprised.
Lets hope for the best.
Dave
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Post by stoshu on Jul 13, 2021 22:48:43 GMT
what was the price of the engine ?
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Post by Adam on Jul 13, 2021 22:55:28 GMT
Here is a copy of the flier. $146.06 before their 11% mail in discount. |
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Post by Country Joe on Jul 14, 2021 2:24:27 GMT
I think this is a wonderful development for our hobby. I didn't know whether or not Menards would make engines but I'm not surprised that they took the plunge. The F3 is a great choice for a first engine. Since it's a Santa Fe I didn't order one but I'm hoping it's a huge success and Menards makes a NYC F3 in the very near future.
Brian, I agree, I have read complaints on Facebook that the engine doesn't have all the features of a Legacy or PS3 engine but it's a brand new locomotive with wireless remote control, diesel sound, horn, bell and announcements for under $150. I would say that some people's expectations are extremely unrealistic but then the 200 units sold out in 3 hours so I don't give too much credence to the complainers. They are a small but loud group of nattering nabobs of negativism.
I think that this engine is a great value for the money and has all the features that most O gaugers want. The only sound features I use are the chuff/diesel roar, horn/whistle and bell. I occasionally use the Passenger announcements in my PS3 engines, but usually only to impress visitors.
Keep in mind that Lionel came out with a LionChief Plus 2.0 post-war type F3 recently and the best price I could find was $600 for a powered and dummy AA set. I could buy 2 Menards powered F3s for under $300. That is a huge difference. The Lionel engines have more features but I don't think they are worth 300+ additional dollars.
This engine may not appeal to those who run Legacy and Premier locomotives for but those of us who run traditional size trains it's a perfect fit. I think Menards deserves a lot of credit for producing a locomotive that will run on almost every layout for a fabulous price. I can't wait to see the reviews and hope they all give Menards 2 enthusiastic thumbs up.
Very well done Menards.👍
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Post by Country Joe on Jul 14, 2021 2:31:01 GMT
One further thought; Lionel charges more for a dummy F3 than Menards is charging for this powered engine.
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