Menards Has Done It Again: Ultra-Affordable O Gauge Switches!

[@Ericstrains]

Video Notes: 1) This video has chapters if you'd like to skip around. :)

[@N_scale]

Paid 10$ ea for my k line powered switches on eBay nos. I have menards track I want to try these

[@IvesGuy1118]

As someone who is planning to build a new tubular track layout, this is amazing news! I'm really hoping Menards makes some O-54 switches once they ramp up production on these. Thanks for this first look video!

[@H.O.Scalemodeler4501]

I concur. My portable layout was built with Menards 0-54 track. I would like to replace my old 0-31 switches so I have a consistent track diameter turnout.

[@ericoxner326]

​@@H.O.Scalemodeler4501For me there a bit to big for my space.I can make O-42 or O 54 switch.Menards is stepping it up.Lionel and others better pay attention.If they do 042 and 054 I am in.

[@ericoxner326]

@@H.O.Scalemodeler4501 O54 switch is easy on the rolling stock wheels and trunks. And cuts down on switch derailments.O31 switch's are a bit harder if your running scale boxcars.

[@burlingtonbill1]

@@ericoxner326 I don't think the Big L cares one whit. They'd rather sell $2000 locomotives. Menards is the new "Marx."

[@davidkasparian4089]

It's really incredible and breathtaking how far your layout has come since you began in 2007 Eric, a lot of time and effort & dedication, respect and best wishes💙

[@falcondragonslayer]

Its nice that someone is finally making 3-rail O Gauge switches under $100. Hopefully, once they've got all the kinks worked out, Menards starts making switches with different radius curves. Not everyone has enough space to accommodate O72 curves. On an unrelated note, while you were talking about the nostalgia of using tubular track, I was struck with a different kind of nostalgia. My brother and I once set up a track in a very similar shape to the one you used for the tests (although it was made with all O36 curves). We ran two trains on it. My first Lionel train: a LionChief Pennsylvania Flyer set and a Lionel Junction Little Steam 8 set. It was fun up until my brother accidentally/on purpose ran the Little Steam 8 into my Pennsylvania Flyer. Several times. I was mad at the time, but neither train was damaged, and its fun looking back on it.

[@johnblair8146]

You can buy O-31, No. 022 switches quite cheaply. Menards made the right call going for the O72 switches. Those metal frogs look like they will work nicely!!!!!!

[@AstroKnight118]

You would not BELEIVE how fast I clicked this video when I saw it on my recommended

[@railchief74]

I’ve said it before like a broken record but, Menards has done it Again. I hope they’re one step further to some affordable Ogauge Passenger cars. Great product review Eric! They look great operating on your layout. Happy railroading🚂

[@falcondragonslayer]

I second this. They've got loads of great affordable freight cars, but no passenger cars. I'd rather not have to shell out over $100 for every passenger car I get. I'd also like to see them making steam locomotives. I think the reason they haven't done it yet is that, while the plastic bodies look alright on a diesel, steam engines almost have to have a die-cast shell in order to look good. Steam locomotives with plastic shells always turn out looking cheap and plasticky.

[@ralphmiller2265]

The anti-derailment feature was found as far back as Lionel's prewar switches, both standard gauge as well as O gauge. Lionel's prewar "T" Rail track has them. I love that Menard's is simply bringing back "Lionel" style (pre-1990) merchandise and at affordable prices in a market which had gone all out for scale realism.

[@BillThomas-i6i]

From my standpoint the real advantage of tubular track over Fastrack is you have to clean Fastrack every month while my tubular track will go over 9 months without cleaning. That is why using transition tracks I have swapped out my Fastrack in hard to reach areas, like in tunnels, with Menards tubular track. Tubular track has about 30% more steel than Fastrack and conducts electricity much better. Great video.

[@Ericstrains]

Cool

[@TrainBandit]

I think this is wonderful! I think the points and the frogs are a little rough though. I think the points sink into the rail to much and the frog is probably fine but the guardrails don't catch enough. Other than that very impressed first run of these switches, so excited to see what come next! Thanks for a wonderful video Eric! 😀😎

[@charlesmcclure5994]

Nice to see that Menards came out with switches that is compatible with their track system I think that was a good move for them 👍👍

[@randyluginbuhl9085]

Just a revolutionary addition to the hobby…Menard’s has sealed the fact that they are a major player!

[@visionarylocomotiveworks9703]

Knowing that most sellers charge at least $100 for the old-school Lionel O-72 tubular switches (especially the old ones that were still made in the US), this is a much needed product for those who love to run old school Lionel at an affordable price. I don't see Menards making O-31 switches right away since the old Lionel O22 switches you can find just about anywhere still, BUT if Menards makes O-42 and/or O-54 automatic switches, those should both be a home run!

[@jodysmith8048]

Menards also needs to make a 45 degree crossing track.

[@txrazorback6357]

Those switches look and run great! Unlike the noise my trains make when they cross my Fast Track switches, the trains did not make much racket as they passed over them. The anti derailment feature is really nice to have on such a budget friendly switch. It will be interesting to see if there are any issues reported. Thanks for reviewing these switches.

[@jasonworden8209]

Nice besides the stream loco about jumping over the track when it goes through the switch lol

[@davevan8864]

Gargraves offers pins that allow GG to Standard O tub track. Super easy to drop in Menard's into a GG layouts. Thx

[@zentran2690]

Menards is one of the coolest Companies and Stores. I wish I lived in the midwest so I could visit them all the time.

[@blablametalhead]

thanks for the news....wonder when they will come out with a power brick or transformer? you start building a railroad with all this stuff needing power, that starter set pack is not gonna cut it

[@joshuacampbell9990]

This is really exciting news! Hopefully they will be making more soon! I wonder how well they will behave with prewar/postwar locomotives with sliding shoes.

[@ZillaJr2005]

I’m definitely gonna wait till they’ve got the full versions and perhaps different sized switches

[@johnandrus3901]

Very nice. Menard's always offers great products and fair prices. Hopefully, they will produce some different radius switches in the future. I need some O54's for my industrial area and I don't have too much choice, other than Ross, which are $$$$. I couldn't tell if you area able to reverse the switch motors, like the Lionel switches. Either way, those are some nice switches, for sure. A big thumbs up to Menard's on this one. An excellent video, as always.

[@dalemettee1147]

In model railroad parlance a track switch is called a turnout. You have right, left, with a ratio for each one curve vs, distance.

[@KandRCustomModels]

I only use their track for display shelf but thats good for the kids or the budget buyer!

[@Ben-Dover75]

Speaking of Menards, have you thought about getting their intermodal/well cars? Maybe compare them to something like Atlas? Obviously Atlas are the nicer ones but for us rolling on a budget and smaller layouts, I think the Menards ones are a pretty good choice. And almost scale!

[@Ericstrains]

I have thought about getting some, although a comparison to the Atlas models would be pretty unfair lol. Apples and oranges.

[@Ben-Dover75]

@@Ericstrains lol yeah not denying that. Although it might be a fun comparison. Same item on opposite sides of the spectrum. I actually just picked up five of the well cars from Menards and I gotta say I’m very impressed with them. Especially for the price. They’re very big and pretty heavy and run well.

[@12361870]

These switches look great! However, I would be curious to see something like a Lionel Scout or 0-8-0 like you see in a train set go through it as I know those seem to give me the most trouble with loosing power over a switch. Thanks for all your reviews and helpful information!

[@anthonyferrara2222]

Would be nice if the controller had indicator lights as well.

[@chuckmaddison2924]

Affordable and model railroad that would be nice. I just ordered 2 switches in N ....$ 88 Australian.

[@jamessmith738]

I really enjoyed the video as well presentation of the New Menards remote control o72 switches I like to in near future to purchase the Menards remote control switches for the price is a great deal thank you share the video

[@markradius]

I asked Ray about different curves and this was his response: Mark, We hope to come out with 031 switches (022) in the near future. Thank you, Ray

[@VR-ym8ys]

And that Lionel track looks so realistic!

[@JohnHuntt]

Thanks for this information on the switches. I have been looking for tub track 0 72 switches for some time. JH

[@obvious2886]

These look amazing, I hope they make different radius. The only I dislike is the controller, I really like the original Lionel style but I understand they’re trying to not directly copy

[@johnblair8146]

Sorry but they should make their controllers look similar to Lionel’s. Furthermore, they need to get rid of the plug in controllers and use binding posts. Also, fixed voltage capability is a MUST!!!!!

[@pmsteamrailroading]

I wish they included the power tap so the switch does not use track power.

[@jeffgrant2350]

Really makes you wonder why Lionel has been charging so much for powered switches if Menards can source these pretty decent quality turn outs. One thing I don't think they can do is you can move the switch motor on the old O22 switches from side to side. That was a nice option.

[@Prewarpostwaramdmore]

Is there a way to wire it for constant voltage for conventional layouts?

[@andrewhatter4151]

I received mine last Saturday only issue I had was the switch part of the track popped out of the brace.

[@Allnightexplor]

Thank you Eric for the Patreon shoutout!

[@Ericstrains]

@@Allnightexplor no, thank you!

[@MrBnsftrain]

I am surprised Menards only did an O72 switch at this time! I expected them to make an O31 or O36 for layouts that use tighter curves. I also like that the switches are battery-powered so you can easily combine them with the hi-rail vehicle set Menards did

[@Ericstrains]

1:22

[@Adamdaj]

I always enjoy seeing the layout in action.

[@charlestreadway6491]

It is too bad we don't have a Menards in the Phoenix, Arizona area, I really like their products.

[@Ericstrains]

We don’t have them here in GA either so I just order from their website

[@Non_Of_U_business]

Menards closet to Arizona is Cheyenne, WY 82009, Im from Az but living in WI. I also believe Menards will be coming to Colorado soon! Cheers!

[@arthurlites9658]

The only thing these are lacking is the ability to use auxillary power. However this is important if youvare building a new layout

[@Ericstrains]

For $60 I'm not complaining. Also, they don't use much power so they don't rob the track power much at all. Maybe they'll had that feature later on.

[@MK-of7qw]

it might be possible to rewire it for external power

[@APOORVA470]

BUT REALLY VERY GOOD RAIL DIAORAMA VERY GOOD TO WATCH AND BUILD

[@tnadeau6435]

Hello Eric. Love your channel. Lots of very useful info for everyone. Question: Will Menards switches work on AC power?

[@Ericstrains]

Thanks, and yes

[@cue881-yo7kz]

Good to see affordable switches! Hobby is getting too expensive!

[@smarquardt10]

Well since they made these switches. Im hoping for other locomotive style. Gp 7, 9 or mayb 6 axle unit

[@bigcharliesmodelgarage296]

Nice 😊. Thanks for sharing 😊

[@Mich289]

Awesome review ✨💫🌟

[@RailpaxScott]

My experience with long term use of FastTrack on a permanent layout has not been very good. I am gradually pulling fastrack up and replacing with tube track. These switches are right on time for my railroad!

[@trainfan4449]

I too, have found this issue. There was a point I was buying fastback for expanding my layout whenever possible. Then I started getting dead sections. And unlike tubular track, you don't have that level of finesse where you can have the track not be 100% tight to make the layout work.

[@RailpaxScott]

Yes, dead sections, warped sections.

[@burlingtonbill1]

I had a bunch of dead sections with Real Trax (MTH) as well.

[@MilePost106]

When I built my large O scale train back in 2017 I bought a lot of railcar and track from Menards because it was a lot cheaper and in my budget.

[@pennsy6755]

the wiring setup for the controller really shows how far we've gone in electronics! Let me tell ya, if you have any old switch controller still hooked up to your postwar O-27/O-Gauge switch, Good luck! They are a nightmare to watch over because of those flimsy old controllers and wiring setups.

[@richardnelson-ux1zz]

Gre video eric o.loke your reviews their hones and informative

[@highoctanegames]

heck yeah menards, I just recently rebuilt my oval of track since my old fastrack was ruined by a rat infestation

[@PhilBender612]

Im just curious how a rat can ruin fast track? lol It seems pretty bomb proof to me, did they chew the plastic road bed or something? Where was it stored, the garage or a barn maybe?

[@caseyvillemodelrailroad3877]

Great vidio, love that switch. Does the center rail have plastic insulator or paper like lionel track, if its on my Yard Layout i need plastic as to the dampness .Thanks for the morning coffee...

[@davidstrainsandlego]

I want to make a postwar Enspired layout eventually, and will most likely use menards track

[@SOU6900]

I was sold on their track until I noticed some very slight quirks that normal people could care less about, but me being me I set what little bit of Menards track I had aside and found some genuine lionel ones to take their place.

[@williamkolina3988]

What are the quirks.always looking to learn

[@SOU6900]

@williamkolina3988 There were two or three, but right now, the only one I can think of off top of my head involves the ties. The ones on the ends are further back from the from the edge of the rail compared to the Lionel ones. Again, anyone else wouldn't have an issue with that, but for what I'm doing, it is for me because the clips that Lionel made back in the day to help hold the track together on temporary layouts won't work with Menards track.

[@jrmeindl]

One thing I noticed was with the O31 curves. They are about 1/8" longer than the Lionel O31 curves.

[@davidcraft3103]

Did you have any spots on the turnout that the locos or cars jumped up as they went over the turnout? As I was watching the steam engine it looked like it jumped right about midway on the turnout.

[@RABSTRAINS]

OUTSTANDING!!

[@jimpamb]

Can the switch motor cover or the bottom plate be removed in order to clean any contact points like found in Lionel's 022 Switches or has that mechanism been replaced by something maintenance-free?

[@therosejewelrailroad489]

They seem to work great Eric. My only question is why you bought a pair being your layout track plan is complete and a higher rail track system? Perhaps this is meant to add to a nostalgic Christmas tree loop for you? Maybe Menards asked you to do a bata test? Ken

[@linkscarlet9094]

Looks like they had a rough ride at moderate speed.

[@cliffkiehl2070]

How do you wire the switch to use power from the transformer and not the track? Also, how do you use it to control signals, since I don't see terminals. Finally, does the switch show the direction on the hand held when it is activated by the non derailing feature?

[@Ericstrains]

it's a budget switch, so it's not gonna have a lot of more advanced features that more expensive switches have.

[@wost1972]

The video demonstration on the switches and it and the Lionel trains running. What are you powering them up with? I never noticed any power packs or transformers hooked up to it. Please get back to me? Always enjoyed your videos. Thanks again!

[@Ericstrains]

The menards switches in this video are powered from track power, which in this case is being supplied by a menards power pack connected to the track. It's quite simple.

[@boydwalker161]

If I wasn’t so busy I would make my own by cutting and combining straights and curves. Does anyone make new lockons? I think that the price of new switches is gouging. The biggest drawback to Fastrak was how loud it was. Plus the rails didn’t have a profile that actually looked like a rail. I spent probably $750 in Fastrak in the middle 2000’s just building a yard. Sold it all 7 years ago to return to tubular.

[@Ericstrains]

ok

[@jims6323]

Why don't you show the rest of us how to do that?

[@zdrummer72]

Are the red / green lights backward? In the straight postion, shouldn't the green be showing iin the direction of the straight track? So an engine going straight (if i was in the cab) should see the 'all clear' green light. and then red show for the divergent track?

[@3-Rail-Tales-Dad]

It looks like about 50% of these are like that and the light cannot be put in in a different position. However, the lenses are easily popped out and out can put them back in in your preferred way. NOW, if they would only come back in stock….

[@PelhamExpress]

Can the switch motors be changed to the other side like Lionel and MTH?

[@Ericstrains]

Not at present.

[@HILLERYYARD]

Looked in 3 stores and on their website and can't find any listed on Menards website or for sale on Ebay or any other sites.

[@bigcharliesmodelgarage296]

Cool😊

[@cpnscarlet]

Never like being a beta-tester. Thanks for the video. Not liking the absence of the fixed voltage option. Not cool about the controller having no indicator lights. Glad I had stocked up on the final Lionel O72 switches in 2015 - they were almost perfect.

[@Ericstrains]

They're not perfect by any means, but like I said in the video it's all about creating something that's affordable. If they added all the features the Lionel switches had, the price would go up and they'd lose their advantage in the market.

[@cpnscarlet]

@@Ericstrains Can you say something about low-voltage (8-12 VAC) operation?

[@stevenrobinson2381]

Maynards ! Nads ! Save BIG money !

[@1Klooch]

Like their business model. Better than what we get from the usual, "seven sisters", of model train manufacturers.

[@johngaltline9933]

Any chance we can get a confirmation that the switches are actually wired not to throw when they are already in that direction? It looked like the points were flexing as it it was trying to throw when the button was pressed, and in the demonstration of the anti-derail. My brain is fuzzy on how the olld Lionel ones worked in the O72 models, I seem to recall that the O31 did have the feature(and used the same mechanism as the O72), but the O27 did not, but I might be mistaken on O31/72 having it.

[@michaelalauriajr7997]

Eric, can you switch the switch motor to the other side when you have space issue? Something you can do with the pre-war, post war and modern Lionel switches.

[@davidcroushore36]

Unfortunately you cannot.

[@Ericstrains]

No, but for $60 I’m not complaining

[@michaelalauriajr7997]

Thanks

[@raystanton2665]

I can not find the o gauge switches from Menards anywhere, except eBay. Then they are over priced. Hoping Menards orders more and soon!

[@Oscaleman]

Can’t find them on the MENARD’s website ??

[@tombaker416]

As others have noticed, the lamp does not match the direction. Green should be straight and red should be diverging. Also, what about the noticeable bump when certain locos go through? Thanks for the review.

[@Ericstrains]

That’s just tubular track switches. Old Lionel switches do the same thing.

[@markkilgore938]

@@Ericstrains I've never had any bumps with Lionel tubular switches. Also ... as mentioned above ... the lantern is backwards. Can it be turned so that green is for straight and red it for diverging? (With Lionel you could simply lift the lantern and turn it for proper orientation.)

[@PaulsToolReview]

@Ericstrains, Tombaker is correct. The lamp colors are reversed. Green facing the engineer on the toy train means straight, red facing the engineer on toy train means diverging. On the old Lionel ones, you could pull the lamp covers out and rotate them if you wanted diverging to be green. Out of the box, Menards has it unconventional...also on the Lionel post war and fast track you can power the turnouts via track power or separately. There are some people that purposely run the lamps unconventionally like the way Menards has it so when looking at the turnout from the side, you know which way the switch is. Hopefully, the user can choose their preference.😢

[@HighballMachineWorks]

When do we get wider affordable track in the postwar o27 profile, everywhere I look it’s o gauge, not o27! But at least the anti-derailing system is built into the switch itself instead of having to use fiberglass insulation pins.

[@TheSteamaster]

These are nice but need some upgrades. The machines cannot be moved from side to side and there is no provision for external power. Most of us are running 18 volts for command or DCS so the external power may not be an issue. Hope Menard's listens to us.

[@johndor11]

So does anyone know if this will return? It does not show on their website anymore

[@TheBassPlayer100]

Just spitballing here but wonder if Marx tinplate would negotiate these with the large outer gear?

[@TrainGuyKen]

I wouldn't be too optimistic about that. If you look at the frog (right behind the anti-derail section) you'll see that the slots for the wheel flanges are fairly narrow, and there's possibly other pinch points near the points themselves. I'm with you though, I would really like to see a wide radius turnout especially for Marx. I've tried using prewar Flyer (roughly 40" diameter) switches but they are less than satisfactory.

[@scottthurman3625]

Great product, I guess the switch motors are not reversible as they are on Lionel switches, I hope they address this.

[@Ericstrains]

True,. but then again they're only $60. Maybe they'll add it later.

[@manderschannel2275]

Are they isolated turnouts as well? As in it will only power the right of way?

[@mootsym]

I would’ve liked to see a postwar steam engine on these too. Like you said, can’t complain at $60, however I’d gladly pay another 10 to have the feature of a non-track power source. I feel like half of the people buying this are using conventional locomotives. Other negative is it does look a little bumpy, which concerns me with postwar locos. The Lionel tubular switches I have aren’t quite that.. violent. And my goodness the mechanism is super long. . And no lights on the controller 😭. I gotta make sure I can see the lantern light from the control area to be sure what direction it’s thrown- plus the red and green lights are part of the charm lol. These aren’t deal-breakers for the price, especially if the bumpiness isn’t really that bad. The external power is a bummer. I wonder how smooth these operate at lower voltages.

[@Ericstrains]

I didn't have a postwar steamer ready to go in time for the video. Sorry.

[@mootsym]

@@Ericstrains it’s okay, I’ll forgive you this time lol

[@mikecierski8016]

I had no clue....now it is sold out!

[@danny117hd]

Does the motor reverse sides like the 022 switch.

[@Ericstrains]

No, it does not.

[@callmebigpapa]

Would it be possible to integrate this with 027 track for my Marx trains?

[@J50Fan20]

Im waiting for the first Menards steam engine.

[@Ericstrains]

Me too

[@davidcroushore36]

Eric, I opened up the switch controller and found 4 LEDs inside. Plus, what looks 2 missing screws. I'm curious if yours is the same ?

[@trainroomgary]

Hi Eric: Gary here from Michigan - Can the switch motor be moved on these switches, to opposite side. Like you can on the old Lionel Tubular Switches. Thanks 🚂Cool demo‼

[@Ericstrains]

no, they cannot.

[@trainroomgary]

@@Ericstrains Thanks 👍

[@watzup62]

Well here it is 4 months later and I can't find them on their website.

[@Ericstrains]

@@watzup62 yeah they sell out fast but they’ll be back

[@Non_Of_U_business]

Thanks Eric! Question? Was there any reduction in track power for using the switches with transformer track power? I figured that there is no way to provide dedicated power to each switch like realtrax and fastrack switches can?

[@Ericstrains]

I didn't notice any reduction,. The power consumption for the switches is pretty minimal, unless the old Lionel switches which were much more power hungry.

[@peterallen720]

Can you move the switch machine to the other side?

[@Ericstrains]

No. It'd a budget friendly product, so it doesn't have some of the fancier features found on more expensive switches from Lionel and others.

[@ToddWerner-vp3vc]

The lights are backwards! When straight, it is showing red.

[@Ericstrains]

Not if you're stand in front of the switch lol. The lights can be adjusted.

[@heathnielsen4449]

Are the switch stands able to swap places????

[@Ericstrains]

@@heathnielsen4449 no

[@markkilgore938]

The lantern is backwards. Can it be fixed for proper orientation?

[@Ericstrains]

it's only backwards from one point of view. haha. Yeah, it can be changed.

[@deepsleep7822]

I thought it was.

[@PhilBender612]

This could ONLY be a great thing for the hobby.

[@Captain1717Q]

I think I'll stick with Atlas O.

[@mikeklinger1712]

Have they ever sold an engine alone

[@raylrodr]

It looks like your cars are bouncing pretty roughly over the frogs. Are the switch motors position reversable? Can the switch motors be powered independently from the track? When will mere mortals be able to find these switches and F-7's for sale?

[@LarsPW]

AS a European I am wondering that neither Mendards nor Lionel tried to spare the space consuming switch motor and put it somewhere under the frog. Or make it at least much more lean. To let the electrical connector out at the very outer end out of the switch motor casing makes it even worse.

[@highballallaboardthewdwrr550]

Hey Eric, I'm curious about something. Since you know how to get in touch with Ryan Kunkle, I'm wondering if you help could make this suggestion: a Lionel Legacy Allegheny in the Orange and Silver Chessie paint scheme.

[@Ericstrains]

That would be pretty cool for sure