Menards Santa Fe F3 Diesel Locomotive

[@MenardsTrains]

Thanks for the review! I'm glad you were able to get the controller working!

[@wcmodelrailroad]

Thank you Menards, really great product. I'm looking forward to future reviews on new items.

[@jodysmith8048]

Would be awesome if you produced this locomotive in other road name's like Amtrack or Burlington Northern

[@blanktitle198]

Yes! Make steam engines!

[@charlievlk9341]

Interesting that the designer left off the dynamic brakes (compare to the Lionel). Not a cost item, should be there. I wish that Menards would not just copy what MTH, Lionel, Williams, Atlas, etc. have done in the past. If you are cutting new tooling at least copy something from HO that hasn't been done before! Even with all that has been made there still are things that would sell better that aren't duplicates of what people already have.. Charlie Vlk Railroad Model Resources

[@zendoargos4988]

Can you run the locomotive without the remote? I run conventional control exclusively and have no interest in using a remote. That might make me the odd man out, but that's the way I like to run them.

[@ryans1010]

Locomotives are very expensive these days. I like the more affordable approach to model trains. Even lionChief is expensive

[@wcmodelrailroad]

I agree with you Ryan. There needs to be several cost tiers so everyone can enjoy model trains. Thank you for watching the channel!

[@machia0705]

It’s about time. An affordable locomotive. The hobby desperately needs this, as high prices are making it unaffordable for many.

[@wcmodelrailroad]

Agree, and let's hope Menards continues the trend and offers additional locomotives.

[@chiconian49]

My only negative comment besides the short horn burst would be the way Menard's broke up the beautiful Warbonnet color scheme by covering part of it up with the silver panel behind the cab window.

[@wcmodelrailroad]

I believe that's been identified as a potential fix too, but I could Iive with that if the horn and speed control were fixed first. Thank you for watching!

[@andrewaugustyniak9404]

The one thing you did not mention was the electric motor division emblem my father used to work there retired from EMDI do like that a lot

[@wcmodelrailroad]

Sorry about missing that builder's plate Andrew. I pass by the EMD factory in McCook quite often since I live pretty close to it. That is pretty cool that Menards added that. Thank you for watching!

[@cheapbastardmodeltrains7210]

I hope Menards goes forward with these. It's nice that at least one company is making it affordable for folks to enjoy the hobby.

[@wcmodelrailroad]

I agree Mike, this is a great product for the O Scale industry.

[@cheapbastardmodeltrains7210]

@@wcmodelrailroad yes sir. Congrats on getting it. Awesome review I just subscribed.

[@magnumfrank9819]

Matt, your point about the trucks not being prototypical is not totally accurate. C&NW had a pair of F7s that they used to pull their executive train and all the truck sets for the engines and passenger cars were kept painted a bright silver almost chrome like which made the train look really cool!

[@wcmodelrailroad]

Great point Magnum Frank, I was more or less focusing on Santa Fe's trucks only, but you are correct about the C&NW. I'm a big fan of the chrome myself it's something very different from my own fleet of Santa Fe F and E diesels. Thank you for watching and commenting!

[@jandrewmcmahon5334]

if they fixed the remote and the horn along with the starting and stoping and made a dummy unit they would have a real winner Andy

[@wcmodelrailroad]

I agree, we could see some great stuff from Menards in the near future. Thank you for watching.

[@lunatrain]

The horn and bell sound just like my NYC Alco RS3 engine that I bought as a lionel set at menards 2 years ago.

[@wcmodelrailroad]

Thank you for the comment and watching the channel!

[@michaelgmoore5708]

I am glad that MFRs know how to pack nowadays. The shippers throw everything and drop heavy items on things that say fragile! Many people I bought from did the worst packing and trains came smashed to pieces. That is a beautiful Santa Fe engine with great detail. I like the trucks just finé and the silver body is nice too. You can't make everyone happy!!

[@wcmodelrailroad]

I totally agree Michael, it's a beautiful engine from Menards. Thank you for watching!

[@miguelangelgarrido7233]

Hola buenas noche excelente video miy buen modelo de menards abrazo grande

[@wcmodelrailroad]

Gracias por ver mi video.

[@thavvolf9157]

Is it just me or does the horn sound like meow 21:58

[@wcmodelrailroad]

Lol, it does a little bit. Thank you for watching!

[@OgaugeTrainsplusslotCars]

Cool Sants fe

[@wcmodelrailroad]

Thank you for watching!

[@tomfitzpatrick6756]

nice

[@wcmodelrailroad]

Thank you for watching Tom

[@trainman5603]

Actually the roof detail.does accurately portray the steam generator vents for a passenger F7. BDS

[@wcmodelrailroad]

Good eye on that Traimman, and thank you for watching!

[@tinytowntrainstv]

Great review! If they put out the variety of road names they have with past products, they will sell a ton of them! Thanks for posting. Definitely liking and subbing!

[@wcmodelrailroad]

Thank you Tiny Town, I would expect to see some new items around the holiday and Menards has a great future with this product. Appreciate you watching the channel.

[@tinytowntrainstv]

@@wcmodelrailroad I am just getting started with my layout building series, so I am always looking at great new product review content like yours to keep up with what's going on out there. Thanks.

[@goldenmanuever1176]

I am a Lionel guy, but would have bought this in a heartbeat. The "extra" length combined with the nickel plating on the trucks, chassis, apron and couplers is what I like. This is what makes it a unique “must have” item. Very attractive and appealing. Too “bla” and short if it was painted silver and scale.

[@wcmodelrailroad]

Great comment Golden, another thing that helps is the detail on the trucks are done quite well. I'm a huge fan of the plating and I hope Menards continues with it.

[@ericoxner9767]

If they come out with Seaboard Air Line.I might get one.

[@goldenmanuever1176]

@@ericoxner9767 What would that look like? Is that Olive Drab, dark yellow and orange? I don't know too much about Seaboard.

[@ericoxner9767]

@@goldenmanuever1176 Seaboard which went through my home town.Had a yard and roundhouse.The yard is still in use(CSX)The seaboard station still around and used to.Seaboard had ft units and E6or E8 go 9 and gp7.Some of those units were painting using colors like that

[@ericoxner9767]

@@goldenmanuever1176 P.S I think there gonna do a few more locomotives like these.Maybe go 9 or 7 maybe an rs3.Steam maybe in the next 4 or 5 years.I like what they did here.They stuck there toe in the water just as a test.I think they are happy with the results.I checked they are sold out already.

[@ScottiesTrains]

I like it. Yes, speed control for my hills is a must. Horn longer. For the price no smoking needed. Compare to Williams, I believe it is better sized.

[@wcmodelrailroad]

Speed control and a horn adjustment are probably the top two items for most folks right now, and I'm confident that Menards will make the necessary changes. Thank you for watching the channel!

[@ScottiesTrains]

@@wcmodelrailroad Thank you for the response. Your layout looks nice. Can you tell me how much noise does it make. Williams are great puller but loud. Swing by my channel. It is under construction ( for last 10 yrs) LOL.

[@wcmodelrailroad]

@@ScottiesTrains Thank you Scottie, and as for your loudness question in relationship to the motors it's pretty quiet. I had the engine sounds on most of the time, but the motor sounds are quite low. I will check out your channel for sure.

[@richardnelson-ux1zz]

I'm really impressed with what I see so far please relthis locomotive for purchase hsv been waiting for s long time

[@d.cthehobbyist2252]

For people modeling on a budget This is a great way to add motive power with out breaking the bank.

[@wcmodelrailroad]

I totally agree and thank you for watching D.C

[@rusty383]

Thank you because until you I never heard of Manards ! Thank you

[@wcmodelrailroad]

No problem Rusty and thank you for watching!

[@iron1349]

I thought it was mildly interesting when I saw Menards selling frozen pizza.

[@wcmodelrailroad]

Menards sells a lot of interesting things.

[@harlangeist8024]

Just got this engine also, and had exactly same thoughts. Horn needs improvement, starting / stopping could be improved, I didn’t like the jerky stops and starts. I also had issues with the remote and had to bend the contacts. I thought the lack of any manual was not good. So, these issues seem to be on maybe all the prototypes. However, a nice engine, overall, to add to the collection, for the price.

[@wcmodelrailroad]

I was hoping for a bit of documentation as well, but since it's a demo model I wasn't too worried. I think Menards has a great starting point with this engine. Expect a great production model in the near future. Thank you for watching!

[@trainman5603]

Well I am impressed that the engine was pulling seven eighteen inch K Line aluminium cars with apparent ease. I also wish MENARDS could get the low end speed a bit lower, but when coupled to a train of some heft that isn't too bad. I also wish they could get the pilot and trucks buff instead of shiny, however some of the side panels on Santa Fe diesels not the were shiny, but not the trucks. BDS

[@wcmodelrailroad]

I'm sure they are going to take in all the feedback so far and release a really nice affordable engine. Thank you for watching!

[@chuckkehoe4196]

This review was perfect. I could not get the remote Wireless Controller to work and you solved that problem. I also like the locomotive. Thank you for your excellent, professional, and objective review.

[@wcmodelrailroad]

Thank you for watching Chuck and I'm glad the fix worked for you. I believe a good number of folks are running into that same issue as well.

[@mslickstrains]

Honestly it’s not too bad. Would be a great candidate for a Christmas tree loop train

[@wcmodelrailroad]

They could make a Christmas set with a Locomotive and some rolling stock, stuff would fly off the shelves for sure!

[@ChrissTrainsandThings]

Great review, Matt!

[@wcmodelrailroad]

Thank you Chris!

[@mynameisnat2007]

Wow this is beautiful, I love this video and your content!

[@wcmodelrailroad]

Thank you for watching!

[@budsutt]

Wish you had shown the rear light, otherwise a great review.

[@wcmodelrailroad]

Sorry about that Bud, but I can tell you it was nothing special. They are basically using the rear door port window as the rear light. Thank you for watching!

[@officialpennsyjoe]

Menards just needs to nail down the quality of the motor and drivetrain to last a life time. That and make sure the material quality is on point and the lighting. That is what I think will bring them the needed success.

[@wcmodelrailroad]

If they can make a super reliable motor and also have a good service program for repairs they will do well in this industry. Thank you for watching1

[@joeystrains.9316]

Great review video. I'm a 2343 postwar guy but the train nerds (like me) always welcome new products, especially affordable locomotives. Thanks.

[@wcmodelrailroad]

Thank you for watching!

[@3DayFlagman]

Thank you for sharing Matt!!

[@wcmodelrailroad]

Thank you for watching Wayne.

[@CentralJerseyRailfan]

Nice to see Menards making locomotives for 3 railers, hope the MTH Railking tooling goes into their hands so they can expand their range.

[@wcmodelrailroad]

I would be onboard for that as well. Although I think MTH kept a lot of their RK tooling. Some of that is still a mystery yet to unfold.

[@CentralJerseyRailfan]

@@wcmodelrailroad yeah, i was hoping with scaletrains to ho and s and atlas with their o premier line. those product lines are truly in safe hands.

[@medwaymodelrailway7129]

Very good video .Like it very much.

[@wcmodelrailroad]

Thank you Medway and I appreciate you watching the channel.

[@dennisfly1]

Nice needs roof vents and better slow speed I'm sold.

[@wcmodelrailroad]

I'm hopeful Menards will made the necessary changes in the full production run. Thank you for watching!

[@rogerevoy6191]

Thanks for review. If you make another, could you lower engine noise when you talk so we could hear your speaking?

[@wcmodelrailroad]

Absolutely and thanks for the feedback. I actually tried lowering the engine noise in post production and boosting my voice, it wasn't as good as I wanted it to turn out. Thank you for watching!

[@trainscoastersandmoretcm3255]

It’s definitely a beautiful locomotive, and it works really well from what I’ve heard. Really nice layout btw, I love the elevated track, buildings, the crossing, it’s just all really awesome!

[@wcmodelrailroad]

Thank you TCM, I believe Menards has a great building block with this engine and better things to come down the road. I appreciate you watching the channel.

[@trainscoastersandmoretcm3255]

@@wcmodelrailroad Yea they have a very good start and your very welcome!

[@benjaminhunt2395]

Looks nice they just need some passenger cars and transformer and it be a one stop store

[@wcmodelrailroad]

I'm sure if the production run of this is just as successful as the test engine then we should start seeing a lot more O Scale products from Menards.

[@raylrodr]

Missing classification lights. BTW, they are NOT called marker.lights. Starting speed is high and the sound file is wrong for the horn style. I would give up electro-couplers for a better 567 sound file. Trucks look great.

[@wcmodelrailroad]

I'm not a huge electro coupler guy either, because I don't do that much switching on my layout. Thank you for watching!

[@pauljenniesprenger6402]

Excellent Review on this locomotive by Menard's. Review talks about the most important factors concerning this locomotive as to its performance in pulling a train. It does indicate it's negative and positive points and those items that need to be addressed. Hopefully Menard's will follow up on these suggestions, producing a quality product for a very reasonable price.

[@wcmodelrailroad]

Thank you Paul & Jennie, I'm glad you enjoyed the video and I appreciate you watching the channel.

[@jimdross2132]

Great review. As soon as I received the Email from Menards I went to order one and they were sold out. I will wait for them later.

[@wcmodelrailroad]

Thank you Jim, Menards is taking the feedback seriously so expect good stuff down the pipe from them. I appreciate you watching the channel.

[@joegennari395]

GREAT VIDEO!!! Thanks for sharing!! Glad I found your page!!

[@wcmodelrailroad]

Thank you for watching Joe!

[@ericoxner9767]

This is a smart move here.There duping there toe in the water.

[@wcmodelrailroad]

Exactly, the O Scale market is doing quite well now and they already have a huge base that buy their rolling stock.

[@ericoxner9767]

@@wcmodelrailroad The only thing is there boxcars are made by the same factory that makes boxcar for williams.I have a few williams cars and they have that Same cylinder underneath.But I really do not car about that.I used to be into h.o.But no matter I did I could not have a long train.So I switch o stays on the track better.Will not derail at every little bump.

[@railtietate3182]

I love your point about the trucks. I agree. When you put yourself into the mindset of the targeted age group/price point, it’s a heck of a value and a great looking engine that’s affordable. This beta version is a great start. Parents will make the easy choice when it comes to their child’s first engine compared to the more advanced/complicated options from even LionChief. Couple that with affordable rolling stock and it’s going to be a huge hit that will fund their future more advanced options to keep up with their loyal customers who want more for more affordable

[@wcmodelrailroad]

Thanks for watching and the comment. Menards is off to a good start here in the powered locomotive department.

[@GulfCoastVideography]

Man I wished I got one of these :(

[@wcmodelrailroad]

Get one after they make the necessary tweaks, I have no doubt Menards will move forward with this as a full production product. Thank you for watching!

[@GulfCoastVideography]

@@wcmodelrailroad ok

[@rusty383]

Like you said I don't like the jurk ! I have the less expensive Lionel Santa fe . It doesn't have the flash but the price is good! Love to see a reverse dummy! That Engine is just a little more than a Lionel passenger But please make a Dummy B unit because Lionel doesn't sell one. Paint and trucks are beautiful.

[@wcmodelrailroad]

Stay tuned, Menards is taking the feedback seriously so expect some great stuff in the near future. Thank you for watching!

[@Timothyrucker12]

I’m a new subscriber

[@wcmodelrailroad]

Thank you Timothy.

[@Timothyrucker12]

@@wcmodelrailroad your welcome

[@Shipwright1918]

Honestly hope Menards goes ahead with these, as I'd definitely buy one, if they do well, they might start making other locomotives (say a steamer).

[@wcmodelrailroad]

I totally agree Shipwright, for a first try at a locomotive they are heading down the right track (pun intended)

[@Shipwright1918]

@@wcmodelrailroad Indeed, and a track less traveled by the other manufacturers. I've argued for a long time there would a big market for a reasonably-priced, reasonably-detailed, semi-scale locomotive, as it ticks so many boxes for so many people. If Menards decides to go through with it (and I sincerely hope they do!), they'll sell like hotcakes on price alone, though the F unit is arguably a great first loco, it's a classic that was used by just about every road at one time or another. If nothing else, perhaps this will get the other guys to sit up and take notice, perhaps respond with more budget-friendly offerings of their own in response, and a little less of the hyper-expensive BTO stuff.

[@tabomst3k851]

Ok so the one I have doesn't work should I keep it as a dummy unit?, It's cheaper.

[@michaellindsey8044]

Wow 164 bucks hell yes

[@dennis2494]

Great price point , did not like seeing the LED behind the number boards , did not like the lack of slow speed control and plastic horns on top could be better mounted or diecast or brass also I like rue chrome detail but how will it hold up with time and use , should the shine be toned down just a bit.. All in all I think if they can keep their quality control in check they will have a huge hit.

[@wcmodelrailroad]

I agree and thanks for watching. Hopefully the rest of the testers send in their feedback too, but you hit on a lot of the points I'm submitting.

[@farmerdave7965]

No mars light. No dynamic brake.

[@wcmodelrailroad]

Keep in mind that this is a very basic model and it's not going to have scale features. This is a starter engine for the most part.

[@forrestsampsel1958]

Great!!! This is what is needed affordable equipment. I say they just leave it alone and at that price. They would sell great. Non painted ones would be great i would buy a dozen of them or more.

[@wcmodelrailroad]

Well said and thank you for watching!

[@arrow1414]

Does Manards actually make the F3 or is it a "store brand"?

[@wcmodelrailroad]

The engine is a Menards brand, not sure if they do it themselves or have some kind of contract with a company. It is sold as their product just like their rolling stock. Thank you for watching!

[@alfrednawrocki8061]

NEED A MORE REALISTIC HORN !!!!

[@wcmodelrailroad]

This has been reported by a lot of folks so I'm confident Menards will adjust it. Thank you for watching!

[@JJosephS1]

You forgot to show us this one along side a Lionel traditional size. It is truly awesome for the money, if it lasts. I have paid more than that for a post-war steamer in moderate shape with only a whistle tender. Is it fast like the post war pre-DC can motor locos?

[@wcmodelrailroad]

Hi Michael, the only traditional I own is from the big rugged set from the early 90s, however I do plan on doing a future video showcasing all my War Bonnet Santa Fe's and the Menards and big rugged will be included. Yes, it's quite fas like the post war DC motors. Thanks for watching!

[@ravenhawk6910]

A fantastic review Matt! Hopefully this won't be the last engine Menards makes.

[@wcmodelrailroad]

Thank you Stirling, my initial gut feeling here is that we are going to see a lot more from Menards.

[@KandRCustomModels]

Id have bought one for the novelty!

[@tabomst3k466]

It's not bad, I have the lioncheif superchief and it's similar to it, that being said the horn is very sad though.

[@wcmodelrailroad]

Hopefully if they move forward with a final product run they will tweak the horn. I think the issue is just how they have it setup on the button, I have seen folks hit the button a certain way which gives a longer more natural sound.

[@tabomst3k466]

@@wcmodelrailroad other than that I'm really excited about them making engines,I have a lot of their freight cars and several buildings.

[@clt34beadg5str]

Great review! I had the same controller issue. Besides bending the positive battery tabs, I cut a business card and fittede it under the tab, problem solved. As far as the horn, you have to experiment a lottle but if you time the horn right, you can lenghthen the sound to make the standard crossing signal. My Grandson will have a blast with this! I also have a Willians Warbonnet set, and the B Unit and Dummy look perfect behind it. Idid get feedback from Menards, and they are looking into adding those in the future. Cheers!

[@wcmodelrailroad]

Great idea with the business card. I think they should remove the plastic gates and glue the contact plates to the plastic. The batteries can be held in place by the tension of the spring. I have no doubt your grandson will love this. I think Menards is headed in the right direction. Thank you for watching!

[@Nick-ty3xd]

Awesome review!

[@wcmodelrailroad]

Thank you Nick

[@tomshearer7409]

Price Point along with 11% rebate

[@wcmodelrailroad]

True, although some folks don't get access to the 11% rebate if you're not in the Menards region. However, $164.88 is still a fantastic value.

[@robertnielsen2461]

If we see more depends on sales,at the asking price ,sales should encourage more such items.

[@wcmodelrailroad]

These sold out in 3 hours so I would say the demand is there. I'm happy to see Menards taking a chance on items like this.

[@jamesmccann1097]

Thankyou for a great view! It's going to be interesting to see where Menards goes with this especially when they work the kinks out. It would be nice to have a reliable product at a reasonable price. If you get time a quick look under the hood would be nice. Thankyou again for sharing!

[@wcmodelrailroad]

Thank you for watching James, and I agree this looks very promising and they can make a really inexpensive entry - mid range level product here.

[@jamesmccann1097]

@@wcmodelrailroad I agree with you there Williams made a great product, not that bachman didn't save the line but they haven't been real aggressive with the line either.

[@KandRCustomModels]

They sold out of it already!

[@wcmodelrailroad]

I think that's a good sign, but it was also limited to 200. Let's hope they can get a full production run model out by Christmas maybe. Thank you for watching!

[@KandRCustomModels]

@@wcmodelrailroad For the price i agree! It would be fun to see what can be done to make it better ie horn and remote couplers!

[@wcmodelrailroad]

@@KandRCustomModels Exactly, and perhaps some speed control if they can do it cheap enough.

[@johnblair8146]

Does it run conventional??? If not, NO SALE!!!!!

[@wcmodelrailroad]

Will it run on a conventional layout? yes. Does it run exactly like a post war conventional engine? no.

[@johnblair8146]

@@wcmodelrailroad I like it enough that I'll rip out the command electronics and upgrade to conventional when it comes out in New York Central, In Erie Lackawanna, I'd buy a CASE of them!!!!! The only flaw I see is the rear coupler shank is too long.

[@TheCreativeMind]

I've seen someone spin the speed dial 180 degrees around then started to turn the dial slowly and the engine started to creep slowly. Also does the horn and bell work together or does the horn cut off the bell

[@wcmodelrailroad]

I believe I saw that too, but without a flywheel I'm not sure how slow you can get. The Bell and Horn can be run at the same time, however the crew talk will mute the bell when activated.

[@TheCreativeMind]

@@wcmodelrailroad it's a plus that horn/bell don't cancel themselves out but I expected the crew to cut into those sounds. As for the engine creeping, I mean slow slow like barely moving then excelerating as the dial turns. I saw it someone else's review trying to get as much info as I can on this locomotive

[@WesternOhioInterurbanHistory]

They gotta make it so the whole sliver part is chrome, that would be awesome

[@wcmodelrailroad]

That would be cool! Thank you for watching the channel!

[@andrewbanas7575]

pretty impressed...i would like to see an nw2 type switcher made

[@wcmodelrailroad]

NW2 or SW1500 would be a great model for Menards to do.

[@dwayne3466]

Another Menard reviewer on Facebook had the horns blowing extensively by rapidly tapping the horn button.

[@wcmodelrailroad]

I did see that, you could probably mod the button too, but would like to see Menards make the change on the engine itself.

[@wahoochris19]

I think it appears to be a great value, if they bring out some Eastern roads, sign me up ! Erie would be nice, maybe NYC RR.

[@wcmodelrailroad]

If this beta test goes well and so far its been very positive we should see some Eastern Railroads for sure.

[@wahoochris19]

@@wcmodelrailroad That would be great !

[@iron1349]

@@wcmodelrailroad I think the Milwaukee and CNW and other Midwestern roads are likely follow ups.

[@larissavilliers2507]

Great informative review, Thanks.

[@rjshier9188]

Nice review. You covered everything very well. You're thoughts on Menards sets is dead on. Once they correct a few small issues the sky's the limit. Subscribed as well

[@wcmodelrailroad]

Thank you for watching and subscribing!

[@dennislove7887]

Nice engine but the Chrome has to go

[@wcmodelrailroad]

I like it, but it's definitely one of those polarizing things for folks. Thanks for watching Dennis.

[@dennislove7887]

@@wcmodelrailroad they ought to make the whole thing Chrome I should have Chrome the whole silver on the locomotive body then it would have been like it was plaited unbelievable nice review

[@j.j.foster7002]

Excellent review! Count me among those that thought Menards would ever issue locomotives. BTW, I really like that chromed passenger set you are running with the loco, including the chromed REA car. Very cool!

[@wcmodelrailroad]

Thank you J.J. and yes this came as a huge surprise to me as well. That chromed REA is one of my favorite pieces. They are all MTH, expect for the last car which is a K-line aluminum SF business car.

[@trainman5603]

Sorry about misidentifying the MTH cars! On the horn I kind of wish Lionel, MTH and MENARDS could get together on this. If I want to do a realistic grade crossing I need two longs, a short and a long as the engine enters the crossing. I can never get Lionel or MTH engines to give a proper short. The MENARDS engine does. A double headlight with the upper a Mars light would be great, but the original Lionel F3's never had them and we all lived! Thanks for the show! I will buy a few. I could see Santa Fe, Milwaukee Road, Chicago and Northwesten, Western Pacific, Denver and Rio Grande, New York Central and Union Pacific. It will be interesting to see how they stand the test of time. BDS

[@wcmodelrailroad]

No problem, I do have the entire set of K-Line Golden State / Rock Island Aluminum passenger cars, but I thought it wasn't the best choice to showcase a Santa Fe engine :)

[@Steven_Williams]

Great review Matt! This would make a great entry level engine for a young kid. Great value.

[@wcmodelrailroad]

Thank you Steven, this engine has value written all over it!

[@johnblair8146]

It is actually a darned good model of an EMD F7 .

[@johnblair8146]

If it came in Erie Lackawanna, I'd buy a BUNCH of them and upgrade them to conventional.

[@1978garfield]

Very cool. Mine just showed up at Menards. Looking forward to picking it up. If they could lengthen the sound of the horn, fix the number boards (I think they could make it look better with out much cost) add one more notch between 0 and 1 and the biggest thing for me would be give me a switch to make it run conventional it would be perfect. If they don't do any of those things it still looks pretty good. I also like the plated trucks and tanks. If they don't add a conventional switch I will have to catch that parts sale Lionel does and grab some electronic E units. I bet I wont be the only one trying to do that. Liked and subscribed :)

[@wcmodelrailroad]

Thank you for watching 1978garfield. You hit the nail on the head with these. For under $200 these are going to make great models to modify to fit the needs of the operator.

[@trainroomgary]

Well done review • Cheers from the Detroit & Mackinac Railway 🚂

[@wcmodelrailroad]

Thank you Gary!

[@ReadingAreaRailfan]

Why does it sound like an alco

[@johnblair8146]

The bell rings too fast.

[@gs3504]

Nicely done, prototype and review! Curious to see where Menards runs with this.

[@wcmodelrailroad]

Thank you Jeff, I think for a first generation test model they did a great job. Future looks promising for the Menards engine line.

[@dennismurray00]

What telephone poles do you have on your layout?

[@wcmodelrailroad]

Woodland Scenics - pre wired - check out my review on them here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/hXOnpKecfZ2ajqs

[@richardnelson-ux1zz]

I looked on menards website couldn't find this locomotive im very interested in purchaseing one for my o gauge layout and collaboration

[@wcmodelrailroad]

Menards has been releasing these in Beta Test units over the last few years. They have not released a full production unit yet, but I'm hoping that will be this year (2023). I would keep checking the Menards O-scale page for an announcment.

[@knifetrain3118]

Great review Matt. If Menards keeps it around that price point it will definitely be a winner! I agree about the horn and I hope they tweak that so it’s one continuous sound. Does it have fly wheels? It doesn’t appear to the way it stopped abruptly.

[@wcmodelrailroad]

Hi tman, it does not have flywheels so hopefully this is something they can add without adding too much to the price. Thank you for watching!

[@johnblair8146]

Ditch the background music when demoing sounds!!!!

[@michaellindsey8044]

What's.the price u pay for this model engine I might get one

[@marblox9300]

Um, real trains don't have a rail in the middle.

[@wcmodelrailroad]

Well this isn't a real train, it's a model train.Thank you for watching!

[@marblox9300]

@@wcmodelrailroad Sorry, I didn't know that.

[@nickltrains6952]

Nice review. The engine looks and sounds great. First time I heared the name of the Mernard Company. How long have they been making toy trains? Thanks for sharing.

[@wcmodelrailroad]

Hi Nick, thank you for watching. Menards has been making rolling stock and buildings for a few years now, but this is their first engine. Menards is a midwest store that specializes in home improvement (so like a Home Depot) but they started dipping their toe in O Scale and it's been doing quite well for them because of the low prices.

[@nickltrains6952]

@@wcmodelrailroad Thanks for the info.

[@chanous1]

Why chromed side trucks ,pilot,and underframe ? Why they dont just painted thoses parts SILVER like the paint on body shell ?

[@wcmodelrailroad]

As someone with scale Lionel SF F3's I do understand your point. But also keep in mind the people that are shopping at Menards. Mom's and kid's will see those and just flip out about them. It's a good way to showcase the product.

[@chanous1]

Yes , i understand your point too as it's a good way to showcase the products but i'm probably sure that kid's will love that locomotive even the chromed parts are not chromed and it is less expensive and more real to paint thoses parts in silver ? Your point of vue and mine are good but i prefer silver painted parts . In other way , this engine is a beauty . Lots of train fans waiting for a dummy of that same loco to made an AA set . Congratulation to your purchase dear friend .

[@timpriddy349]

Numbers didnt go that high on that engine....394 A, or C would look better on the number board.....and the conversation sounds robotic.....that horn is pityful....but nice motor

[@wcmodelrailroad]

I believe the numbering is a nod to the postwar era F units which had the 4 digit number boards. I'm sure they will tweak the horn as it's been a popular change request. Thank you for watching!

[@mattstrains4841]

I ordered this engine and then later got an email that I was refunded and I assume they took to many orders

[@wcmodelrailroad]

Sorry about that Matt, it was limited to 200 engines because it's technically a test run. Wait for the full production model as I'm sure it will have a lot of the current issues resolved.

[@mikeslater75]

It is a FP7 not a F3

[@wcmodelrailroad]

It's not an accurate representation of an F3, but it's also a test version and first generation model for Menards and SF didn't own an FP7.

[@jeffcornelius3208]

Definitely a big F7 dynamic brake fan instead of the buried dynamic brake slots of an F3. Also low radiator fans and big number boards consistent with an F7. Love it anyway!

[@carlcewinski6245]

Good review! Just subscribed a result. Did this model have traction tires or weight for pulling power? I would desire slower starting/slowing speed even if it impacts cost.

[@wcmodelrailroad]

Yes, a pair of traction tires on each truck so 4 total. The engine itself does have some weight to it and I didn’t have any issues pulling the passenger cars I showed. Speed control and slower start speeds are high on my list. Thank you for watching and the sub.

[@zendoargos4988]

If it has to be run with the remote my interest in the locomotive is 100% dead. I have mostly postwar lionel that I run exclusively with ZW transformers. I'm not interested in remotes, handsets, or most of the sounds. If a piece of equipment looks good and runs in conventional mode I'm interested. If you need the remote...it's junk to me. I really like the Menards rolling stock, but if you can't shut off the need for the remote they won't be selling me one of their F3's.

[@wcmodelrailroad]

I understand Zendo, the good thing about the O Scale market is that there is usually something for everyone. I'm pretty much exclusively command control, but have a few conventional only engines. Right now this Menards engine seems to only function from the remote, that could change in the full product model. Thank you for watching!

[@johnblair8146]

NOT an F3, it's an F7!!!!!!

[@wcmodelrailroad]

I think you mean an FP7, EMD F3's and F7's are the same size.

[@johnblair8146]

@@wcmodelrailroad OK, it is too long but the added length is in the right place for an FP7. In MILW, you Chicago guys should INHALE them!!!!!

[@scottwoods5851]

After seeing two reviews on this I will not waist my money on any Menards locomotive. I don`t like the way it jerks starting and stopping. Even the old Marx stuff would be better than this.

[@wcmodelrailroad]

Keep in mind that this is technically a test / demo model so hopefully Menards makes the desired changes in a future model. Thank you for watching!