Lionel Trains Pocket Price Guide 1901-2023 [Affiliate Link] New prices and expanded listings showing all new Lionel products for 2023! Featuring the latest prices on Lionel products for over 120 years of production, the Lionel Trains Pocket Price Guide 1901-2023 is packed with: The latest market values for prewar, postwar, modern, and tinplate trains, as well as postwar boxes and sets. amzn.to/3MPG9Rs
Menards really knocked it out of the park with this model. I currently own nothing for Menards mainly because there are none in my state. Fun fact: John Menard actually approached Bill Benson of ROW for advice on getting into the model train business.
Spot on Mike.! INSTRUCTIONS? BIG👍 I sure hope Ray listens to us/you and gets rid of the chrome trucks and those plastic gears.! As sort of cheezy as the other stuff is horn/bell those are the 2 deal breakers for me. I'm going to stick with Lionel and pay the extra $150 for the Doodle Bug and I can even use my CAB-1.! Smoke would be interesting though if Menards does try that? Thanks for another fantastic review.! 👍😊
Wow Great review and great video as usual! I picked up one of these as well and have had similar experience with it as you. Looking forward to that final release and maybe some additional models and road names by next Spring/Summer. Thanks for all your fine work, Im inspired to try to do these videos as well.
A very well-done comprehensive review. Not much I can add except this looks like a very good engine for the beginner, not the advanced hobbyist with much higher expectations, or for someone who wants something for "Once a year under the Christmas tree." And the VERY reasonable price reflects that. Considering the size of those capacitors I wouldn't expect any problems running the engine at less than 18 volts, 12 volts sounds just about right but experimenting with even lower voltages might be interesting. Actually starting the engine at 12 volts, leaving the remote at the desired speed, and then experimenting with speed control using the transformer might be interesting. Adding a smoke unit would only add to the expense and isn't really necessary in my opinion. The only thing I WOULD add is a conventional control option switch, a CC option is a good fall-back just in case something happens to the remote. Otherwise without the remote you're sunk. It's the reason I don't want LionChief engines, LionChief Plus has the conventional option and I DO have one of those. All in all this looks like a good entry-level engine and a good core to build a starter set around. And of course being entry-level it's GOT to have an instruction manual! Menards in-house people can write it and have it printed locally. Paper is cheap.
Thanks for the comments. I think that once a variety of these hit the market a "universal" remote will become available. That solves the dead remote issue without making the diesel more expensive.
I'm certain that the 'regular' price is higher. That was the bait for the Beta versions. I'm guessing regular retail will be around $199 (after 11 percent rebate, of course).
@@ToyTrainTipsAndTricks I mathed it out. Without any rebates, the train set is $250 (technically $249.99, but who really calculates it that way anyways?). The caboose is $30, so without it the set is $220 (of course not really, as train sets are often cheaper than buying items separately and then it becomes confusing). The tracks are $28, and without them it is lower at the price of $192. I couldn't find the transformer online, but let's say that it is $12. That puts us at $180 for the locomotive. Pretty good! Edit: and now, of course, Menards has dropped their "FP7 and a caboose" set and replaced it with an "FP7 and two freight cars" set. This is a better deal, and now they've also released the transformer for separate sale (at an incredibly high price)!
I bought a set of Union Pacific Menards F7’s a few days ago. Just could not stand the chrome on the Santa Fe units. You Video is superb. Thanks you for this. I think I’ll do 12 volt operation and use the MTH Z4000. The price of $ 149.00 makes these great even if they lack something. Wish they had a smoke unit.
I picked up the same beta release. My only complaints are the gears and the horn. There are other things that I wouldn’t mind changed, but are not deal-breakers for me, like the bell and the blue headlight (Really, a blue headlight?). I would also like to see either a conventional option, or a universal remote for sale in case the exiting remote breaks. If they can do these things and keep the price point under $200 (before the rebate), I will happily buy a few Menards locomotive releases per year.
I could see a "universal" remote coming along after more models are released. It would be kind of pointless at this stage with no actual "production" models in the field.
The headlight is blue because of the LED. It is difficult to make a small LED that gives off pure white light. Most have a bluish tint. To make matters worse, the incandescent bulbs that we are all used to have a (less apparent, but still there) yellow tint!
Wonder if they've considered making it so one remote can run multiple units as in doubleheader operations. And in such setups, possibly have it so the motor on a rearward facing locomotive responds opposite of what it should so there isn't a tug of war in double or triple header operations.
@@ToyTrainTipsAndTricks If I remember correctly, the typical distinction betwixt control systems is that command control means any system where you control the train and not the track voltage. That would include the FP7.
If Menards could put this into production and starts offering other road names, PLEASE make a Rock Island Rocket version!!! R.I. actually had FP7's, and they made the diner so... Are you listening Ray???
My beta 4.5 blue bonnet arrived yesterday. Something I find interesting is that it seems that the sound card in the blue bonnet I received has a slightly improved horn. It almost sounds like there’s an attempt at a simple reverb/after echo effect added on to the end of the horn blows on my version. It audibly doesn’t just cut out compared to the one you reviewed. The bell on mine is still noticeably harsh and tinny, but it seems logical to assume they may used the improved horn in the actual production run variants
I find both the bell and horn very poor in sound replication, but the crew talk is excellent as is the new model and the price! I can’t justify spending close to a thousand bucks for a new engine especially when it’s being bought as a gift for a youngster. Mernards rolling stock is also very affordable. They are like the Marx of the 21st Century🚂
I believe the change from 4.0 to 4.5 involved the one capacitor which had a tendency to smoke up and in a few cases actually exploded. Now, in the 4.5 version, there is a circuit board installed where that one capacitor used to be, and there are 2 huge capacitors still remaining in this 4.5 version. Other than those alterations, there seems to be no others.
I just bought a set with track and the directions are on the back of the box (very detailed). Also comes with powered 10” track piece that you plug in. Don’t know how it will work with more track but so far so good
Nice revue on the Manards Locomotive. Just a note for you, I was a locomotive engineer for the NS, and we would get locomotives from other roads from time to time. I don't remember which unit it was, but I had one that had the rear headlight on the door just like this. It was very odd, but there is a prototype out there for this. (when opening it you could shine the light off to the side)
Labelle 106 is my go-to walmrt.us/3VbJ8bm I may have used some generic from Harbor Freight in that video that I had left over from COVID (couldn;t get the stuff I wanted then).
Good informative video. I'm curious if you had any opinion on Maynard's track. Also, what plastic compatible grease do you use? Have you ever had a grease attack plastic gears?
Regarding Menards track, I have only used a few pieces on my Christmas layout, but it works fine and matches other standard O track. As for the grease, my favorite is Labelle #106. walmrt.us/3VbJ8bm [Promotional Link]
I didn't have any trouble with my K-Line O42 turnouts or even going straight through Marx O27. I didn't think to try the non derail feature, though. I'll try that tonight and post here.
I just checked. On my O42 turnouts, there is a delay as it takes the second wheel to set off the turnout, but since you're already at full power and you're not going to run Mach 2 with these diesels, there's still enough time for the turnout to throw if it's in good working condition.
I kind of like the chrome, although I would like it if the shell was also chrome-plated as well. I have an old HO Scale Bachmann F7 with a chrome-plated shell, and it looks stunning. Part of the reason that I like the chrome is likely the fact that I like the design of 1950s automobiles, and cars like the '57 Chevy Bel Air are 50% chrome, 49% steel, and 1% other materials.
I think the locomotive is great however i do not like the nylon gears. I have had many first generation bachmanns that came with nylon gears and they eventually all crack and slip. Now hopefully menards gives out replacement parts for these because it will be a problem.
If Santa Fe didn't have that loco in their roster you could always respray and number it into a railroad that did. The price point should be cheap enough for that without a concern for loss of value. In fact I prefer the look of an Industrial Short Line and second hand loco equipment with a basic weathered paint scheme, over a shiny fresh out of the box look. I also avoid too brightly colored rolling stock, I'd find ways to darken them up or weather them heavily .
Sure, there are plenty of good repaint choices that actually had FP7s - Amtrak, SP, Milwaukee Road, Soo Line, Rock Island, Southern, L&N, C&EI, Pensy, Western Maryland Scenic, C&O, B&O (from C&O) and more.
@@ToyTrainTipsAndTricks I noticed something interesting. In the "talk" function an Amtrak train train (7201) is mentioned. Maybe they're hinting at new road names! They certainly have the license to make Amtrak trains. After all, they have an Amtrak station. Then again, they also have no passenger cars...
I was getting worried. The tracker said it took 6 days just to get to the DC! And then the box was damaged when it arrived. I feared the worst! I usually get site to store in 2-3 days from them.
Thank you for this video. I don't see why people are super critical of these. Its a great thing menards is becoming the new low end manufacturer. I agree that the plastic gears are a tiny bit of a letdown, but this is a low end model. As long as it's priced right, i think this is a fantastic start for Menards.
A BIT OF A LETDOWN!!!!!! WHEN (not IF) those gears let go of the shaft, you've got a dead loco on your hands!!! It would COST NO MORE TO DO THIS LOCO RIGHT!!!!!
Oh, by the way, I was recently doing some rather rigorous testing. Turns out that the Menards FP7 can handle more than eight of my heaviest/highest friction railcars (including the snowblower, a Menards caboose that needed much lubrication, and the like) on a 14% grade....
If someone buys a less expensive locomotive, they don’t have any excuse to complain that it doesn’t do what a more expensive popular brand name locomotive does. As for the chrome, if a person doesn’t want chrome, they shouldn’t buy it. As a freight conductor for a class 1 railroad, I make trips on a different motor nearly every time. The horn and bell sounds vary. Sometimes the bell is very slow and sometimes it sounds like a fire alarm. Sometimes the horn sounds like a dying moose and sometimes like a bionic trumpet. Maybe the sounds not sounding as expected makes it a little more realistic in some fashion in my book. Just my opinion. Thanks for the review.
Love mine..... bought the set. To cure the blue light use Tamiya x26 clear orange paint on the LEDs. I did the loco and caboose.....takes the blue tint out ..practice a bit...a little goes a long way so thin the paint first .... Gave loco a lube and have ran it for a few hours with no problems on fastrack and Menards set track. The short horn repeating loop is a bit horrible....and the engine sound is meh....I shut it off ...
The front part of the grills should be painted also to make the war bonnet look correct. Get rid of the chrome. Painted trucks are ok but no chrome otherwise.
Heck with Lionel atlas Bachman o will buy menards o scale trains every time their very affordable and the quality has come up from the first rolling stock and locomotives the quality is comparable to atlas 0 scale locomotives I have 3 menards locomotives the santafe war bonnet 3.0 bets the santafe war bonnet 4.5 and the new union pacific f3 4.5 beta I'm vary impressed with the quality of these products and the price range is great
The difference between the F3 and F/FP7 is the air vents along the roofline of the unit. F3s had "chicken wire" in those vents between the portholes (Examine a 2343). F/FP7s had stainless Farr grills running the length of the entire carbody roofline aft of the cab.
Plastic gears, and fake crew chatter, sounds just like Lionel. If someone gave me one, I'd give it away. It's not going to last. Twenty years from now when you need parts, where are you going to find them???
@@ToyTrainTipsAndTricks You couldn't give me any modern Lionel products. It's just a marketing company with executives making huge salaries selling nice looking junk at outrageous prices.
@@ronalddevine9587 I do, too, but their parts are getting harder to find. I recently received a Super Streamliner set. The cars and dummy were rusty and covered in mildew, but they cleaned up okay and the paint was in good shape. But there was no powered unit. I tried to find a 2343 in decent shape but I couldn't find one even in rough shape for under $200. Then I saw the email blast for the Beta. Sold!! Looks great. Runs great. Sounds better. Worth the risk.
Hey, Ray, save money by dumping the UGLY chrome plating and then spending it on REAL METAL GEARS!!!!! Then Menards will have a WINNER!!!!!! I started this hobby in 1966. I KNOW plastic gears of ANY kind are GARBAGE!!!!!
Thanks for the feedback. I'm aware of the audio issues. In the name of speed for the sake of the review I was unable to complete my usual audio post production. I apologize if it was too distracting.
@@ToyTrainTipsAndTricks ...... understood, maybe it becomes worse because I listen in 5.1 surround ??? Again, the content was great.....1st time watching.....👍
Thanks for the feedback. At the time of the video, the Beta units were hot news. In the interest of getting the video out quickly, I used only the native phone mic and ambient room sounds without additional processing.
The gears and horn sounds are about the only things that bother me. The horn seems to have been addressed (somewhat) in the Blue Bonnet 4.5 Beta release. I bought the release shown in the video and have no regrets.
@@Eyrrll The gear issue is kind of a biggie!!!!! When those gears break there will be NO replacement parts. With metal gears, you don't need replacement parts because metal gears rarely break.
@@johnblair8146 Plastic gears are not an automatic “no thanks” from me, but they will affect the decision of my future purchases. Basically, if they release a loco that I think looks GREAT, and they keep the price around the same… then I’m still likely to buy it and maybe pamper it with light use. But if I am on the fence about something that looks good (but not great), then I won’t buy it.
Lionel Trains Pocket Price Guide 1901-2023 [Affiliate Link]
New prices and expanded listings showing all new Lionel products for 2023! Featuring the latest prices on Lionel products for over 120 years of production, the Lionel Trains Pocket Price Guide 1901-2023 is packed with: The latest market values for prewar, postwar, modern, and tinplate trains, as well as postwar boxes and sets.
amzn.to/3MPG9Rs
I like the chrome i think it will get younger generation into tge hobby having crazy colors and shiny stuff sold alot of Tyco trains
Menards really knocked it out of the park with this model. I currently own nothing for Menards mainly because there are none in my state.
Fun fact: John Menard actually approached Bill Benson of ROW for advice on getting into the model train business.
That's an interesting fun fact!
At 149.00$, instede of something like 500.00$ for a LIONEL, I can live with the chrome. At 74 I know it will last as long as I do.
That's a different perspective!
I like the chrome I think it will attract the younger generation again
Spot on Mike.! INSTRUCTIONS? BIG👍 I sure hope Ray listens to us/you and gets rid of the chrome trucks and those plastic gears.! As sort of cheezy as the other stuff is horn/bell those are the 2 deal breakers for me. I'm going to stick with Lionel and pay the extra $150 for the Doodle Bug and I can even use my CAB-1.! Smoke would be interesting though if Menards does try that? Thanks for another fantastic review.! 👍😊
Thanks for the comments!!
In total I believe there are 15 to 20 crew talk features
Thanks!
Wow Great review and great video as usual! I picked up one of these as well and have had similar experience with it as you. Looking forward to that final release and maybe some additional models and road names by next Spring/Summer. Thanks for all your fine work, Im inspired to try to do these videos as well.
Thanks for the kind words. I'm looking forward to more Road names, too!
Excellent review, will probably order one when available, thank you.
Thanks for watching and I hope you snag one!
Great video and great review. I’d love to pick some of these up
Thanks and good luck!!
Very nice review and nice explanation of the difference between the F3 and FP7!
:-)
A very well-done comprehensive review. Not much I can add except this looks like a very good engine for the beginner, not the advanced hobbyist with much higher expectations, or for someone who wants something for "Once a year under the Christmas tree." And the VERY reasonable price reflects that.
Considering the size of those capacitors I wouldn't expect any problems running the engine at less than 18 volts, 12 volts sounds just about right but experimenting with even lower voltages might be interesting. Actually starting the engine at 12 volts, leaving the remote at the desired speed, and then experimenting with speed control using the transformer might be interesting.
Adding a smoke unit would only add to the expense and isn't really necessary in my opinion.
The only thing I WOULD add is a conventional control option switch, a CC option is a good fall-back just in case something happens to the remote. Otherwise without the remote you're sunk. It's the reason I don't want LionChief engines, LionChief Plus has the conventional option and I DO have one of those.
All in all this looks like a good entry-level engine and a good core to build a starter set around. And of course being entry-level it's GOT to have an instruction manual! Menards in-house people can write it and have it printed locally. Paper is cheap.
Thanks for the comments. I think that once a variety of these hit the market a "universal" remote will become available. That solves the dead remote issue without making the diesel more expensive.
Definitely on my want list, I fear that once the non beta model is out that the price will go up. We just have to wait and see.
I'm certain that the 'regular' price is higher. That was the bait for the Beta versions. I'm guessing regular retail will be around $199 (after 11 percent rebate, of course).
@@ToyTrainTipsAndTricks I mathed it out.
Without any rebates, the train set is $250 (technically $249.99, but who really calculates it that way anyways?). The caboose is $30, so without it the set is $220 (of course not really, as train sets are often cheaper than buying items separately and then it becomes confusing). The tracks are $28, and without them it is lower at the price of $192. I couldn't find the transformer online, but let's say that it is $12. That puts us at $180 for the locomotive. Pretty good!
Edit: and now, of course, Menards has dropped their "FP7 and a caboose" set and replaced it with an "FP7 and two freight cars" set. This is a better deal, and now they've also released the transformer for separate sale (at an incredibly high price)!
I FINALLY GOT ONE! IT IS SO VERY FESTIVE!!!
Good catch on draining capacitors!
Thanks!
can't wait to get one. They look great.
I was lucky!
Awesome review and comparison, thanks!
Thanks for watching!
I bought a set of Union Pacific Menards F7’s a few days ago. Just could not stand the chrome on the Santa Fe units. You Video is superb. Thanks you for this. I think I’ll do 12 volt operation and use the MTH Z4000. The price of $ 149.00 makes these great even if they lack something. Wish they had a smoke unit.
Thanks for watching, xand thanks for the feedback. The UPs look sharp!
I just put a short up of the Menards Union Pacific road name
I picked up the same beta release. My only complaints are the gears and the horn.
There are other things that I wouldn’t mind changed, but are not deal-breakers for me, like the bell and the blue headlight (Really, a blue headlight?).
I would also like to see either a conventional option, or a universal remote for sale in case the exiting remote breaks.
If they can do these things and keep the price point under $200 (before the rebate), I will happily buy a few Menards locomotive releases per year.
I could see a "universal" remote coming along after more models are released. It would be kind of pointless at this stage with no actual "production" models in the field.
The headlight is blue because of the LED. It is difficult to make a small LED that gives off pure white light. Most have a bluish tint. To make matters worse, the incandescent bulbs that we are all used to have a (less apparent, but still there) yellow tint!
Wonder if they've considered making it so one remote can run multiple units as in doubleheader operations. And in such setups, possibly have it so the motor on a rearward facing locomotive responds opposite of what it should so there isn't a tug of war in double or triple header operations.
Now you're getting into the realm of Command Control, which would be a significant electronics upgrade.
@@ToyTrainTipsAndTricks If I remember correctly, the typical distinction betwixt control systems is that command control means any system where you control the train and not the track voltage. That would include the FP7.
If Menards could put this into production and starts offering other road names, PLEASE make a Rock Island Rocket version!!! R.I. actually had FP7's, and they made the diner so... Are you listening Ray???
I would guess that since they already have the paint mask for Rock Island a production F will follow.
My beta 4.5 blue bonnet arrived yesterday. Something I find interesting is that it seems that the sound card in the blue bonnet I received has a slightly improved horn. It almost sounds like there’s an attempt at a simple reverb/after echo effect added on to the end of the horn blows on my version. It audibly doesn’t just cut out compared to the one you reviewed. The bell on mine is still noticeably harsh and tinny, but it seems logical to assume they may used the improved horn in the actual production run variants
That's great! You're the second one who has mentioned an improvement in the Bluebonnet horn. That's good news for the production model.
I find both the bell and horn very poor in sound replication, but the crew talk is excellent as is the new model and the price! I can’t justify spending close to a thousand bucks for a new engine especially when it’s being bought as a gift for a youngster. Mernards rolling stock is also very affordable. They are like the Marx of the 21st Century🚂
@@Machia52612 Agreed.
Thank you for this very thorough and informative review. Hopefully Menards takes all your feedback seriously.
Thank you. I ESPECIALLY hope that they provide instructions.
Great review and great information 👍
Thank you very much!
Great, thorough video. Do you know what was changed on this version vs the last beta?
Not for certain since this is the first I have been able to acquire.
I believe the change from 4.0 to 4.5 involved the one capacitor which had a tendency to smoke up and in a few cases actually exploded. Now, in the 4.5 version, there is a circuit board installed where that one capacitor used to be, and there are 2 huge capacitors still remaining in this 4.5 version. Other than those alterations, there seems to be no others.
@@franktino6676 Thanks for the information.
I just bought a set with track and the directions are on the back of the box (very detailed). Also comes with powered 10” track piece that you plug in. Don’t know how it will work with more track but so far so good
You can always add jumper wires if you add more track.
Nice revue on the Manards Locomotive. Just a note for you, I was a locomotive engineer for the NS, and we would get locomotives from other roads from time to time. I don't remember which unit it was, but I had one that had the rear headlight on the door just like this. It was very odd, but there is a prototype out there for this. (when opening it you could shine the light off to the side)
Okay. I guess there's a prototype for everything!
Great detailed review!
Thanks! :-)
A lot of Menards couplers do not line up very well. Do they still use plastic gears. They do not last.
To my knowledge, that still use nylon gears.
So it doesn't have an option to run in conventional transformer mode. Do I understand that?
Correct.
Well, I mean you COULD set a speed on the remote and change the input voltage with the transformer, but it's not practical that way
Hey Mike. How are you. What was lub that you placed onto the plastic gears? Thanks.
Labelle 106 is my go-to walmrt.us/3VbJ8bm I may have used some generic from Harbor Freight in that video that I had left over from COVID (couldn;t get the stuff I wanted then).
Good informative video. I'm curious if you had any opinion on Maynard's track. Also, what plastic compatible grease do you use? Have you ever had a grease attack plastic gears?
Regarding Menards track, I have only used a few pieces on my Christmas layout, but it works fine and matches other standard O track. As for the grease, my favorite is Labelle #106. walmrt.us/3VbJ8bm [Promotional Link]
how about running thru switches, especially how it works with self correcting switch direction? I wonder since the traction tires are on the front.
I didn't have any trouble with my K-Line O42 turnouts or even going straight through Marx O27. I didn't think to try the non derail feature, though. I'll try that tonight and post here.
I just checked. On my O42 turnouts, there is a delay as it takes the second wheel to set off the turnout, but since you're already at full power and you're not going to run Mach 2 with these diesels, there's still enough time for the turnout to throw if it's in good working condition.
I kind of like the chrome, although I would like it if the shell was also chrome-plated as well. I have an old HO Scale Bachmann F7 with a chrome-plated shell, and it looks stunning. Part of the reason that I like the chrome is likely the fact that I like the design of 1950s automobiles, and cars like the '57 Chevy Bel Air are 50% chrome, 49% steel, and 1% other materials.
It looks like the smoke unit on the Rocket Diner is actually in a different spot, so perhaps they are considering smoke. That would be fun!
Interesting...
@@ToyTrainTipsAndTricks Or maybe not...
I think the locomotive is great however i do not like the nylon gears. I have had many first generation bachmanns that came with nylon gears and they eventually all crack and slip. Now hopefully menards gives out replacement parts for these because it will be a problem.
If Santa Fe didn't have that loco in their roster you could always respray and number it into a railroad that did. The price point should be cheap enough for that without a concern for loss of value. In fact I prefer the look of an Industrial Short Line and second hand loco equipment with a basic weathered paint scheme, over a shiny fresh out of the box look. I also avoid too brightly colored rolling stock, I'd find ways to darken them up or weather them heavily .
Sure, there are plenty of good repaint choices that actually had FP7s - Amtrak, SP, Milwaukee Road, Soo Line, Rock Island, Southern, L&N, C&EI, Pensy, Western Maryland Scenic, C&O, B&O (from C&O) and more.
@@ToyTrainTipsAndTricks I noticed something interesting.
In the "talk" function an Amtrak train train (7201) is mentioned. Maybe they're hinting at new road names!
They certainly have the license to make Amtrak trains. After all, they have an Amtrak station. Then again, they also have no passenger cars...
Wish they built for more the one scale like HO and N
Got my June 28th blue one in two days
I was getting worried. The tracker said it took 6 days just to get to the DC! And then the box was damaged when it arrived. I feared the worst! I usually get site to store in 2-3 days from them.
Thank you for this video. I don't see why people are super critical of these. Its a great thing menards is becoming the new low end manufacturer. I agree that the plastic gears are a tiny bit of a letdown, but this is a low end model. As long as it's priced right, i think this is a fantastic start for Menards.
Thanks for sharing!
A BIT OF A LETDOWN!!!!!! WHEN (not IF) those gears let go of the shaft, you've got a dead loco on your hands!!! It would COST NO MORE TO DO THIS LOCO RIGHT!!!!!
You can't expect replacement parts for ANY modern loco, What do you think this is? POSTWAR?!?!?!
Should have gone with metal gears from the start
It needs an instruction manual as well.
Wish they would put metal gears instead of nylon gears in it.
Oh, by the way, I was recently doing some rather rigorous testing.
Turns out that the Menards FP7 can handle more than eight of my heaviest/highest friction railcars (including the snowblower, a Menards caboose that needed much lubrication, and the like) on a 14% grade....
Excellent!
@@ToyTrainTipsAndTricks This also means that I can have a great helix, too!
If someone buys a less expensive locomotive, they don’t have any excuse to complain that it doesn’t do what a more expensive popular brand name locomotive does. As for the chrome, if a person doesn’t want chrome, they shouldn’t buy it.
As a freight conductor for a class 1 railroad, I make trips on a different motor nearly every time. The horn and bell sounds vary. Sometimes the bell is very slow and sometimes it sounds like a fire alarm. Sometimes the horn sounds like a dying moose and sometimes like a bionic trumpet.
Maybe the sounds not sounding as expected makes it a little more realistic in some fashion in my book. Just my opinion.
Thanks for the review.
Thanks for the feedback.
I really like the chrome…
Love mine..... bought the set. To cure the blue light use Tamiya x26 clear orange paint on the LEDs. I did the loco and caboose.....takes the blue tint out ..practice a bit...a little goes a long way so thin the paint first ....
Gave loco a lube and have ran it for a few hours with no problems on fastrack and Menards set track.
The short horn repeating loop is a bit horrible....and the engine sound is meh....I shut it off ...
Thanks for the tips!
The front part of the grills should be painted also to make the war bonnet look correct. Get rid of the chrome. Painted trucks are ok but no chrome otherwise.
The only thing I want them to do is add an endinging sound to the horn
That would be a nice touch.
@@ToyTrainTipsAndTricks The horns on the Beta 4.5 BLUE bonnets have altered the horn a bit. I don’t own one, so all I have seen are TH-cam videos.
@@Eyrrll Cool!
@@Eyrrll can confirm. Mine arrived yesterday and it appears to have an attempt at a simple reverb/echo on the end
I dont like the back door either, but it can be changed
It would require a new mold and that means $$$$$$$$$$$
Cant hear you
I don't like Chrome on my local motors.Or rolling stock
Definitely not the last Beta issue.....
UP out this week.....
Get them while you can. $ 149.
Yep. Makes me think the regular run won't be ready for Christmas.
@@ToyTrainTipsAndTricks Fortunately it was!
@@Engine1988 Actually, it wasn't. Beta Bluebonnets and Beta UP both came later.
@@ToyTrainTipsAndTricks Oh, no, they had the UP and the Santa Fe in stores in Dickinson a good couple of weeks before Christmas.
Uh, oh. I think that we are talking about two different things.
😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍
Thanks! It's not everyday you get a compliment from Daniel Boone!! ;-)
Heck with Lionel atlas Bachman o will buy menards o scale trains every time their very affordable and the quality has come up from the first rolling stock and locomotives the quality is comparable to atlas 0 scale locomotives I have 3 menards locomotives the santafe war bonnet 3.0 bets the santafe war bonnet 4.5 and the new union pacific f3 4.5 beta I'm vary impressed with the quality of these products and the price range is great
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The difference between the F3 and F/FP7 is the air vents along the roofline of the unit. F3s had "chicken wire" in those vents between the portholes (Examine a 2343). F/FP7s had stainless Farr grills running the length of the entire carbody roofline aft of the cab.
Not always. Phase III and Phase IV F3s has stainless steel grills just like F7s.
Your volume is too low, I can hardly hear what you are saying.
Plastic gears, and fake crew chatter, sounds just like Lionel. If someone gave me one, I'd give it away. It's not going to last. Twenty years from now when you need parts, where are you going to find them???
That goes for ANY modern item, from a $150 Menards to a $3000 Lionel - parts are not available.
@@ToyTrainTipsAndTricks
That's why I buy vintage.
@@ToyTrainTipsAndTricks
You couldn't give me any modern Lionel products. It's just a marketing company with executives making huge salaries selling nice looking junk at outrageous prices.
@@ronalddevine9587 I do, too, but their parts are getting harder to find. I recently received a Super Streamliner set. The cars and dummy were rusty and covered in mildew, but they cleaned up okay and the paint was in good shape. But there was no powered unit. I tried to find a 2343 in decent shape but I couldn't find one even in rough shape for under $200. Then I saw the email blast for the Beta. Sold!! Looks great. Runs great. Sounds better. Worth the risk.
@@ToyTrainTipsAndTricks That's why we should DEMAND metal gears!!!!!
Hey, Ray, save money by dumping the UGLY chrome plating and then spending it on REAL METAL GEARS!!!!! Then Menards will have a WINNER!!!!!! I started this hobby in 1966. I KNOW plastic gears of ANY kind are GARBAGE!!!!!
The video sound is terrible. (constant swooshing)
Nevertheless, great review.
Thanks for the feedback. I'm aware of the audio issues. In the name of speed for the sake of the review I was unable to complete my usual audio post production. I apologize if it was too distracting.
@@ToyTrainTipsAndTricks ...... understood, maybe it becomes worse because I listen in 5.1 surround ???
Again, the content was great.....1st time watching.....👍
@@rodrossi9749 Could be.
Lube😂
Please get a better microphone setup. Your audio sounds very muddy, almost under water.
Thanks for the feedback. At the time of the video, the Beta units were hot news. In the interest of getting the video out quickly, I used only the native phone mic and ambient room sounds without additional processing.
Plastic Gears, NO THANKS.
The gears and horn sounds are about the only things that bother me. The horn seems to have been addressed (somewhat) in the Blue Bonnet 4.5 Beta release.
I bought the release shown in the video and have no regrets.
@@Eyrrll The gear issue is kind of a biggie!!!!! When those gears break there will be NO replacement parts. With metal gears, you don't need replacement parts because metal gears rarely break.
@@johnblair8146 Plastic gears are not an automatic “no thanks” from me, but they will affect the decision of my future purchases.
Basically, if they release a loco that I think looks GREAT, and they keep the price around the same… then I’m still likely to buy it and maybe pamper it with light use.
But if I am on the fence about something that looks good (but not great), then I won’t buy it.