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

[@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!!!!!!

[@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.

[@AstroKnight118]

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

[@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💙

[@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.

[@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🚂

[@user-oc3rs3ut5x]

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

[@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.

[@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 👍👍

[@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! 😀😎

[@pmsteamrailroading]

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

[@randyluginbuhl9085]

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

[@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

[@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.

[@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

[@KandRCustomModels]

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

[@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

[@Adamdaj]

I always enjoy seeing the layout in action.

[@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.

[@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.

[@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

[@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

[@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.

[@ZillaJr2005]

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

[@Prewarpostwaramdmore]

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

[@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.

[@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.

[@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

[@anthonyferrara2222]

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

[@VR-ym8ys]

And that Lionel track looks so realistic!

[@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.

[@cue881-yo7kz]

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

[@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.😢

[@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.

[@Allnightexplor]

Thank you Eric for the Patreon shoutout!

[@Ericstrains]

@@Allnightexplor no, thank you!

[@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.

[@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

[@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.

[@JohnHuntt]

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

[@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!

[@DTIMainline]

I used Menards tubular track for my "Train on the Wall" in my hobby room. this makes me want to get some polycarbonate sheets and make a turnout at one end of the room. thanks for sharing Eric, much appreciated!

[@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.

[@chuckmaddison2924]

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

[@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!

[@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?

[@Mich289]

Awesome review ✨💫🌟

[@smarquardt10]

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

[@andrewhatter4151]

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

[@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.

[@bigcharliesmodelgarage296]

Nice 😊.
Thanks for sharing 😊

[@RABSTRAINS]

OUTSTANDING!!

[@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?

[@davidstrainsandlego]

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

[@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.

[@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.

[@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!

[@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...

[@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.

[@linkscarlet9094]

Looks like they had a rough ride at moderate speed.

[@WWIIREBEL]

Now, they just need to come up with an affordable series of 2-Rail O scale.....then I'll shop there,lol.

[@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

[@1Klooch]

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

[@ChristopherDennie-tc5jt]

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.

[@eclipz4129]

Waaaaat!? O Scale switches go for 60$ nowadays??? Dude that’s insane, that’s the reason I left O scale it was just too expensive I love O scale to death but I had to let it go and switch over to HO scale.

[@PelhamExpress]

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

[@Ericstrains]

Not at present.

[@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.

[@mikecierski8016]

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

[@stevenrobinson2381]

Maynards ! Nads ! Save BIG money !

[@richardnelson-ux1zz]

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

[@manderschannel2275]

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

[@Oscaleman]

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

[@J50Fan20]

Im waiting for the first Menards steam engine.

[@Ericstrains]

Me too

[@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.

[@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 ?

[@danny117hd]

Does the motor reverse sides like the 022 switch.

[@Ericstrains]

No, it does not.

[@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

[@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?

[@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 👍

[@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.

[@PhilBender612]

This could ONLY be a great thing for the hobby.

[@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.

[@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

[@heathnielsen4449]

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

[@Ericstrains]

@@heathnielsen4449 no

[@johnpandolfino8663]

😎

[@peterd.9893]

I’ve got something to tell you, Eric, do you like the steam and diesel hybrid, the ACE 3000?

[@Ericstrains]

yes

[@peterd.9893]

@@EricstrainsAww shucks, me too! if there ever was an O scale model of it, will you purchase one?

[@williamkolina3988]

My question is why is this item of interest to you?I thought you were an atlas Ross man.I have nothing but problems with FasTrack switches.Maybe these will work for me

[@Ericstrains]

I'm interested in all segments of the hobby. I'm interested in these for a couple specific reasons. First, I celebrate Menards making the hobby more affordable for everybody. Secondly, one of these days if I have the space I would like to build a small postwar style layout and I will probably use Menards track and switches.

[@BK-oo1bl]

I bought one and it doesn’t work the motor won’t throw the points only works one way

[@Ericstrains]

yep, 13:20

[@DJBREIT]

You forgot to do a pro and con part.

[@Ericstrains]

No I didn’t lol

[@PhilBender612]

BFIMO

[@Ericstrains]

@@PhilBender612 not necessary, the price is the best feature 😀

[@DJBREIT]

@@PhilBender612 That to.
For me the solid metal frogs and center tongue was a surprise.

[@DJBREIT]

cons list
There are four things I have notes.
1. The switch mechanism could have been shortened up to half its size.

2. There is no provision for non-track power. There is still a lot of people who run older train set ups.
3. Changing the switch mechanism from one side to the other requires you to play with small screws and do some soldering. You may also need to replace some of the wires if they turn out to be to short. I have not tried to go that far but what I saw show it is possible.
4. The switch mechanism guts should have been made from metal. Some thing like the switch frag. If someone gets to the point of buying a switch, they are not using this in the once-a-year Christmas tree setup. There are more likely using it on a lay-out. It means it is going to get some use and plastic dose not hold-up.

[@ericwilliams2619]

👍🏻💫💫💫💫💫

[@marblox9300]

Um, real trains only have 2 rails. :(

[@Ericstrains]

you are incorrect. Real trains run on 3 rails.

[@marblox9300]

@@Ericstrains The ones I see only have 2 rails. :(

[@Hero1117a]

Already sold out

[@liljohnreplogle]

❤️🏆⭐️🚂🏆✨