Menards O Scale Train Sets

Our first pick this morning in The 2024 PopCult Gift Guide is a little pricey, but it’s perfect for the beginning model railroad enthusiast. Because it’s the larger train in O scale, it’s great for kids. They call it “O Gauge,” but to me it’s O scale.

For years Menards has been quietly making and selling their own line of model railroad accessories, starting with O scale structures, and then expanding to track, rolling stock, scenery, and HO scale accessories. Last year they released their first locomotive, which sold out before I could recommend it in the Gift Guide.

This year Menards has released several complete O scale sets that are ideal “starter sets” for the beginning toy train enthusiast. These are basic sets with a locomotive (with remote control sounds), one or two pieces of rolling stock, a transformer and enough pieces of their quality track that form a simple oval.

Sometimes it’s hard to figure out the exact price at Menards because they have sale prices, then they tack on a 11% rebate making it cost even less if you buy in the store and remember to claim your rebate, but if you order online they stick you with a handling fee plus shipping.

Which is why I’m not listing a price for these. The sets I’m mentioning here will run you somewhere between two hundred and two hundred fifty bucks. In terms of O scale electric trains, that’s a bit of a bargain. Some tricked-out locomotives go for more than double that, without any track or extras.

Having just been to the Menards in Barboursville last weekend, I know that they have the first two of these sets in stock. The third set is the one I’d be most likely to grab for myself, but probably not online. I am including the online links for my readers who don’t have a Menards nearby. Be aware of the price flucuations. There are other sets in their online store, as well as structures and rolling stock.

Each locomotive comes with an easy-to-use handheld wireless controller.

It’s easy for youngsters or adults to hold and use. The remote functions include: Easy rotating forward-reverse directional control; Select horn or bell sounds; Trigger crew communications; Adjustable volume control; and they have quick battery replacement.

It’s a cool gateway to the more complicated remote-control sound features that more advanced train sets have.

O Gauge Milwaukee Road Train Set

This set Includes: (1) O gauge locomotive, (1) O gauge coal hopper, (1) O gauge gondola, (1) wireless remote control, (8) sections of O-36 curve track, (3) section of 10” straight track, (1) section of 10” straight track with power connection, and (1) 18-volt power adapter.

Firmly rooted in the steel mills and factories of Chicago and the upper Midwest, the Milwaukee Road’s influence reached as far west as the ports of Seattle and Tacoma. Manufactured goods headed west and agricultural products moved east. In 1950, the railroad had more than 11,000 miles of track with traffic supported by 1,307 steam, diesel, and electric locomotives keeping commerce moving.

You can find this set online HERE.

O Gauge Chicago & North Western Train Set

This set includes: (1) O gauge locomotive with two powerful motors, lights, and sounds, (1) O gauge Great Northern coal hopper, (1) O gauge Norfolk and Western gondola, (1) Wireless remote control with buttons to trigger BELL, HORN, and CREW TALK. (1) 56″ x 42″ oval of Menards tubular track, with a track section with power connection plugin, (1) 18-volt power adapter.

The Chicago & North Western covered the upper Midwest like no other railway. The line operated 12,000 miles of track, and in 1950, powered it with 6,266 locomotives. Cargo and travelers were hauled between Chicago, Illinois; Ishpeming, Michigan; Oakes, North Dakota, Casper, Wyoming; and hundreds of other towns in-between.

This set can be found HERE.

O Gauge Santa Fe Train Set

We didn’t see this smaller, slightly less expensive set at Barboursville, but it comes with the distinctive “Warbonnet” engine which always catches our eye. Also with this set you’ll get: (1) O gauge locomotive with two powerful motors, lights, and sounds, (1) O gauge caboose with lights, (1) Wireless remote control with buttons to trigger BELL, HORN, and CREW TALK (1) 36″ x 42″ oval of Menards tubular track with a track section with power connection plugin, (1) 18-volt power adapter.

This set features an iconic locomotive, often dubbed “the diesel that did it,” in the transition from steam to diesel locomotives. The Menards engine features America’s most recognized railway graphics – the classic Santa Fe Warbonnet livery that set a new visual standard for railway graphic design.

The Santa Fe set can be found HERE.

Any of these sets would be the perfect gift for the budding model train enthusiast on your holiday shopping list.