Uploaded January 2023 | Updated September 2026, 2 hours ago
In this video we will be unboxing something cool and new for the layout.
▶︎ • Email from MENARDS about smoke issue on first startup.
We are aware of a potential issue with the wiring in our new Beta test non-powered locomotives. Some of the units emit puffs of smoke when track power is applied the first time. We have tested several of these on our in house test track and all have continued to run and work as designed after the initial issue. After our testing we have come up with three potential options for the units.
1. If your unit works, keep it as is and continue to enjoy it.
2. Remove the roller pick-ups (one screw in each) and operate without lights. If you chose this option you can mail us the roller pick-ups and we will send you one of our in-stock train cars of your choice. Simply go to Menards.com/trains and pick one out. You will need to include your name, address, order #, and email address and choice of train car (make sure to tell us the SKU#) and send the roller pick-ups to:
2. Sell it for a $100 or $200 profit on eBay
Classic Toy Trains Magazine wrote a very nice review about the beta engine, along with potential electrical issues with the non-powered unit. The article can be found here • trains.com/ctt/news-reviews/reviews/menards-santa-fe-diesel-a-a-set-beta-4-0-test
We appreciate your patience as we continue to test and develop new items for our hobby. Thanks: Ray
▶︎ My Train Layout - Brief Specs
This layout is a shelf layout - 24 feet long with about 10 foot turnarounds on each end.
4 Mail Lines with 7 sidings,
Track: Tubular Track by K-Line Shadow Rail on a cork road bed. (No longer in production)
Lionel and K-line 0 Gauge Switches
Main Transformer: Lionel ZW-L with 4 180W Powerhouse Bricks
Second Transformer: Lionel CW 80
Control Systems: Lionel Cab 1 • Lionel Universal Remote • LionChief Plus Remotes
• Lionel’s Bluetooth APP • LVC Lionel Voice Control
• MTH DCS & Wi-Fi
▶︎ A little story about me: I am a retired shop teacher, I spent 36 years teaching Graphic Arts, Vocational Printing Trades, Photography along with extra duties like Drivers Education, & Yearbook Advisor.
I started teaching shop in the fall of 1974. We had seven full time shop teachers. (Industrial Education)
Auto Shop
Construction • Built A House
Drafting, Mechanical & Architectural
Graphic Arts
Small Engines • Marine & Lawn
Metal Shop
Wood Shop
In the late 90’s Industrial Education had to deal with new state guidelines called: Core Curriculum. This put a strong emphasis on the college prep program for all Michigan Students. Needless to say the students had no room in the school day for elective classes and this put Industrial Education out of business
I also took shop classes in High School. Mr. Pasternak and Mr. Mathers were my high school shop teachers and they got me started at Central Michigan University to become a Michigan Shop Teacher.
I would not want to be a high school student today. No shop classes.
▶︎ e- mail accepted at: trainroom@gmail.com
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trainroomgary - All Rights Reserved 2011 - 2023
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▶︎ Hi • Train Room Gary from The Detroit & Mackinac Railway.
If this video helps you out, remember to hit me up with a “Like” and “Subscribe”.
▶︎ Production
Editing Software: Final Cut Pro X Version 10.6.4 on an iMacOS Monterey Version 12.6
Artwork & Titles: Adobe Photoshop
Cameras: iPhone 11 Pro • Canon T6i • GoPro Max
▶︎ Train Room Gary • Production / Detroit, Michigan USA
▶︎ Some of the narration by: Train Room Pam
▶︎ Music in this video from: YouTube Audio Library
You're free to use these songs and monetize your video.
United States of America • Copyright Fair Use Act • Copyright Infringement NOT intended. For entertainment purposes only on YouTube
In this video we will be unboxing something cool and new for the layout.
▶︎ • Email from MENARDS about smoke issue on first startup.
We are aware of a potential issue with the wiring in our new Beta test non-powered locomotives. Some of the units emit puffs of smoke when track power is applied the first time. We have tested several of these on our in house test track and all have continued to run and work as designed after the initial issue. After our testing we have come up with three potential options for the units.
1. If your unit works, keep it as is and continue to enjoy it.
2. Remove the roller pick-ups (one screw in each) and operate without lights. If you chose this option you can mail us the roller pick-ups and we will send you one of our in-stock train cars of your choice. Simply go to Menards.com/trains and pick one out. You will need to include your name, address, order #, and email address and choice of train car (make sure to tell us the SKU#) and send the roller pick-ups to:
2. Sell it for a $100 or $200 profit on eBay
Classic Toy Trains Magazine wrote a very nice review about the beta engine, along with potential electrical issues with the non-powered unit. The article can be found here • trains.com/ctt/news-reviews/reviews/menards-santa-fe-diesel-a-a-set-beta-4-0-test
We appreciate your patience as we continue to test and develop new items for our hobby. Thanks: Ray
▶︎ My Train Layout - Brief Specs
This layout is a shelf layout - 24 feet long with about 10 foot turnarounds on each end.
4 Mail Lines with 7 sidings,
Track: Tubular Track by K-Line Shadow Rail on a cork road bed. (No longer in production)
Lionel and K-line 0 Gauge Switches
Main Transformer: Lionel ZW-L with 4 180W Powerhouse Bricks
Second Transformer: Lionel CW 80
Control Systems: Lionel Cab 1 • Lionel Universal Remote • LionChief Plus Remotes
• Lionel’s Bluetooth APP • LVC Lionel Voice Control
• MTH DCS & Wi-Fi
▶︎ A little story about me: I am a retired shop teacher, I spent 36 years teaching Graphic Arts, Vocational Printing Trades, Photography along with extra duties like Drivers Education, & Yearbook Advisor.
I started teaching shop in the fall of 1974. We had seven full time shop teachers. (Industrial Education)
Auto Shop
Construction • Built A House
Drafting, Mechanical & Architectural
Graphic Arts
Small Engines • Marine & Lawn
Metal Shop
Wood Shop
In the late 90’s Industrial Education had to deal with new state guidelines called: Core Curriculum. This put a strong emphasis on the college prep program for all Michigan Students. Needless to say the students had no room in the school day for elective classes and this put Industrial Education out of business
I also took shop classes in High School. Mr. Pasternak and Mr. Mathers were my high school shop teachers and they got me started at Central Michigan University to become a Michigan Shop Teacher.
I would not want to be a high school student today. No shop classes.
▶︎ e- mail accepted at: trainroom@gmail.com
----------------------------------------------------------------
trainroomgary - All Rights Reserved 2011 - 2023
----------------------------------------------------------------
▶︎ Hi • Train Room Gary from The Detroit & Mackinac Railway.
If this video helps you out, remember to hit me up with a “Like” and “Subscribe”.
▶︎ Production
Editing Software: Final Cut Pro X Version 10.6.4 on an iMacOS Monterey Version 12.6
Artwork & Titles: Adobe Photoshop
Cameras: iPhone 11 Pro • Canon T6i • GoPro Max
▶︎ Train Room Gary • Production / Detroit, Michigan USA
▶︎ Some of the narration by: Train Room Pam
▶︎ Music in this video from: YouTube Audio Library
You're free to use these songs and monetize your video.
United States of America • Copyright Fair Use Act • Copyright Infringement NOT intended. For entertainment purposes only on YouTube
