Morton Salt Factory structure from Menards

O GAUGE MORTON SALT FACTORY FROM MENARDS

Price: $99.99 (no. 279-3847) Footprint: Approximately 10½ x 11 inches and 15½ inches tall Features: Fully assembled, worker and dog figures, two large Morton Salt flashing lights, rooftop warning lights, and security and interior lighting (power supply not included)

If you turned back the clock 10 or 15 years and asked me to draw up a list of industrial structures that would be made for O gauge, I’d never have written down, “salt plant.” So when I opened the box and saw the Morton Salt factory, I was blown away – in part because while I recognized the brand, I still wondered, “What the heck is this?” The dimensions and detailing of the new model from Menards left me thinking, “I have to find a place for this … whatever it does.”

The arrival of the Morton Salt factory from the Menards home-improvement chain establishes a new expectation by hobbyists for large industrial structures. They must have a compact footprint, a unique design, and an amazing array of safety and security lighting.

This structure similar to the massive American Power & Light building from Menards. Both tall models have a modest footprint and an open bay to run trains through (or park for loading) in their core.

Three things that make this factory stand out are the “plug-in side” control room or office; wonderful network of yellow steps, decks, and ladders surrounding the structure; and two animated Morton Salt signs above the rail entrances. They are instantly recognizable, and the visual impact is pretty darned good.

The building is designed for drive-through rail loading and has an approximate footprint of 10½ x 11 inches, and it measures about 15½ inches tall.

The base has greenery installed. You’ll find workers wearing high-visibility gear around the structure. Oh yes, Jack the German Shepherd is parked at a strategic point to receive pets from the workers.

If you’re concerned about a rise in your track when you feed it over the base, you can approach it in two ways. Either cut the base out in the throughway so the track is on top of the tabletop, or cut a section of longer track and remove the ties that will be on the base (remember to leave ties on the end entering the loading area).

Exterior security and interior lights give the structure a neat appearance in dim light. As mentioned, two large Morton Salt signs flash and have chase lighting for the grains of salt falling from the saltbox. And don’t forget the red safety beacons on top of the building.

This is truly a structure unlike any other available O gauge building, whether ready-made or in kit form. The shape, color, and external detailing will make you ponder acquiring it even if you are on a low-sodium diet!