[chickenrail]

Have a life like with about 50 hrs. From the search's I need to get something better before I start to build. Are there sets decent for 200 to 300 or am I better off to piece things together?

 

[TulsaFlyer]

Does your Life-Like set still work? If so, why would you need something better to start a layout?
I've rounded up several Life-Like sets recently and they work just fine.
Granted, they don't compare to the newer high dollar stuff, but they work just fine.


Jody

 

[chickenrail]

did you change out the plastic couplers that won't stay?
If you changed the plastic wheels for metal where can I get instruction on mounting the other type and what is the best type?

 

[tkruger]

I found the main issue I had with Life Like rolling stock performance wise was that it was to light. It would derail more often for this reason. I placed loads in the cars that hid nuts etc to add weight. Cosmetically I do not think they are as well detailed.

 

[chickenrail]

Did you change out the couplers from the plastic ones? I'd much rather have metal wheels just due to my pickiness as well. What might work as a brand or how do I find out?.

 

[TulsaFlyer]

I personally haven't had any problems with the couplers and wheels.
Although I can see where metal wheels would be much better.
I just haven't come across the need to replace any yet.



Jody

 

[glgraphix]

The Proto 2000 metal wheel set work well with a little work for the LL or Tyco rolling stock. They are probably the most cost effective also.
Weighting them helps a lot. As far as couplers, Kadees are best, but for the LL ones, the Bachmann MarkII's with the springs work good, and are much cheaper and can be easily added.

Kevin

 

[stationmaster]

Are we talking "Life Like", or are we talking Life Like(now owned by Walthers) Proto 1000 and Proto 2000? Completely different animals here.

I'm going to assume that we are talking the basic Life Like entry level sets and such.

First off, many companies make these sets, Bachman, Tyco, Life Like. They are meant to be used as an "introductory" set for ages 10 and up to adult. I would hate to spend big bucks on something to find out that it just wasn't for me. This is not a bad thing at all.

The bad, if you wish to use the term, is that the detail is weak and the use of Talgo trucks(couplers attached to the trucks). Again not a bad thing but such does have its drawbacks. Weak detail and painting makes the cars and engines look like toys at times. And the Talgo trucks, while minimizing derailments, has its limits when negotiating tight radius turns or traveling in directions other than forward. It is near impossible to back a car down a set of switches to be spotted at the local industry when it is equipped with Talgo trucks.

But, for the intent and purpose of these lower priced sets and cars, it is good to know that if the hobby is not for you, you haven't invested your retirement fund. And there are those that collect these sets.

I started out with Athearn Blue Box. And I have pretty much stayed with them until the "wizards" at Athearn ceased manufacturing them. I do have other kits like Roundhouse, Varney, Globe, Accurail..... the list can go on and on. I guess I was lucky to start in this hobby when I did.

Bob

 

[randall_l]

It really depends on how much you want to spend and how involved you want to get.

If you want a prototypical layout, it might be better to relegate the Life Like set to Christmas tree duty--as I've done with the Model Power set I bought when I moved out west (From Ontario to BC) a few years ago.

If you're not concerned about 'looking like the real thing' and just want a layout you (and your children--if you have any) can just run and enjoy, It'll be a great start to your layout.

Cheers!
Randall