There's rumors flying around that LifeLike might be getting out of the model biz... Anybody else hear anything? I'm hoping it is just a rumor... After the SW1200, I've always thought we had many switchers to look forward to in the future from them, including a SW1500, which is greatly needed and would sell like hotcakes I would think. Their last few locos have been great in my opinion. Dave D. Los Angeles, CA -Rail Radio Online-Home of the "TrainTenna" RR Monitoring Antenna- http://eje.railfan.net/railradioonline ------------------------------------------------- -The Elgin, Joliet & Eastern Photo Archive & E-Mail List- http://eje.railfan.net ------------------------------------------------- -The Ashley, Drew & Northern Railfan Page- http://eje.railfan.net/adn ------------------------------------------------- -Southern California Trains- http://eje.railfan.net/socal -------------------------------------------------
I hardly think that is the case. I am not ruling out corporate reorganizations/realignments; but the LifeLike train line is pretty secure for a number of reasons......probably more so than a lot of other manufacturers. Charlie
I cannot speak for LifeLike but here is my reply to a similar question about their line of Proto 2000 (P2K) HO freight cars rumored to be phased out soon. ===== From: "dondia_85710" Date: Sun Sep 22, 2002 8:03 pm Subject: Re: P2K rolling stock..no more? --- In MFCL Fred Dabney wrote: Hmmm. Wasn't Life Like bought by a company with no interest in the model side of the business not long ago? ===== Fred and list Have not kept up with all the ins and outs of the business side of the hobby since leaving ConCor's Tucson assembly plant (88-93 and 95-98) Under the present structure of LifeLike (at least what they choose to display on their webpage), is the real money-maker for the company -- LIFOAM ===== http://www.lifelikeproducts.com/lifoam/foamopen.htm http://www.lifelikeproducts.com/lifoam/industrial/home.shtml ===== AFAIK all the major players in the model RR industry are privately held (not listed on the various stock markets). Of these, AFAIK LifeLike is the only one with a major revenue stream not related at all to our hobby. Inasmuch as privately held corporations are not required to file financial reports with the SEC, their earnings reports are not available to the general public. IMHO if LifeLike can keep 6 foam production plants running 24/7 to satisfy the need for beer coolers and other foam products, then that division probably generates most of the company's revenues. Corporate divisions or cost centers are expected to carry their own weight. Of course top management can move funds around within the corporation to cover major expenditures (read: tooling costs for new models). If sales of P2K freight cars have been lower than expected then a decision to reduce or eliminate this part of their product line makes good business sense to me. Just my .02 worth
The present owners of LifeLike have a considerable interest in the train side of the business... Rumors in the Hobby Industry are rampant; the only strange thing about these are that they usually happen right around the NMRA, RICHTA, Nuremburg Toy Fair or New York Toy Fair. Perhaps the fact that LifeLike seems to be in between major releases is the cause- they didn't have too much on display at the RICHTA show..... but they have projects "in the hopper" that have been over two years in the making (HO NKP, C&O, PM and RF&P Berkshires) and no doubt have some that are two or three years away from hitting the hobby shops... such is the nature of the business. Charlie
In my opinion, Life-Like has improved their products greatly. Knowing how long it takes to design, perfect, and develop any one product assembly, I am inclined to allow them some more time, before making any criticism. Junk can be assembled over-night, but craftsmanship is governed by perfection. My motto is: "I'm always prompt, no matter how long it takes!"
I hope they stick around. I have two of their SD-7/9's and I think the detail is much better than the 1990 Atlas models. They operate at very low speeds and have enough pulling power for my needs. My only complain is that they are a bit noisy.
Since the coming of their SD7/9, LL locomotive offerings have been very good. And seem to have been well received by the public. It would be quite a blow to see them pull out of this market. I hope that the rumor remains a rumor. BoxcabE50
right, Life-Like did some great improvements on their models. I even tend to put them on the same level than Atlas models. Too bad they don't care for DCC-ready models.
Lifelike did a great job on the Erie release. MT coupler change out was very easy and quick. Runs very good too. If only MT or IM FT's could run as well? It would be a shame if LLK were to pull out of N Scale or reduce their future releases. They have come a long way and it would be a shame to lose them now. Though they have to address the DCC question. Jeff Shriver
I too find it hard to believe that LL would just pull out of N-scale. But stranger things have happened, and I know that "business decisions" don't always seem logical to those who don't know what's going on behind the curtain. My small loco fleet is anchored by LL, and I hope to acquire at least two more. They have a great line-up of loco's in N&W (GP18, SD7, GP20, SW9) My only complaint (albeit irrelevant for me at present) is that their loco's are not DCC friendly. So if anyone from LL is lurking, your're doing a great job in N-scale! Please stay, or people like me with modest MRR budgets may have no alternatives.
As much as I like my two LL SD-7/9's , my Atlas SD-35 is a better runner. It's quieter and runs better at slow speeds. Also, some of the lettering has rubbed off the nose of the LL. I have modified the plastic in the jewel case so it won't do any more damage. But, considering I paid $25 bucks a piece for the LL's, I can't complain.
