I hear alot of people saying that Life-Like engines are becoming quite nice? I don't have any as I only buy Kato or Atlas! We do need a third competetor to get the more kinds of units we need! Don't get me wrong, in the 14 years I've modeled N Scale, we have seen a tremendous jump in variety. I think if there was another competetor, that we might get the models we eagerly await. Instead of us waiting the manufacturers would be trying to be the first to make it! Please give your opinion. Thanks and God Bless! Dave
I have many Life-like engines. I think the quality is great for the price. Good value! ------------------ Mike Drzycimski Arlington, TX www.crosswinds.net/~mdrzycimski
I have a GP38, which is not that good, but recently purchased a GP20. If the wheels are kept clean, it runs very well indeed, even for switching duties. My friend bought a PA1 and this is great, due to the fact that it is a wide body unit, so has more weight. The new Lifelike models are using the tried and tested chassis design - cast metal, split frame, etc like Atlas/Kato, and are very good value for money. Let's hope they produce some of the models we are crying out for Alan galleryusarail_tehcaj.homestead.com/
I have a number of Life Like engines. A couple of E8/9's which are older and so, so. But, the new PA's are quite good. The detail is comparable to Con-Cor's model and it runs well too. In fact it has a lower gear ratio, so you don't get the unprotypical 150 MPH at full throttle. Can't comapre to Kato as I don't own one. ------------------ royds
If the GP20's are anything to go by I beleive Life like could become the 3rd great manufacturer of N scale locomotives. It would be nice to be able to have such great models at affordable prices.http://members.optusnet.com.au/~pcassar/index
In a few short years, Life-Like has come a long way. I think you're right, they may become the #3 or higher choice of N scalers. I believe they are the "Athern" of N scale. I just hope they never fall into the "pre-order" mindset. They are a great value at this time, although we are now beginning to see price bracket "creep". ------------------ Specify SOO! [This message has been edited by SOOperSOO (edited 25 March 2000).]
Hey Guy's Here is a little tip to make those Life-Like GP-20'S run better. I take Atlas GP truck's and use them instead.They fit snugly but make the 20 run much better. [This message has been edited by ROYAL BLUE (edited 02 April 2000).]
King Blue is right! I've seen his converstions run, and DO THEY RUN! Good to see you chime in Royal Blue! How's the LL GP18 Project coming? ------------------ MAX-RAILROADER
My LL GP20 was a bit indifferent on current collection, so i took the trucks apart, and found that the metal strip that contacts the pin-point axle ends was not touching both at once. So a little bend, and hey presto! superb running ------------------ Alan www.ac-models.com http://Andersley.homestead.com http://galleryusarail_tehcaj.homestead.com http://eurogallery.homestead.com [This message has been edited by Alan (edited 03 April 2000).]
THE LL GP-18 PROJECT IS COMING ALONG FINE.THE ATLAS GP-7 CHASSIE WILL FIT WITH A LITTLE MODIFICATION.I HAVE ALSO MADE R.I. LOW NOSED GP-7'S BY TAKING THE LONG HOOD OFF THE ATLAS UNIT AND MATING IT TO THE LL GP-20.IT FIT LIKE A GLOVE!!!!!I'LL HAVE THESE PAINTED AND READY FOR GALESBURG.LONG LIVE THE ROCK!!!!!!!! <BLOCKQUOTE>quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by Maxwell Plant: King Blue is right! I've seen his converstions run, and DO THEY RUN! Good to see you chime in Royal Blue! How's the LL GP18 Project coming? <HR></BLOCKQUOTE>
Royal Blue, In regards to your Rock Island GP/7 project, if it is indeed ready for the Galesburg Railroad Days Model Railroad and Railroadiana Show, would you consider displaying it with some other Rock models at the Rock Island Technical Society Display? There are several modelers in O scale and HO that are going to show there stuff, would sure like to have something from the "land of the little people". Harry M Grossman Director Carl Sandburg College Galesburg Railroad Days Train Show
Hey, What I must say about the LL N scale engines that have been coming out latelly is basically the same as what other people have to say, but there is one thing left to say. THE PRICE!!! It is gotten to the point where Kato is 75% more than LL, but I frankley prefer the stuff coming out from LL! BC Rail King ------------------ Have a good day, //BC Rail King
When my wife bought herself a LL SW1200, yes I said my wife, I thought, "how cute" and went back to my Atlas SD60. Then I saw her engine switch without any stuttering, and the detail was just as good as my Atlas! We bought a SF and BN GP-20 and think they run great! I can't wait to see those LL E6s! Hey Royal Blue, you get your Rock done, and I'll get my I&M Railink chop nose SD9 done, it's a LL too! See ya in Galesburg!
No problem,I'd be more than happy to show what can be done in N scale.There will be plenty of ROCK at the show!!All with the complements of the NTNB! GO ROCK!!! <BLOCKQUOTE>quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by LittleGiant: Royal Blue, In regards to your Rock Island GP/7 project, if it is indeed ready for the Galesburg Railroad Days Model Railroad and Railroadiana Show, would you consider displaying it with some other Rock models at the Rock Island Technical Society Display? There are several modelers in O scale and HO that are going to show there stuff, would sure like to have something from the "land of the little people". Harry M Grossman Director Carl Sandburg College Galesburg Railroad Days Train Show <HR></BLOCKQUOTE>
I've had nothing but good luck with Life Like's products. After getting back into the hobby about 5 years ago, I bought an SD7/9 and a few F7s. The Fs are not the newer design, but they're reliable. I love my SDs - I have 6 of them. I also am very happy with the E7 and E8 I have. The split chassis/flywheel makes them as good as Kato or Atlas, in my book. They're quiet, powerful, and a whole lot better priced than the other two. The prices of Atlas and Kato are getting a little too much for me. I hope Life Like continues their growth in the N scale market. I hope their products continue to win converts. Sometimes, it seems to me, people like to brag they have X number of Katos or Atlas. Big deal - I can get 3 or 4 Life Like for what they paid for 2 Atlas or Kato. Just my opinion...... Bob in Medford, Ma.
I agree that LL has come along way . BUT they are only doing one N scale project this year, the E6. Supposedly they will do FA's in early 2001. But another player is comming back on the scene. Model Power has announced they will do the Baldwin Sharknose, an FP45 and I think an FP7. Supposedly these will be all new models and will be done in China at the same factory as the Atlas and LL models. Hopefully they will be on the same level as the LL engines. On another front Kato has listed 6 N scale projects for 2000 but only 1 HO. Makes you wonder about the HO market. Maybe too crowded?
You could be right, Inkaneer. Check out the posts on the HO and N forums. N scale is buzzing ------------------ Alan www.ac-models.com http://Andersley.homestead.com http://galleryusarail_tehcaj.homestead.com http://eurogallery.homestead.com
I just received my LL GP-20 in the mail. Popped the shell and it looks like it was made at the same factory that the Atlas loco's from China are made. If not, its a darn good copy! ------------------ Robert Ray The NP & UP N-Scale Railroad
Being that I am jumping back into the hobby after 13 years and from HO, I have a strong preferance with Atlas. Their HO models from long ago were the top dog in the HO world. However, after the tons of reading the last three months, I must say the Kato appears to be the top dog. It appears on the detail side that there is more time and attention spent than that of Atlas. Also, Kato has an awesome reputation. LL used be a couple of nothces above Tyco (PUKE) 13 years ago! However, any time you start installing dual flywheels, you are going to improve performance. I think that is how Atheran made their stand in the HO world. Their quality was no way close to Atlas but nevertheless, the performance was good and the price was cheap. I am planning on buying some GP 20's and a GP18 to convert over to DCC. I think LL could very well be the next Atheran, if they produce more. Sorry for the novel.
Right now, the only LL's that are flywheel drive are the E's, SW1200, SD7/9 and the GP20. It sounds like they may be getting ready to go back and put the new drive into the FA-2. That's great news! I hope they re-drive all their old loco's with the new drive, which would include: BL-2, GP38-2, F40PH, and F7/9. I feel that we really don't need another F3-9 unit on the market, but they should redo all their loco's and the F7/9 is one of them. Speaking of F unit's, I took my Bachmann Plus F7 ABBA's out of the box at Urbana for the first time in about a year. It took a while for them to loosen up (about 15-20 seconds) and then they ran like the smooth running work-horses they're supposed to be, FLAWLESS! But back to the subject at hand. Atlas is so darn scared of Kato, they won't release anything Kato has done or will do. I think this is stupid! It's called free enterprise so why be afraid of your competitor? I feel it's all part of the "Limited Production" BS. It's their way of keeping the prices high. I don't see how the cost of the tooling could be that high if it's being done in China or Japan. ------------------ RAILROADING-TO-THE-MAX! Brent Tidaback
