Life Like Power Loc track system question?

[Anonymous]

[:D] I'm putting together a HO train set for my 8 year old son and would like to know if this Life Like Power Loc track system is any good and should I invest in it for the track system. I have decided not to get a pre packaged train set with the standard equipment, but to instead pay a little more and get better items. I started with the MRC Tech 4 Model 260 with 20VA and MOME Train Controller for the power. Then I picked out a Diesel Locomotives from Model Power, Model Power F-7A Metal Santa Fe HO. I picked this one because its not plastic. then I got some box cars, tankers and a Caboose. Now for the track system I thought I would try out this Life-Like Power-Loc track. If you have any insight on the track, please let me know. Thanks for your time everyone![:D]

[bcammack]

I think that the LL Power-loc and the Bachmann EZ-Track is pretty equivalent in quality (adequate/good). Kato Unitrack is really superior stuff, but is commensurately more expensive than either of the domestic brands. In HO, Atlas has their own plastic roadbed track system.

[Anonymous]

Thanks Brett. When I was running my layout way back when, I used the conventional track that you needed Rail Joiners and it was good for me.

[Anonymous]

I'm a flex track guy...but I used the LL power loc track for my Christmas village scene...it is fairly sturdy and cheap stuff....I used the 22" radii. I think as long as an adult/teenager sets it up it should work out fine....

[Anonymous]

Don711,

In my opinion, the LL track has given me the best service for a kids layout, that is not necessarily permanent and must be picked up, dismantled, moved, etc. from time to time. I have found the track connections to be the most rigid of all of the sectional track systems. A 44" 180 degree bend can be picked up in the middle and carried off for storage. I hang them on the wall when the kids are done with them. The Bachmann, Roco, or Kato track is not rigid enough to do that without falling apart at the joiners with bending occuring at the joint.. Another point to consider is ease-of-connection for young hands. My four-year-old can and does, easily snap the LL Powr-Lok track together without help from me. He has problems with the Bachmann and Kato track because they use joiners, and they test his patience, and my eyesight. So for a kid's layout, that's not bolted down, I would certainly give the LL track serious consideration. It has performed well and I have had very little in the way of trouble with continuity at their unique connectors. The only other thing I might suggest is to pay a little extra for the nickel silver track with the gray base instead of the steel track on the black base. The steel needs more frequent cleaning with a Brite-Boy than the nickel.