Life-like power-loc track

[Anonymous]

My wife gave me an assortment of model railroad track and stock recently. The track is Life-like's Power-Loc. While I don't have space for actually laying down a layout the speed and mobility of the Power-Loc track is quite appealing to me...the problem: Price. She has given me what they call "expansion packs", that contain powered turnouts, spare track etc. They don't contain enough track to really make a decent setup. I visited Life-Like's website, and found there bulk track listings (though they don't tell you how many sections come to a package). The 9" straights were listed at about $4.50 a package (does anyone know if that contains more than one section). Also, no one seems to carry Life-Like's track or trainsets (probably a cheaper method to get a complete loop of track) where I live, and the pricing is much higher than what I can get in the way of Bachmann sets (using the same EZ track design) or even Athearn's snap track, when I can actually find it. I doubt either of these is compatiable w/Life-Like's Power-Loc. In short, what do you all think of this product. Should I continue using it, and bite the bullet on the price (has anyone else used it, purchased it???)? Or should I switch over to a different manufacturer such as Bachmann or Atlas that make there own types of snap-track? Let me know what you think...

[Anonymous]

I think the power lock track is great for beginers, or something to set up around the christmas tree. But..... it isn't really that great for getting a serious layout going. I don't think it looks very realistic, and it is extremely expensive. If you are just beginning, I would use Atlas track, (the stuff without the plastic roadbed) or, if you want to try flex track (be careful, it can get tricky) , I would roccomend Micro Engineering Company track (available through walthers). It all depends on how comfortable you feel with your modeling skills.

[Anonymous]

Justin, I agree with Jamie. Flex track is the best way to go.(unless you want to try handlaying track. A lot of people get a lot of satifaction from handlaying their own track. I've never done it myself but it has interested me but it does sound difficult.) Flex track is well named for not only does it flex around curves it is flexable so that you can cut and fit it into the space you need. Also flex track comes in different rail sizes so it better represents the prototype. True it is harder to get right but there are plenty of articles in MR and other model railroad magazines to help you through the process. Have fun!

[Anonymous]

There are a couple of things you need to think about:
1. Are you using steel or nickel silver track - Most train sets come with steel track which is less conductive and requires more cleaining. So buying trainsets is a cheaper way of acquiring track but it will generally be of lower quality (i.e. steel).

2. You don't have to stay with the Life-like track. They make transition pieces that transform the end of the lifelike track from that zigzag shape to a flat butted end which you can then connect to bachman ez track (by snapping of the tabs on the bachman track) or atlas snap track which is much cheaper. If you use atlas track you will have to bring it up to the height of the liflike track by using some sort of road bed - I recommend ami instant roadbed (in two layers.

As for the prices of the lifelike track I'm sure the packs are multiple pieces of track - probably 4 or 6 straight sections. Look at the suggestions I made and then go to your local hobby shop and tell them what your considering.