Life Like Locomotive parts

[Anonymous]

I am a new hobbyist. I have a basic Life Like train set with double ovals. I have two locomotives. Well both have problems. In one, the wheel set went bad, one wheel is cracked, on the other, the wheel set broke from its connector to the body.

I tried to salvage one of them by replacing parts. I succeeded, but when I put the fixed locomotive on the track, there was no power. I checked my connections, and again still no luck.

I took the locomotive to a hobby store, and had the wheel set check; it barely worked. Most of the time, the wheels did not rotate. So in other words it was basically shot.

The hobby store did not have replacement parts.
Here is my first question: does any one know where I might get replacement parts for Life Like locomotives? I need a link.

Secondly, is the Proto Life Like series much better than their starter series? Thirdly, without spending hundreds of dollars, which locomotive series would you recommend, i.e., which manufacturer, and series within that brand? I would like some suggestions. I would like to build a quality train set within a modest budget.

I have noticed with the Life Like locomotive, that it has trouble going around the track, it slows down, then picks up, even when it is not going up to a bridge. Would a more powerful locomotive not have this problem?
Thanks.

[jsoderq]

You have discovered the true value of "trainset" quality. Best bet - buy an Athearn loco new or used. Good runners great reliability and easy to fix.

[Anonymous]

WWW.Lifelikeproducts.com Proto 2000 is one of the best running line of engines available.There steam engines are exellent runners with unbelievable detail.I have had very good luck with P2k.Also there customer service is exellent.
http://www.lifelikeproducts.com/contact.htm

[ericboone]

I concur wih the previous responders. Basic department store Life-Like is cheap in price and quality. I wouldn't touch it. Life-Like Proto 1000 is decent stuff. Life-Like Proto 2000 is well detailed, accurate, and generally a good runner. I consider it top-of-the-line. Athearn is also good stuff, especially their Genesis line.
In general, the old saying applies, "You get what you pay for."

[Texas Zepher]

QUOTE: Originally posted by grgarza

I have a basic Life Like train set. I have two locomotives. Well both have problems. In one, the wheel set went bad, one wheel is cracked, on the other, the wheel set broke from its connector to the body.

The hobby store did not have replacement parts. Here is my first question: does any one know where I might get replacement parts for Life Like locomotives? I need a link.

You can write and ask them.
http://www.lifelikeproducts.com/contact.htm
But I question if fixing them is worth it, buy one that is better and decide for yourself. Perhaps a Proto 2000 S1 for $29.99?

QUOTE:
Secondly, is the Proto Life Like series much better than their starter series?

Absolutely, there is no comparison.

QUOTE:
Thirdly, without spending hundreds of dollars, which locomotive series would you recommend, i.e., which manufacturer, and series within that brand? I would like some suggestions. I would like to build a quality train set within a modest budget.

I can ditto what the other posters have already said. I have no problem recommending moderately priced standard Athearn, Proto 1000 and Proto 2000, and even Bachmann Spectrum. If you hunt around Protos can be purchased for right at $40. Or even better hunt up some swap meets in your area and try some used ones. I got a Stewart with Kato drive for $20!
http://www.trainworld1.com/lifelike/lifelike_proto.htm
http://www.trainworld1.com/pdfs/Life%20Like-H.O.%20Blowout%206-03.pdf]

[Anonymous]

I would definitely contact them I have an SW1200 that I bought on Ebay for the sole purpose of using it to bash into a Class A Climax loco. I screwed up the running boards which hold the metal wipers that pick up the power. I emailed them and asked about buying a replacement. I included my mailing adderss at the time of the request. I heard back shortly asking if I had a part number. I wrote back that I only had a number for the loco.

In the meantime, I fixed my screw-up and built my Climax. Since I didn't get another email about ordering the apart, I simply forgot about it. Several days later the part arrived in my mailbox.

I can't say enough about the customer service I received from LifeLike.

Wayne

[Anonymous]

I'd like to thank all of you for your suggestions. They've been very helpful.
Thanks and merry Christmas.

George

[msherbak11]

Does anyone have a listing of parts available from Life Like for thier GP7 and GP9 Geeps

Is the listing included with the locos available or is it hit and miss. I would like to get about 5 sets of handrails for the GP7/9 to install on the SW8 and sw1200 locomotives I have.

Mike Sherbak
Rincon GA

[jrbernier]

Mike,

IIRC, you might have to order the entire body shell to get the handrail sets.....

Jim Bernier