Origins of Life-Like: From Plastics to Model Trains

Life-Like Products /trainsandtoysoldiers.com/life-like/, originally known as Lifoam Industries, was founded in 1950 by Lou and Elliot Handler, the same team who later founded Mattel. Initially, the company focused on producing foam ice chests and other plastic products. However, in the early 1960s, Life-Like shifted its focus towards the burgeoning hobby industry, where it found a new niche in model railroading.

Life-Like entered the model train market in the 1960s by acquiring the rights to Varney, a well-known manufacturer of model train kits. Varney had been a respected name in the hobby, known for its detailed kits and components. This acquisition allowed Life-Like to quickly establish itself in the model train industry by leveraging Varney’s designs and reputation. The company rebranded many of Varney’s products under the Life-Like name, introducing them to a broader audience and helping to democratize the hobby by offering affordable, ready-to-run (RTR) models.

Expansion into HO Scale: Making the Hobby Accessible

Life-Like's foray into HO scale model trains marked a significant turning point in its history. HO scale, with its 1:87 ratio, had become one of the most popular scales in model railroading due to its balance between detail and space requirements. Recognizing this trend, Life-Like began producing a wide range of HO scale trains, including locomotives, freight cars, passenger cars, and track components.

One of the key aspects of Life-Like’s approach was affordability. At a time when many model trains were considered luxury items, Life-Like offered products at a price point that made them accessible to a wider audience, including children and beginners. This strategy proved successful, as it helped introduce countless new enthusiasts to the hobby, many of whom would later become lifelong model railroaders.

Life-Like’s HO scale trains were designed to be user-friendly, with most models being RTR, requiring little to no assembly. This was particularly appealing to newcomers who might be intimidated by more complex kits. Despite their affordability, Life-Like trains were known for their decent quality and durability, making them a popular choice for those starting out in the hobby.

Innovations and Product Lines: A Commitment to Quality

Throughout the 1970s and 1980s, Life-Like continued to expand its product offerings, introducing several innovations that set it apart from competitors. The company began to focus more on improving the quality and detail of its models, while still maintaining affordability.

1. Proto 2000 Series

One of Life-Like’s most significant contributions to the model railroading industry was the introduction of the Proto 2000 series in the 1980s. This line of HO scale models represented a major leap forward in terms of detail, accuracy, and performance. The Proto 2000 series was aimed at more serious hobbyists who demanded higher fidelity and realism in their models.

The locomotives and rolling stock in the Proto 2000 series featured finely molded details, accurate paint schemes, and smooth-running mechanisms. These models were also equipped with advanced features such as factory-installed knuckle couplers, metal wheels, and heavy die-cast frames for better weight and tracking. The Proto 2000 series was well-received by the hobby community, earning Life-Like a reputation for producing high-quality models that could compete with more established brands.

2. SceneMaster Accessories

In addition to its trains, Life-Like also made significant contributions to the world of layout building with its SceneMaster line of accessories. This product line included a wide variety of buildings, scenery items, and figures, allowing modelers to create realistic and immersive layouts. The SceneMaster series was particularly popular among beginners and intermediate hobbyists, as it offered a simple way to enhance the realism of their layouts without requiring extensive modeling skills.

The SceneMaster buildings were typically snap-together kits, making them easy to assemble, even for those new to the hobby. Despite their simplicity, these kits were well-detailed and could be further customized by more experienced modelers. The range of accessories included everything from trees and shrubs to vehicles and people, providing modelers with the tools they needed to bring their layouts to life.

Life-Like in the 1990s and Beyond: Adapting to a Changing Market

The 1990s brought about significant changes in the model railroading industry, and Life-Like had to adapt to remain competitive. The company continued to innovate, improving the quality of its products while also expanding its offerings to appeal to a broader range of hobbyists.

During this period, Life-Like introduced more technologically advanced features in its models, including factory-installed Digital Command Control (DCC) systems in some of its locomotives. DCC allowed hobbyists to control multiple trains on the same track independently, adding a new level of realism and operational complexity to their layouts. This move demonstrated Life-Like’s commitment to staying at the forefront of the hobby industry, catering to the needs of more advanced modelers while still offering entry-level products for beginners.

In 1996, Life-Like made another significant leap forward by introducing the Proto 1000 series. While the Proto 1000 models were not as detailed as the Proto 2000 series, they still offered a higher level of quality than the company’s standard lines. The Proto 1000 series was designed to bridge the gap between entry-level and high-end models, providing hobbyists with a cost-effective option that still delivered solid performance and respectable detail.

Walthers Acquisition: A New Chapter for Life-Like

In 2005, Wm. K. Walthers, Inc., one of the most respected names in the model railroading industry, acquired Life-Like’s model train division. This acquisition marked a new chapter in the Life-Like story, as Walthers sought to integrate Life-Like’s product lines into its own extensive catalog.

Walthers, known for its commitment to quality and innovation, continued to produce many of Life-Like’s popular models, including the Proto 2000 and Proto 1000 series. The acquisition allowed Walthers to expand its own product offerings, while also benefiting from Life-Like’s established brand recognition and loyal customer base.

Under Walthers’ ownership, Life-Like’s products continued to evolve, with improvements in detail, performance, and technology. The Proto series, in particular, remained a cornerstone of the Walthers catalog, appealing to hobbyists who sought high-quality models with a strong focus on realism. Walthers also continued to offer Life-Like’s SceneMaster line, ensuring that modelers had access to a wide range of accessories and scenery items to enhance their layouts.

Legacy and Impact on the Hobby

Life-Like’s legacy in the model railroading industry is significant, as the company played a crucial role in popularizing the hobby and making it more accessible to a broader audience. By offering affordable, high-quality HO scale trains, Life-Like helped introduce countless individuals to the joys of model railroading, many of whom have continued to pursue the hobby throughout their lives.

The introduction of the Proto 2000 series was a watershed moment for the company, as it demonstrated that Life-Like was capable of producing models that could compete with the best in the industry. The success of the Proto 2000 and Proto 1000 series solidified Life-Like’s reputation as a manufacturer that could deliver both quality and value.

Life-Like’s emphasis on user-friendly products, from ready-to-run trains to snap-together building kits, helped lower the barriers to entry for new hobbyists. The company’s products were designed to be approachable, making it easier for beginners to get started and build their skills. At the same time, Life-Like’s more advanced offerings ensured that experienced modelers could find products that met their high standards.

Conclusion: A Lasting Influence

Today, Life-Like’s influence can still be felt in the model railroading community, particularly through the continued production of its Proto series models under the Walthers brand. The company’s commitment to affordability, quality, and innovation has left a lasting mark on the hobby, and its products remain cherished by collectors and hobbyists alike.

While the name Life-Like may no longer be as prominent as it once was, its contributions to the model railroading industry are undeniable. By making the hobby more accessible and enjoyable for generations of enthusiasts, Life-Like has secured its place in the history of model railroading, and its legacy continues to inspire new hobbyists to explore the world of trains.

The journey of Life-Like HO trains is a testament to the enduring appeal of model railroading and the importance of innovation, quality, and accessibility in fostering a love for this timeless hobby.