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.

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.

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.