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 Posted - August 31 2013 : 7:06:01 PM
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I am sure many of you know that since I started out with Life-Like, I used to use their Power-Loc track for the majority of my layout. Now, only a bit of it is Power-Loc (the rest is mostly Atlas snap-track and True Track), but I still know a good use for it. There's a tip in the 12th edition of Life-Like's "Basics for Beginners" (those 32-page booklets that would usually come with their train sets featuring various tips and hints on the hobby) that recommends this:
"A grand layout with plenty of hills, tunnels and slopes can be trouble for a new locomotive. To make sure that diesel can handle your track plan, break it in on an oval of Power-Loc track first. Hang an assembled oval on the wall by your layout and when you need to run the new engine, simply sit it on the floor and plug in the power pack. In no time that loco will be running circles around your railroad town."
(Submitted by Claude Mdedaris, El Cajon, CA)
Now, my layout doesn't have hills or anything like that, but I find that to be a good idea. This is what I typically do for breaking in new locomotives (run it ten minutes forward, ten minutes backward, all at half-speed), as shown here:
Though I am not sure how long I'll be continuing this method, as my mom recommended I could probably get a small piece of plywood, permanently attach a 45x36" oval of conventional snap-track to it (and maybe a power pack as well), and sort of set up the plywood so I could rest it on its side and cover it up when not in use. (Hmm, could the TycoScene layout board also come in handy for this?)
Just a handy tip. This should also work with E-Z track too, though it isn't as "strong" staying together as Power-Loc is.
Plus once I retire this method, I will still keep the Power-Loc track handy for any other times I may need it.
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Member Since: January 03 2013 ~
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Posted - August 31 2013 : 7:43:43 PM
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Great idea! I actually acquired the Power-Lok track some years ago, and use it also for testing trains. I even went further, as I wanted to see if it could be made more "realistic" by painting the roadbed gray. I found some special textured paint which simulates multi-colored gravel ( at Wal-mart ) and painted enough to make a circle of track. Turned out really well!
Jerry
  
" When life throws you bananas...it's easy to slip up"
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Member Since: January 04 2009 ~
Last Visit: January 11 2019
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Posted - August 31 2013 : 8:05:04 PM
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That looks pretty good!
Walthers could take a cue from that. Unfortunately they discontinued their nickel-silver Power-Loc track apparently. Too bad too, because I like nickel-silver better than steel.
I did also use a tie-weathering marker from Woodland Scenics on my nickel-silver Power-Loc adapter sections (With gray roadbed)...
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Country: USA ~
Posts: 599 ~
Member Since: January 03 2013 ~
Last Visit: February 14 2026
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