Circus Trains

Life-Like 1974 Circus Train Set

Big Top Special Train Set (#08151)

Pictured above from its appearance in the 1974 Life-Like catalog, this train set included the company's Circus Train items in one package. A Baltimore & Ohio Pacific 4-6-2 Steam Engine is shown as the power provided in this set which retailed for $60 in the mid-'70s. In addition to the three flat cars with various circus items, the Big Top Special also had the Lighted Circus Performers Car, working Searchlight Car, and red Caboose that carried "Like Like Combined Shows" on its side in white letters.

Circus Passenger Car

Lighted Circus Performers Car

(No.T585)

(No.08585)

This car is listed by Life-Like in a 1973 price guide as the Circus Combo Passenger Car and sold then for $3.50.

Life-Like Circus Car with Handpainted Animals

Circus Car with Handpainted Animals

(No.T580)
(No.08580)

This example from Life-Like's Circus Car series was the first one in the company's offerings and dates to 1970. The Life-Like Circus line expands around 1973 to include the other variations to the flat car and circus load themed release. This car's retail was $3 in 1970 and it was simply called a Circus Car.

Tableau Car and Dog Wagon

Tableau Car and Dog Wagon

(No.T586)

(No.08586)

Band Wagon with Tractor

Five Graces Band Wagon with Tractor

(No.T587)

(No.08587)

This car sold for $3.50 according to a 1973 Life-Like price list. The stock number switches from the one leading with a "T" to the one leading with a zero in 1974.

Life-Like's unique line of HO-Scale Circus items included a group of individually available accessories:

Circus Cage (#01801)

Tableau Wagon (#01802)

Band Wagon (#01803)

Dog Wagon (#01804)

Tractor & Driver (#01805)

Circus Car Wheels -6 Sets (#01806)

Life-Like Circus Accessories display from '75