Hi everyone, I'm new here. I've been into Model Motoring from the mid 60's. I've been out of it for awhile. I've decided to get back into the hobby and am wondering where I can get the biggest bang for my buck on the new Tomy/Racemasters equiptment. I've checked out most of the on-line stores, only found one hobby shop in the area. I'm thinking about investing my tax return on; the Supper International, 4-Way Split, Giant Raceway, and the Long Beach. I plan to use my one car garage, thinking about 2-3 sheets (4X8)of plywood ( don't think one would sufice ) for a semi-permenant setup. Any suggestions?

HO, welcome!

Ironically, our family is here in Lafayette for our last night tonight... we're here for the birth of our adopted son on 1/17 at Home Hospital :thumbsup:, and headed back to NY in the morning.

Since we've been here a full week and have been hanging out in a hotel room (need to hang out until NY and IN give us the o.k. to head back home), I did a search yesterday morning for a hobby shop and / or track in the area. I did google searches, as well as checking out sites like Greg Braun's site (http://www.hoslotcarracing.com/), as well as many other slot car sites that would list tracks across the country. I think the nearest place is SDJ Raceway in Lebanon. Given that my wife would've been left to watch over the newborn and a 16-month-old, I would've felt terrible to endulge :freak:

Anyhow, Braun's site is a great resource for getting back into the swing of things.

Valongi,
Thanks for the reply. I took my boys (all 4) to the track in Lebanon years ago. It had 2 or 3 1/32 scale tracks & a 1/32 scale drag strip. Nothing in H.O., but that was over 5yrs. ago.
Would you suggest buying on-line (e-bay, or on-line hobby store or find a local area hobby shop. There is a hobby shop (RC Hobbies Plus) on Teal Rd. by the fair grounds. I stopped there the other day on my way home from work and talked to them. They can get anything listed on the Tower Hobbies web site at the same price, no shipping charge. $150 for the 4-lane International. Do you think that is a decent price?
Congrats on the new addition to your family!
Rich (H.O. racer)

Rich,

$150 for the Super International, jump on it. It's a fair price. You could spend too much time looking online to save pennies, and it won't be worth it in the end. You can support your local shop, build up a relationship with them and have instant gratification ;)

I won't preach, but it will always benefit you to be able to have someone to speak to locally. Their knowledge and help can be indispensible!

The guys on this site are great - interesting, friendly and knowledgeable. Huge plus in getting to see perspectives and pictures on layouts and other aspects of the hobby.

valongi,

I agree with you on supporting your local hobby shop. They will have to order it, but will have it within a few days. I'll be able to pick it up on my way home from work (not even out of the way). I think I'll get the 4-Way Split also 2-9" banked & 2-12" banked turns along with a full circle of 18" turns. Can't wait for my W-2.
I still have my MM track about 1.5 scale mi., had some pretty good 2 lane courses back then. A real pain to set up though. I never had any 12" 0r 15" radius turns. Vowed to myself next time I was going 4 lane with something other than just 9" turns or nothing. Looks like I'll have my chance soon.
Thanks again. Have a safe trip back to N.Y. Might be able to get some lap time in during those late night feeding, HA. Looked at your cars, nice Monza.

Rich

Rich,

I just got back into slots for the first time since the late 70's / early 80's when I was a kid. I picked up the Super International plus some additional 15" straights and built up the International 39 on a 4x8. It's a good layout for me, I love the technical aspects of it. I wanted to give the 4-lane layout a try since I'll have nephews over, and in time the kids will be racing with me. My only suggestion to you would be to check out the various layouts that would fit your style- straightaways / technical / combination... and run from there in selecting a track set and possible extra tracks.

I picked up the Monza on eBay a month ago, it was a car I owned when I was a kid. Chassis could use some cleaning up and I'll throw some better tires on it, but running that car and then running the Super G+ chassis cars = WOW!!! I don't know the last time you ran HO's, but the newer chassis' are unreal in speed and their sticking power to a track. Good luck with getting back in, it's a blast. Of course the internet is a great resource for finding cars from the past if that's going to be up your alley.

We got home about noon today (left Lafayette at 3 am, flew out of Chicago), and we are starched. Travelling with two kids - the 16 month old and the one-week old - is not for the faint of heart :freak:. I just had to make the time a few minutes ago to run some laps downstairs...

ps, our second Lafayette experience- we've spent a total of a few weeks in the area. Very nice people, the heartland of America is a fine place to experience.

Vince

Vince,
It's been a few weeks since we talked. How's your new son doing? Keeping you busy I expect.
A couple weeks ago I decided I could wait no longer, took the plunge, and bought the Long Beach set. The 18" radius turns are fast. I used the floor in my 8x10 bedroom. Not enough floor space to set up the layout on the box. I set up a large figure 8, 2 long straights and a large loop (L shape) with technical turns joining back up to the front straight. Man 50' of track is more than I remembered. What a blast! My body dosen't like crawling around on the floor like it used to. Can't wait to get the 4-lane International and the 4-Way Split and set up on a table and make a fairly big 4-lane layout.
Rich

Rich,

Luke's doing great, thanks for asking ;) He's treating us well- not fussy, sleeps great, and eats like a champ. He still can't close his hand around a controller, but for 6 weeks old what are you going to do...

Sounds like you're going to have a nice collection of track to put together with the three sets you'll have. Any idea what type of a layout you'll be looking at yet? Man, crawling around on the floor has to be killer on the knees and back!

Either way, hope you and the boys are having a blast with the set. 50' sounds fun!

hey h.o. racer i live in danville il about 45 miles from you i have a 4 lane track made from two super internationals and xtra straights. i also have a timing system and variable power supply. there is a local racing club here we have races every 2 weeks. the next race is this friday. go to our board and look at the tracks mine is JAYBO'S track! sign up if you like i am the moderator and will get you in quick.

http://z15.invisionfree.com/Sundowners_HO_Racers/index.php?http://s15.invisionfree.com/Sundowners_HO_Racers/index.php?

my web page = http://www.delvalleyspeedway.50megs.com/

sorry about the popups but its free! :thumbsup:

Sorry for not replying sooner. When I'm able, I'd love to come ove and race, if the invitation still holds. I have been dealing with acute financial problems lately (DIVORCE!) I've been working only 40 hour weeks so far this year and it takes all of it to pay child support, bills, and gas to get me through the week. This is the first year since my divorce I've had any extra money. I've sided my house. Now I'm checking into a new roof. I did manage to get my transportation road worthy for long trips. Are you planning on doing any racing this summer?

Ho Racer did you go to the Racemasters site yet? They have the older (box art) version of the Giant Raceway on clearance while supplies last for @ $89.00 !!

I've been wrapped up in my own world for awhile. I'm checking into putting on a new roof. I want to pitch it up to accomidate a walk-in attic (I think I'll be able to end up with a room aprox. 50' x 14', enough room for a HUGE slotcar track. Since my last post I've acculamated even more. To date; 4-Lane International, 4-Way Split, Long Beach, Giant Raceway, Big Block Battlers, Super Coups, and AFX Big D Stockers (exclusive Tower Hobbies), extra cars, and track. I have almost everything on my wish list to date. I'm looking for a layout that incorporates a semetrical type design that is split into a very long and fast section with an extreamly technical road course, for all practical purposes two 4-lane tracks combined into one humongas layout. I'll need the attic space. Awhile back I move the furnature away from the living room wall and set up a large 2-lane oval down the hallway (27' straights and 12" banked turns with 3' straights in between each section of turn). one power pack per lane. It was very fast. the cars were able to reach top end on the straights. I loved it.

Yes, I saw that and even contacted them. I opted out of getting it and shopped local, RC Hobbies Plus, Lafayette, IN. I bought most of my stuff in one lump order, got what I would conside a good deal for buying in bulk.

If your ever in nw ind. by the big lake get in touch I am having monthly races for the summer on my 4 lane. See the post for my last race we had 11 racers.

Sorry for not replying sooner. Are you planning on doing any racing this summer?

yes we still plan on some racing this summer. here and there our normal season is in the winter. since i last posted to ya i have formed my own web board for the racers in the eastern il area . feel free to join

http://z9.invisionfree.com/CITRO/index.php

also there will be some races in champaign il soon if you want to ride over here and catch a ride to them from here that would work for me either way sign up on the board and stay informed on the racing over this way.

talk to ya later Jaybo