Whats the largest AFX/TOMY set on the market? I want to get back into this hobby that I left many many years ago. Looking to build a 4 lane layou. Dont have time to buy everything separately right now. So I figure a set is the best way to get re-started. Then I can expand over time. Whats your take on the 4 lane International set? Maybe get 2 and combine them?

Look here, mate.

http://www.ncphobbies.com/cgi-bin/vcat/CatalogMgr.pl?cartID=b-2753&SearchField=category&SearchFor=164slotcar/Tomy/Set&offset=11&displayNumber=10&template=Htx/product_listing.htx&displayNumber=1

Here are descriptions of most sets from Tomy.

Keep in mind that a 4 lane track described as say 25' is actually 50' of track in 2 lane configuration.

In 2 lane sets, the largest looks to be the "Giant Raceway" at 62.5'.

Others may have useful info too, hey! :thumbsup:

Nice link. I see they have 2 sets of the International for just under $300. that sounds like a great deal? Your thoughts?

A nice combination is a Super International and a Four-Way Split. The Four-Way split features more 12 inch radius turns and four sharp GTP cars. The Super International includes lots of 6" radius turns and you really don't need too many of those. See www.hoslotcarracing.com for details on various sets as well as lots of layout suggestions.

How much area are you willing to cover? Check out the web site posted above, excelent ideas. The Super International layout on the box is a huge layout. Get a tape measure and see for yourself. It's a great bargan for the amount of track. I agree with complimenting it with the 4-Way split. It really opens up the possibilities. You'll even be able to power each lane individually eleminiating any power surges.

As stated above the Supper International and the 4-Way Split complement each other very well. You'll even be able to power each lane individually eleminiating any power surge when de-sloting occures. How much space are you going to take up? What type of 4-lane layout are you wanting to build?

Can you take the 4 way split and make a longer 2 lane track?

Can you take the 4 way split and make a longer 2 lane track?

Absolutely. However, you're limited to 6 15 in and 8 9 in stright sections. The good thing is this set does not contain any 6 in radius curves. The set on its own will leave you lacking straights compared to the number of turn sections you'll have. Adding some extra straight sections will give you a chance to make a more enjoyable track.

Careful thought must be put into a track purchase. First things first. Assess the available area that the track will be set up in. The biggest isn't always the better, but long straight-aways add some speed to the mix. Decide if this track will be table/door mounted, of set up on the floor. Then work from there. Speed is a thrill, but curves take skill. Who will be running on this track?? Kids will have more difficulty negotiating curves..especially the tighter ones. How many people will be using this track. Think ahead if this is even going to be a semi-permanent track. Racing against one opponent isn't half as much fun as racing against 3.

Once you have the answers to the first batch of questions, the rest of the answers will follow naturally. There is no rules as to how you set up a track. Following suggested track diagrams are good to start with, but your imagination is your best track planner. Try a few ideas on the table or floor and tweak as necessary to make sure all lanes are as equal as possible as far as right and left turns, the track is runnable as it is set up, and there aren't places where visibility is obscured by raised rack or fellow racers. If you are going to secure the track to any type of platform, test it first to make sure you like it!! Good luck and have fun!!!

UtherJoe

I have a shop that is 20' x 30'. Not going to use all of that for slot cars. But, I have space to build something nice. I was thinking of making a table in the area of 12x4, to 16x4. The table will be fastened to the wall with hinges and can be lifted out of the way when I need the shop for other things. Not set on any particular layout at this time. A decent mix of straights and curves. The suggestion of the International and the 4 lane split sounds like a great idea. I like the idea of powering the lanes individually. Ive been reading up a lot on this hobby and see the concerns most have about deslotting power spikes. Thanks for the suggstions. Last question is the power packs themselves. whats the pack i have been reading about where voltage can be adjusted? Is it worth getting thses? Ill have the little guy and his cousins racing on this, Having the capability of turning thisngs down sounds like a great option. Theyll have more fun that way,. Me too. LOL

DUDE!...I allready packed up my track and got it ready to send...

ok...not so much..:p

But seriously...yes the international is the "Race ready" 4 laner....

And they are going for 99 bucks each all day on the bay..."buy it now" price...

The thing bout two international sets...you'll have a ton of 6" radius curves to use up...I litterally sent a pile of them to another forum user cuz I never used em...

Welcome back!:thumbsup:

If I were doing this again, I'd go with the Super International and the 4-Way Split instaed of the two SIs as I did the first time. The only reason for the change would be the different curves in the 4 Way split would allow for some other possibilities. Looks like you'll have the space for a nice 4 lane setup. just remember to post pix as you build. ;) rr

If you decide on the SI & the 4-Way, you'll have 2 lap counters, 4 power terminals, 4 power packs and 4 spare controllers right of the bat (box stock controllers are the weakest link). Just these two purchases should have you up and running. Variable regulated power is a big +. Personally, I'm planing this upgrade myself. I've priced (4) AFX Tri-Power Transformers (a good product) but, for about the same price, I can get a good DC variable regulated power supply (cleaner power). Don't forget to use fuses/circuit breakers with this upgrade. I'm also planning to purchase after market controllers (for example: the Parma Economy or the Parma Plus). Research before you invest. A good starting piont would be www.hoslotcarracing.com., (loads of information).