After months of contemplation, I’ve started construction of an HO speedway. I’ve been following the track building threads and I’m in awe of the talent and dedication to the hobby of the HobbyTalk community. It’s also brought back memories of how satisfying it is to create things and I need a hobby that I can do at home. I have been racing 10th Scale R/C electric cars, but you can’t really run them in your house (at least not mine!).

The first challenge was to find a location and set a rough size. The basement is a logical location, but I already occupy half the basement with a woodshop.

http://inlinethumb54.webshots.com/44661/2570500450105239074S425x425Q85.jpg (http://good-times.webshots.com/photo/2570500450105239074FuKkNy)

The kids have a quarter of the basement as a playroom and the remaining quarter was filled with my wife’s craft supplies and general storage. I was able to convince my wife to give up half her craft area. This left approximately 7’ x 12’ for a slot car track – more than enough for a 4’ x 8’ layout and maybe more!

http://inlinethumb45.webshots.com/41196/2264347640105239074S425x425Q85.jpg (http://good-times.webshots.com/photo/2264347640105239074YOonnC)

Now I need a suitable table. The standard 4x4 table legs with a 1x4 or 2x4 frame with a ¾” plywood top are way over the top! I can’t figure out why so many build tables that would support a small car! I love the portability and elegance of Scaf’s tables. What do I find when I clean out my newly claimed part of the basement? A six foot folding table. If I can add wheels and a larger top it will be perfect. Scrounging through my spare parts, I find some old casters with sockets and voila, the sockets fit perfectly.

http://inlinethumb03.webshots.com/42690/2700036440105239074S425x425Q85.jpg (http://good-times.webshots.com/photo/2700036440105239074ynIGEJ)

Digging through my woodpile, I find a full 4x8 sheet of OSB. OSB would not be satisfactory by itself, but supported by the folding table… The table edge looks too thin, so I think I’ll add some 2x2’s to give it more heft. This will also give me something to attach driver’s stations, sideboards, etc. to. I think I’ll cover the OSB with a sheet of homasote or rigid insulation.

http://inlinethumb03.webshots.com/42498/2807852530105239074S425x425Q85.jpg (http://good-times.webshots.com/photo/2807852530105239074DITeTk)

The table needs a barrier to keep the cars from meeting certain death upon hitting the concrete floor! While browsing through Lowes, I found plastic snap-in gutter filters. They are 6” wide and come in 3’ lengths. With a little experimentation, the gutter filters are fashioned into an attractive barrier.

http://inlinethumb56.webshots.com/45751/2623976140105239074S425x425Q85.jpg (http://good-times.webshots.com/photo/2623976140105239074OgzWwg)

Now that I have a suitable table, I can experiment with track layouts. I purchased the AFX Super International Set and we’ve had a fun time racing on the dining room table. I see I need more track!

Having the table on wheels is a godsend...it makes getting to all sides of the table pretty easy. Thank you Scaf!

I still need to cover the OSB and I think a timing & scoring system is in order to help shake down the track layouts.

Great start - love the casters on a folding table :thumbsup:

LMK if you need track sections.
Looks great!

Tim

Looks like a great start RB. :thumbsup:
Way ahead of the game here, but, can't wait to see the scenery!

Rich

Bob:
You wasted no time getting to it, looks great
Ray

Now the fun starts with laying the track and testing each layout.
Keep us posted on any progress and don't be skimpy on the pics.

Armando

Thanks for all the words of encouragement!

Tonight my two daughters, ages 10 & 12, and I moved the track from the dining room table to the new table in the basement. The girls couldn’t decide between “England” and “Hungary” so we combined their favorite elements from each. We ended up with a tight twisty layout without enough track to extend the full 8’ length of the table (more track is on the way!).

http://inlinethumb19.webshots.com/44242/2681352000105239074S425x425Q85.jpg (http://good-times.webshots.com/photo/2681352000105239074GZYFZk)

A few observations: the England corkscrew had relatively few de-slots; the most troublesome turns were the ¼ turns, especially the 6” radius; Super G+ cars are insanely fast, yet stick like glue; AW T-jets are too fast with a 22V wall-wart and set controllers…it’s like an on/off switch and on is too fast for the tight turns. My 10-year old and I raced for a good half-hour testing AW T-jets and Super G+.

http://inlinethumb53.webshots.com/40372/2292826580105239074S425x425Q85.jpg (http://good-times.webshots.com/photo/2292826580105239074UEUcdr)

Great start - love the casters on a folding table :thumbsup:

The casters are fantastic...tonight's layout put the driver's stations along the wall...oops. No problem...just slide the table to the other side of the room!

LMK if you need track sections.
Looks great!

Tim

Tim - thanks for the offer. I've ordered another set, but I'll contact you if I still need more!

Looks like a great start RB. :thumbsup:
Way ahead of the game here, but, can't wait to see the scenery!

Rich

Rich - I can't wait to start building scenery! I spent part of this evening pouring over this month's Walther's flyer looking for inspiration. I also bought a couple of 1/64 scale "Pit Row" dioramas. These should fit perfectly as I'm going for a contemporary look and, even though it will be a road course, I'm leaning towards a NASCAR theme.

http://inlinethumb26.webshots.com/43801/2891275680105239074S425x425Q85.jpg (http://good-times.webshots.com/photo/2891275680105239074CKawGs)

Work will probably keep me busy for the rest of the week, but this weekend will be time to experiment with some larger layouts. Hopefully I’ll have a working timing & scoring system (I have one lane working on the bench).

Bob B.

When your kids (boys, girls or both) are racing slot cars with you, you're living a dream, man!

I love the portability and elegance of Scaf’s tables.

Having the table on wheels is a godsend...it makes getting to all sides of the table pretty easy. Thank you Scaf!


Made my day! Thank you! :)

If you haven't done something already, you might cut some small 2"x2"x4" pieces of wood, and glue them to the underside of the table top, making a small frame for the top to hug the folding table, so when you go to move the track, the top doesn't slide on the folding table.

Track looks good - glad you found something in my threads to utilize.

Wow!!! You have some great ideas. I built mine on an old kitchen table that was no longer in use, the base is great, but for a 4x12 I needed extra legs, unfortunately all I had was 1x2 furring strips, which I used for the sides and legs, it's fine if it's in one place, but a pain to move, I'm probably going to have to redo it this winter. Really nice idea with the folding table and the wheels, that is great. Keep posting pics, I like the ideas, Dave:thumbsup:

My track order arrived so we set-out to build a layout that fills the table. After reviewing the 4x8 layouts on HoSlotCarRacing.com, we decided upon the Elm Grove 32 Layout, however, we don’t have enough 15” or 18” curves, so we modified the layout substituting 12” and 9” curves. If we like the flow, I suppose I’ll order the larger curves.

http://inlinethumb22.webshots.com/27861/2094833200105239074S425x425Q85.jpg (http://good-times.webshots.com/photo/2094833200105239074QlNPAW)

We assembled the layout and spent a good part of the morning running around the circuit, even in both directions. I still need to get a sheet of Homasote for the top, but there are only a couple of local suppliers and their not real convenient to get to. The cats are fascinated by the racing slot cars.

http://inlinethumb15.webshots.com/7310/2980683910105239074S425x425Q85.jpg (http://good-times.webshots.com/photo/2980683910105239074UxwGZq)

I spent the afternoon assembling reed switches for timing and scoring as I want to see how lap times vary in each lane to help assess the layout.

http://inlinethumb58.webshots.com/44217/2452786280105239074S425x425Q85.jpg (http://good-times.webshots.com/photo/2452786280105239074QEKKWf)

I’ve studied the threads here on HobbyTalk and used the Minitronics “N Gauge” reed switches; if the switches work at all, only about 90% of the laps are counted. This is becoming a frustrating experience. I tried Slotrace Manager and Laptimer 2000. It doesn’t seem that this should be this difficult…oh well…my wife thinks I should just buy a system. At least the weekend wasn’t a total loss. As the room now serves as a craft room and slot car room, my wife asked for a TV for the room, so we picked-up a 26” LCD TV and mounted it on the wall. She can watch her soaps during the day and I can catch a ball game or race.

http://inlinethumb48.webshots.com/45487/2280033840105239074S425x425Q85.jpg (http://good-times.webshots.com/photo/2280033840105239074CFnYGI)

Next week, I hope to pick up a sheet of Homasote and paint it green. I find the current layout a little boring with too many straights and sweeping turns. I liked the corkscrew section from last week’s layout, so I melded the corkscrew to the modified Elm Grove Layout.

http://inlinethumb18.webshots.com/15441/2550573150105239074S425x425Q85.jpg (http://good-times.webshots.com/photo/2550573150105239074rfaJex)

It looks like another busy week at work, but hopefully we'll spend part of next weekend continuing to test the modified Elm Grove Layout or building a new one.

Bob B.

I like to use an optical scoring system. LEDs and Photocells are about as user friendly as you can get.

>> I’ve studied the threads here on HobbyTalk and used the Minitronics “N Gauge” reed switches; if the switches work at all, only about 90% of the laps are counted. This is becoming a frustrating experience. I tried Slotrace Manager and Laptimer 2000. It doesn’t seem that this should be this difficult…

It can be frustrating to troubleshoot no doubt. Since you are getting some lap counts, then I would concentrate on the Laptimer 2000 software settings. Make an assumption that you have installed and wired the reeds correctly, and play around with some of the LT settings. I remember doubting everything I had done, until I made the correct software setting adjustment, and every lap started to get counted. I forget which setting it was that made things work for me, but it was one I didn't even think to change initially. I don't have the software or my track up to help with more details.

Scaf - Thanks for the advice. I'll look at it this weekend.

Two things.

First, folding table legs can be bought by themselves and attached to a 4x8 (or other size) board. You don't have to buy an entire table; of course, if you've already got one and don't need it for anything else, then you are set.

I would also suggest you think about using cheap carpeting on the table surface you already have rather than homosote. Carpeting really deadens the sound (as long as you don't nail/screw through it) and you can get a color you like. Get a carpet with a tight weave so you don't end up with lint filled gears should you ever deslot.

Other than that, you go to it!

Joe

Two things.

First, folding table legs can be bought by themselves and attached to a 4x8 (or other size) board. You don't have to buy an entire table; of course, if you've already got one and don't need it for anything else, then you are set.


I think he already had the table like you stated, but it is good point out that legs can be bought by themselves. I used them on one of the tracks I made - I think they were about $20 for a pair of them. However, if you decide to use hollow core doors, then you might run into some extra work in attaching the legs to the hollow door. For a few bucks more I recommend getting a plastic folding table - legs are better quality, and the table can be used for other purposes if the need arises.

The table was already where the slot car table was going to go, so I either had to find a place to store it or incorporate it into the slot car table. Believe me; I don’t need any more stuff to store!

I'm very satisfied with the table. It’s built entirely from material on hand (except for the gutter guards for the "catch fence"). It cost me $16 out-of-pocket to build. It rolls around smoothly on the floor making it easy to pull out to lay track, it’s a nice height to sit at while you drive and it's sturdy and stable!

It’s another rainy day here in upstate NY, so I thought it would be a good time to update the status of work on our speedway. I picked up a sheet of Homasote and painted it green (It’s a little darker than I imagined, but it was only a $1 for a quart in the “Oops” section at Lowe’s). I also found a quart of brown that complemented the side barriers to paint the edge of the table. With the table all painted, it was time to assemble a layout. We found our previous two layouts rather boring, so we assembled the “4-Way Challenge”.

http://inlinethumb52.webshots.com/18291/2517429600105239074S425x425Q85.jpg (http://good-times.webshots.com/photo/2517429600105239074XSVGMj)

Racing around the track was fun, but we needed a timing and scoring system. Unable to get a homemade one to work reliably, I followed the TM’s advice and ordered the HO Timing Package from Trackmate Racing. It worked perfectly straight out of the box. Now we can accurately count up to 3,000 laps!

Our stable of cars is still pretty small (and all box-stock): 4-Tomy Super G-Plus; 2-T-Jet 500 Ultra G and 1-X-Traction Ultra G. The G-Pluses are insanely fast. T-Jet’s & XT’s require much more patience. I just ordered 6 Mattel 440x2 chassis. Now all I need are bodys that fit!

We found all the cars too fast with the wall-warts, so I hooked up a 13.8V, 14A power supply I had laying around and that made the cars a little easier to drive with the stock controllers. With the single power supply, I could connect the relay that came with the Trackmate System. All that’s left is to connect the track call button.

We’ve enjoyed the 4-Way Challenge and, literally, wore through two sets of pick-up shoes! My daughter has asked if we can keep it as our permanent layout! The cars are much faster than the length of the layout and I would like to modify the layout to use larger radius (18” & 15”) or banked turns at the end of the long straight to increase the cornering speed. I would appreciate any thoughts or comments.

http://inlinethumb32.webshots.com/41695/2398761290105239074S425x425Q85.jpg (http://good-times.webshots.com/photo/2398761290105239074BcCDdG)

I’m now thinking about driver’s station. I found a link to Philippe’s “Complete” Driver’s Station (http://homepage.mac.com/pmarchand/Driver_Station.htm). It has several features I find desirable: it’s fused, adjustable voltage, and direction switch. I’m thinking to add a track call switch to each driver’s station.

http://inlinethumb04.webshots.com/18627/2702510730105239074S425x425Q85.jpg (http://good-times.webshots.com/photo/2702510730105239074AEoxyT)

It’s also time to think about landscaping and scenery. I see the back straight elevated with a hill in the center of the table. If I ever improve my Google Sketch-up skills, I’ll post a rendering. I’m concerned that the layout leaves little room for landscaping such as a pit/paddock area or grandstands.

Today we had our first visitor try out the speedway as my daughter had a friend over. The girls raced many heats including a 100 lap race!

http://inlinethumb56.webshots.com/45751/2724243410105239074S425x425Q85.jpg (http://good-times.webshots.com/photo/2724243410105239074zImxaY)

Work will probably keep me busy most of the week, but if the weather leaves us indoors, next weekend should find me in the basement trying to beat my 10-year old at a race!

I like it.

Gonzo

looking good!

Looking good!! And nice to see kids with the "right" controllers in their hands!! :lol:

Love the pic of your daughter and her friend, the race must have been a real nail biter. PM me your name and address and I will send you out a care package.

Dave

you don't need resistors to wire your reed switchs. Reed switchs are just...magnetic mechanical switchs, I don't see what is the use of a resistor here ;)

I didn't install any resistor on my setup, and I 've 0 false laps or missed laps counted. Perhaps it should help.

you don't need resistors to wire your reed switchs. Reed switchs are just...magnetic mechanical switchs, I don't see what is the use of a resistor here ;)

I didn't install any resistor on my setup, and I 've 0 false laps or missed laps counted. Perhaps it should help.

I can't seem to find the reference, but I recall reading that to protect the computer's parallel port, you should install a small (I think I used 100 ohm) resistor in series with the switch.

In any event, I purchased Trackmate and I can spend my time racing instead of scratching my head wondering why the timing system doesn't work :)

Our HO Speedway saw it's first friendly competition over Labor Day weekend as Ray & Jack, two of my best friends, stopped over to check out the progress on the speedway. After about 300 laps of practice (and a couple of adult beverages) we settled on SG+ cars with F1 bodies.

The first race was a 100 Lap sprint without rotating lanes...as the race was won by Jack, the rookie, it became apparent that one lane had a significant advantage.

Next we did 4-heats of 25 Laps, rotating through all four lanes. Due to the luck of the draw, I finished the rotation in the "fast lane" and went from last to first :thumbsup: After some good natured ribbing, it was time to enjoy the hors’ devours prepared by my wife and fire up the grill to cook some steaks and brauwurst...let the feast begin.


Once we had our fill of dinner and dessert, it was time for a rematch! During the second race we learned that the inside lane is the most challenging and slowest. So we set-up Trackmate for a three lane rotation (or so I thought). After the first heat...the rotation was all messed up :confused: After a few minutes, I straightened out the software (moral of the story...always view the rotation schedule before starting the race :)) Ray had won the first heat, so now we were all winners :woohoo:

After resetting Trakmate (and checking the rotation schedule), we were set for three 25 lap heats! It was close, as Ray and I had the same number of laps, but I was ahead by a few seconds!

The evening a success, we joined our wives for a few more drinks and snacks before retiring for the evening :hat:

Sounds like a fun day. :thumbsup:

You know it doesn't count when you win on your own track, right?

You know it doesn't count when you win on your own track, right?

Oh, I know... :rolleyes:

It was just fun to have a few people over to share in the fun :cool:

The speedway is progressing much slower than I envisioned as work and family take precedent.

We didn't have much to do this weekend (besides cleaning up the leaves that have fallen), so I set about trying a few different layouts.

First Change - Add 18" Curves to existing layout
I thought that changing the curves at the end of the long straight would make the track faster and more fun. I was wrong on both counts. Laps times were not faster and with the additional speed carried into the infield section, it was hard to slow down enough to keep from deslotting. My daughter and I gave this layout thumbs down :(

http://inlinethumb05.webshots.com/44868/2794053010105239074S425x425Q85.jpg (http://good-times.webshots.com/photo/2794053010105239074WFvBqX)

Second Change - Straighten Out Infield
If the infield section was the problem, let's change it. I straightened out the infield section. It solved the deslotting problem, but wasn't much fun. Thumbs down again :confused:

http://inlinethumb56.webshots.com/44279/2725284820105239074S425x425Q85.jpg (http://good-times.webshots.com/photo/2725284820105239074YwdGQS)

Third Change - More curves
Well, if we liked the curvy infield, maybe we'll like more curves! NOT! The 6" curves are too tight and it was hard to use either the inner or outer lanes. The two inside lanes were better, but this was not a winner :o

http://inlinethumb22.webshots.com/45525/2971431800105239074S425x425Q85.jpg (http://good-times.webshots.com/photo/2971431800105239074IoLdqN)

This project consumed this weekend's free time. During the week, I'll have to restore the track to its previous configuration. Now what am I going to do with 4-18" curves? :)

Until Next time - Happy Motoring :thumbsup:

Bob B.

Nice to see another Bob having some fun with slots. Great track build read....a story worth reading. :thumbsup::thumbsup:

Our 7 year old daughter Bree doesn't care about slot cars much at all but, thank God for our 6 year old son Fletcher that loves to race with Dad (me) and even ask me to race downstairs now and then. Lets go son!! :) :)

Bob...I am bob too...zilla

Nice to see another Bob having some fun with slots. Great track build read....a story worth reading. :thumbsup::thumbsup:

Our 7 year old daughter Bree doesn't care about slot cars much at all but, thank God for our 6 year old son Fletcher that loves to race with Dad (me) and even ask me to race downstairs now and then. Lets go son!! :) :)

Bob...I am bob too...zilla

Bob - My 13-yo daughter doesn't have the patience, but my 10-yo has fun racing…although she usually wins! :confused:

We’ve also started customizing some resin cast bodies I picked up off of eBay. I’ll have to start a thread on that project as it progresses. :)

I see you've been busy with the landscaping of Las Zillas Speedway...it's looking good. Now that I appear to have settled on a layout, I can move into the landscaping phase, too! :thumbsup:

Bob B.

The progress on our model car speedway has been slowed by the holidays and my penchant for taking on too many projects! We haven’t made much progress, but I thought I would share where we are as the New Year begins.

Paige and I went to a local train show for some landscaping inspiration and while there we picked up some landscaping supplies.

http://inlinethumb32.webshots.com/43999/2533245170105239074S425x425Q85.jpg (http://good-times.webshots.com/photo/2533245170105239074LHBnGA)

I’ve started thinking about driver’s stations. Should I keep it simple – just connections for controllers or should I add a few functions such as voltage adjustment, brake adjustment, direction and/or track call? I’m leaning towards including all of these functions. I made a simple voltage adjustment device using a rotary switch and some diodes. This allows for fixed, repeatable voltage steps.

http://inlinethumb16.webshots.com/44623/2066340280105239074S425x425Q85.jpg (http://good-times.webshots.com/photo/2066340280105239074RNzqiM)

Santa brought me Model Builder Software from Evan Designs (http://www.modeltrainsoftware.com/). The day after Christmas, I whipped up a metal garage in about 45 minutes. I printed the design on plain paper and glued it to shirt box. I’m quite please with the result. It’ll look much better printed on photo paper and adding a few details.

http://inlinethumb33.webshots.com/45280/2237116220105239074S425x425Q85.jpg (http://good-times.webshots.com/photo/2237116220105239074wGgSAZ)

Santa also brought a few banners to decorate the slot car room. It sure looks racy now!

http://inlinethumb22.webshots.com/44053/2220953500105239074S425x425Q85.jpg (http://good-times.webshots.com/photo/2220953500105239074JPKuuf)

I’m still not settled on a track layout. The current layout doesn’t leave much room for a pit/paddock area – a must for any speedway! Visiting Stump City helps clarify the landscaping goals by narrowing them down to 2-4 distinct areas. As I’m modeling a speedway on race day, so I’m focusing on the following: Pit/Paddock, RV/Camper Area, Grandstands and, at the request of my 10-yo, “Pagitty” World – she gets to landscape this area. The track needs a few rolling hills and tress to finish it off.

More track is on the way so I can try out a few new layouts, so I hope to report more in a few weeks!

Wow!! It look great keep up the great work!!

Bob,

Thanks for posting the Model Builder Software link. Very interesting....I'm thinking, thinking...still thinking...

Bob...still thinking...zilla

That building software does yield decent results. From a cost/value prespective and time investment point of view it's a win win!! :thumbsup::thumbsup:

here you can find some paper buildings for free

http://www.carrera4fun.de/

side is on german and buildings are for 1:32 scale so far I remember so you have to scale them down in print menu

Bob: where is the 18 car and the 5 car. Enough of that 24 car.

After much contemplation and planning, I started construction of driver’s stations. The current table did not have any place to accommodate driver’s stations, so I had to construct a shelf to support them.

The shelf is constructed of 3/16” tempered hardboard supported on ¾” poplar supports. I chose hardboard to keep the weight of the shelf down. I plan to add a panel along the front for additional stability.

I added two color-coordinated cup holders (one for the controller), color-coordinated track call button and room for controller hook-ups (I'll describe the wiring in a future installment). Below are a few pictures:

Red-Lane Station (No Hook-ups yet)

http://inlinethumb22.webshots.com/44309/2405656370105239074S425x425Q85.jpg (http://good-times.webshots.com/photo/2405656370105239074pkNttw)

Panorama of all 4 Stations (No Hook-ups yet)

http://inlinethumb29.webshots.com/40540/2964621910105239074S425x425Q85.jpg (http://good-times.webshots.com/photo/2964621910105239074ZbvfHm)

Below are sources for the supplies:

Jumbo Aluminum RED Poker Table Cup Holder (other colors available)

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0014BBFIU/ref=oss_product

Arcade Push Buttons Buttons

http://cgi.ebay.com/ARCADE-PUSH-BUTTONS-BUTTON-WKS-W-MAME-TM-HAPP-JAMMA_W0QQitemZ260527961254QQcmdZViewItemQQptZLH_D efaultDomain_0?hash=item3ca8ad34a6

Next installment I’ll describe the wiring :wave:

Someone is gonna blast their fist thru that track call button and particle board unless you have it braced from below. Just thinking out loud, based on knowledge of racers - lol.

Putting a track call button at the drivers station is absolutely horrible for racing. Only marshals should be able to initiate a track call and only then if:

1) life or limb are in danger
2) a car exits the racing surface and is lost from view (a fat marshal who can't bend over quickly does not constitute "lost from view" - it's a "sorry driver, you wrecked in a bad spot")
3) a wreck in front of the drivers IF there is no driver-side marshal and IF the rear marshals cannot reach the front straight

I'm serious, track calls ruin races and the absolute last place I would ever consider putting a track call button is in front of a driver. That's nuts. Drivers should be driving their own cars and avoid driving driving into wrecks, not participating in calling track calls.

I don't usually race so my question is; What is a "call button" for or do ?:confused:

Someone is gonna blast their fist thru that track call button and particle board unless you have it braced from below. Just thinking out loud, based on knowledge of racers - lol.

This has me thinking of providing more support to the free edge ;)

I'm also think of effective repair strategies :freak:

Putting a track call button at the drivers station is absolutely horrible for racing. Only marshals should be able to initiate a track call...

Excessive track calls certainly do upset the flow of the race and can make it frustrating; however, I usually have only two or three people racing with no marshalls. We've found using track calls an effective way to self-marshall.

Bob: I like the cup holders, great idea drinks not spilled. Alcohol does slow reactions so maybe the call buttons will not be destroyed. Are the call buttons wired to the kitchen for more beer or to stop the cars?

Bob: I like the cup holders, great idea drinks not spilled. Alcohol does slow reactions so maybe the call buttons will not be destroyed. Are the call buttons wired to the kitchen for more beer or to stop the cars?

Ray - I like the idea of wiring the buttons to call for more beer :lol:

I looked at all the great prefabricated driver’s stations and I said, “These are good, but I want to have a way to vary the voltage and direction per lane. I’ll just make my own!” :freak:

I was inspired by the driver’s station on Philippe’s 1/43 Slot Car Page. Philippe’s “Complete Driver’s Station” was way over the top, but the “Simplified Driver Station” http://homepage.mac.com/pmarchand/Simpler_Driver_Station.htm was something I could work with :)

Here’s the design criteria:

1. 3-Banana Plugs – Wired for Brakes
2. Fuse Holder
3. Variable Voltage
4. Direction Switch

Here’s a picture of all the parts

http://inlinethumb33.webshots.com/44384/2730727420105239074S425x425Q85.jpg (http://good-times.webshots.com/photo/2730727420105239074uDOfRc)

After making a few sketches, I made a template out of ¼” hardboard

http://inlinethumb36.webshots.com/45667/2559300970105239074S425x425Q85.jpg (http://good-times.webshots.com/photo/2559300970105239074kjmJbB)

I mounted the components on the template to check for fit. It’s a tight fit, but it will work

http://inlinethumb12.webshots.com/46155/2752184220105239074S425x425Q85.jpg (http://good-times.webshots.com/photo/2752184220105239074eBGBRb)

http://inlinethumb07.webshots.com/45382/2959671910105239074S425x425Q85.jpg (http://good-times.webshots.com/photo/2959671910105239074XQWhDx)

Note the color coordinated cup holders and track call button ;)

http://inlinethumb34.webshots.com/47649/2806332230105239074S425x425Q85.jpg (http://good-times.webshots.com/photo/2806332230105239074xtCKBQ)

...more in a minute....

Now all I have to do is drill the holes in 4 blank outlet covers. This posed a challenge as the holes are all different sizes! I whipped up a quick jig to hold the template in place over the cover so I could drill all of the holes of the same size before changing the drill bit (Note – a drill press makes this much easier). The spacer on top was necessary for the clamp to apply enough pressure to keep everything from moving.

http://inlinethumb07.webshots.com/6214/2053108430105239074S425x425Q85.jpg (http://good-times.webshots.com/photo/2053108430105239074kfDELC)

Voila! Four drilled cover plates. I recommend using oversize unbreakable cover plates and drill slowly

http://inlinethumb13.webshots.com/13068/2743066350105239074S425x425Q85.jpg (http://good-times.webshots.com/photo/2743066350105239074OmNAgS)

Primed and ready for paint

http://inlinethumb27.webshots.com/44442/2769355650105239074S425x425Q85.jpg (http://good-times.webshots.com/photo/2769355650105239074CypAQA)

Next I wired them up! One down three to go

http://inlinethumb51.webshots.com/498/2611372890105239074S425x425Q85.jpg (http://good-times.webshots.com/photo/2611372890105239074BSyBxE)

All ready for installation :woohoo:

http://inlinethumb43.webshots.com/15018/2202769350105239074S425x425Q85.jpg (http://good-times.webshots.com/photo/2202769350105239074isNrvd)

This was a lot of work. I bet it took me 6 or 7 hours of fabrication time, plus another 4 or 5 hours of planning and building the template :drunk:

Next it’s time to wire the track :wave:

Now THAT is slick stuff. Cooool!

Boy, those sure came out nice!!!

Rolls

I don't usually race so my question is; What is a "call button" for or do ?:confused:

In general a track call is for corner marshalls to be used when there are multiple cars deslotted. Hitting the track call button stops track power and pauses the timing program, allowing the marshall to reslot the cars and then restart the race. The best use of a track call button is if you have limited people around for a race and the racers near the ends of the table have to marshall cars. It's about fairness so that the driver marshalling doesn't lose laps while reslotting cars.

bob: nice work as usual, I can't wait for an invite to try it out.
Ray

It's about fairness so that the driver marshalling doesn't lose laps while reslotting cars.

Exactly :thumbsup: