[ncng]

In building a custom track, MDF style, I guess using copper tape slows the cars and
doesn't let the magnets work? Steel braid lets them work?

Thanks for your thougths,

ncng

 

[jmswms]

QUOTE (ncng @ 16 Apr 2012, 20:16) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>In building a custom track, MDF style, I guess using copper tape slows the cars and
doesn't let the magnets work? Steel braid lets them work?no and yes. Copper tape doesn't slow the cars. Magnabraid does have a slight magnetic effect.
The chief advantage of copper tape, in my opinion, is that it's cheaper. From my perspective, its not that much cheaper when you figure the total cost and time of a custom track. Magnabraid is more durable, and easier to maintain.

 

[Profoxcg]

Hi, that is correct copper tape will be "smooth" but the magnets will not work. Where are steel braid can be smooth depending on how you rout the mdf AND will give you magnet-traction. It will even allow angle winder motors to stick to the track a little more.

 

[90s F1 Kid]

Hi,

Check out slot car corner. They have special router bits for cutting the braid recess into the MDF- I got mine from them and am currently waiting on the braid to arrive having already routed a 1mm braid recess depth.

Like you I wanted to have the option of running magnets on my MDF track.

Cheers,

 

[ncng]

With my 200+ cars, mostly F1 with customized motor-gearing-magnet-weight-tire adjustments,

I need my track to have the same level of magnification to have all the work and time I have spent,
to provide simular characteristics of each car!

Thanks,

ncng

 

[300SLR]

Most tracks round here use copper braid, not copper tape.
Copper braid is less prone to lifting with temperature variations in track rooms and gives better conductivity.
Copper braid doesn't give any magnet attraction, so if that is a requirement you need another way of getting magnetic attraction such as magnabraid or magnetic paint (either of which which costs more).

 

[RichD]

Magnabraid is a lot more expensive than tinned copper braid or copper tape. One of the Shoreline Model Raceways tracks has Magnabraid, you will not get as much downforce on Magnabraid as you will on the typical plastic track, I would estimate that it is about 70%. Magnetic paint gives little downforce, but the entire track surface is magnetic. Using copper tape is easier in that you do not have to route gains, however it does take longer to lay down and there can be problems later if you put tension on the tape as you lay it down. If your track is going to get a great deal of use braid is the way to go. Doing the gains is not very difficult if you use the bit from Slot Car Corner because the slot acts as a guide. The old method of sticking down the braid with contact cement was a big pain, the modern method using double sided tape is much easier.