[thestig514]

Hey all,

Thought that now I'm going into some of the more important decision making regarding the new track, I though I would make a new thread

Here is the plan. Note that the top right corner of the plan has changed. The track will be around 19 metres long.

Progress thus far: (12 mm MDF, 8-9 mm slot depth, 4 mm slot width) Routing almost done.

What'cha all think?

Cheers,
Chris

 

[loosesalute]

Awesome!

Cheers,
Kev.

 

[MrFlippant]

A bit late now, but it looks like the only place for drivers to stand is in the crook of the L shape, where they will each be blocking the view of the ends of the track from each other. Is that the case, or is there somewhere else for them to pilot their cars from?

 

[2FER SLOTS]

I think your routing looks superb

There is also a severe case of slot room envy about to be reported.
Nice Track !

 

[slotcrazy]

Looks good, but as someone said, view through bodies at driver stations may be an issue.

you could perhaps put two drivers at each "end" which means they are also in marshaling positions if you are short on numbers, but that does make for a looooong look up the track, not an ideal driving perspective.

or you could do what one of our club guys did with a very similar design and positioning of track. The driver stations were on the front straight but we made up extension cables about 1 metre in length for the drivers to plug their controllers into. Then we all stood back beyond a certain line of sight so we could see both ends of the track.

 

[thestig514]

Hey guys,

Thanks for the replies!

The drivers will stand at the back of the room (it doesn't look like much on the photo, but there is a good 70 cm of space!). However, extension cables sounds like a good plan as well

Thanks, slotcrazy!
Also, the closest corner (in the photo) will be raised by 12 cm to improve visibility. The biggest issue, though, is the bridge. I broke one of the most important rules of building a track; don't put a corner under a bridge! However, I have a plan to improve the visibility

Hopefully my Dad and I will finish routing this weekend.

Cheers,
Chris

 

[thestig514]

PROGRESS!

We have now finished all of the routing and we have temporarily set up the bridge.

There will probably be minimal (if any) progress in the next 2 weeks as my Dad is away

Cheers,
Chris

 

[AAWSCC]

Looks like a fast flowing track.

Hope you have fun.

 

[Keeto]

Looks like a lekker track to me.

 

[Martyn_]

that routing is stunning - what a great looking track.

 

[bensonsnuts]

Nice track ...and I'm in awe of your routing

One thing that caught my eye is the exit off that big loop nearest the camera . It does seem like the outside 2 lanes are going to have a nasty little dog leg to negotiate before belting down the straight ?

 

[thestig514]

Thanks for the compliments, guys!

QUOTE (bensonsnuts @ 23 Oct 2011, 18:55) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>Nice track ...and I'm in awe of your routing

One thing that caught my eye is the exit off that big loop nearest the camera . It does seem like the outside 2 lanes are going to have a nasty little dog leg to negotiate before belting down the straight ?

The track will probably run the other way, and I have a feeling that it comes across as sharper in the photo. It is a 30 degree corner, with the shortest radius being 15 cm. It is a bit of a dog leg, but it will (hopefully) make people slow down a bit

Thanks,
Chris

 

[loosesalute]

I`m moving to South Africa!

Cheers,
Kev

 

[Slots-O-Fun]

Looks excellent!

 

[thestig514]

Hey guys,

I have not done a thing on the track since my last post; however I might get some work done this weekend. I will start laying the tape, but I have a few questions.

Firstly, is constructing a "taping tool" worth the effort? (ie: will just laying tape by hand give the same results?) If so, how do I construct one? (Buying one is completely out of the question)

Secondly, is it true that the tape must not be under tension when laid?

Finally, is drilling through the tape to connect the power taps effective, and is it more complex than just drilling through the tape?

Thanks!

Cheers,
Chris

 

[thestig514]

Bump!

Cheers,
Chris

 

[Coldblood]

QUOTE (thestig514 @ 2 Nov 2011, 14:46) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>Hey guys,

I have not done a thing on the track since my last post; however I might get some work done this weekend. I will start laying the tape, but I have a few questions.

Firstly, is constructing a "taping tool" worth the effort? (ie: will just laying tape by hand give the same results?) If so, how do I construct one? (Buying one is completely out of the question)

Secondly, is it true that the tape must not be under tension when laid?

Finally, is drilling through the tape to connect the power taps effective, and is it more complex than just drilling through the tape?

Thanks!

Cheers,
Chris

I don't know about putting down the tape but from what I've read on SF. I would say that a taping tool is the way to do it for ease of use and quality of finish.

Taping tool design LINKY

Savage did a great job on his power taps LINKY
I seem to remember he said the only thing he would change if he did them again. Would be to stager them by a couple inches to make it easier to work on them.

Hope this helps

Regards
CB
Gaz

 

[Stan]

Like others have said, fantastic job!!! I made my own taping jig, and it works great!

You just need a way to hold the spool of copper, and feed it through a slot of some kind to the track. A little pin rides in the slot!

Keep up the great work!

Stan

 

[thestig514]

Hey guys,

It has been a LOOONG time since the last update, due to exams and holidays. However, now there has actually been some progress, I am now posting some new pics.

Firstly, the power supply has been sorted. A family member had an 6-8 Amp, 13.8 V regulated power supply which he was willing to lend us!

Controllers have also been sorted; 4 brand new Parma Economy 45 Ohm courtesy of Gary at MRE!

The track is in the process of being taped. The tape we are using is VentureTape Black Backed. We are laying it by hand, as we find it easier than using a taping tool!

We painted the lane colours first, and then we laid the tape. 2 of the 4 lanes are fully taped, 3 have been painted. The lane colours are Red, White, Blue and Yellow.

Power taps are literally exactly the same as Savage's. Thanks for the link, Coldblood!

Finally, another set of Club Cars arrived. 4 x 10 pound SCX NASCARS courtesy of Pendles, to join the 4 Scalextric Lamborghini Diablos.

Thanks to all those who have so far contributed to the track! And Thanks to the Slotforum and all its members for constant inspiration!

Merry Christmas to all!
Cheers,
Chris

 

[Martyn_]

Chris, that's looking great. good progress and good luck getting lots more done over the Christmas holidays.

Nice touch, colouring the lanes after the colours of the y-fronts flag!