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sacesta

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Discussion Starter · #1 · (Edited by Moderator)
Welcome to Woodland Trace Raceway. The benchwork is done and solid enough to do victory dances on and the track design is finalized after thorough testing but there is still a lot of landscaping work to be done. I'm constructing buildings from scratch using photo mat board (about $5 for a 32" X 40" 4-ply sheet) and balsa wood. Windows were made but cutting polypropylene document protectors. Door knobs by cutting two links from the pull chain from a ceiling fan and then cutting a small hole and small slit from the doors side to slide the handles into. It's hard to see in the photos but it results in a very realistic looking door knob on both sides of the door. They even appear to have keyholes! I printed the signs from my Mac onto an Epson printer and have tons more to pepper around the track at a later date.

Future plans include a large grandstand 36" long by 12" high, a fenced in and blacktopped paddock area with E-Z ups and other paraphernalia located inside the broad 225 degree turn and, a scratchbuilt tire bridge connecting the paddock area with the grandstands. The interiors of buildings, trees, grass and other landscaping will be done later.

I've been collecting 1/32 scale cars since shortly after Fly came on scene about 7 or 8 years ago. My love for slotcars began as a nine-year old kid with an Aurora HO Model Motoring set that came with a Ford GT-40 and a Chaparral. Miraculously, those two cars survived my two younger brothers and I still have them today. Not much else survived though.

I hope you enjoy the pix. Feel free to offer up suggestions or just let me know what you think. I always love to see what others are doing with this great hobby.


















Best regards,
Steve
 
sacesta

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Discussion Starter · #4 ·
Scott,
QUOTE You might want to add a warning in the title about the size - I'm on broadband and it's taking a while to open these pics up.
I'm not sure how to edit the topic title. I suppose I could put the warning in the body of the post, but that would be too late.
Steve
 
J

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#5 ·
Well I'd say they are worth the wait. (even though I didnt wait that much
)

Great work Steve


Impressive 'wall of slot cars'


James
 
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sacesta

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Discussion Starter · #9 ·
QUOTE How long is your track and which type of track are you using?

It's a 4-Lane Ninco track about 50 or 55' in length. (I haven't actually measured it). The front straight consists of 9 full and 3 quarter straights (about a 12' length total). The straight leads into a broad 202 1/2 degree turn then some esses of varying diameter, a left turn, short straight, some shorter esses, a modified hairpin, another left turn that exits back out onto the front straight. The layout sits on three tables made of 3/4" plywood and 1 by 4s bolted together. Two tables measure 5 1/2' by 8' and are butted together to form a 16' length and the third is standard 4' by 8' turned 90 degrees to the others and offset so I have access to the electrical box in the corner of the room.

Separate power to each lane and Ninco Vario 16 controllers. I'm less than satisfied with the controllers though.

Does anyone know what the resistance range is for the Vario 16s?

I should probably switch to Parmas or Professor Motors.

Obviously, I've got lots of work to do this winter in terms of detailing the track and buildings. There is so much more I want to do. And then I've got a bunch of 1/32 scale statics that I want to convert to slots. I used to build 1/24 scale model cars as a kid, but I'm going to need lots of advice when I finally get around to scratchbuilding the cars.

Regards,
Steve
 
D

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#13 ·
Excellent track. I like the attention to detail like the programmes laying on the 'Official Programmes' stall.
The track looks just like the Suzuka Short track, was that what was intended?
So far I've shied away from spectators and associated paraphanalia on my track as I don't have alot of money to spend on slots (mortgage, girlfriend etc take care of that) and I found that unless you have loads of figures it looks deserted. You've shown though, that with the right accessories you can create the atmosphere without people so once the track starts to get populated it will look even better.
 
sacesta

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Discussion Starter · #14 ·
Thanks for the feedback guys. It's encouraging. I need that. The past few days I've been very frustrated with one of the buildings I'm working on. Although in general there construction is quite simple.

QUOTE The track looks just like the Suzuka Short track, was that what was intended?

No. The track wasn't intended to replicate any existing circuit, although there are certain elements I wanted to have (ie a long straight, a broad radius curve, some esses, and some tight technical curves.

This is the third incarnation of the track. Originally, I had intended a figure 8 type road course with an even longer straight than would run diagonally across the room and descend below the table level rather than rise above it. But this design would have required some fancier bench work and I was anxious to get the tables done.

The second incarnation had a different design for the back esses which proved difficult to negotiate coming from the broad high-speed curve. It also caused the cars to deslot to a position on the layout that was difficult to retrieve them from.

The current layout is high-speed, but challenging. Sometimes, some family members will come over. None of them are experienced slot racers. They usually lose it at the broad high-speed curve after the long straight or in the esses just after that.

Does anyone live in the Triad area of North Carolina? I need some racing buddies. If you ever find yourself in the area be sure to look me up and bring a car or two.

Thanks for the kind comments!

Regards,
Steve
 
sacesta

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Discussion Starter · #15 ·
QUOTE The track looks just like the Suzuka Short track, was that what was intended?

You know, as I'm thinking back the Suzuka track did have a lot of influence on the original figure 8 design I was going to build. I always thought it would make a good model for a slot layout having the crossover and all. So even though I didn't go with the figure 8 design, I suppose a lot of the Suzuka concept carried over into the current design.

Good perception dh.

Steve
 
sacesta

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Discussion Starter · #18 ·
Thanks guys. I appreciate the comments, but I've still got a lot of work to do. The layout needs color and I'm anxious to start doing some landscaping and debating whether or not to do some elevation work.

QUOTE Great job on those buildings...
I love your details!

Gunther, those words really mean a lot coming from you. Your version of SPA is awesome!

Best regards,
Steve
 
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