You might try silicone caulk, people stick HO track down with it all the time. The caulk will not only stick the track down it will dampen out the rumble that cars make when they go around the track. It is fairly easy to pry the track up if you need to.

 

I understand that "as good as nails" adhesive is pretty good but this type of fixing worries me just incase there is expansion due to heat and the track gets uneven. Would you be better using the Scalextric track fixings to keep it secure?

 

Hi Mr V,

We run Scalex Classic track at Presto Park in Norfolk and ours is permanently laid, secured by tiny black pins as needed. Also be aware that the track does not always lay flush to each section at the side of one another so take care when lining up the sections to match one another.

Before you fix the track to the boards I would advise you to solder link every joint underneath with very thin 'model cable'

as I can guarentee you will have continuity problems due to room temperature if you don't. This will be a pain but will be worth the extra trouble and easier to do before you pin the track down. Our track was brand new and we had problems, resulting in every joint having to be cleaned, sanded, soldered and levelled off on top of each joint to allow smooth passage of the cars over the soldered joints.

I would also suggest you buy some good quality twist and seal 8 pin connectors from some one like Maplins or Rapid Electronics which save lots of time when assembling the track each time. They are reliable and trouble free. Hope this helps. Yazoo. Presto Park, Norfolk.

 

Is there any possible way to avoid securing the track to your table?

 

Many moons ago I used to race at the old Street Club with Merv Palmer and co. The set up their was similar to your own with 4 lanes & 5 boards laid side to side which when not in use were stacked against the wall of the skittle alley. When in use the track was joined with dowels and supported by a few plastic drinks tables that were no more than 2 feet high (600mm). The main straight was painted plywood so that we had a good fast entry into a double inner double bend, the only guy to enjoy this section was Merv but then he was a bit of a masochist when it came to slot cars!

The track was Scalextric Classic and was secured to the surface of the boards with thin panel pins which seemed to do the job. Besides being dismantled every week the track was on occasions exhibited at the Shepton Mallet Toyfair

On the continuity front why don't you try copper taping the track of each section, it would save the agro of soldering wires to each connection. Also, you could run independent power lines for each section back to the source, maintaining a good power level to all the track; this the Merv Palmer method
Another benefit is it would help keep everything flat.

 

Thanks for all the advice - we also had it suggested that we use a staple gun to securely attach the track !
Not quite sure which way we are going yet - but some great ideas guys - Thanks

 

i have done the same thing as yazoo
but i used tiny little tacks to fasten the track down it works great the biggest bther is all the joins
it pain stakingly long but a ral quick track clean and your slotting away all night with out power issues

i cant stress it any more make sure your track joins are spot on

 

God it's slow day.

What about applying electrically conductive grease or paste to the joints. That way if semi-permanent they wouldn't be susceptible to corrosion and the grease would ensure continuity.

Tried RS Components but no luck. But found this And this

 

I've used 15mm brads in a staple gun, works great and it's real easy, but I don't expect disassembly to be easy!

The copper tape works wonders for connectivity, well worth the $$$ spent!