Guidance on building a large Scalextric layout?
Discussion
Right, after the decorators finally finish I will have some time available to start a new project and I have decided to convert one of my lofts to a room for a decent Scalextric layout. I want to do it semi-scale layout more on the lines of a model railway than just a table with some track on it. Now railway modellers can be quite anal about baseboards etc. but I'm not aware of slot-car builders being on the same level! So does anyone know of any good web-sites or magazines I can look at to get some ideas about baseboard construction and electrification? My idea is to use the 1960's vintage Scalextric buildings to create a Goodwood feel to the track and I want to do a quality job. 
Rich...
Rich...A couple of years ago I built a train set that was fully electrified for all the points etc. Lots of switches and so on.
I’m going to be using that knowledge when I sort out the new house as I have been messing about with Scalextric since I was 5. I’m a little rusty as I only have classic track and need to know if it is compatible with the digital stuff (obviously I will need a few classic to sport converter straights) but plan a good size layout. Things you need to consider are:-
1. Is it going to be raised or floor level?
2. You have to be able to get to all parts of the track quickly without trashing the set up!
3. How many lanes? 2, 4, 6 or digital?
4. If it is going to be permanent you have to be sure that the track layout is going to stay interesting and works for all lanes
5. Make sure you colour code the wires properly so you know which switch is connected to which bit of track, etc.
6. Are you going for lighting? I plan to have a full lighting set up and have got a all the old hazard track pieces which I am hoping to use as well.
7. Once you have chosen your track then plan your paddock, the perimeter roads, the location of the buildings and the throttle connection points.
I shall start with a frame which I plan to build fairly strong so will be looking at quite thick legs and a few batons. I used 10mm ply for my first attempt. I bought a 8’x4’ sheet which I think is the standard size. You’ll need to cut it down to size or shape though unless you can get the place you buy it from to do that for you. I’m not sure if I wouldn’t go for MDF though this time… You can also use skirting board to give you a pelmet to hide the wires under the board and provide a lip to stop things flying off.
Not sure where it is but I have a few plans of Goodwood somewhere, you will need some space for a 1:32 scale of it though!
I’m going to be using that knowledge when I sort out the new house as I have been messing about with Scalextric since I was 5. I’m a little rusty as I only have classic track and need to know if it is compatible with the digital stuff (obviously I will need a few classic to sport converter straights) but plan a good size layout. Things you need to consider are:-
1. Is it going to be raised or floor level?
2. You have to be able to get to all parts of the track quickly without trashing the set up!
3. How many lanes? 2, 4, 6 or digital?
4. If it is going to be permanent you have to be sure that the track layout is going to stay interesting and works for all lanes
5. Make sure you colour code the wires properly so you know which switch is connected to which bit of track, etc.
6. Are you going for lighting? I plan to have a full lighting set up and have got a all the old hazard track pieces which I am hoping to use as well.
7. Once you have chosen your track then plan your paddock, the perimeter roads, the location of the buildings and the throttle connection points.
I shall start with a frame which I plan to build fairly strong so will be looking at quite thick legs and a few batons. I used 10mm ply for my first attempt. I bought a 8’x4’ sheet which I think is the standard size. You’ll need to cut it down to size or shape though unless you can get the place you buy it from to do that for you. I’m not sure if I wouldn’t go for MDF though this time… You can also use skirting board to give you a pelmet to hide the wires under the board and provide a lip to stop things flying off.
Not sure where it is but I have a few plans of Goodwood somewhere, you will need some space for a 1:32 scale of it though!
I can build a pretty decent approximation of the Nordschleife - well at least to the point that it's recognizable - out of Fleischmann slot track (if only 2 lanes). Thing is, my apartment isn't large enough... I'd think something built on a single sheet of 8 x 4" would be a challenge to design for it not to become p*** boring after about ten laps...
Edited to add - building a permanent slot race track is a completely different ball game from model railways - where with the latter, using selective compression techniques and out-of-sight- 'fiddleyards' to represent 'the rest of the railway system' one can build a certain scene pretty close to true scale, while the width, curve radii etc of slot race track when multiplied by 32 are actually a lot closer to the dimensions of your average go-kart track. Scale realism doesn't enter the equation with slot racing - it's a game, a sport if you like only with very nice and realistic looking rolling stock.
Edited to add - building a permanent slot race track is a completely different ball game from model railways - where with the latter, using selective compression techniques and out-of-sight- 'fiddleyards' to represent 'the rest of the railway system' one can build a certain scene pretty close to true scale, while the width, curve radii etc of slot race track when multiplied by 32 are actually a lot closer to the dimensions of your average go-kart track. Scale realism doesn't enter the equation with slot racing - it's a game, a sport if you like only with very nice and realistic looking rolling stock.
Edited by 900T-R on Friday 1st September 18:08
I've often thought about this and to add to interest, you could run more than one circuit around the model, an inner and an outer one? and also cut track down the middle and have a single track hill climb as well.
To add to the interest, a few simple optical sensors (from RS/Farnell) and a computer with some simple I/O (an old BBC micro could be favourite here) and you can get lap times, sector times, fastest lap, etc.
You need to make it interesting otherwise you will get bored with the layout.
If you want more realistic models move away from Scalextric and look at Fly etc, but these ideally require different impedance handsets.
Just my 2p
davidy
To add to the interest, a few simple optical sensors (from RS/Farnell) and a computer with some simple I/O (an old BBC micro could be favourite here) and you can get lap times, sector times, fastest lap, etc.
You need to make it interesting otherwise you will get bored with the layout.
If you want more realistic models move away from Scalextric and look at Fly etc, but these ideally require different impedance handsets.
Just my 2p
davidy
davidy said:
If you want more realistic models move away from Scalextric and look at Fly etc
In fairness, I own about a dozen GT/sports cars from all the major manufacturers (1:32 slot cars, that is
) and my Scalextric TVR T400R and MG-Lola Le Mans Racer are up there with the best for detail and realism. Speed 12 not as good, but that's an older model anyways. Edited by 900T-R on Friday 1st September 09:17
for inspiration and idea's go and have a look at
www.slotforum.com
www.slotcarillustrated.com
but be warned - these guys are serious slot addicts and will drag you down a
slippery slope (don't I know it)
regards - TopBanana
www.slotforum.com
www.slotcarillustrated.com
but be warned - these guys are serious slot addicts and will drag you down a
slippery slope (don't I know it)
regards - TopBanana
900T-R said:
davidy said:
If you want more realistic models move away from Scalextric and look at Fly etc
In fairness, I own about a dozen GT/sports cars from all the major manufacturers (1:32 slot cars, that is ) and my Scalextric TVR T400R and MG-Lola Le Mans Racer are up there with the best for detail and realism. Speed 12 not as good, but that's an older model anyways. Rich... They used to do books with plans in them… I remember making various circuits like a 4 lane Brands Hatch and Silverstone. There used to be a piece of software around (shareware) called something like f-plan that allowed you to discover if a circuit "worked" (sort of click and drag the pieces) which was pretty useful - even gave you a shopping list of track parts.
Model shows and stuff can be useful (or certainly were - probably replaced by eBay now) as you could find old bits of track cheaply that just needed a good clean… as well as old catalogues (with circuit diagrams) and stuff.
Seem to recall I've got a pit stop from the 60's and a "Goodwood Chicane" sat somewhere safe...
Model shows and stuff can be useful (or certainly were - probably replaced by eBay now) as you could find old bits of track cheaply that just needed a good clean… as well as old catalogues (with circuit diagrams) and stuff.
Seem to recall I've got a pit stop from the 60's and a "Goodwood Chicane" sat somewhere safe...
the new "digital" type scalextric uses special cars with "decoders" fitted
this then allows upto say 6 - 8 cars to use 2-lane track, and to change lanes
via special track pieces, so that you can overtake
you can fit the decoder units to older cars, but bear in mind you also need the
digital controllers and power system.
have a look at some of the tracks shown on the forums at slotforum or slotcar illustrated - there are some good loft tracks in there, one of the best i have seen is a targa florio track running down through a sicilian village
another option is to go the wooden track route, and use MDF sheets and a "router" to cut grooves for the track - you can then design your own layout, corner size, etc
regards - TopBanana
this then allows upto say 6 - 8 cars to use 2-lane track, and to change lanes
via special track pieces, so that you can overtake
you can fit the decoder units to older cars, but bear in mind you also need the
digital controllers and power system.
have a look at some of the tracks shown on the forums at slotforum or slotcar illustrated - there are some good loft tracks in there, one of the best i have seen is a targa florio track running down through a sicilian village
another option is to go the wooden track route, and use MDF sheets and a "router" to cut grooves for the track - you can then design your own layout, corner size, etc
regards - TopBanana
dougc said:
Thanks looks like a good investment! Podie said:
Seem to recall I've got a pit stop from the 60's and a "Goodwood Chicane" sat somewhere safe...
Pit Stop and Le Mans start a "must" for me 
Hi
have a look at
The British Slot Car Racing Association site
The 'where to race' section will put you in touch with slot car clubs around the country and the 'track' section has loads of advice on designing and building all sorts of slot car tracks.
Don't know where in Berks you are but there are thriving clubs at Wokingham and Swindon
and
slotforum
Slotforum is like pistonheads for slotracers. The forums have information on everything to do with slotracing.
Good luck with your project!
Best, Rob
have a look at
The British Slot Car Racing Association site
The 'where to race' section will put you in touch with slot car clubs around the country and the 'track' section has loads of advice on designing and building all sorts of slot car tracks.
Don't know where in Berks you are but there are thriving clubs at Wokingham and Swindon
and
slotforum
Slotforum is like pistonheads for slotracers. The forums have information on everything to do with slotracing.
Good luck with your project!
Best, Rob
Edited by roblees on Sunday 3rd September 10:55
900T-R said:
I'd think something built on a single sheet of 8 x 4" would be a challenge to design for it not to become p*** boring after about ten laps...
That's only the size that the sheets come in. the one i was planning to build in my old garage was going to use about four of these with a couple cut down.
rude-boy said:
900T-R said:
I'd think something built on a single sheet of 8 x 4" would be a challenge to design for it not to become p*** boring after about ten laps...
That's only the size that the sheets come in. the one i was planning to build in my old garage was going to use about four of these with a couple cut down.
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