Laying Copper Tape over Track Rails and Testing

Laying copper tape over rails is a PITA, but definitely worth it when it comes to power consistency. I've got one lane done and took a minute to test with a Carrera BMW M6 GT3. The track is just basically functional - I haven't set up the driver stations yet (those will be located at each end of the "U") so I'm getting whiplash standing in the middle, trying to follow the car with the stock controller and a 2-foot connection wire. The video is shot from a wide-angle webcam I just installed to see if I can get a complete track view.

 

For now, I'm collecting some of the components I'll need to finish things up, some driver station hardware from Slot Car Corner, two adjustable power supplies, additional wiring and other odds and ends. Obviously there's still a lot of scenery work to do, but at least I'll be able to do some testing and tuning as that work proceeds. As noted previously, this is a1:32 Artin track is 50.25 ft (each lane) or 15.31 meters.

 

SJ EP 13 - Track Build Guide #7 - Stone Walls and Bridges

In the case of The Schweizering, part of the slot car track runs up into an old city enclosed by a medieval-era stone wall. In this video, I'll show you how I did this, and how you can create garden walls, retaining walls, a bridge or even a building on your own track. As you'll see, I had a little bit of fun in the opening scene...

As far as materials, this can be done using rigid insulation foam, a few simple tools and some basic paint effects, like dark washed and dry-brush highlighting. After the demo, I'll show you a few new additions to the racing garage and also highlight some awesome upcoming slot car events - one in the USA and one in Brussels. Check out the video HERE.

 

 

 

Slotmania! Brussels Promises to be a Fun Event

One of my Facebook friends, Julien Giloteau, reached out to me a while back to tell me about an event he is organizing for next month - SLOTMANIA! BRUSSELS.  He sent me some posters, additional info and some video links to check out - and it's clear that this looks like one of the best-organized events I've seen in a while.

Of course it would be nice to attend but a trip to Europe is not in the cards right now. Regardless, they have lined up not only a number of vendors, but have arranged for some manufacturers to be on hand as well, including Scalextric, Slot.it/Policar, Scaleauto and Avant Slot. They always have some notable folks in attendance, including race car drivers and this year - Adrian Norman.

Julien notes that they are tryinig to expand the event format beyond just the typical swap meet and vendor meet to more of a convention-type showcase. I think they are on the right track. If your close enough, be sure to try and make it. There is also a fabulous promo video out on YouTube - Be sure to check it out HERE.

SJ EPISODE 12: Track Build Guide #6 - Terrain and Land Forms

Does your track skittle through a desert, roll through the hills or climb a mountain? If so, how do you create that environment? In this episode, I'll talk about the various methods that can be used and show you how I go about creating and shaping the land forms used on my track. There's a lot to cover here, as it's kind of an old-school method, but one of the benefits is the low cost, as old newspaper and plaster cloth won't do much damage to your wallet.

After the demo, I'll talk about the possible pitfalls of getting hobby advice and also ask for your thoughts on slot car content you enjoy and how you might use Facebook groups.Check out the episode HERE.

 

 

Looking Forward to the 79th Cleveland Slot Car Show

I've attended the last two Cleveland Slot Car Shows and come away not only impressed with the overall organization, but managed to come away with some great slot car buys as well! This Spring show (set for April 21) will have many activities throughout the weekend. Racing will begin Friday evening and the whole day Saturday. Live auctions on Friday and Saturday from the show, with a special charity auction Saturday evening. A slot car forum is scheduled for Saturday evening with manufactures, vendors, and old timers fielding questions on the slot car industry.

Organizer Greg Bennett has let people know that there will be a good selection of 1:32 vendors again, as well as a 1:32 race event to enjoy. That's good news, as the larger scale cars have had an increasing presence at the last few shows...a trend that appears to be continuing.

The show itself will take place on Sunday, starting at 9:30am, with all kinds of door prizes and lots of old and new slot cars in all scales. We are putting out a request for a vendor or venders interested in selling and sitting in on the slot car forum that sells or makes controllers and metering devices for testing slot cars. For more info, contact Greg Bennett on Facebook HERE.