MARTINSVILLE IN MISSOURI - The Sequel
Routing your own slot car track from wood might sound intimidating to many enthusiasts. In all honesty, I fall right into that category as the time, effort and skills to create such a layout seemed far too advanced for me to attempt myself. And although I am quite pleased with the layouts I have created using plastic tracks, I still have always wanted to have my own routed wood track.
AutoRama Racing to the rescue! When Julian "Hot Shoe" Guillory offered to build me a small track how could I refuse?
Due to the limited space I have in my basement, there was only room for a simple 4 foot by 8 foot table. This table has seen many layouts on it over the years such as the first Martinsville in Missouri made from Artin track, and here would be where the new track would find its home. After discussing what type of track I would like most, the plans were finalized for a small 4 lane oval.
I was told the track would be completely ready to run with copper tape, paint and wiring installed. I also was fortunate that he offered to send in some of his custom made driver's stations as well. In just 4 days my track was delivered and it was time to get put it together. However, I have to comment on how well he packaged the track. The layout was split in half and then wrapped snugly in cardboard. He used staples to secure the cardboard to the track and then placed it inside yet another large cardboard wrap. On the outside of the wrap was a envelope that said INSTRUCTIONS clearly marked. After removing the track from the package there was not one spot along the edges or surface that had any damage.
All the slot grooves were clean and even and they lined up perfectly. There was even an extra groove routed on the outside so that I could install a plastic wall using most any plastic screen cap...nice touch!
In a separate box that came priority mail were the 4 drivers stations. These are about as simple as it gets and we were impressed on how well he constructed them. Each station is clearly marked and has enough wire included to begin installation. I was pretty excited to say the least!
Assembly
My good friend "LocoRacer Tom" who visits my basement on the weekends called and told me he was on the way to help. Before he arrived, I went to the AutoRama website to look over the assembly instructions for the drivers stations. The instructions are as clear as you could ask for, and most of you should have no problems with the final wiring.
In the instruction sheet provided, it explains how to assemble the 2 track halves. Since this track was designed to be portable so I could bring it with me to slot car shows and to other enthusiasts homes, he utilizes 1/4-20 flat head furniture bolts & T-nuts (blind nuts) to fasten on side of the track to what he calls the "scab board". Once you secure the first half of the track with these bolts you are ready for the other side.
The other side of the track has counter-sunk holes already drilled and the screws are also provided. First, make sure the scab board is clean and free of any debris. Next, apply some good quality wood glue (he suggests Titebond) on the scab board. Now you can place the track section on the scab board and begin to line up the track.
You want a very slight gap between track sections and Julian advises using a simple business card as a guide. I placed an old card between the two track sections and started screwing it down in place, working from the inside out.
Now that the track is assembled, it was time for hooking up the wiring. Using the track wiring diagram on his website, Tom and I simply hard wired it per these instructions. We used the LOKO DPS 400GL adjustable voltage power supply from Professor Motor.
I know there are a lot of power options out there, but nothing in my book beats a good quality supply such as this one or the Pyramid PS 26KX.
Race Time!
Well what can I say? Very, very smooth operation with no problems anywhere. I was just amazed how nicely some of my models ran on this track. Recently, Artin released their new line of Stockers and we tested a full field. Of course they needed some tire sanding, but other than that they slide great around the curves. We also tested a full line of cars from Carrera, Fly, Revell/Monogram, Scalextric, NINCO and others. Results varied, but it was the cars that needed work and not the track. The latest Scalextric NASCARS were also very good on this layout, and considering it is an oval designed for stock car racing, I am very pleased.
Want Your Own?
Looking at his website shows several packages for you to get started and the prices are very reasonable in my opinion. For a comparison, you can get a 4 lane oval twice as long as mine (4 x 16 feet) completely painted and taped with power taps installed for $300.00 plus shipping.
However, another great option for those on tighter budgets is the bare wood track systems. These are tracks that are completely routed and all you have to do is paint the surface and add the copper tape. This would be an excellent choice for a majority of enthusiasts because the "hard" part is done for you. Painting and taping are pretty easy and the website has a quick online guide on repairing and taping your track that is easy to follow. A good example is the Grand Chenier International Raceway which is a 3 lane, 4 foot by 16 foot track with a 35 foot lap length. The cost is only $175.00 plus shipping.
Now take most any plastic track system and recreate these layouts and look at the price. Remember to add in the additional turn borders you will need and I think you will find that the prices AutoRama is asking is well within reason. Especially for folks like me who dare not even buy a router knowing the damage I could do:)
The Verdict
I can only advise that if you are looking at having a wood track for your home, but simply not ready to do it yourself, AutoRama Racing is a great option. Excellent customer service along with this level of high quality work is a combination that usually produces a winner, and it certainly does here. Julian can be found in our own Message Forums regularly to answer questions and of course the AutoRama Racing website.
- Harry
I want to thank Julian for the excellent work he has done and for providing Team Home Racing World with a fantastic routed track!