Some 3 years ago I had an AFX set (pancake motors) and had problems with power pickup so the figure 8 set eventually got put aside. I've always been into model railroads (for about 38 years) and am now pretty much a prototype modeler (rivet counter). About 5 years ago I worked with a guy that was into slot cars...the new ones, not the old slow ones. I helped him build a 4'x24' slot car track in his basement; he ran with a bunch of other guys so it was a 'professional' racing track.
I helped him wire it (10 or 12 gauge wires) and lay the track; we ripped out the factory rails, installed continuous rail, filed it down to 0.015" above the road (I made a fixture to insure consistent rail height), installed computer timing, filled in all the gaps and screwheads, filed out the grooves and painted the track. It looked great and the speeds were nothing short of incredible! If you haven't ever seen full custom slot cars, search youtube and observe the blurs! It's way more impressive in person!
When those cars left the road, they hit stuff HARD. I got a bruise exactly the size of one of his cars on my arm when it flew off the track, then burned my finger when I picked it up off the floor. Those cars drew something like 2 amps!
I built a similar 4'x16' track for an ex-girlfriend who had a young boy and included a (cheap) train set to make it interesting. Using factory crossings (from AFX or Tyco) was way easier than scratchbuilding my own.
Be prepared to do a lot of repairs to both the trains and cars. Many times the car would try to beat the loco or caboose and just miss it, but the couplers were the first casualty. No problem, we didn't need couplers on the front or back of the train (we ran it like a drone). When the young boy saw the spectacular crashes caused by a car moving at 200 scale mph smashing into the train, he started aiming for the train rather than trying to miss it. Those cars cracked every piece of rolling stock and easily knocked the HO scale F unit off the track if it got hit. Lots of rerailing...lots of repairs to couplers, wheels...everything. I was spending more time repairing and rerailing than running trains or racing. At first it was fun (when a boxcar got damaged, we just took them off, one at a time until just the loco was running. I can't imagine a slot car smashing (at any speed) into my BLI, Athearn Genesis or Proto sound equipped locos (or my Branchline rolling stock kits).
Yes, they are fun together! Yes, there will be damage! If you get the racing setup (and I really hope you do!) Please take lots of videos and post them to youtube. So much fun to watch...because I won't have to fix anything.lol
Both hobbies are awesome, for different reasons. But if you combine both, then compromises will be made to both hobbies. I learned to keep them separate. That guy gave me all his leftover track pieces, power supplies and even a broken controller (a custom one with two knobs sticking out the top)...I still set up the slot cars once in a while...on the floor. Maybe put the layout up higher (model railroads look more realistic the closer they are to eye-level) and keep the slot cars on a lower table (where it's easier to reach cars and see them better for racing...nascar spotters are on top of the grandstands for a reason).
If you run both together, on the same level, you might want to keep a cheap 'drone train' for use while racing. Maybe load them with lead or steel to help keep them from flying too far. :) Also, keep delicate scenery on the inside of the curve (cars fly towards the outside of the curves). Most of all...HAVE FUN! :)
http://delray1967.shutterfly.com/pictures/5
SEMI Free-Mo@groups.io
That'd be something, a race track with a railroad cutting through it. Though if you can have a railroad cut across an airport runway...(yes, that is a real thing).
--Randy
Modeling the Reading Railroad in the 1950's
Visit my web site at www.readingeastpenn.com for construction updates, DCC Info, and more.
Yeah, I'm cool with that. Indeed, I just recently bought some LifeLike slot car track along with two railroad crossings pieces where the train track crosses the slot car roadway. I plan to build a stock car racetrack on an unfinished area of my layout and decorate it with a train station and a grandstand
To Rude Runner Hear Hear ! Initially Aurora tried to market their cars and tracks to interoperate w/ model railroads. The story I heard was Corporate Lawyers were concerned kids would try to out run trains at the crossings, which would translate into their early driving expereinces. Worried they would be held liable in a catastrophic accident, they made the corporate decision to seperate the cars from the trains, dropping the term "model motoring, and focusing on the race aspects of slotcars.
I agree that realistic movement on a layout adds to the appeal, we've all seen Windmills, and little figures popping out of shacks when trains go by, having realistic scale, automobiles and trucks is not a unrealistic request. I'd think w/ todays technology, SOMEBODY would offer a reasonable system. Again the Faller setup comes closest, shame it is too cost prohibitive.
Some of the old Model Motoring cars I have, look pretty good once running slow enough, one tip is to remove the middle gear on the topplate, and use a small O-Ring from the armature shaft back to the pinion gear, will be exploring other ways to slow the cars down, such as pure DC (battery powered system, w/ a battery tender to keep it topped off)
The turnoffs and service road pieces can be modified w/ switch solenoid to automate the turnoffs:
http://www.modelmotorist.com/web-content/rr20001.jsp
This way several differnt circuits can be run without fear of the cars jamming up on one another, heck I'd even like to incorporate DCC technology into a couple of vehicles to vary their speed.
I guess another option is to sell off ALL the Slotcar stuff and use the money to convert to a Faller or other similar setup, but I have most everything I need to install the slotcar track now.
And for those who don't think slotcars and model motoring have a place on Model railroads, you do not have to read these posts, chose another topic of interest. Thankful to find some conversation on the integration of automobiles and trains.
Sir Madog I am sorry, but I find this set-up to be completely out of place here. This is a slot car set-up and not a model railroad! I don´t think there is any place in the world where a railroad line crosses a race track. Again - nice toy, but no scale model railroad!
I am sorry, but I find this set-up to be completely out of place here. This is a slot car set-up and not a model railroad! I don´t think there is any place in the world where a railroad line crosses a race track.
Again - nice toy, but no scale model railroad!
Besides, my original plan was to have roadways, not just a raceway. And roads do cross tracks.
And of course the O scale guys can take advantage of 1:43 slot cars. These not only look more prototypical, they are closer to proportion, usually better detailed, and can be run at more prototypical speeds. Yes they still have the trench in the road and the wires are visible (could be chemically blackened?) But they also offer more variations in turns (degree of curve and radius) all combined it could make a pleasing model.
One could argue that modelling roads on a layout isn't prototypical at all. Other than the I-5 in LA, there's not many places where vehicles just sit stationary on the roadway for hours,days or months. If we must model roads, and many of us must, why not look into making them operable?
The question is how to animate without looking toylike? Like mentioned above it would be easier in O scale, HO slot cars would work better with S scale. The Faller system is great for HO except price and prototype.
Perhaps several loops that cars could just drone around? Disguising the slot could be done by airbrushing the oil streak down the road. If making the road from scratch (vs buying premade track) one can fine tune the slot width to make it less obtrusive, same for the power wires.
Many mrr take the time to super detail and weath their rolling stock, locos. Some do their road vehicles too. The same skills can be applied to slot cars, one just has to keep functiality in mind.
It can even make operations more realistic. Crews waiting for a train can runtraffic rather than sit around waiting to be called. Strike a train and lose you license, no driving till the next op session. Young kids may be bored with slow trains but can have fun with fast cars. Sure they'll pull a Gomez, but they also get exposed to model trains and model building. Is the tradeoff wortth it? Depends on who you are.
If its not a project you want to tackle then good for you, but those who are interested needn't be put down for it.
Modeling the Cleveland and Pittsburgh during the PennCentral era starting on the Cleveland lakefront and ending in Mingo junction
I remember almost 40 years ago seeing a catalog with a trainset with slot cars crossing the the tracks so the idea isn't new. I'm guessing it was TYCO. Hammacher claims they make the only such set today. Here's the webpage if your interested:
http://www.hammacher.com/Product/78893
If they are the only one, it would seem your choices are to buy their product or scratch build your own slot car grade crossing. You'll need at least two. Probably wouldn't be that difficult but I would lean toward going with Hammacher. Why reinvent the wheel.
Since you seem to have already made the decision to go with it I certainly am not going to try to talk you out of it. It's my opinion that with few exceptions, anything that moves on a model railroad other than the trains is going to look toylike. I don't think slot cars is one of those exceptions. However, as has been said many times, it's your railroad. Build what makes you happy. You don't have to justify it to anyone.
I was at the Springfield/Amherst train show today. One vendor was Minature Motor Works. He was running an automobile/truck/bus system that was using a wireless throttle controller. The vehicles looked similar to the Faller cars, although to me they looked slightly larger. They did follow a buried wire in the road, like Faller, but there was more going on. There was "bus loop" that shared the road with the others, but had photosensors (I think) to detect the bus and run it partially over a separate route.
Again, this was expensive on a per-vehicle cost basis, but if you actually had control of the vehicle in terms of speed, anyway, and it travelled at scale speed rather than race speed, it would be a significant advancement.
It takes an iron man to play with a toy iron horse.
Im sorry....sheesh...somebody had asked about combining the 2...and i had shown them what i had done. I dont think its out of place at all thank you. And to be honest....it really doenst matter if its not to scale...or if its not the way it should be....i built it for myself...not anybody else...i didnt build it for the "why did he do that, thats not correct, thats not prototypical" crowd!!! So what it crosses a race track...big deal!!!...the cars can go opposites directions ya know...go toward each other...like a 2 lane road. I think the most important thing here is...its fun...its something i like doing...and i was just trying to help somebody out...that is all. And to me....it is a scale railroad...maybe not to YOUR standards....but it is. I can use all the same techniques that you employ on decoration...lighting...and all. I dont think i will be posting anymore to this website. Things like this are suppose to encourage people to go their own way...do what they like to do....not to get criticized about it. Thanks alot!!
I have both the Aurora Turnouts and the Service road turnoffs. I'd have small houses at the intersections, and long straights heading off into a Western scene. I really like the Faller System, but own slotcar track, so may try it, can always take it up. Here's a sketch of what I 'm thinking of doing:
Thanks for the comments. I am using AFX track. I started out with one set (GIANT RACEWAY)....and it wasnt enough track and didnt have the pieces i needed. So...there was a guy who was selling ALOT more track and a whole bunch of train track and cars. So...i lucked out on that one.
As for decorating the table....its not going to be that bad. I probably wont decorate the very back edge or the "other" side of the train track or slot car track....for 2 reason....first of all...you wont see it...and second...it would most likely get messed up being folded against the wall. I have 5 inches i can work with in height on the layout. If you look close....there is a peice of wood....5 inches wide....attached to the wall. The table is attached to that....that way the table is that far away from the wall and not crush everything. I will post more pictures as i go along. I know its not going to be prototypical train layout....and that is fine with me. Its built to have fun with....not look like anything current....and can have fun with when the family is in for the holidays. Should be a competitive track.
So far its all working out as planned. Im going to see if i can add more track today.
Wolf, if you have some time to spare, I have a project for you...
That looks great except for the wide benchwork against a wall. May make construction and scenery difficult.
Wolf......that looks badass!!! With bandit cars too!!
Rich
Very Cool layout Wolfangel ! Like the idea of a 45 deg crossing, opens up more options.
I always wanted to automate the crossing, maybe use a Circuitronics system to control a rely which would cut power to the section of slot car track prior to the RR crossing.
Like to better understand how you made this crossing. What kind of car track are you using ? Tyco or AFX ? I have the older Aurora pin, and clip style, I may be willing to experiment w/ a 9"straight piece.
Right now I'm just farting around w/ the 1/12 scale model of the model layout ;)
Kent.
Here is how i did my slot car/train layout. I wanted a huge layout. My main focus is on the slot car track. I do like the trains....but i love the racing more. SO FAR there is about 70 feet of slot car track....and im thinking of adding more. The train crossing i made myself. You can get train crossing for slot car tracks...but...they are 90 degrees to the track. I need one that was at an angle to fit my layout needs. The train can take 2 different paths....it can go around the outside perimeter....or it can be switched to go inside and become an obstacle for the cars. As you can see....i have the train going under the track and around it. It works great...already raced on it a few times. The part your not seeing tho...is a 1 foot sectoin that folds out from under the front edge...that is a 16 foot long dragstrip. I have never seen all 3 elements combined before.....train....roadcourse....dragstrip. It will be fully decorated with trees...buildings...lighting...people...etc. Also...to help save space in my garage....it folds up against the wall using a winch and pully system. I hope this gives you some inspiration.
Back in the late 90's I was a member of an asphalt NASCAR modified team and we spent the weekend at Martinsvilles Speedway in Virginia. As I was standing in the stands with my stopwatch in hand, I noticed a huge freight train running behind the speedway, parallel to the backstretch and instantly thought that this place would make a great layout someday!! I could build a speedway and have a yard just behind the backstretch!!! Maybe my next project.
The Aurora cars used pins but the Tyco and some other brands used the blade type guide. I realize the commercial track is pretty restrictive but using it will save a lot of work and frustration. I once tried the copper strip conductor but it really did not work well for me and I just abandoned it to use the 15 inch straight track to make a drag strip for a school based club I was running then (I was a teacher.) It may work in the larger scales but for the nominal HO scale it seems to have problems.
I have some of the old T-Jet cars and they seem to be close to HO but the ones that followed did seem to grow and are now more like 1/64. If you are really serious about realistic look an S scale layout would be a better fit.
Lone Wolf and Santa Fe I would be interested in the Faller type system, but I have questions. Do you manually control the vehicles or are they automatic. I would prefer to operate at least some of them myself. Are there American and Japanesse prototypes? Are there trucks, semis? The idea of the old Tyco US1 Trucking was cool but the trucks were too toy like. I'd love to have something like that to supplement my trains, but it needs to be on the same quality level as nice scale model locomotives etc.
I would be interested in the Faller type system, but I have questions. Do you manually control the vehicles or are they automatic. I would prefer to operate at least some of them myself. Are there American and Japanesse prototypes? Are there trucks, semis?
The idea of the old Tyco US1 Trucking was cool but the trucks were too toy like. I'd love to have something like that to supplement my trains, but it needs to be on the same quality level as nice scale model locomotives etc.
Many years ago I did have one of the usa1 sets. The trucks weren't that toylike except for wheels and tires. They were probably about 1:80 scale but close enough. Most slot cars are closer to 1:64 (S) scale.
Faller is just too expensive. And faller doesn't satisfy the need for speed like slot cars do.
My original plan was to use one at a time and let the other run in the background.
On another note, the Europeans have done some amazing things with micro R/C that work well on a train layout. But it's not slot cars, it's intricately detailed fine-scale stuff that is meant to run at low speeds. If I find the youtube video of the convention in Germany these were shown at, I will post it here.
Julian
Modeling Pre-WP merger UP (1974-81)
Hi
My answer is don't do it at least not with slot cars
If you have to do all the work your post sugests
You are better off going with the Faller road system and doing body swaps to get US cars when the road is finished
No ugly slot, the cars can change routes handy if the municipal bus service goes one way and the delivery truck goes another.
To me a much better idea inspite of having a small amount of minic motorway and my railroad on the same board as a child and the two systems where designed to work together.
regards John
Rgr,
Currently thinking of 12' by 5' L" shaped layout, i.e. a walk in bookshelf system @ 48" in height. The aisle would be 24", allowing for a 18" deep shelf on either side. Trains would make a simple loop around around perimeter of the "L", w/ a siding or two for simple passing.
The car track would be old Aurora, I have a RR Crossing, Service Road turnoffs, and Turnouts.
Right now I'm building a 1/12 scale model of this w/ coffee stir sticks from Starbucks and carboard. Building the layout in Visio to print/ mockup.
wjstix Westbound Thanks wjstix, A bit frustrated the modeling manufacturers never picked up on the opportunity to add real model motoring. Not interested in featuring race cars, the older Aurora cars and track I have seems to be the closest thing, (short of the Faller Car Systems, can't understand why a lower cost alternative hasn't been developed. Once upon a time, stock car racing featured cars that were actually, well, "stock" - real, off-the-assembly line cars that were hot rodded for racing but basically street legal. Stick a number on the door, put tape on the headlights, and let her rip!! Back in the '50's my brother and his girlfriend (now wife) went to a drag race event in his '40 Ford hotrod. Turned out there weren't very many entrants in the stock car event, so he paid the $5 or whatever and entered his car. Won first place. Helmet? Fire retardant suit? Nah, just a leather jacket and some Brylcream'll do ya.
Westbound Thanks wjstix, A bit frustrated the modeling manufacturers never picked up on the opportunity to add real model motoring. Not interested in featuring race cars, the older Aurora cars and track I have seems to be the closest thing, (short of the Faller Car Systems, can't understand why a lower cost alternative hasn't been developed.
Thanks wjstix,
A bit frustrated the modeling manufacturers never picked up on the opportunity to add real model motoring. Not interested in featuring race cars, the older Aurora cars and track I have seems to be the closest thing, (short of the Faller Car Systems, can't understand why a lower cost alternative hasn't been developed.
Once upon a time, stock car racing featured cars that were actually, well, "stock" - real, off-the-assembly line cars that were hot rodded for racing but basically street legal. Stick a number on the door, put tape on the headlights, and let her rip!!
Back in the '50's my brother and his girlfriend (now wife) went to a drag race event in his '40 Ford hotrod. Turned out there weren't very many entrants in the stock car event, so he paid the $5 or whatever and entered his car. Won first place. Helmet? Fire retardant suit? Nah, just a leather jacket and some Brylcream'll do ya.
I'm surprised to see this back again. I haven't pursued this plan yet. Loss ofspace due to folks moving in. I'm working on a different plan based on having an oval track on the layout. Just happens that there used to be a local short track near the tracks in town. The old Cloverleaf speedway. Now I just need to figure out where on the layout to put it.
You could do a lot of things wrong here, but don't do what my dad did and put it at eye level for your kid. I am so very lucky he never finished it. I may not have had my vision today.
It was also 1980s Tyco, so equipment failure was probably just as much at fault as his lack of ambition :/
However, to be fair, the Tyco US-1 trucks and cars were low-speed. They had a wheel knob and only went about roughly 50-60 SMPH, and only ever fell off the track if they hit a stop too hard. I think these may have been the slot cars my dad wanted me using on the train layout.
Also, I remember the steel tyco track being very prone to corrosion, and we had to sand it often with that brown scotch pad. Ugh.
I have seen some really nice hand made slot car layouts that feature racing on city streets. You could model the Long Beach Grand Prix, Or Fast and Furious! Now that I think about it, street racing might be cool. My first layout was Tyco slot cars and trains. I discovered that I could easily reverse one lane to run the other direction and could drive my cars around the layout on the road. The Aurora cars someone gave me were the nearest to scale, and slowest. I also used Tyco and AFX cars but they were too big, but still fun to play with when I was a kid.
I ditched the slot cars when I built my first real model railroad. In the future when I build my dream layout I am going to include slot car track even if I have to build my own cars and trucks. For model railroaders who don't think slot cars can be nice models check these out:
I used to subscribe/ post quite a bit on a Slotcar forum about ways to slow the cars down, make them appear to operate more realistic, believe replacing the gears w/ small pulleys and belts from O-Rings was one approach, the newer cars w/ Neo Magnets whizzing around @ a scale 700 mph make we want to reach for a flyswatter.
You would think w/ today's technology there would be something readily available to offer scale, detailed operating autos, maybe w/ DCC, guess I 'm trying to justify the expense of the Faller System...