SJ Episode #7 - Track Build Guide #1 / Planning

The purpose of this basic guide is to offer the slot enthusiast a few things to consider as they design, plan and construct their track. I've tried to be comprehensive, but keep in mind these guidelines are based on my own needs and preferences - yours may be different, and that's fine. Hopefully there will be a few bits here that you'll find helpful as you undertake your own track building project. Have fun!

[@wayneleslie1871]

Really great video. You covered all the basics of track planning. I would call this a "must watch" for anyone contemplating a track build. Thanks.

[@slotjournal]

Thanks for watching...and the feedback. Good to know you find it helpful!

[@slotcardude68]

Great aid and ideas if you're thinking of building a track!!!!! Love you're hints and thoughts on this topic! Really helpful for newbys!!!!!

[@slotjournal]

Thanks, Nico! There's a lot to consider, for sure. Hopefully there will be some useful takeaways from this.

[@allodapos]

Thank you so much for this video. It was exactly the video I've been looking for. Very useful tips and valuable insights!

[@slotjournal]

Thanks! Glad you found it helpful 👍

[@OKSlotCarTesting]

Very nice video. Right now the one thing that I have heard that might be coming down the road sometime is computer track planning software that may be sponsored by a major track seller that will actually ask what your inventory of individual track pieces is and have you input the size of area you want to be using for the computer program. The end result will be the computer will calculate all the possible layouts for the area you have. Of course as you said in your video it would be nice to input real race tracks from around the world also for these calculations. I imagine the first major Slot Track company that does this will have a terrific surge of systems sales etc! There are programmers out there seeing the opportunity of this. Keep your fingers crossed!

[@slotjournal]

That sounds like a splendid idea - a real time-saver, for sure! I would imagine that would be a sales-booster for sure. Thanks for watching!

[@Scale_Slotcars_Latvia]

Great advice especially for folk who have got 132 sets for Christmas and now they want to step it up a little 😊

[@slotjournal]

Thanks, Harry! Glad you thought it's useful.

[@twaksak69]

Very informative and Well presented 👍🏼💫

[@slotjournal]

Thanks for watching and commenting - I'm hoping it will be found helpful in one way or another!

[@SlotCarWildman]

Really nice video of all that does go into track builds .

[@slotjournal]

Thanks - I hope people find it helpful in one way or another. 🙂

[@SlotCarWildman]

I did just wish had seen when I started 🤣

[@voivode2591]

Thanks for the video. I will be using Carrera track. I was looking into a modular build, one that can be moved easily. Probably in 4’x4’ or 4’x6’ sections. I still am deciding on the layout. I really like the way slotusa’s tracks flow. I don’t necessarily like overpasses but I do like elevation changes and curved sections that are supered. Obviously I am going to have to learn how to make or modify sections into ones that don’t exist from the manufacturer. I ordered some different used curves to experiment with. They were about a third of the cost of new ones.

[@shiftintohigh5564]

Good stuff here! 👍👍😎🇺🇸

[@slotjournal]

Thanks! Glad you found it helpful.

[@conquestracingclub]

Nice Breakdown and track building Guide.

[@slotjournal]

Thanks, Rahul - tried to make it helpful - understanding that other's approaches may be different than my own.

[@conquestracingclub]

@@slotjournal yeah valid points discussed I appreciated the depth of information

[@ScottWM54]

Searched & search...cant find a single piece of ARTIN 1/32 on Ebay. Tons of 1/43.....any advice?😊

[@slotjournal]

Every once in a while they show up on eBay, but not often. I’ve sometimes seen some on FB marketplace. Also, you could try the Buy/Sell forums on Home Racing World (or other sites) - ask if anyone has some they’d be willing to part with…. I’ve gotten responses there (eventually) 🙂

[@Steebles1908]

I'm starting down this path with my new 1:32 Carrera stuff - at this scale do you think 12 feet is enough for an exciting main straight?

[@slotjournal]

I think that's a fine place to start...close to what I have on my own track. If you can come out of that section with an R2 or R3 curve, it will allow you to carry more speed through the straight. Have fun!

[@markphillips5368]

Is the Artin track big enough to run 1/24 scale cars? Looking at the track you showed in video, it almost looks like Carrera track.

[@slotjournal]

While it's hard plastic like Carrera and well-made, it's not as wide as Carrera, so probably not.