Kommandant33 Posted February 17, 2017 Report Share Posted February 17, 2017 (edited) Hey all, I am in the process of setting up my semi-permanent Scalextric digital track. So here is a little thread detailing my process... So it all started with the Scalextric Digital Law enforcer set... Which was a whole bunch of fun for the whole family.. But we couldn't exactly monitor lap times, or know who was winning races - so after a bit of research I realized I needed the advanced power base, USB cable and some software.. So I got the Digital Platinum set! But of course, it isn't that fun setting it up in the lounge room only to take it down the next day... So I work out a plan to make a semi permanent set up in the garage! But phase 1 is - THE CLEAN OUT And then I work out some plans for the table... It's actually 2 tables with a total length of 3m and a depth of 1.5m - I commission my neighbour who is a handy man to get that built. And now it's time to plan out the track - I start off with this.. But It isn't the best use of space - and being a paper clip shape, both lanes are vastly un-even - which doesn't matter so much for a digital set up, but I would prefer an even set up. While in the planning stages, a 4k 44" TV goes on special at Aldi - perfect - and mounted from the roof. And I finally work out this lay out as a plan: And the table is built. And the layout is made. And my first purchase from the Auslot trading forum is made. So I had this set up for a while - and had a few "drink driving" sessions with some mates.. And all was going well - but the track was a bit too fast, and not very challenging - except for the 2 hairpins, and there was a bit of wasted space in the bottom right hand corner. Also, the grid was too close together - the cars were starting bumper-to-bumper - so I go back to the drawing board - and look at using some of the tighter scalextric track and come up with this: Now this set up was much better - but one thing I didn't think about was having the lane-changes straight after a tight turn, the LEDs wouldn't line up with the sensors - but that was easily fixed by adding 1/4 straights before the lane-changers. So this set up was a winner - but there is no proper supports for all the elevated sections - and I thought it was time to make it a bit more a permanent set up. So I drew an outline of the track and started to individually number each piece (and added an arrow to point the direction of the track) and pull it all apart. And get stared on cutting and molding the insulation foam - and use a standard rattle can of brown paint to give it some colour. And using 3mm thick MDF for support on the upper section of the track I start looking at ideas for grass coverage - and get a grass mat But that is too hard to work around - so I settle on scatter grass - but I will get to that once all 3 sections of the table are complete. Once I finish one section, I put the track back together to make sure everything fits. And just tonight I got started on the middle brick wall. And that's all for the moment! I will hopefully have some more updates in the coming days. Cheers, Komm Edited February 17, 2017 by Kommandant33 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
I Am The Walrus Posted February 17, 2017 Report Share Posted February 17, 2017 Great storyline, pics and track Komm. IMHO, scenery really makes a track. Quote A wise man once said... "Its not the mistakes you make , its how you respond to them that matters." (It wasn't me) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
branco Posted February 17, 2017 Report Share Posted February 17, 2017 Looking good, yes scenery does add to a layout. Quote 2019 NZ RTR Nationals Gt 3rd 2017 NZ RTR Nationals NSR Classic 2nd 2017 NZ RTR Nationals Group C 3rd 2017 NSR Classic Challenge 3rd 2015 NSR Classic Challenge 2nd 2014 NSR Classic Challenge 3rd 2015 Garden City Invitation Overall Champion Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Capri-corn7 Posted February 17, 2017 Report Share Posted February 17, 2017 Great write up Komm. That block wall looks fantastic. Quote They are only toys .... until you pull the trigger. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kommandant33 Posted February 17, 2017 Author Report Share Posted February 17, 2017 Great storyline, pics and track Komm. IMHO, scenery really makes a track. Thanks, Walrus - and you are totally right - even with only a 1/3 of the track done it looks 100x better! Looking good, yes scenery does add to a layout. Thanks, Branco - unchained Great write up Komm. That block wall looks fantastic. Thanks capricciosa! I actually used the method shared by Mr Walrus (on Facebook - I was just looking on the forum for 10 minutes for and remembered I saw it on FB haha) using the soldering iron on foam. I hit it with brown rattle can paint, and follow up with Dulux Duramax granite effect spray paint Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
manimmal Posted February 17, 2017 Report Share Posted February 17, 2017 Looking good. I have to say having mates over for some 1/32 drink driving is one of my favourite things To echo previous sentiment the landscaping makes the layout, just be aware that any fragile items won't last, particularly with children or alcohol involved. Build it scale, built it strong. I look forward to observing as your build progresses. Chris Quote My mum says I'm an excellent driver Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kommandant33 Posted February 17, 2017 Author Report Share Posted February 17, 2017 Looking good. I have to say having mates over for some 1/32 drink driving is one of my favourite things To echo previous sentiment the landscaping makes the layout, just be aware that any fragile items won't last, particularly with children or alcohol involved. Build it scale, built it strong. I look forward to observing as your build progresses. Chris Thanks! I am just planning out the rules for drink driving - here's what I have so far: teams of 2 racers - maximum 4 cars on the track at one time. Endurance settings - most laps wins. Every time you crash/cause a crash your team must shoot a cup of beer. A crash is minus 1 lap from team total. Every time you have to refuel, you must shoot a cup of beer. Fastest lap is plus 10 laps for team total - that way people will be pushing it for the fastest lap - and coming off more That's all I have so far - but will workshop the rules before the first session in March Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ZeGas Posted February 17, 2017 Report Share Posted February 17, 2017 With those rules it could become an expensive hobby, for all the right reasons. Looks great can't wait to see the progress. It's amazing how something so simple can turn out looking so good, well done so far. Quote Cheers Grant . 2025 - Mad Man Motoring (Triple M) Proxy - Group 5 - 1:32 & 1:43 https://auslot.com/forums/index.php?/topic/37451-2025-mad-man-motoring-triple-m-proxy-group-5-132-143/ __________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ If life gives you lemons, take them, free s#!t is cool. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kommandant33 Posted February 18, 2017 Author Report Share Posted February 18, 2017 Just added another layer to the brick wall to be the right height for the over-pass. And following the tight curves of the hairpins I will probably cover the top in ballast to make it look like a dirt car park. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kommandant33 Posted February 18, 2017 Author Report Share Posted February 18, 2017 So got a bit of work done today - mainly painting and then test fitting some sections of track. When the track takes up 2/3 of the garage, there isn't much room for anything else! My daughter was helping today. The wall follows the track line... This section was a bit bare - so I made an extra brick wall. And test fit the track. Not much more to go! Cutting out the over passes and painting them matte black. Painting the third section and working out the elevations for that, and then it's grass time! Thanks for looking. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kommandant33 Posted February 21, 2017 Author Report Share Posted February 21, 2017 What is the best way to get the ground cover level with the track? I have seen some people use plaster - I was thinking of using 8mm thick cardboard - but even then once it's cut out it's very hard to get it exact. I am using scalextric borders for most of the track - but there are a few certain areas that it will be tricky to get level with the track. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ZeGas Posted February 21, 2017 Report Share Posted February 21, 2017 I used 9mm mdf and then sanded the edges where necessary. Quote Cheers Grant . 2025 - Mad Man Motoring (Triple M) Proxy - Group 5 - 1:32 & 1:43 https://auslot.com/forums/index.php?/topic/37451-2025-mad-man-motoring-triple-m-proxy-group-5-132-143/ __________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ If life gives you lemons, take them, free s#!t is cool. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kommandant33 Posted March 4, 2017 Author Report Share Posted March 4, 2017 Okay! So I have been messing around with the track today - I have a lot of work to do considering I am having some friends over for a drink driving session next Sunday the 12th! So working on the 1/3 of the track that hasn't really been touched yet - building a brick wall to hug the hairpin, and working out the elevations for the first corner. While I was at it I tried painting a spare bit of track and boarder - I hit it with a flat grey primer, and then did some sections with a flat black - and then went over that with a light coat of the primer. It's come up OK, but it will be a long term plan. I borrowed some tips from I Am The Warlus - I got some small bits of wood, put a small nail in one end to help with mounting and drilled a hole for the wire to pass through. A little help from Mrs Komm It's come up OK! and this corner is for a hairpin, not a regular curve, but it gives you an idea of how it will look.. Thanks for looking, Komm Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
I Am The Walrus Posted March 4, 2017 Report Share Posted March 4, 2017 That's come up a treat. Nice work on the roadside "gravel" - is it glued down? A tip I saw online was a spray bottle filled with 1 part PVA glue to 3 parts water with a couple of drops off detergent to break the surface tension - works a treat Quote A wise man once said... "Its not the mistakes you make , its how you respond to them that matters." (It wasn't me) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ZeGas Posted March 4, 2017 Report Share Posted March 4, 2017 Looking great there Komm Quote Cheers Grant . 2025 - Mad Man Motoring (Triple M) Proxy - Group 5 - 1:32 & 1:43 https://auslot.com/forums/index.php?/topic/37451-2025-mad-man-motoring-triple-m-proxy-group-5-132-143/ __________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ If life gives you lemons, take them, free s#!t is cool. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kommandant33 Posted March 4, 2017 Author Report Share Posted March 4, 2017 That's come up a treat. Nice work on the roadside "gravel" - is it glued down? A tip I saw online was a spray bottle filled with 1 part PVA glue to 3 parts water with a couple of drops off detergent to break the surface tension - works a treat The gravel is just a very fine ballast for model trains that I picked up from a hobby shop Although I won't be doing that for the full track - that bit is only a diorama for taking pictures of the cars And yes - that's the trick - I used 1 part PVA to 2 parts water and a touch of detergent - I'm also using that method to stick down the grass Looking great there Komm Thanks ZeeGee Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ZeGas Posted March 4, 2017 Report Share Posted March 4, 2017 Course sand or fine gravel is a lot cheaper, go to a landscape supply place and ask for a sample, its free and you get a zip lock bag full, otherwise a trailer load is only $20 Quote Cheers Grant . 2025 - Mad Man Motoring (Triple M) Proxy - Group 5 - 1:32 & 1:43 https://auslot.com/forums/index.php?/topic/37451-2025-mad-man-motoring-triple-m-proxy-group-5-132-143/ __________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ If life gives you lemons, take them, free s#!t is cool. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
I Am The Walrus Posted March 4, 2017 Report Share Posted March 4, 2017 $20 for a load of 1:32 boulders & rocks - bargain! Quote A wise man once said... "Its not the mistakes you make , its how you respond to them that matters." (It wasn't me) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kommandant33 Posted March 6, 2017 Author Report Share Posted March 6, 2017 OKAY! So I went ahead and lay down some scatter grass, put in some more fences - and we are now nearly ready to work on the MDF elevations! The walls got a bit grassy - but that's OK - looks a bit like moss Potato photo View from the fence don't mind the bit of paper - I just had to spray on a bit more glue where the grass was a bit loose. It's come up a treat! The pictures don't really do it justice IMO. I want to say a MASSIVE thank you to all in this community - especially Walrus for the tips on scenery - I wouldn't have put half the effort in if I didn't have this kind of guidance! Thanks for looking! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
I Am The Walrus Posted March 6, 2017 Report Share Posted March 6, 2017 Cheers Komm, but I'm merely passing on lessons from others. Love the putting green! Its so easy to do a little bit on scenery, then add a bit, then a bit more, oh and that bit there, and I could do this, a wall would look good here, and a fence, what if I .... you get the idea. In the end its weeks since you've actually raced. Yours is going to look brilliant when the track is re-laid. Quote A wise man once said... "Its not the mistakes you make , its how you respond to them that matters." (It wasn't me) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kommandant33 Posted March 7, 2017 Author Report Share Posted March 7, 2017 Test fit of the track - and it looks good! gotta pull it all apart again tomorrow, clean the track, clean the rails, cut/shape the MDF - paint and then glue it down and we will be good to go! And I will be putting in an order from Armchair Racer - I think this reinvigorated track needs some new cars - So I will be getting Slot.it Lola Aston Martin DBR 1-2 Slot.it Lola Aston Martin DBR 1-2 Gulf Slot.it Audi R18 4WD And I already picked up a Slot.it Lola rebellion I am very excited! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kommandant33 Posted March 9, 2017 Author Report Share Posted March 9, 2017 (edited) So I was sick as a dog last night - didn't go to work today... spent most of the day in bed... but tonight I managed to get a bit done on the track. I have cut out and painted all the MDF. While I was doing this, I did a few hotlaps in some analogue cars, meaning the brakes weren't working. The NSR Aston Martin went screaming down the main straight - and then STRAIGHT over the barrier and went flying off the side of the table - luckily having a soft landing. So I had an idea - with some of the left over XPF foam, I would make a magnetized removable wall. So some big heavy steel screws into the side of the track And then I glued down some spare magnets onto the side of the foam: When the glue dries - if it's strong enough to hold it down, I will do some more brickwork on the wall, paint it and we will have an extra safe barrier! Here are just a couple of shots: Thanks for looking Edited March 9, 2017 by Kommandant33 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
I Am The Walrus Posted March 9, 2017 Report Share Posted March 9, 2017 So let me get this straight... you were to sick to work but well enough to work on the track. I used to pull that stuff with my mum in primary school. Quote A wise man once said... "Its not the mistakes you make , its how you respond to them that matters." (It wasn't me) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kommandant33 Posted March 9, 2017 Author Report Share Posted March 9, 2017 So let me get this straight... you were to sick to work but well enough to work on the track. I used to pull that stuff with my mum in primary school. I work in a job that I spend a lot of time close to people, and quite often don't have easy acccess to a toilet - picking up what I'm putting down? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
I Am The Walrus Posted March 9, 2017 Report Share Posted March 9, 2017 (edited) You may take the day off - I require no more detail. Edited March 10, 2017 by I Am The Walrus Quote A wise man once said... "Its not the mistakes you make , its how you respond to them that matters." (It wasn't me) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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