Well, now I'm hooked (first impressions)

[DC_OR]

Initial track set up with the pit lane included, and it connects successfully to HSSRMS! Everything has gone pretty smoothly and since I've had some time to get ready the software's somewhat configured now already. I have spent my time preparing by 3D printing some fencing - so far about 8 feet in length, probably $5 worth of materials.

Ten months ago I purchased (pre-paid) an MSI RTX 3080 video card, and I've been waiting all this time for it to arrive. As an old geek I was looking forward to using it quite a bit but as with everything there are shortages. So I have waited. This week I was notified that the product line has been closed and the order was cancelled by the distributor. My only alternative was to either take the refund or literally pay twice as much and maybe get the card on the open market.

So.... long story short.... I bailed on the video card. That frees up a bunch as the card wasn't cheap to begin with, and it will allow me to remedy a few issues that are endemic of starter kits (Carrera 1/32 GT Race Battle) and it will allow me to do some things that just seem pretty sweet. I am going to get rid of these controllers much sooner than later, and I need to expand this track significantly to add in some difficulty along with the straight stretches.

One question: I think I need a grabber to reach across the table. Can someone recommend a good one?

Thank you everyone for your help so far! It has helped me hit the ground running, and I appreciate it.

[jfuente]

That's awesome!

I've got this one ( https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...?ie=UTF8&psc=1 ) -- it works. I just recently changed my race configuration to have a 5 second delay for any yellow flags. Really penalizes the use of it, my kiddos were getting very quick to run to it and use it instead of trying to stay slotted in.

Any pics of your current setup?

[slothead]

I use a plain one on my track now, but I have one of these in the house I think will be even better.



It's called an E-Z Reacher and we got it at Tractor Supply Store. It's on their website for $22. I think it will be ideal because it has rubber cups on the grabbing end that should make for a good grip and not scratch stuff.

[Bal r 14]

I have tried several kinds and that is the best one. It has more gripping power and wider opening.

[DC_OR]

Quick and dirty - I still have a lot of table work to do But here's a couple of hours of work!


Thank you for the grabber recommendation!

[slothead]

Great start. Those plastic saw horses hold a lot of weight and are a good way to get a table set up quickly. My first track table was set up like that and I have a table in the barn on saw horses like that I used for building my routed oval.

[DC_OR]

I'm going to have to frame out the plywood, I think, as it'll need to be transported once, once I have completed that "section". But the sawhorses are doing the trick for the time being!

[slothead]

A 2x3 or 2x4 frame under the plywood sheet will stabilize it and when you decide to will offer places to mount legs at the corners. My 4x8 ft table has 1 cross brace across the center. It was originally designed to have a small 1 lane track routed into the MDF top.

[jfuente]

Looks awesome! Fact remains, you've got a track and a track on saw horses beats no track at all! Be careful when ya start adding scenery bits, you'll get away from actually racing. Finally got all of mine cleaned up, still got some final touches but taking a break from scenery stuff and just racing.

[Broman62]

Looking good so far DC...I see there's room for expansion...enjoy!!

[DC_OR]

Yep - the sickness has already set in. Instead of running the existing course I'm now searching for #30367 without resorting to selling a kidney

[Half Fast Slotter]

Awww come on. . You probably have two kidneys.

I enjoy the time on scenery as much as the racing time.
You don’t have to do it all at once. That is the joy of having the table set up. Enjoy learning what you want to eventually stick with.
Jeff

[Mickey thumbs]

Since you mentioned starting scenery work here, I will put this comment here instead of the track planning and design section. Have a look at Woodland Scenics’ line of products, especially their Shaper Sheets for creating terrain. It is a bit pricey but much easier and less messy than other means. They are made of thick aluminum foil that holds its shape with an adhesive backing and fiber face that accepts modeling plaster. They also have helpful videos on using their products. Great for someone like me without a model RR background.
Here are a couple shots of them before finishing and after.

[jfuente]

Wow, looks great!

[LAMing]

DC:

Welcome to the party, Pal!

Mickey:

You're doing excellent on the scenery! Looking forward to seeing more as you progress.


Andre

[Mickey thumbs]

https://www.homeracingworld.us/viewtopic.php?f=22&t=20934&p=242970&hilit=Rockmoor#p242970

.
Thanks. The track was finished a couple years ago and posted on the old forum. The link is above.

[LAMing]

Mickey:

And it looks mighty fine, too. You guys that build your own tracks are amazing. I can't imagine me ever even THINKING about building my own track!

[DC_OR]

Awww come on. . You probably have two kidneys.

I enjoy the time on scenery as much as the racing time.
You don’t have to do it all at once. That is the joy of having the table set up. Enjoy learning what you want to eventually stick with.
Jeff

That's kind of the goal for me... idle hands, you know! I have enough hobbies that can converge into slot cars that it should keep me busy and provide some variety. But I definitely need more track - the oval isn't enough for me so far.

[DC_OR]

Thanks for the welcome, LAMing!

Mickey, that stuff looks pretty cool. I'll take a look! Thank you for the suggestion.

[docdoom]

make sure you put a good seal coat on, or you be cleaning crap out of your cars every time you have a off..