Scott's Aurora Raceway
(4 Lane Vintage Aurora Track)
I have constructed many race tracks over the years (2 lane tracks, large 4 lane tracks) and have learned something from all of them.
The things that have been applied to this race track are my personal chooses. If you are going to have group races, its a good idea to keep it simple.
The things that have been applied to this race track are my personal chooses. If you are going to have group races, its a good idea to keep it simple.
This track layout is 4X8 ft. which is a nice size in ho scale racing. larger tracks makes it hard to see the cars at the far end of the track. Table height is just short of 4 ft. For most adults this is a better way to view the cars.
I used a 1/4 thick sheet of masonite and cut it out for the track to set down flush with the masonite. This makes for a very clean and functional track. This has made for even and fare corners in all the lanes ( no guard rails).
If you look in the outside corners of the track layout there is a cork barrier set back far enough for a car to turn sideways and not touch it. The cork works well for slowing down a desloted car before hitting the retaining wall. The cork that I used is ho scale model railroad cork roadbed with the tapered edge facing the race track.
In the photo below is the computer timing system. An older laptop computer on the far end of the layout for monitoring lap times and photo cells under the track surface directly below the overhead auto world sign. Iook close at track and you can see the holes in in the track surface.
There are many different types of controllers. The controllers that I prefer is the Parma controller for there size, smooth operation, and durability. 1/4 inch mono phono jacks are used for quick connection
Power is supplied by (2) two model railroad variable voltage power supply's. There is a big advantage by using variable voltage power supply's. You can turn the power down for new and/or young racers to make the cars easier to drive. Turn the power up as they learn to drive. I have found that 15 volts works very well on this size of track. using 15 volts reduces wear on the motors and pickup shoes. Voltage may be different for other track sizes and configuations.