Building a Digital Slot Car Track - Design Considerations Part 2

A list of items to consider when designing and building a digital slot car track. This video highlights features examples on both a 95 feet (29 meters) and 62 ft (19 meters) Carrera Digital 124/132 track layout but topics apply to other slot car tracks like Scalextric and Ninco. Some items covered depend on whether the track is used for slot car club races or just fun with the kids. The video details the uses of track planning software, partial straight sections, high-banked turned, as well as variation of turn radii. Demonstrations of track features using the Pontiac GTO, Nissan GT-R GT500, BMW M3 DTM, BMW M4 DTM, Porsche GT3, Ferrari 458 GT3, Ferrari 488, Mercedes SLS AMG GT, Corvette C6-R, and the Corvette C7-R.
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Designing a Slot Car Track - Design Considerations
kzbin.info/www/bejne/mKe9eYCuarCqhNE
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Intro Music: Demilitarized Zone (Sting) by Ethan Meixsell

[@SDH2023]

Hands down one of the best slot car channels on KZbin.

[@professorwolf3843]

Handy info, love the outro music!

[@blackfridaywarehouse433]

Awesome video ! , I recently became a Carrera slot car owner , I am currently building a combination layout with "O" gauge Lionel trains , the info on 1/4 & 1/3 section track was very informative , I had to find out the hard way but everything you explained has been a reality for my track as well, hope to see more cool video's from your group

[@johnniehobby]

Glad it helped. We got some more vids in the pipeline. Stay tuned.

[@davidfountain4229]

How’s the layout coming? I’m just getting started in slot cars. Wanted to incorporate my “O” scale trains in my layout.

[@nrgizd1]

Very good job on your video's! Thank you! Miss organized racing!

[@LeslieCraven]

Thanks for these videos they have been very useful in helping me finish my track thanks .

[@johnniehobby]

Great to hear!

[@mystoller]

A big help, looking at expanding my track from a GT Face Off set so this is helpful for sure.

[@johnniehobby]

Good to hear. Good luck with your expansion and thanks for watching.

[@drewherbert4835]

Love that in car camera!

[@JonMurray]

Awesome video as always 👊🏻 Keep these and the RC videos coming! 🙌🏻

[@johnniehobby]

Thanks! Will do!

[@TwinPinesFarms]

Very informative.

[@the13th]

Fantastic video as always guys.

[@johnniehobby]

Thanks. Much appreciated.

[@ces5353]

You are insane thank you so much, your the only helpful channel on KZbin 😂, thanks again

[@johnniehobby]

Happy to help! Thanks for the comment.

[@Rooivok]

Nice video, really makes you think about planning rather than the normal after 8 beers "you know what would be cool? SLOTS!!!" Method I'm used to. I'm looking for software that I give the shape and area I have to work with and what track pieces I have and it randomly generates tracks for me.

[@bodeostudios]

Thanx great info

[@dennisosborn5589]

Cool Video! I recently purchased a Carrera Digital Set. Info on the Curves helps a lot.

[@dennisazzopardi2089]

Great Show...............

[@johnniehobby]

Thanks.

[@leeslade8170]

Very helpful thank you

[@johnniehobby]

You bet!

[@kaseyjones4982]

Awesome video and information I'm just getting started and this is a great help if there is more suggestions on what to purchase to start please let me know like track sets or anything else thank you again

[@johnniehobby]

If you haven't seen it yet, you should watch this video titled "Expanding Your New Slot Car Track - Recommended Features to Add First." Here's the link: kzbin.info/www/bejne/nIraf2Z6ic2pa6c Are you looking to get into analog or digital? And, what scale? 1:32 or 1:24?

[@jackiefogg1224]

Excellent video! Thanks for providing info but do you know where I can download the software for the Ultimate Racer track builder and do you know if it is free?

[@johnniehobby]

Link to download UR3.0 is here: www.uracerweb.org/ There are two components to the software -- track editor and race manager. We only use the track editor. It's not free but reasonable at 15 Euros.

[@garyhoff2178]

Great videos. You guys have a very cool set up. I haven't messed with slots since the 70s, but I just picked up the carrera digital 132 set that comes with 3 cars and I've already ordered some more straight track and I'm looking at accessories. I think first will be the pit lane. What I could really use is a good forum. A place to ask questions and see what others are doing. Any recommendations? If you ever want to try RC tanks and soft skinned stuff, mainly 1/16th and 1/6th scales, I can return the favor. I'm active at RCU as Crius and I have a KZbin channel around here somewhere. One of my big tanks shoots .50 caliber paintballs, so that might give ya some idea. ;)

[@johnniehobby]

I think I've only used one forum for slot car-type stuff and it was very helpful. Here's the link: www.hrwforum.com/forum/hrw-all-scales I'll be sure to check out the tank vids. .50 cal paintball r/c tank sounds intriguing.

[@gerryno6328]

Great video! 👍 Feels like going to the "Carrera Digital Slotcar University" ! ... graduating with a MSR ...Master of Slotcar Racing 😁...👩‍🎓...🏅

[@johnniehobby]

Hopefully my lectures aren't too dull. BTW: final exams are in May.

[@jeffrygriffith5084]

....and then there was; MAS = "Moron Avoiding System". Too funny :)

[@natelyons8327]

Great information and thanks for taking the time and effort to publish these videos. Of all the manufacturers of slot cars, why do you use Carrera? - just curious. Keep up the great work!

[@johnniehobby]

The reason I went with Carrera is because it was the only manufacturer with lane changers that spanned two lengths of track as I knew I was ultimately build the track quite large and fast. All other brands' lane changers were only one track length and can't be taken at higher speeds.

[@jkabee]

@@johnniehobby I’m glad you said this. I’m currently looking at both Carrera and Scalextric and trying to do a pro/con comparison. The longer lane change is definitely a pro. Would appreciate any other wisdom from you. I’m watching your series for advice. Would love to see someone do a full and current comparison between these 2 brands.

[@gaviningham]

Loving your channel. Lots and we are loving your videos for the future but at the moment, my 6 year old son only has his first Carrera 143 but you seem really knowledgeable so wonder if you would be kind enough to help? :-) My son got a Carrera 143 Mario Kart for Christmas. One of the cars has stopped running. I took it apart to see what was wrong and one of the front wheels is not freewheeling which is acting as a brake. We have concluded that a hair has got wrapped around the axle. This car has the two separate axles on the two front wheels and the exposed axle is not even visible it is so tight so no chance of getting anything in there to clear the hair. I also cannot see any way of removing the wheel/axle which would be the logical way to get this off and clean it. I don’t want to force it so I am wondering if you can help either with how to clean this or how to get the wheel off so that we can clean the axle? Many thanks in advance. Cheers Gavin

[@johnniehobby]

I'm not too familiar with the 1:43 cars but my understanding is that they don't have the axles run through removable bushings like on the 1:32 (which makes the maintenance easy). However, most likely the wheels are press-fit onto the axles so your only option may be to pry the wheel off in order to get the hair out. After which you should be able to press it back on.

[@randybodenner626]

Hello, I'm building a 6'x12' layout on a table. Any suggestions you feel are very important. I do have a Pit lane and 1 double lane change. I really enjoy your videos

[@johnniehobby]

Have you seen our video on expanding a new slot car set? That includes our top 3 items we'd recommend adding first. Link is here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/nIraf2Z6ic2pa6c Track planning software is a big help also. Here's some more info on some options: listoffreeware.com/free-race-track-design-software-windows/ Let us know if you have any other questions not addressed in the videos.

[@nja3224]

I used to have Aurora slot car sets from the 60s and early 70s, which were of a smaller scale than what you show in this video. After watching a few of these, I have a burning desire to pick up a set. It’s bringing back memories of different smells and sounds that you experience with these cars. I like this scale and was wondering if you can recommend a decent track set for someone looking to get back into this? Thanks in advance, and I’m really enjoying this channel. In fact, I’m going to see if you uploaded a video about “starter” sets.

[@johnniehobby]

If you are looking for Carrera, they only have two or possibly three offerings right now. Here's a URL for more info: www.carreraslots.com/slot-cars/132Set.html

[@HairBandDan]

Been waiting on this I ordered track length kit and pit stop still waiting on it all!

[@johnniehobby]

Cool. Good luck, and have fun.

[@charlmy8ightbuggy227]

🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏

[@fabonline9389]

So, If I want to nest turns for apposing racing I just need to use successive numbers like 2 to 3 and 3 to 4? Does that apply to flat turns as wel as banked?

[@johnniehobby]

Yes, you can nest flat turns with flat turns and banked turns with banked turns. You can see examples of both (flat 1 & 2 and banked 2 & 3) between the 7:53 and 8:04 mark of our tuning video here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/p5Otpqp9fLyekLc

[@johnyannelli2480]

U guys r freaking awesome! I’m still laughing at ur lights video outside. Lights on track go out , when they come back, there is Jason! I can’t stop laughing! I learn so much, I just got Carerra and love the 1:24 scale. Can u guys comment on preference for scale?

[@johnniehobby]

Glad you liked the track lighting vid. As far as scale preference for slot cars, we are big fans of both. For overall speed and handling, you can tune a 1/32 to run some blistering fast lap times. 1/24 are a bit slower, more sluggish, and drift more, but at the same time more realistic. For overall fun factor, we'd give the edge to 1/24, but 1/32 still a blast, plus there's better selection of cars in the smaller scale as well. Have you seen our our video on 1/24 Carrera? If not, here's the link: kzbin.info/www/bejne/fWnZY4B9oriSgrs

[@johnyannelli2480]

I do have use toon. I’m limited to a 7x14 foot table. I bought the 1:24 digital double victory set. What is best way to supplement the extra track I will need to get to size that’s challenging on that size table? Buying piece here and there is expensive. Took ur advice, pulled out those double crossovers and chicanes. Just use regular lane changers. Are u guys in Jersey? Finally, I know I’m bugging u, need more controllers, advice on best place to buy? Really finally, u guys are freaking apeshit funny! I love ur banter, beer and women:):):). Look forward to ur next videos!

[@johnniehobby]

@@johnyannelli2480 The best bang for your buck when adding to your track is the Carerra expansion set part #30367. It includes three lane changers (can't have too many of those) plus four standard straights. That adds about 30% increase in track length over the standard Victory set . As far as best place to buy, we get most stuff from our local hobby shop but on occasion pick up an out-of-production car from Ebay. Another option is an online store we've used as well: www.carreraslots.com.

[@johnyannelli2480]

Where are u guys from? I need work done on my house:). U guys are a hoot!

[@johnniehobby]

@@johnyannelli2480 We're about 650 miles away in Michigan. Kind of a long commute for a home improvement gig.

[@danf321]

This doesn’t really apply to your great video, but I use 1/32 and I just find curves to be the biggest pain. Hairpin turns, to me, just don’t work as the cars length is longer than the radius. Sweeping and medium turns just seem to fit the scale better.

[@slater4041]

I would love nothing more than Carrera to make an even larger radius turn to make bigger sweeping turns. The alternative now is to make your own track or sections of track.

[@oggarage9388]

🤙👀👊

[@todd0holaday]

I'm a 55 year-old NEWB who bought himself a Carrera digital 132 starter set. I am trying to find race management software that also shows remaining fuel (to coordinate with the pit stop addon) It doesn't appear the software shown in the video has it. Any recommendations?

[@johnniehobby]

The software shown in the video (HSSRMS) does have the option to show the fuel levels on the race screen. We just didn't have the option selected as we don't run with the advanced pit lane adapter, which is required for that function to work.

[@nja3224]

Hey guys, I want to add a banked turn, thinking the 2/30 since I don’t have much room.all of my cars say no 1/30 but if I find the 2/30 isn’t working well there are things I can do to correct that, yes? Or am I throwing my money away...

[@johnniehobby]

Most Carrera cars will run on a 2/30. The only ones we have with issues are some of the DTMs, but we have a fix for those. The DTM cars have aerodynamic diffusers under the chassis in the rear which can touch the track and lift the rear wheels causing loss of forward and lateral traction. As long as you don't care about keeping the car 100% accurate, those can be filed down a bit and the car will be okay for the 2/30 (and, you'll hardly notice the difference in appearance). We show this in our video on Tuning a New Slot Car and also in our 1/24 Scale Slot Car Racing video. Possibly there are other cars that aren't recommended for 2/30 but we aren't aware of them.

[@nja3224]

@@johnniehobby - Great. As always, I appreciate you taking the time to respond. I saw that video where you grinned down the bottom portion of the body. 👍

[@frecklesx20]

Can you use analog and digital track together?

[@johnniehobby]

Great question! And the answer is YES. Most of the Carrera track is actually marked for Evolution (analog) and D132/D124 (digital). Only the specific digital track pieces, such as lane changers and pit stop are digital-only. Even the older analog track, some of which we have in our layout, are 4-tab but are still compatible with the newer 3-tab track, you just need to use one newer type track connector and one older type connector instead of two of the newer types.

[@swilliams4299]

Where can I get the red plastic guardrails?

[@johnniehobby]

Those were manufactured by Carrera many years ago, but no longer available. You might be able to find somebody selling used ones on Ebay, however.

[@b.h1362]

Can you please send the link of the track design software

[@johnniehobby]

Link to Ultimate Racer 3.0: www.uracerweb.org/

[@cooldoctore]

Where can you get the track software I got one from Carrera Germany but it was not user friendly and had a hard time planning a track layout

[@johnniehobby]

We use a program called Ultimate Racer 3.0 for track planner. Here is a link: www.uracerweb.org/

[@cooldoctore]

@@johnniehobby thanks will check closed it out

[@cooldoctore]

Oops

[@cooldoctore]

@@johnniehobby Thank you that was a cool site and easy to use

[@rolhoreis6187]

where can i find carrera track design software for a mac ?

[@johnniehobby]

I did an internet search for track planners for mac and found this: www.slottrackpro.com/download/mac-carrera-track-planner-ver-2021-001-001/

[@MrJCJR55]

JH :asked at the end of this video if the information helped me out. Me : No! All you did was blow my budget with all the cool features available and now in the dog house. The one dislike is from my wife.

[@johnniehobby]

Glad to be of help. Is the one dislike on Part 3 from your wife as well?

[@edbouman5013]

Do they have digital 1:24 scale slot cars?

[@johnniehobby]

They do have 1/24 scale and they are a blast to drive. Here's a video with us running some 1/24 cars: kzbin.info/www/bejne/fWnZY4B9oriSgrs

[@edbouman5013]

@@johnniehobby Thanks for the quick reply and the video! Are you guys in Ontario Canada? I see you drinking Molson Canadian beer!

[@johnniehobby]

@@edbouman5013 Not in Canada, but close and fortunately beer from our fantastic northern neighbors is imported to Michigan. We probably got the affinity for the Canadian brew when we were under 21 so on weekends we'd make the trek through the Windsor tunnel to get to the bars where we could drink legally.

[@edbouman5013]

@@johnniehobby That's hilarious, we use to do the same cross at Niagara Falls and go drinking States side!

[@samiamcolesioe2469]

Does this track software work for MAC?

[@johnniehobby]

As far as I know it is only for Windows only. You could probably run it on a Mac using a Windows emulator or virtual Windows environment, though.

[@samiamcolesioe2469]

@@johnniehobby Whats a windows emulator & is the Carrera track planner for windows or mac?

[@johnniehobby]

@@samiamcolesioe2469 A Windows emulator is a program that allows you to run programs designed to run on Microsoft Windows/PC platform on a Mac. Here's a link for more detailed info: www.thewindowsclub.com/best-free-windows-emulators-for-mac If you have one of these then you should be able to run the HSSRMS race management software and any track planning software on your Mac.