HO slot car track AFX Giant Raceway - track power and Controllers

[@brianberrydj3659]

This video is fantastic.Thanks for the effort.This coming from an old guy getting back into it after years away.

[@Blueridgeracing859]

Thanks Brian, that’s me too, an old guy getting back into it !

[@rickn8115]

Good stuff! Two things I would highly recommend. First, use those track clips on every joint. I bought hundreds of them years ago and don't know if they are still available, but if they are, buy more. Second, you can greatly increase continuity of power with multiple taps around the layout. I try to have a power tap every 18-20 joints. It's the joints where you suffer the most losses. It looks like you already have separate power to each lane. That's a great move as it eliminates the ability to crash your opponent by letting off! It sounds like you really enjoy what you have and that's great. Enjoy the hobby.

[@roadsscholar4012]

You are very, very good at explaining things!

[@Blueridgeracing859]

@@roadsscholar4012 why thank you sir.

[@JackScardina]

Thank you. Enjoyable, and great information.

[@jimmyb1559]

Really enjoyed the video. Been a fan of model motoring and AFX for years and always enjoy learning something new. You do a great job! Thanks from a new subscriber!

[@Blueridgeracing859]

Thanks Jimmy I appreciate it.

[@Shane661]

When I was growing up, my dad built an AFX track in a master bedroom of an apartment. The track size was probably around 10' x14'. It was a lot of fun, and we had maybe 20 cars. And then we got those "G-Plus" or whatever the exact name was. They blew everything away, but had some issues with the track unions, and s-curve as I recall. We had all the little parts, the foam tires with traction compound, replacement shoes/springs, even different rear axle and gear. This was in the late 70's. Fun stuff.

[@Blueridgeracing859]

It’s all fun Shane for sure

[@dancalmpeaceful3903]

That cube is awesome. Yeah....I made what I call the "slot box" which has adjustable voltages and settings. I have each lane powered by a separate powersupply.. Due to the "Slot box"...I can now run anything. I do like the fancy, dancy controller though...as it provides great "linearity" of control.....rather than ON or OFF (extremes)..... Love the huge "heat sink" on the controller..the designer obviously knew what the hell he was doing....

[@cliftonsr]

I love your setup and awesome video of explaining the different controllers you have for your cars and cool track layout!

[@Blueridgeracing859]

Thanks Cliff glad you enjoyed it.

[@davidmathews2599]

I'll be buying two of these soon. Thanks for the heads-up 👍

[@almcg4425]

Hi Chris, awesome setup, lots of sweet car's. I've got the same AFX set and the 5 year old grandson and we love it. AFX is Awesome 👍. Thanks for the video, keep them coming.🏁🏁🏁 Al

[@speedbob712]

Getting back into the hobby, Thanks for the info and videos

[@marksslotcargarage]

I have those same Difalco controllers, they are great! It's not really the voltage, it's the ohms of the motor you need to match with the ohms of the controller. That's why having the adjustable sensitivity on the Difalco is so good, you can match the controllers ohms to many different ohm motors.

[@timothysullivan6606]

Regarding the Difalco controllers, how do they plug into a classic AFX track? It looks like they have alligator clamps.

[@marksslotcargarage]

@@timothysullivan6606 You are correct they do come with alligator clips. You would need to rig up a connection like Chris did or you can cut off the Alligator clips and splice in the AFX connector. That's what I did for a while before I permanently wired my track and got rid of the AFX terminal tracks.

[@blueovalracing1582]

Chris terrific video my friend I enjoyed I hope that you acquire plenty of subscribers to your channel so that you continue making videos for your subscribers I personally started enjoying the Ho slot car Journey Back In the late sixties I allowed it to slip away in the early '80s then in 2010 on eBay as I was browsing I came across Ho slot cars once again I decided what the hell I might as well pick back up where I left off on the hobby that I enjoyed so much from there I just started buying used ho races and cars my collection has grown a little bit I have around 300 cars or more and plenty of track I need to get off my ass and construct a nice platform build my dream track and enjoy again Chris thank you for the video

[@Blueridgeracing859]

Thanks for the wonderful comments. I too started in the 60’s but when I started 7th frame in 68 it all went bye-bye as there was girls, sports and beer ! Lol

[@robertbirmingham7108]

Love your video, got a defalco controller. They are great,am running cars I couldn’t before.

[@GerryEst]

The 3 speeds of the power supply reminds me of an old Buddy Hackett joke: when the stock car driver was asked about his car he said it had 3 speeds, fast, faster, and dearly beloved we are gathered here....

[@jerryray808]

Nice. Am going to get back in after almost 60 years. This beats any video game. and is multi generational.

[@Blueridgeracing859]

It sure is better Jerry ! You will have a blast.

[@seanee.bqueencityn.c.5739]

Thanks for the tip on the power information. I just ordered my power meter from Bob. Also, it should be in Saturday

[@Blueridgeracing859]

Good deal

[@Bmr4life]

You put out some of the most helpful HO info

[@Blueridgeracing859]

Thanks Bran just passing on what I have learned from others.

[@terrencelacy9432]

Great comments,wonderful explanation of voltage usage

[@Blueridgeracing859]

Thanks Terrance

[@ronaldnichols5013]

Great video, learned a lot. Never realized the controller made that much of a difference. Purchased 2 of them plus the voltage cube. A question for anyone here who might know if you don't mind. I came across a couple controllers with the steering and was able to get them working. Also got a couple Tyco Pro 4 speed SS shifters and can't get them working no matter how I hook them up. Using the new AFX tomy track with adjustable power supply. Can't find anything on the net, 2 wires coming out of each shifter. Thanks

[@Blueridgeracing859]

Thanks Ron, you will notice the difference with the different makes and age of cars.

[@youknoweverything7643]

I have same track I love it it's great to get started and the layout that your supposed to build with it is fun and all but takes a lot of adjusting to get it all perfect so cars run right I ran the layout for about a week then started on my 4 lane layout that I used this kit and a bunch of auto world tracks and track pieces off eBay

[@fredjohnson688]

Nice racing set sir cool enjoy

[@Blueridgeracing859]

Thanks Fred

[@randy1817]

Good info.. I run my track at 20V with a desk top power supply. You can adjust it up to 30V as well.. I have a 4 lane track from viperscaleracing, 14 power taps along the way. I don't have each lane on separate power. I use DS Controllers. It's funny, I've never experienced a power surge when a car leaves the track like people have noted. And I've done testing as well.. I've had several tracks through the years from the 60s until now, and it's never been an issue. In the 90s I had a 4 lane track 117ft long F1 layout and I used 2-12Volt Deep Cycle Marine Batteries. I had 1 power tap at 1/2 way. 1 power source for the whole track. We used the old Orang Parma Controllers, I can't remember what OHM they were?? I think they were 45 OHM?? It's a shame that the AFX track that's made now a days is garbage!! That's why I got a new track from viperscaleracing.. MUCH MUCH BETTER!! Keep racing!!

[@Blueridgeracing859]

Thanks Randy

[@edwardf1958]

Very cool! Learned something! TY

[@Blueridgeracing859]

Thanks for watching Ed

[@All-ScaleSlotCarDen]

Great videos, I'm hooked!

[@dennisosborn5589]

Cool Videos! I Subscribed & Liked Your Channel & Video!

[@scottshouseofh.o.racing]

A good controller is worth its weight in gold! I use One Stop Slot Shop IROC Series controllers but I've heard good things about the DiFalco one's too. You should test the voltage of the track the furthest away from your power supply and make sure it's the same as it's closer. You have a long track you might be having a little drop in power. Just a suggestion. 😉👍 Keep the videos coming! 😁👍🏁

[@Blueridgeracing859]

Thanks Scott

[@davesworld6206]

Chris, maintenance is at least 50% of the fun in this hobby so I love pancake motors.

[@Blueridgeracing859]

You’re absolutely right Dave. Didn’t mean to sound like I was discouraging them in any way.

[@davesworld6206]

It’s all good. I enjoy your videos a lot. Lots of good information but the main thing you convey is your enjoying yourself. And in the end that’s what really counts.

[@annmerritt6476]

Loving these videos!

[@coreymastersptc]

I'm im Blairsville, found your video, wanting to get my son into slot cars.

[@Blueridgeracing859]

Do it you will both have fun. I’m in Mineral Bluff near NC state line.

[@coreymastersptc]

@@Blueridgeracing859 I did, he does love it, your right up the road, I own a store in downtown Blairsville, if your in town stop in sometime (The Emporium). We ended up getting a drag strip and the victory 400 set. We gave it to him as an early Christmas gift bc we were going out of town for Christmas and no way those would fit in our jeep lol.

[@Blueridgeracing859]

@@coreymastersptc ok I will stop in some time. That’s great for your son .

[@coreymastersptc]

@@Blueridgeracing859 my son wants your autograph, so be prepared lol.

[@Blueridgeracing859]

@@coreymastersptc lol will do. Look forward to meeting you both.

[@annmerritt6476]

Another great video

[@slotcardude68]

Great video, thank you!!!!!

[@nobodyshome758]

Love the bank curves. I have several on my layout. I need these clips. 😂 What are they called and where do I get them. Thank you!

[@Blueridgeracing859]

Thanks for watching they are simply called track clips. Check afxracing.com if they don’t have any go to eBay

[@billbecht9452]

Awesome, love the videos

[@Blueridgeracing859]

Thanks Bill

[@atftbone]

Keep them coming.

[@harryw9598]

cool,goes to show. power is nothing without control.

[@tomtincher6104]

Thanks for your informative if not entertaining HO track and car videos . This one about the Ohms effect on drive ability must have struck a chord for me because I just ordered the Difalco controller thru EBay and I haven’t spent money on equipment in a long time ! If it works it will be money well spent as I will use the track more and other people will enjoy it with me since it will run better ! Is the adjustable transformer also needed for the drive-ability enhancement or is the controller upgrade enough ?? Thanks again - TomT.

[@Blueridgeracing859]

That’s great Tom, the controller will help for sure. I changed power supplies to accommodate some of the older cars that were designed to run on 18 volts. The standard Afx transformer only gives 8 , 12 or 24 volts. The dial in one goes from 9-24 volts where ever you set it. AutoWorld cars seem to run better at 14-16 volts.

[@garyhawkins4952]

good information ..thank you

[@visionhawkins8234]

Hi Chris I live in Marietta would love to see your race track need advice on getting me one

[@arthurleino]

Cool video!

[@Blueridgeracing859]

Thanks Art

[@chrish5500]

Hi Chris It’s me again what size board should I buy The track and cars have arrived but I don’t want to set it up before I get the base ok And all so I have to wait for Christmas Day lol 😮 Hope you are well Cheers mate

[@Blueridgeracing859]

Hey Chris, the giant race way will fit on a 4 x 8 sheet of wood. If you want more space on the sides you could put it on a ping pong table which is approx 5 x 10.

[@chrish5500]

@@Blueridgeracing859 thank you merry christmass

[@Blueridgeracing859]

Merry Christmas

[@ottodetroit]

I have the same slow and cruise and fast control ability with all my stock lifelike cars and tracks. with no modifications.

[@syxxwilliams]

can i see ur whole track setup i just finished mine

[@shiftintohigh5564]

Interesting!

[@greatbasingoldrush]

Good video

[@Blueridgeracing859]

Thank you

[@googleuser6201]

Just take out the traction magnets and it will run nice and smooth.

[@davidmathews2599]

I bought a DeFalco controller and it has alligator clips on it. How do you hook that up? I wasn't expecting alligator clips. I also have the giant raceway set.

[@Blueridgeracing859]

Cut the plug end of the Afx controller off (leaving about 12” on it) and crimp some o-ring crimps on it. Attach the alligator clips to those.

[@davidmathews2599]

Thanks Chris I'm just now finally getting my track up and running. Your videos are amazingly informative and helpful. Keep up the good work. 👍

[@donnabaileyfranks8589]

How do u get your straight piece track that comes off your banked curve to lay so flat?

[@Blueridgeracing859]

Hey Donna, well I used track clips on the entire banked curve and the straights coming off of it. After time running cars it started laying flatter on its own so I just kept helping it. Use the track clips on the 2 pieces of track going into and out of the bank.

[@lemontadams3029]

Original G Plus with the orange magnets

[@syxxwilliams]

how many clips did u use in the back of ur tracks its so put together with no spacing

[@Blueridgeracing859]

I only clipped the back curve and 1 straight combing off each side. I used 2 at each joint. 1 on each outer edge.

[@syxxwilliams]

@@Blueridgeracing859 ty

[@ronaldtushi]

How did you hook your Defalco controller to the track? Any adapter recommendations?

[@Blueridgeracing859]

Cut the end off of the Afx controller, strip the ends and clip the DiFalco to it. Or, you can do what I did. Take a small block of wood drill 2 holes and secure some screws through the holes. Put ringlet crimps on the end of the wire from the Afx controller and secure to the screws. Clamp on your DiFalco and your ready to go.

[@jcsgaragejohnc.5027]

What type of chassis’s were you running on this video, TY

[@Blueridgeracing859]

Hey John, the ones running were AutoWorld extraction and AFX mega G+

[@jcsgaragejohnc.5027]

@@Blueridgeracing859 TY SIR

[@patram4880]

How big is that table can you give me dimensions please

[@Blueridgeracing859]

Sure can, it’s a ping pong table top. Roughly 5 x 10

[@josephtsexton4751]

I'll stick with my fifteen ohm controllers.

[@Blueridgeracing859]

👍🏻 better than 120