Thanks Mike. I'm getting better at the gallery stuff, so it doesn't take me nearly as long as it used to!

As far as the track construction I use a few different methods when it comes to routing the lanes. They all work and I can't say I really prefer one over the other. Mostly I just enjoy building tracks.

I've been side tracked on other projects for the last week or two, but hopefully I'll find time to get more done while I'm on vacation next week.   -----------------------Bill

5,052

(8 replies, posted in Track)

David, Update?.....resolution????

5,053

(61 replies, posted in NASTE)

I have edited the proposed race dates for the 2011 season. We will have a meeting in August to firm up the dates and other details.

I have also been collecting "STUFF" to build trophy's out of for next season. I would like to schedule a workshop to build trophy's, maybe next month?   ------------------Bill

5,054

(51 replies, posted in NASTE)

Len & Dorothy

TOP 10 for 2010!!!!   GREAT JOB!!!!!   Congrats!!!!!

5,055

(51 replies, posted in NASTE)

Bryan,

CONGRATULATIONS on winning the 2010 NASTE Point Series Championship!!!!

5,056

(61 replies, posted in NASTE)

YES!!! Thank you Jeff. We really appreciate all the effort you put into your races!!! My personal favorite are the HOTDOGS!!!!

And hey Bryan, thanks for kickin' our asses AGAIN!!!!   ---------------------------Bill

5,057

(8 replies, posted in Track)

David,

Another thing that may contribute to your problems is using the Scalextric controllers to control the speed of the cars. The controllers are nothing more than a wire wound resistor with a flat metal strip that slides across the wire which varies the drop in voltage seen by the car's motor. When set for a constant speed the controllers will get hot and probably burn the wire on the resistor.

I'm with you on the suitability of the Hornby wall wart! Like you stated they put out 800ma, but that's at the full 15.9 volts. Set at 30% using the Scalextric controllers you're probably getting just barely enough current to the cars to make them go. Like the controllers, the longer they run the warmer they get and I'm sure that power figure is dropping.

So I think a better power supply is an excellent idea. You might try a power supply for a computer. It should put out plenty to run two cars. If you need to vary the voltage to slow the cars down, I would try using a quality 110 volt dimmer switch on the 110 volt side of the power supply. Drop the input to the power supply and you should be able to more effectively drop the power supply's output.

The last thing I would mention  is to connect the wiring from the power supply to the track in more than one spot (i.e. if you track running length is 12 feet, have parallel power connections at 6 feet and another at 12 feet). This will more effectively distribute the power evenly.

Hope some of this helps! I'd like to come by and take a look at your project, but unfortunately I'll be tied up until Monday afternoon.

Keep us posted!!!    ---------------------------Bill

5,058

(8 replies, posted in Track)

Hello David,

Pretty hard to diagnose without actually seeing what's going on. Need more info.

What kind of a power supply are you using to power the cars? What is the current rating of the power supply?

Are you applying that voltage/current directly to the track and cars, or are you using some sort of a controller to slow the cars down?

Have you checked the applied power at the cars with a volt meter to be sure you have constant voltage?

-------------------Bill

Thanks!.....Me TOO!!!!

Ain't schedulin' a bit...............well, you know!

Great day workin' on the track today. But man am I beat and sore now! I've got the hilltop sections of the track connected and secured to the benchwork. That part of the track is ready for a little bondo and some primer. Now I can start the routing of the infield section, the last of the routing. I posted an additional 19 photos of my progress in the Slot-Tech Gallery.  --------------------Bill

OK, awhile back I started the NASTE IROC Camaro Project. Things came up and I put it on hold. Well I've come to the realization (again) that having a track to test on is very important to me. So I have suspended the Camaro build up, and on May 1st i started working on a new routed track. Initially the plan was to use the pieces I had already routed for a track I started about 5 years ago and never finished. Well that hasn't worked out very well with what I now have in mind.

   So what I've done to this point is re-done everything. I've posted some photos under "Slot-Tech" that show the build so far. I plan to add photos and description as I go along. As of today I have about 1/3 to 1/2 of the track routed. It is coming along very well, and I am motivated! So check the photos, and I'll keep you all posted.....   -----------------------Bill

5,063

(26 replies, posted in Track)

My Saws-All is my favorite tool!!!!

5,064

(61 replies, posted in NASTE)

I was thinking we could put together some "special" type trophys for the entire season....

Made out of wood, metal, parts, old trophys......................whatever........

5,065

(61 replies, posted in NASTE)

Yes, I had thought about making trophys for next season. Although I was thinking of trying to be somewhat creative.............

5,066

(61 replies, posted in NASTE)

Where are you putting all the trophy's????

Planning an addition??????

5,067

(61 replies, posted in NASTE)

You're right Bryan. After you emailed me I checked the OSCAR website to verify their race dates. That's why I posted the conflict message and suggested we move to the first Saturdays. I really would like to avoid conflicting race days! It benefits everyone!   ------------------Bill

5,068

(61 replies, posted in NASTE)

I kinda like like the first Saturday just because it's easy to remember and keep track of.

I think it is a good idea to contact the other groups to see if they are interested in coordinating race schedules.

5,069

(61 replies, posted in NASTE)

I would like to set a date for the NASTE pre-season meeting to talk about the 2011 racing season. Jack has volunteered to host a BBQ and track day.  So if you would, please let me know what day/date would be good for you. I'm looking at sometime in August 2010.  Thanks!  ------------------Bill

5,070

(51 replies, posted in NASTE)

Have you guys checked out the current point standings????

We have a tie for second with third one point behind, and first place only has a 10 point margin........

This is all going into the last race!!!!

5,071

(26 replies, posted in Track)

It's been a good weekend for track work. I've got over 55 feet of 3 lane routed so far, which includes eight curves and one 9 foot straight. So far there are only three other straights, none of which are over 3 feet. Up to this point the tightest curve is 8 inch radius for the inside lane. The hilltop section is all routed, next I'll be starting on the lower infield section.   ---------------Bill

5,072

(1 replies, posted in NASTE)

Rico, Thanks for the last minute save! It was a great race, and speaking for the whole group we appreciate your support!

Jack, We almost made it! Very nice layout, now its time to work out the bugs!

  --------------------Bill

5,073

(61 replies, posted in NASTE)

OK, we have conflicts....Most of the OSCAR races have been scheduled for the third Saturdays.

We have options..............the FIRST Saturday of each month will work except for New Years Day 2011.

OR........we could move to Sunday races..........

Comments?????

5,074

(61 replies, posted in NASTE)

I like it!!!!!  ---------------Bill

5,075

(61 replies, posted in NASTE)

Edited June 27, 2010

I'm trying to get a jump on planning and scheduling for NASTE's 2011 season. For one thing, I'm looking at a more consistant and firm racing schedule for next year. I am considering the first Saturday of each month as a race date.

   Based on the first Saturday race schedule these would be the proposed dates for the 2011 schedule:

Sept. 4, 2010
Oct. 2, 2010 - conflict with Rapid Raceway - suggest move one week to Sept. 25th or Oct. 9th.
Nov. 6, 2010
Dec. 4, 2010
Jan. 1, 2011 - New Years Day (could move to the 8th?)
Feb. 5, 2011
Mar. 5, 2011
Apr. 2, 2011
May 7, 2011

  This would be a total of 9 point series races. Race totals would still be based on your best 8 finishes. Racers would be able to would throw out one race.

  NASTE races will include the Board Game Series that was introduced in the 2010 season.

  The annual NASTE Halloween Race will be scheduled appropriately at Jeff Courtney's Hemi Heights Raceway Park pending Jeff's approval.

  I would also like to form a NASTE Committee. The committe would consist of a small group of dedicated volunteers to coordinate NASTE functions and provide oversite.

  One function I would like to suggest would be an award or trophy building day before the season begins.

  If you have any suggestions for next season please start listing now!

Thanks!   ----------------------Bill