34 replies to this topic

[Michael Jr.]

OK.... I need some real and wise insight.  As tempting as it will be for some to add speculative comments.... I'm needing for experience to speak.

 

I've been looking at diversifying and adding the plastic Carrera style track.  Focusing on the 1/32 car racing.  I know Alpine has a big track and seems to do well.  There are a few others as well and there are tons of them set up in Garages and basements.

But a commercial application....  It's not a huge investment. For what I spent on the King I have I could've bought three miles of plastic track.  And it's versatile.  Change the shape, length and store it in a smaller space.  But is it a viable commercial track?

 

I had a great HO track.  Very nice and expensive.  I honestly couldn't get people to race HO when I offered the races for free.  I hosted 0 total races on the HO track.  I don't think it will be the same with 1/32 but before I go there...I want to vet it here and see if anyone has real experience to offer.

Again, please limit doomsday and comparison to wood track comments.  Let me get some insight and then you can add those in later.

 

Thanks,

[Sloter]

I have a 4 lane 72' layout and it is awesome. Take your time and make sure every connection is good and use Dielectric grease at each track connection on the terminals. Use track clips (plastic and metal). See no reason it would not work and do you very well, lots of clubs use Carrera.

 

Bob 

 

[Michael Jr.]

I have a 4 lane 72' layout and it is awesome. Take your time and make sure every connection is good and use Dielectric grease at each track connection on the terminals. Use track clips (plastic and metal). See no reason it would not work and do you very well, lots of clubs use Carrera.

 

Bob 

 

That's a pretty track. What's the footprint?  I've talked to some garage based guys, there's a bunch and some want to be included in a commercial raceway but....talk is cheap.  I'm probably going to do this but still want all the insights I can get and to set my expectations at the right place.  

[Michael Jr.]

For example....that world wide slot car chat is almost all with guys that are running plastic track.

[MrFlippant]

Are you trying to run a profitable business? If so, steer clear of setting up a slot car racing parlor at any scale.

If this is just for fun and you have little to no overhead, then go for it.

 

Carrera is great track, and will allow you to run 1/24 cars as well. In fact, you can run 1/43 and even some HO cars. ;-) But, it's still sectional track, so you'll need plenty of power taps to ensure good power around the track. 

 

But, you can also build your own wood track for less than plastic. Copper tape works well enough, and if the business takes off, you can convert the track to braid.

 

Just because lots of people have plastic tracks at home, doesn't mean they'll pay to race on someone else's plastic track. ;-) I wouldn't.

[Michael Jr.]

Are you trying to run a profitable business? If so, steer clear of setting up a slot car racing parlor at any scale.

If this is just for fun and you have little to no overhead, then go for it.

 

Carrera is great track, and will allow you to run 1/24 cars as well. In fact, you can run 1/43 and even some HO cars. ;-) But, it's still sectional track, so you'll need plenty of power taps to ensure good power around the track. 

 

But, you can also build your own wood track for less than plastic. Copper tape works well enough, and if the business takes off, you can convert the track to braid.

 

Just because lots of people have plastic tracks at home, doesn't mean they'll pay to race on someone else's plastic track. ;-) I wouldn't.

 

Yes I get that folks with a track might not get to excited about running out and paying for track time somewhere else.  Hence, my thoughts of needing it to be big enough to be a different experience.  Talking with a guy in PA that has converted from wood to plastic and RC.  I bought his Engleman in fact.  And I mentioned Alpine in GA.  He does well.  I'm not wanting to move from wood and lexan to plastic but as a different offering.... and I'm kinda into them personally I suppose.  I think the cars just look so much better.  lol

[Dave Crevie]

The home racing social circle mostly insists on free racing. They form clubs of track owners, and set up a rotating track schedule. I belonged to one of those clubs for  over ten years, and try as I might, I could not enthuse the other members into racing at a commercial track, even when I absorbed all costs. At the end of those events, every participant was very happy and admitted they had fun. But given a week or so to think about it, without exception, they all reverted to their opinion that commercial tracks repress fun racing, and the idea of having to pay for track time was repulsive. There are two different factions here, those who are interested in pure speed, and those who want to run highly detailed, realistic looking models. The speed crazed racers will pay whatever they need to to go really fast. And enjoy building and tuning the machines. The home set racers want instant gradification, and want to buy their cars ready to go. 

 

I see a bright spot, though. Build the track, have free racing, but have a huge inventory of cars and accessories. The track will bring them in, the stock might get them spending.  

[jimht]

One thing to consider is the size of the track. 

 

Bigger means more speed and more damage to the cars.

 

Those who like 1/32 Plasticars also like not to destroy them... and they like to buy 2 or more at a time.

 

I agree with Dave Crevie's last comment: "Build the track, have free racing, but have a huge inventory of cars and accessories. The track will bring them in, the stock might get them spending." 

 

Just keep in mind that they really like playing at home best.

 

 

 

[Tim Neja]

The most successful 1/32 club racing is out of Burbank Calif.  Farrout Slot Car club---you can find them on Facebook 

The other successful commercial venture to 1/32 is Electric Dreams.  They are racing on a routed track-- but Carrera is the most acceptable 1/32 track being used today.  

I'm not sure size is the biggest deal--the 1/32 crowd likes more casual racing for the most part AND the LOOK of the cars and track is far more important than speed.

[Modelville Guy]

We run 1/32 "Home" set cars on our Royal once or twice a month. We do not charge for the race but do put out a donation jar that seems to work better some days than others.

 

Reach out to Slot Car Junction in Brunswick Maine. 207-729-9545 they are a "Commercial" plastic track raceway.

 

Good luck.

[Brian Czeiner]

Main Line Hobbies

500 W Germantown Pike # 2085
Plymouth Meeting, PA 19462

 

Description 1/32 Slot Car oriented hobby shop with four 1/32 race race tracks.
Phone 610-834-1600

 

les@mainlinehobbies.com

 

These folks were running plastic track as a commercial business for many many years. The store is closed now, but he may give you the information you are looking for. COnsidering Main Line still has an online store, Dave Crevie's solution of free racing with lots of inventory might be the key.

[PCH Parts Express]

Big Lou in Culver City CA built the plastic track on showcases. 

[Bill Seitz]

I've seen places where this worked and where it didn't work, and from my perspective, I didn't see anything about the tracks to differentiate why one worked or didn't. I'm thinking it has more to do with the groups of people racing in a particular area and whether they get along together. It seems like more often than not, personality similarities or differences make or break the operation. If you can offer something different that the hard body scale racers can't get on one of there club venues, then it ought to be successful. As has already been expressed in this thread, speed's not essential, low power may be a blessing as long as continuity on the track is good and there's no dead spots, and realism is important. I'd try modelling a real racing circuit at some sort of reasonable scale. This is not always practical with sectional track, but scale cars running on a reasonable likeness of a full scale racing venue seems to attract the people that collect these cars. And remember, they're racing their collectibles, so try to provide a track environment that will be kind to their machines in the likely event of an off-course excursion. Nobody's going to be happy with the full scale equivalent of leaving the course and crushing a historic race car into a concrete wall or armco barrier. It's more about the social event and showing off one's collection than satisfying some need for speed.

[Michael Jr.]

I've seen places where this worked and where it didn't work, and from my perspective, I didn't see anything about the tracks to differentiate why one worked or didn't. I'm thinking it has more to do with the groups of people racing in a particular area and whether they get along together. It seems like more often than not, personality similarities or differences make or break the operation. If you can offer something different that the hard body scale racers can't get on one of there club venues, then it ought to be successful. As has already been expressed in this thread, speed's not essential, low power may be a blessing as long as continuity on the track is good and there's no dead spots, and realism is important. I'd try modelling a real racing circuit at some sort of reasonable scale. This is not always practical with sectional track, but scale cars running on a reasonable likeness of a full scale racing venue seems to attract the people that collect these cars. And remember, they're racing their collectibles, so try to provide a track environment that will be kind to their machines in the likely event of an off-course excursion. Nobody's going to be happy with the full scale equivalent of leaving the course and crushing a historic race car into a concrete wall or armco barrier. It's more about the social event and showing off one's collection than satisfying some need for speed.

 

You've got your finger on the pulse of this for sure.  I actually share a lot of those sentiments.  When I first saw Slot Car racing, I was an adult and I saw hard bodies. So I immediately made the connection with my models and how I had grown up wishing I could see them race without me pushing them along a hand made sand road in the yard. The lexan bodies came later but I love the realistic look of the Slot Cars and that's probably why I can't leave these plastic tracks alone.  Lord knows I have my hands full with our regular Slot Car racing so adding this might not make sense on paper but then again, the work generates very little paper of the green variety so we have to do things in a way that keeps us wanting to drive down, open the doors, mitigate the disagreements and go home a little less rich than when the evening began.  

 

So pray for me as I start trying to navigate this.  Gonna make the investment and start learning.  The track set up on display cases is an awesome idea.  Probably not a fit for me but that's the kind of innovation and thinking I like to see.

[Paul Menkens]

One prob that comes to mind here is that several have posted that the only way to make the racing work is to make it free and make money selling cars and parts, but with Carrara and other makers of scale plastic race cars you would be competing with mass marketers who can buy in huge quantities at prices far lower then a small hobby shop could, and like radio control mail order, could sell for less then you pay for the same items.

I think a track like the huge one at Alpine would be key, after all, few could hope to put something like that in their homes.

On the other side of the equation, if the scale car racing drew people in, it's possible that the superior speed and handling of traditional slot cars would interest them and you could end up with new racers.

Either way, good luck, it will be interesting to see how this works out.

[Michael Jr.]

I'm going to guess....just a guess.... that younger racers will like the realism of the cars.  I don't think I can drag guys out of the comfort of the garage where they race for free on some pretty nice tracks.  But rentals would work.  And as I always remind myself and others....I'm in slots because I just like them.  Working on my business license for this year and took a loss that I am reporting.  It ain't never for the money.  And the good thing about these tracks is that if I ever had to close up or sell out, these can come with me and just be set up smaller in my house.  Then I can be one of the garage guys. lol

[Racer36]

In general, 1/24th scale racers just come to race.

the 1/32nd guys are more about the experience. Tracks are generally smaller and have buildings and scenery. They definitely care more about the appearance of the cars than the average 1/24th guy.

if you just piece together a track I’m not sure you will have a lot of success. You may have to take it a step further, which is time consuming and doesn’t offer a great ROI.

Talk to a few local 1/32nd guys before making a decision.

[Sloter]

 

That's a pretty track. What's the footprint?  I've talked to some garage based guys, there's a bunch and some want to be included in a commercial raceway but....talk is cheap.  I'm probably going to do this but still want all the insights I can get and to set my expectations at the right place.  

 

The foot print is 8 x 16 = 72' of track. I have (5) Power Taps. Not to argue but I have heard it so many times (You could build a wood track for less), No you cannot! Start adding up everything and you will be shocked (Tools, Material, Time). If done right (Plastic), it works very well and that is why it is so popular. Club tracks work and are much more popular than commercial tracks. The nationals in Europe are run on plastic! Like stated, if and when you decide to get out or move, much easier to move and to sell plastic track and a bigger deal yet is, if you do not like the layout, it is easy to change. I have raced 1000's of laps on both plastic and wood and like both. The guys that do not like plastic are the guys that failed to set it up correctly first with good connections and power taps and also securing the track to a surface. I have raced Go Karts and Real Cars nationally and every track we raced was different and you had to master the track (different surfaces - Smooth to ruff), that is what makes you a racer! Nothing wrong with plastic track. They both have their + & -'s. Good luck and keep us informed.

 

Bob

[Dave Crevie]

One other suggestion I would make. Check with the local clubs to see if they prefer plastic or routed wood tracks. The group I belonged to eventually went mostly routed tracks, with the layouts mostly replicating real tracks. I have a feeling you will get at least some racers from those clubs. That aside, I expect most of your traffic will be walk-ins who are just curious. So having plenty of stock to sell will be very important. Get them hooked! 

[Michael Jr.]

One other suggestion I would make. Check with the local clubs to see if they prefer plastic or routed wood tracks. The group I belonged to eventually went mostly routed tracks, with the layouts mostly replicating real tracks. I have a feeling you will get at least some racers from those clubs. That aside, I expect most of your traffic will be walk-ins who are just curious. So having plenty of stock to sell will be very important. Get them hooked! 

 

Agreed.  I already have wood tracks.  Banks have proven to be a little steep for most of these cars.  Looking online and on Facebook it seems most of the garage tracks are plastic.  It's gonna take awhile for me to get them set up and scenic which is part of the lure for the passer-by but that's the fun of it I think.  And yes, stock will also be important but that stuff is high and they don't do the wholesale pricing that most of us get with our distributors.

[Bill Seitz]

Michael, I think you've got the right idea with kids and the scale model race cars. Jim Honeycutt makes his own rental cars out of hard plastic r/c toy car bodies on a chassis he fabricates himself. His rental business increased substantially when he introduced these over the usual womps. He also has a custom 1/32 track (3.5" lane spacing) designed with short straights and twists and turns without getting overly challenging to drive. His raceway is in a shopping mall, and I've watched the kids come in and have fun on this track with cars they can associate with full-size ones. I've also visited 132 SLotcar Raceway in Tacoma, WA, and while this raceway has two ScaleAuto wood tracks, the emphasis is again on the scale collectibles, both 1/32 and 1/24. Once again, there were kids enjoying themselves with realistic looking scale versions of full-size cars. I've seen a few other attempts at raceways just for the scale collectibles, and they seem to come and go about the same as the usual big track raceways. However, I'm well aware there are other business factors that play a role including what I deem as outrageous rent for commercial space these days. As long as you can explore appealing to this segment of slot car enthusiasts without getting in over your head financially, I think it's a sound thing to try. If it doesn't work, there seems to be a consistent market for plastic track.

 

In full disclosure, I'm not part of the hard plastic slot car scene, although I do have one Fly 1/32 Panoz bacause I'm a Panoz fan. Unfortunately, the car came with a warped driveshaft, so isn't even drivable. It just sits on a shelf looking nice. I'm a metal chassis under a Lexan body guy, and I put "wing" kits on all sorts of bodies, even ones that weren't intended to have them. My thing is prototype race cars I build myself that go fast, but I appreciate and support all of the segments of the slot car hobby. Whether we run scale plastic models of full size cars, drag race, or run wing cars, we all contribute to preservation of this hobby.

 

I used to live near Bristol, TN, so I'm familiar with slot racing in the Carolinas in the 80's and 90's. I haven't made it to the Carolinas in a while, but look forward to being able to visit the new crop of raceways there in the not-too-distant future. Maybe we'll meet next year.

[stoo23]

Hi there, I'm Not sure whether this information will Help OR simply add to the ... 'Confusion of Possibilities',.. LOL

 

Some time ago, I happened upon These German guys; https://harrel-rs.com/en/

 

Producing what seems to be a Truly Uniquely designed and seemingly beautifully engineered and built 'Modular' Slot car track.

Like Carrera, it has 1/24th Spacing and is Sectional but is Quite different how it all Goes together (mechanically and electrically) and appears to be extremely strong and durable.

 

It Might offer your Racers and yourself a rather Unique 'Difference' and arguably Elevated Standard of 'Track' Quality and Surface.

 

Certainly 'Worth a Look', if Nothing else ... cheers

[MattD]

A lot of guys that race at home, get together in groups and have fun.   You might get a group of friends that want to come and race and have fun.    Maybe you can even  get a group and once a nite run some kind of short organized race and give the winner a 1/32 plastic car and bragging rights.   Most home groups kind of weed out guys that ruin it for everybody else.    That may not be possible in a commercial venture.    A 4 lane Carrera track will cost more than a routed track, if you can build the routed track.  There are many home 1/32 tracks built for way less than $1000.   Price Carrera track and $1000 will not buy what you need for a big 4 lane track.  I would guess the track that has been pictured here would probably cost $2000-$3000 at today's prices.    I have built both  types of tracks.   If you want magna traction, that is another story.   Most home racers, but not all, throw away magnets, add weight  and change tires.    

 

Selling cars and parts  would be the only possible profitable part of this.   If you just want a track to play on, and are not  thinking of making money, you should be fine.

Not sure there is any way to actually make any profit.   I would actually turn on the track for free one or two nites  a week for guys to race for some kind of prize/prizes.   Maybe the rest of the week rent track time for guys to test and tune and get ready for race nite.  Once you try to organize a race, then you have to start deciding on rules and classes.    If  there is some kind of local club/group this would best be decided by talking to them and listening to what they say.

 

I  don't see how any slot car track ever makes money, so my advice is probably worthless!!!

 

mb

[Courtney S]

Ernie Mossetti has a commercial location with wood and plastic its in Toronto and I just can think of the name, when I find the link I will post it. 

 

His plastic track is for "Model Car Racing" it is from Policar it is the newest plastic track on the market and it has great grip and solid connections. The parent company is Slot It , they make great cars and have a huge selection of Group C cars. They are worth looking into.

 

The plastic 1/32 are great for box stock type racing, and with just light scenery it will be great frun!

[Sloter]

Racing 1/32 scale is the most popular form of slot car racing and many reasons for it. RTR cars are what todays racers love and the realism of the 1/32 cars. Nothing wrong with wing cars (Lexan Bodies), brass chassis or hand built chassis. Most do not have the skill, desire or time to do it. Keep that in mind!!!!!!! You guys including myself are rare birds when it comes to fabricating cars. I really think 1/32 races are the way to go, from Box Stock - No mods for kids, Mod - Guide, tires, truing tires for guys & gals wanting more, Pro Stock - Axles, Tires, Wheels, Truing Tires, Guide for the guys and gals that like to tinker. I would also add an Iroc Race or two, where you supply the cars and controllers. Now you have something for everyone. Also have a points series to keep them interested with prizes. I have seen it to many times where Slot Car Shops have rentals and classes for all ages, that are just Lexan body cars and brass chassis. Most racers today cannot relate to those cars. Voltage is also kept high and cars fly off the track and they quickly get discouraged. These shops cannot figure out why they are not growing and most eventually close because they are stuck in the sixties! The most successful shops I have seen are the ones running 1/32 hard body cars. There is another reason for the 1/32 popularity, COST! Once you buy a 1/32 car and set it up for what ever class (tires, guide) most of the time, your done spending money. No need to buy braid, tires and wheels on a weekly basis like most brass chassis cars. The 1/32 car guys and gals spend the money on more cars, because they are so addicting. Now they have more cars and not spending money on putting weekly money into the same car. Just my 2 cents and not trying to start an argument, just what I have seen over the years.

 

Bob