22 replies to this topic

[Bob D]

I was told of a King track in Reading, PA. Does anyone know what the name of the place is or the address? I travel through Reading sometimes while working.

[John Streisguth]

Bob:

I don't know if this is the same one, but there is a King track located in a flea market in Walnutport/Slatington.

This one is a total piece of junk; very rough, deadman is off-camber with no outer guardrail, the track surface in the donut is like a roller coaster, the wiring is not complete on all lanes (example: brake wire on orange is not connected) and to top it all off, it's got a ton of dust on it.

Now if there's one actually in Reading, that would be something different.

Maybe "Mac" McPherson knows something about this... Mac, have you heard anything?

There used to be one at Keystone Raceway, not too far from Reading. They are closed and the track is now at Hudson Valley Raceway in Beacon, NY.

[twistafatty]

Bobby,

I know of no raceway opening in the Reading area. If it happens, I'll let you know.

[Bob D]

Some guys Saturday were talking of a King somewhere near Reading. They said it was rough so that may be the track they were talking about.

Thanks, guys.

[John Streisguth]

Yeah, if they said it was rough, that was probably it.

There are other tracks in the area: Paradise Road in Bechtelsville (recently changed ownership, not sure if the name is the same?), Trains and Lanes just north of Easton (right off rt 33), TKO north of Harrisburg, and DT Hobbies in Hanover.

[SteveDee]

There is ,in fact, a King track in the Reading area. I recently purchased the track that was formerly at Hudson Valley and am intending to set it up as a club with probably an oval of some sort as well. Currently looking for a suitable space. Any one interested in or has a lead on a suitable space should contact me. Hoping to find space in the Northern Berks (Hamburg) or perhaps Lebanon County area. Don't really want to go into the city of Reading if I don't have to as this would be a little far to commute for me, but anything is possible if the space and/or price is right. Please PM me if you can help.

[Postal]

Somewhere in Stafford, VA would be nice.........

[John Streisguth]

Steve:
I don;t know of anyplace down in that area but it's great news to hear, especially if you are in the Hamburg area as that is only about 45 minutes from me. Anyplace near Rt. 78 would be great.

I did a few races on that track. Contact Mike Katz (slotcarone here on the blog) if you want any info on that track as he probably knows it better than anyone.

[SteveDee]

Hi John, Think I remember you from good old Keystone USRA days, if time and old age havn't addled my brain yet. I'm really trying to find someplace near Hamburg, have a couple of ideas and possible locations all in or near here, time will tell. Don't want to open a regular shop as I have some health issues and having a store would just be too much, but a club is a different beast all together. Don't intend to sell parts either, just a place to race, thats all, but it depends on how many others want to be involved. Track is in storage near by, but it does need some TLC, have all new braid and paint as guy I got it from stripped it down and sanded it and just needed to get rid of it, I got a really good deal, and with no place close to race this seemed like a good idea. I have difficulty travelling long distance now, so it seemed like a reasonable way to get racers to come to me. Planning to be at Mason-Dixon Retro event at TKO on March 3rd, come on over if you can. Keep in touch and keep watching here as I'll make updates as things develop.

[John Streisguth]

Hey Steve: any further developments with finding the track a home?

[Arne Saknussem]

I'm in Phoenixville and Hamburg's about an hour drive. Keep us posted!

[SteveDee]

I've looked at a number of places around Hamburg, but either the rent is way out of line or the place looks like a war zone. I don't mind painting or cleaning up but I can't totally remodel a place that I'm renting. That said, I expect to be moving shortly to a house just north of I-78 near Strausstown, PA. The good news is the basement is big enough to hold the king track and ample pit space as well. So how cool will that be, a king right down stairs. My kids inherited the place from their grandfather so as soon as the legal stuff is done I should be starting, may even start painting and hanging lights before I actually move in.

[John Streisguth]

Every slot racers dream....

[Arne Saknussem]

I'll second that.

[NJ Racer]

I do recall that King having an uncoventional short finger

[Rick]

I do recall that King having an uncoventional short finger

YUP, that track was built to fit in a 20/25 foot wide room, so fanger was shorter and straight extended to make 155 feet.

[SteveDee]

YUP, that track was built to fit in a 20/25 foot wide room, so fanger was shorter and straight extended to make 155 feet.

Rick is correct! The only potential problem spot is the location of the stairs, but at worst I'll just have to modify them,but I don't think that will be necessary. Track does need some serious TLC, though, but now that I am officially retired, I'll have plenty of time. Can't believe I'm saying this, I'm actually looking forward to getting snowed in this winter!!!!!!!!!!! ( house is back a long private lane on top of a mountain)

[Noose]

Had many good races on that track when it was at HVR.

[SteveDee]

Well, was up on the mountain today and took better measurements, looks like the stairs will require some creative engineering after all. Good news is that lighting looks good and walls are already painted, only painting needed is the floor. Already thinking of solutions for stairs. Thirty years of engineering experience should lead to a workable answer, at least I hope!

[Slow1ron@yahooo.com]

Elevator?

[Cheater]

Price for that will likely be out of reach, Ron.

A couple of years back we put an elevator in our church to accommodate our older members and it ran $450,000 to go up just one floor.

[RadScaleMotorsports]

Steve,

Does the track have any manufacturer information on it? I'm doing a bit of a history project with slot car tracks. I'd love to hear all that you know about your track. You can either spill it here or PM me for an email address or phone number.

Thank you.
-Cory

[SteveDee]

Everything I know about this track is already spelled out here, I know it was built by Steve Olgive, longer and narrower that standard to fit the available space somewhere in Ohio, then went to Hudson Valley, then to Wilk Barre Pa where it was never operational, and then to me.
II still have it in storage and am still looking for a place to set it up. The place that thought I had turned out to be in worse shape than everyone thought, the roof has several leaks, the heating system is on it's last legs, the central air is beyond repair, and the real deal killer is an infiltration of black mold! Sometimes a discrete retreat is called for, this is one of those Times.