75 replies to this topic

[MattD]

This sounds like there are some smart guys involved, let's hope the owners take advantage of guys mentioned above and let them create a successful program. Bottom line is this would be the road to success and a viable program and not just a dusty track in the corner.

[Samiam]

There's a bar on site. That seems to be a key factor for success at many club tracks.
 
The only limiting factor here may be the 3.6" lane spacing. Limits it to the use of 1/32 cars. Unless Chris used Magnabraid, the Carrera cars are going to need added weight to handle well.

I'm sure Mike will bring some nice 1/32 JK cars to show them how commercial type cars run.

[jimht]

Chris said:

The slot tracks seem to be the small part of this development that follows the "Ready, Fire, Aim" business model that so many successful creatives can pull off.

 

Yeah, like that works... but it does sell books about how to make millions.

 

My experience with stuff like this (i.e. a seven-year on and off relationship with Malibu Grand Prix in several locations) is that this will work if there's a fulltime person attending the track, customers and cars.

 

This is only economically feasible if traffic is heavy and continuous, otherwise you've got a fulltime employee that doesn't work much.

[MSwiss]

Matt, Sam,

I don't have the time to get involved, other than maybe one visit.

Larry has extensive experience racing 1/32 cars on basement wood tracks, so I'm sure he can help them out.

If the traction level is reasonable and the power variable, these CARS might be a good choice.

Or what might also be good i, Slot-it cars, with lead, the proper tires for the surface, and if available, a deeper guide.

[Cheater]

Since no one else has posted it, here's their website:

FieldHouse Jones
 
FWIW, a single for one night is being quoted at $22! Wonder what the "all-in" price including taxes is?
 
And whether parking is available and at what cost?

[Dennis David]

The international backpacker won't have a car.

Those JK would work as would the Carerra with proper weights. In either case tires would probably need to be rubber rather than sponge with flat paint/no glue.

[MSwiss]

Do Carrera 1/32 cars run on 18v?

Someone brought a 1/24 by, and it was pretty well punched on my flat track, even with my adjustable supply cranked all the way up, to something like 16.9v.

[Cheater]

The international backpacker won't have a car.

Of course, but the place seemingly is not exclusively a hostel for international travelers.

From the 'about' page on their website: "The premise is to shift away from the idea of self-centric travel and toward a team-like, fieldhouse environment, where guests and locals can meet up, collaborate, relax and socialize. And by specializing in unique sleeping quarters, FieldHouse Jones has smaller spaces for everyone from individuals looking for adventure, to studio, one and two bedroom apartments for the built-in-crew...

FieldHouse Jones is an utterly unfussy, yet consciously considered, multifaceted, community hub, destined to become the true heart of the neighborhood."

They're going to need some parking and it would nice if parking didn't cost as much per day as the accommodations.

[MSwiss]

It might become a popular place for local young singles, of both sexes, to hang out, especially if they offer "four-hour naps."

[MG Brown]

Chris,

I am glad to hear that something came of this; after not hearing anything more from Robby about the project, I feared that interest had been lost.
 
I'll repeat what I said when I met with the two of you last fall - if you need something, I'm just a phone call away.

[Dave Crevie]

I put forth that the JK direct drive 1/32 cars might be the best choice. Not overly fast, no gears to maintain, long tire life. Otherwise, Mike's system of resistors in the cars would be almost necessary if commercial type cars are used. 

 

Home set plastic cars are intended for 18 volt operation. That is what the wall-warts that come with the sets put out.

 

And on a big track where they can get up to comparatively high speeds, I only see a lot of broken cars. The home-set group I raced with used 12 volts and still broke up a lot of cars. And any details on the bodies were gone after the first few heats. I don't see them as substantial enough for rental cars.

[MattD]

Get Larry involved and I'm sure he will come up with the best operating system, cars, and controllers for this place. Just not many guys around with expertise for this anymore. Luckily Larry is in the area! He should be able to get them off on the right foot.

This isn't a pool table; it will require someone around that can troubleshoot, clean, and maintain the track and equipment. Maybe a good part time job for some retired slotter!

Chris, why didn't they go ahead and have you do 4" lane centers?

[MSwiss]

Dave C.,

 

I thought of the JK DD cars, but I'm not sure they would be fast enough on tracks that big.

 

Chris mentioned they have some sort of system to lower the power.

 

That's why I thought the geared, Hawk 7 cars, might be a better choice.

 

It's NBD, but this thread is full of posts made, where it's seems like the poster has looked at, or just very quickly skimmed over, previous posts.

[MSwiss]

Space was also a major consideration.

 

Chris why didn't they go ahead and have you do 4" lane centers?

 

Matt,

 

There's your answer.

[Ramcatlarry]

Been there.

 

Nice set-up, but still has a bit of finish to detail for operation. Did not have the tracks ready to turn on and let me test my cars, but I will get another chance later. A race director kiosk still needs to be installed to 'run the show'... suggested a lockable drawer in it for quick repair tools and spares with a task light. Hope the adequate room lighting is adjustable – it was evenly lit but a bit moody to race with.

 

Mike, Carrera 1/32 cars run just fine as-is on normal track voltages. Only the 1/24 cars seem to have those high voltage motors(?). We race all brands in the Great Lakes Club series with no motor issues... but some NSRs always have too much motor and why we use a max RPM rule for racing – 23K is too high, 18K is 'normal.' I think the JK cars will fit in just fine for rentals. The tracks are larger than I expected they would be, larger than most club tracks could hope for.

 

Anyone up for a 1/32 ISRA series?  It could be done or at least tried this Summer. After racing on the eight-lane corner climber, the feel of the six-lane one will be similar, but the six-laner looks about 25% smaller.

 

The bleachers are in the front foyer opposite the bar (currently with lots of chocolate chip cookies) with a possibility of beer and wine in addition to coffee+. The stairway in the left of that photo leads to the basement location of the tracks right next to the elevator and the lunchroom which can be used as a pit and catering.

[Ramcatlarry]

Greg,

 

Going through the web link secure parking is extra - about $25 a night. The bunk room set-up gives four racers equal pillows and facilities.  No more sleeping bags on the motel floor! With one driver, an interesting pit stop for out of town Sano racers.

 

The location in south of Oak Street near the Orleans St bus stop, west of Wells St (River North Area?). The el passes right by the building, but not sure where the next stop is (research to do). I parked on the street all alone for free. The area is old industry in a residential area. The building was home to the Bordens condensed milk canning operation.

 

FYI: Four-hour naps. I think Robby mentioned that 'locals who live in the Chicago metro zip codes could not rent a room'... but time will tell how local.

[Thom]

How far away is the MegaBus terminal? $22 a night and a $5 bus ticket sounds like a fun Omaha-to-Chicago getaway for our club.

[Ramcatlarry]

I think Mike said the 'Brown line' is the link. I need to find (for myself) bus lists to verify all connections to the various travel terminals and car rentals. I have a CTA 'ride free' pass in my pocket for local train and bus rides in and to the city.

 

The 'Chicago  Ave/Sedgwick' stop on the Brown line is two blocks south for the Elevated train from downtown.

 

Megabus terminal is 300 South Canal St at West Jackson Blvd.

[mgerbetz]

Maybe the slot car industry should put on a race/event/exhibition at this place. Raise some awareness with some folks??

[MSwiss]

... but a bit moody to race with.

 

Sounds like me before my personality transplant in October of 2002. LOL.

[Cheater]

If I were you, I'd ask for a refund, Mike. It sure doesn't seem like it 'took.'

 

LOL...

[MSwiss]

I'll take it up with Jackie.

 

I wonder how much I can ask for? 

[Ramcatlarry]

I am sure the room lighting is on a dimmer - so 'moody'... OK for a headlighted 1/32 race.
 
I would have installed all LED lighting to cut operating costs.

[eshorer]

Just as an aside, Japan had/has a ten-lane track in their Haneda Airport in Tokyo. Of course, the employees wear racing jumpsuits and turn marshal your car for you with a bow. It's nice to see some out-of-the-box thinking.  



Eddie

[Ramcatlarry]

Map
 
Looks like the Red & Brown CTA EL lines stop at Chicago Ave
 
I think the bus terminal is close to Union Station RTA line.