12 replies to this topic

[Phil Beukema]

Does anyone know the depth of the slot groove from the top of the track to the bottom of the groove on commercial tracks?
 
I'm sure every track is a little different but there may be a standard.
 
Thanks.

[Cheater]

The various track builders probably shoot for a similar dimension, but there is no standard.

[MSwiss]

Along with no standard, it will vary based on the particular guide recess.

When I built my King, I thought long and hard on on a dimension to use. I didn't want a chance of ever needing to trim the bottom of the guide blade.

In the '90s, you come across that a fair amount, especially on older tracks that changed hands a lot and got rebraided numerous times.

I also didn't want to go too deep and possibly create a weak track.

That said, what I came up was .360", and haven't regretted using that dimension. Both of my tracks have a .015" -.020" braid recess.

Possibly PM Steve Ogilvie. He's built a ton of great tracks and I've noticed he posted on Slotblog recently.

[mickey thumbs]

British BSCRA rules call for 8mm minimum depth and International ISRA for 9mm minimum.

[Ramcatlarry]

In the 1950s the English "Southport Standards" were written down. My memory says 1/8" wide X (minimum) 5/16" deep. This to give a full 1/4" of flag penetration. Nine mm is about 0.354".

[MSwiss]

Phil,

Any particular reason you are asking?

[MattD]

I cut 3/8" deep in 1/2" MDF.

[Zippity]

Anyone ever cut part of their slot right through so as to act as a trap for loose debris?

[MSwiss]

Interesting idea but...

1) I don't see debris as a major problem. Below is a random spot where I took a pic.

2) Even if it is at a particular raceway, through holes would only work if the debris got moved around the slot, which in 99% of the cases it doesn't.

[Phil Beukema]

Any particular reason you are asking?

 
Just wondering how a loose body pin can cause so much trouble when they fall into the groove.

[MSwiss]

How bent up the pin is probably a factor.
 
In the case of my King, and a pin with a small kink, no issue.
 
What's your braid recess? And of course, measure your slot depth.
 
The builder of that track might have used a shallow slot depth.

[Ramcatlarry]

I had a portable track that went to fairs and the local dirt track that I drilled 1/8" drain holes for the snowcones and rain to drain out of the slots.

 

The cut depth over 1/4" allows some room for debris (like pins and motor screws) to not interrupt a race.

[Zippity]

Body pins.
 
Last night, in one heat of racing, a 1/2" body pin dislodged during a three-car pile-up and lay across the braids on white lane and arced like crazy - something I have never before seen in my life.