13 replies to this topic

[David Weisenthal]

Hello everyone, I'm glad I stumbled onto this site-I'm sure you folks will be able to help a dope like me. 

 

I haven't squeezed a trigger in 10 years or so, but decided to buy up an old Revell Gran Turismo set with extra track a few weeks ago. The guy said he got it for a present in '69, and after 2 years put it away in a sealed barrel so it would stay safe. Its in amazing shape for its age, and the cars and controllers are all functional...tires need replacement of course. There isn't one broken tab on any of the tracks, and the metal is pretty bright...Probably been in Arizona for its whole existence. Anyway I'm having a blast after cleaning the cars up a little. Man this stuff is strangely addictive. The cars have the Delrin chassis.

 

I've got 26 straights, and 14 curves with the 14" radius set up on my bedroom floor right now. I've got 7 outside aprons with crash barriers and I put some on the fastest curves. I bought twelve 21" radius track sections on Etsy, but they're not here yet.  

 

It also came with a fair amount of old Marx track and a few controllers, but no cars. There's a nice green Econo Maserati body that is 1/24, and a 1/24 chassis that needs a little work. The Marx track still looks 1/32, but smaller than the Revell. I wonder how HO cars would work on it..

 

I have been adding 2 or 3 nickels taped together to the cars to get a smoother motion along the track...did this style of car ever have weights added? With better tires, controller and regulated power supply I'm sure the performance will improve. I'll stop ranting now, just wanted to say hi. Hope to race some cars with you folks one day.

 

Here's the setup so far....hope to get it off the floor soon. I love this old American stuff...it has a magic to it

 

 

 

[NY Nick]

Welcome to the Blog, good luck with the track.

[slotcarone]

Welcome!! Nice find. Yes adding wieght to those cars will make an improvement for sure. Try to get it as low and close to the track surface as possible.Most of all have fun!!

[Ramcatlarry]

FYI:  REH Distributing has the 'Riggen' plastic track which is made from some of the original Revell molds, so they fit together with old  stock Revell track.  The rail 'braids' should be steel and therefore magnetic.  The track works with modern 1/32 cars such as Scalextric, Carrera, and others.  They have magnets in the bottoms and act like artificial gravity that ballast also does.

[David Weisenthal]

Thanks for the reply guys. I can't find a place that actually still carries the Riggen stuff. I wonder if they're still making it? Do the new 1/32 cars typically have magnets or does it depend on the brand...

[MattD]

Most any Revell/Riggen track you will find will be on these types of forums or on Ebay.   Nothing wrong with used track,  it will all clean up.   Revell, Monogram and Aurora A Jet track from the 60's are probably the best of the early brands. 

 

All newer style 1/32 slot cars  have magnets and usually a poor rubber tire compound.    A lot of guys that actually race the newer style cars take out magnets, replace tires and add weight.   There are many really nice 1/32 cars made the last 20 years.   Most all of those bodies can be switched over to a brass chassis and  built into old school slot cars.

[Alchemist]

Hi David,

 

What a find - that is an awesome vintage slot car track!

 

I like how you have the track layout to run under the dresser drawer and around the leg - so KOOL!  LOL

 

Just wanted to say "Greetings and welcome!"
 

Ernie

[Mbloes]

You just need the "Monza" banked turn.

[Ramcatlarry]

REH is a DISTRIBUTOR, meaning your local independent hobby shop can order from them.  Some franchise chains like Hobbytown are contractually locked into one distributor.

 

The banked curved sections are best found as used or NOS Revell.

[NHBandit]

Old post but in case the guy is still around here is what I've done with my old 1960s vintage Revell track. 

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[Bill from NH]

Nice layout Mark.    Just a curiosity question, do you have some past connection with NH? I've seen your posts on other boards. I grew up in Maine with a Sturtevant family & their daughter was in many of my classes.

[NHBandit]

Nice layout Mark.    Just a curiosity question, do you have some past connection with NH? I've seen your posts on other boards. I grew up in Maine with a Sturtevant family & their daughter was in many of my classes.

Yep. NH native born in Portsmouth and lived in Hopkinton for 32 years prior to moving to the Tennessee mountains 8 years ago. Before I retired and came South I managed an auto salvage yard in Webster for a few years. Where are you located ? 

[Bill from NH]

I'm located in New Boston, about 12 m. west of Manchester. We've been here since 1982. My background was in telecommunications network engineering. Now, I'm too old to work.

[kvanpelt]

I'm getting ready to head back down this plastic track scene myself.

 

I have a Hi-Bank Raceway by Revell from the late 60's along with much track I've picked up on EBAY over the years. I also bought 4 Riggen sets from REH when an R/C friend had connections to purchase from them.

 

I'm planning a 4 lane layout, but my biggest need are the outside aprons for the 21"r turns. I've been watching EBAY for a number of years without much success.

 

Is there a proven method of laying another material in place of the plastic apron?