Old Time Collector returning wishing to race

Hey Spencer!

Welcome! I look forward to seeing your cars!

There are several different types of tracks used. I, myself, use a Drag Tracks set-up...they are a nice track, with a timing system. I can vary my track's drop from 14" to 25" and the track sections are 20", and I can run up to 8 of them in the space where I hold my races.

I did a build-up a little while ago...it is here

http://www.redlinederby.com/topic/nascar-build-upsmokeys-chevelle/1997

The biggest thing, I think, when building a modded racer, is having a good set of wheels under it. And I will hold to the fact that the 2005-2006 Faster than Ever wheels are the best...donor cars are pretty easy to find...I like the Chrysler 300, the VW Beetle and the '69 GTO Judge.

Often times, you can build a pretty darned fast car, just by swapping in a set of FTE wheels...and you might want to JB weld the axles in place as well.

I hope that answered some of your questions. Please let me know if I can help further!

Chris

J B Rivet = a small hole drilled through the base [chassis] directly under the axle, countersink the hole opposite the axle, this makes a head on the j b quick after it sets up...

FTEs = faster than ever, it's not the wheels, the axles are nickel plated...

TRACK = width between the wheels inside surface...

PRONGS = the pieces of the base that GRAB the axle...

HOGGED WHEEL WELLS = enlarging the opening for bigger wheels, or grinding them directionally to lengthen or shorten the body's wheel base...

AXLE SLOTS = a slot sawed into the base with a hacksaw [dermal] to move an axle forward or rearward ...

hope it helps... see you in lane two !

Yes sir, welcome... I'll start by saying race to have fun, winn rarley comes early without some luck. Took me over a year to win a series... Good fun and learning the whole way.

To answer your track length question... That is part of the fun of mail in racing you never know what kind of track or the way it is set up. So you need to build a car that works well everywhere. steep drops, shallow, long tracks, short...you get the idea. Usually th hosts will post up what track and layout they have planned for the race. Trans Am series is a bit different for us. we usually just run straight darg races, the TA series will have jumps, loops, etc

I have a standard Drag Tracks system, while it has some issues, once you get it dialed in...it is bar none the easiest and chaepest way to get your self an electronic start and fnish line. I would get the Drag Tracks Pro if I were shopping today.

race on!!!

Welcome to Redline Derby, Spencer. As you can see, you'll get tons of great feedback about tracks and modding around here. We're not shy! 

Track lengths vary heavily based on how much space is available. There's not real standard but some playsets come at fixed lengths. The track I used to run for Redline Derby races was 20-feet long with a 6-foot drop from 4-feet high. I thought it raced really well...of course, it stopped at 20-feet because that's all the room I have.

A lot of clubs are in the 25-50 foot range, often with several lanes racing (I only ran two). My track also used segmented orange track. I got segments from Toys R Us that were like 16-inches or so...those are the longest pieces you can find, I think. They sell packs of short track that work well and are more flexible, but the fewer segments in your track the better. If you can get a hold of some seamless orange track, that's the sweet spot, if you ask me.

But whatever you end up building will be well worth the effort and great for testing your cars. Just one thing...make sure you take some photos and share them here for everyone to see. You'll get more feedback and you might just give the rest of us some new ideas to try.

So again, welcome to the site. If you have any problems using the site, please let me know via PM or email. Otherwise, just keep posting with your questions and you'll get so true pro opinions.

Hey Spencer, once again welcome RLD.  We have some of the best fast car makers there are in the world here and any of them will help you if you have a question.  I am not one of the fast car builders, but I would be glad to try to help or at least know who to tell you ask.

By the way I am hosting the "Custom Car Show" online here on RLD this one you do not have mail cars anywhere. Please go back to the main page and take look....Ed..."Stroller"

http://i1265.photobucket.com/albums/jj515/majestik9/RedlineDerby005-1.jpg

12' of racing action with the 18" drop ya get real cool speed you can follow. 6' ramp with a 6' runoff.

Nightstalker8, thank you for the picture that is exactly the type of thing I had in mind.  A couple of questions, (1) What type of starting gate is that and what width of board do you have the track mounted on?  I am in the process of building two TransAm cars one being the current Mustang Fastback and the other being an old school Hot Wheel Cougar.  One last question, I know that everybody says the FTE wheels are best but can any of the current "Race" wheels be competitive?

Hey Mayberry!

You might want to look into the 6-lane Raceway available at Toys R Us...they just re-released it for $50. The finish line works very well.

There is a lot of testing with the wheels...they make or break your car.  5-3spokes can be fast and some of the new wheels can be fast...but fte's are a proven winner. They are tough to beat!

If you don't want to mid the vintage Cougar, the new Cougar is a pretty good casting!

http://i1265.photobucket.com/albums/jj515/majestik9/RedlineDerby004-1.jpg

The starting line is a home made item, a lot of us are using various boxes based on this design.

http://i1265.photobucket.com/albums/jj515/majestik9/RedlineDerby003-1.jpg

The finish line is a "Judge" item.

http://newdirections.ws/blutrack.htm