Newbie question

[proxieken]

I have been asked to put up a large oval track at a car show. I have the curves but not the straights, so I was thinking of routing some 8' sections of wood to make the straights and adapting them to my curves. The main concern I have is the fact that the curves will be Carrera, and have magnetic downforce, but if I use copper braid for the straights their will be no downforce.

I wonder if this will be a problem or actually enhance the race because cars will go even faster down the straights.

Also, can someone direct me to a good material to use for the rails. I do not need a flexible material since I am only running it for the straights. I have tried searching to small metal strips but they all seem too big.

[chappyman66]

I will be interested to see the replies.
In the old days routing a straight to lengthen your track was recommended. However that was with flush-mounted rails in the track (Strombecker, Revell, etc).
I think the Carrera rails are slightly elevated, where the copper tape on the wood will be flush. However, I would think that the alignment of the joint could address that so it shouldn't be a problem at all.

I would say "router on" and enjoy.......I suspect your thoughts about magnets etc might be right. ;)

[RazorJon]

my bud 2fer did this with Carrera, he just used copper tape and it has been raced on for years Im sure he will chime in and help

[2FER SLOTS]

[buspor63]

The transitions to Carrera track can be bumpy because of the raised rails, other than that , not too hard. Why not rout the whole thing, as a bonus, you would already have aprons.... and a spare track. I used FRP, fiberglass reinforced plastic, for my flexible walls, it came from Home Depot and was about $35 for a 4X8 sheet.