[LastHobbyPromise]

Hello Last,
Most people slot-car start drag-racing simply by having the power switched off and holding the throttles fully on then switching the power on. First car across the finish line wins.
Probably best if you try that a few times before spending any $$$.
The full experience of staging, start Tree Lights, reaction time, elapsed time, terminal speed and such should be your ultimate goal - its not a simple sport.

Leo

 That first part is not racing.
 I actually ran my 71 Kawasaki 500 at Irwindale drag strip in So. Cal. in the 70's, so the second half of your post appeals to me. :)

[woodcote]

Will all HO car mfg's work on this track?

With a couple of historical exceptions, all HO manufacturers' cars will work on all HO track systems.

The Auto World strip is the simplest out-of-the-box option, but doesn't have timing. Be aware there's a cheaper ($100) version that does not have the electronics - only a mechanical finish line flag. Probably worth avoiding.

If you want timing, the Slot Dragon drag timing system (here) starts at $166 and you should be able to pick up used AFX track for a few dollars. If you upgrade the track, the Slot Dragon system can be swapped over easily.

If you're comfortable with the idea of building a timing system with an Arduino Mega board and a laptop / desktop computer, then Drag Race Coordinator is donationware and the components shouldn't cost you much more than $50. Plus the track, of course. That would give you more functions than Slot Dragon.

Trackmate gives you a miniature version of a full-size pro strip. But that will cost $795, plus the track. A MaxTrax eighth mile (15.0ft long here) starts from $250. So a deluxe routed strip + power + controllers + Trackmate will be heading towards $1,250. A good-value AFX + Slot Dragon system, anything from $200 to $250, depending on the power supply and controllers. A Drag Race Coordinator +AFX system could be put together for anything between $50 to $100, but requires more skills and work. Or an out-of-the-box Auto World strip (no timing) for $150-ish.

Not that I'm trying to get your wife to kill you or anything

[KensRedZed]

Mr. LHP,

Woodcote inspired me to make my own test track. It works great!

   
   

I installed return lanes. The hairpin is a tricky thing. Dragsters don't use the return lanes.

   

It's all good fun!

[LastHobbyPromise]

Will all HO car mfg's work on this track?

With a couple of historical exceptions, all HO manufacturers' cars will work on all HO track systems.

The Auto World strip is the simplest out-of-the-box option, but doesn't have timing. Be aware there's a cheaper ($100) version that does not have the electronics - only a mechanical finish line flag. Probably worth avoiding.

If you want timing, the Slot Dragon drag timing system (here) starts at $166 and you should be able to pick up used AFX track for a few dollars. If you upgrade the track, the Slot Dragon system can be swapped over easily.

If you're comfortable with the idea of building a timing system with an Arduino Mega board and a laptop / desktop computer, then Drag Race Coordinator is donationware and the components shouldn't cost you much more than $50. Plus the track, of course. That would give you more functions than Slot Dragon.

Trackmate gives you a miniature version of a full-size pro strip. But that will cost $795, plus the track. A MaxTrax eighth mile (15.0ft long here) starts from $250. So a deluxe routed strip + power + controllers + Trackmate will be heading towards $1,250. A good-value AFX + Slot Dragon system, anything from $200 to $250, depending on the power supply and controllers. A Drag Race Coordinator +AFX system could be put together for anything between $50 to $100, but requires more skills and work. Or an out-of-the-box Auto World strip (no timing) for $150-ish.

Not that I'm trying to get your wife to kill you or anything

The reason I asked about the cars is, I bought a 1/32 Carrera set not realizing not all cars work on the Carrera Digital track.

I really like the elapsed timer! I think I am gonna pull the trigger on it and the Auto world set.  

Need your address, might need a place to stay.  :)

[LastHobbyPromise]

Mr. LHP,

Woodcote inspired me to make my own test track. It works great!




I installed return lanes. The hairpin is a tricky thing. Dragsters don't use the return lanes.



It's all good fun!

The return lane is a great idea! I like the whole set up.

[KensRedZed]

Mr. LHP.

That's fantastic! You'll have a lot of fun.

The AW set also has a return lane option for a few dollars more. It saves a lot of walking and bending over if your set is near the floor.

Some of those drag cars are little bullets! 

Cheers,
Ken

[LastHobbyPromise]

Mr. LHP,

Woodcote inspired me to make my own test track. It works great!
I installed return lanes. The hairpin is a tricky thing. Dragsters don't use the return lanes.
It's all good fun!

KRZ where did you get the hairpin and what is the width of that overall? Need to see if I have room on my shelf. Tired of walking back and forth.  :)

[KensRedZed]

LHP,

Funny to bump into you at NitroS. 

AFX part number 70614-R, 3"-inch hairpin available at most AFX dealer/hobby shops.

6"-inches wide without the barrier. 7 and 3/4" inches wide with the barrier. The barrier can be trimmed to 7"-inch width.

   

Ken

[LastHobbyPromise]

LHP,

Funny to bump into you at NitroS. 

AFX part number 70614-R, 3"-inch hairpin available at most AFX dealer/hobby shops.

6"-inches wide without the barrier. 7 and 3/4" inches wide with the barrier. The barrier can be trimmed to 7"-inch width.

Ken

Looks like slots is a small world.  :)

My shelf is 22" wide, I should have no problem with that.

[LastHobbyPromise]

LHP,
Funny to bump into you at NitroS. 
AFX part number 70614-R, 3"-inch hairpin available at most AFX dealer/hobby shops.
6"-inches wide without the barrier. 7 and 3/4" inches wide with the barrier. The barrier can be trimmed to 7"-inch width.
Ken

Ordered today w/some straight track and of course another car.  :)