New Improved With More Track

I said I'd be back when I get either more cars or more track, and I'm now prepping and painting eight new straights. I got them in the post today and made a quick layout to test it. Such a huge difference in fun and playability.

Couldn't wait to add them to my track and try it out. This is going to be excellent. Inside lane measures 970cm.

Earlier today I took apart my previous track, as well as the temporary table* it was sitting on. I added a few more pieces to extend the table to 460cm [just over 15 feet] across and 5 feet deep. I was able to easily run fun curve sections and still have nine-segment straightaways. It's likely the final table that will be made will be roughly like this, but fully extended to the roof on both sides, and coming back a bit at the wings.

I will need a grabber. It's going to be difficult to get into the corners when a car crashes. It's totally worth it, however, as I'd rather have the space used for something, even if it means it'll be a little tricky to grab the cars once in awhile.

Tonight I prepped the track pieces I just got and laid the first of two coats. Tomorrow morning I'll do the second coat and the next day I'll assemble from a track plan and see what happens.

Prepped. I went back to my previous paint post to remind myself what not to do this time. I think I got it. I used wider tape, which was easier to trim, and did shorter sections. I trimmed in the gutter to the outside of each rail. I also went over the white lines with a black permanent marker.

This part is really easy. Took about ten minutes to lay the first coat. This is your standard latex exterior house paint, in this case Silver/Gray. I made sure to take up any extra paint that may be left over by dry rolling after laying the first coat. I suggest two coats, as it's still not quite covered with just one.

Here's the finished product. Dry to the touch in about 8 hours.

First layout. I wanted to see how long I could make a straight and still make the rest of it interesting. I need curves now.

Once I come up with a satisfactory layout, I'll tune the cars and set up the next race season. It's a bit risky starting one so late, as the holidays are coming and I may have to add a car or two [or more track] to the mix if I'm lucky. That'll change everything. It's likely I'm in for some pretty big changes now that I have this much track to deal with.

*I call it a table, but actually it's a collection of tables, end tables, bed frames, cabinetry and other odds and ends. It's sturdy enough, but I can't stand on it or anything.