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• 
  @markphillips536812 күн бұрын

  My Carrera Evolution track uses a three-wire positive common setup for the track wiring, and as such a friend and I were able to design and build a ghost car controller for it with a small PWM module. I also have another PWM module wired to the 12 volt lines of an old computer power pack, which I use to power my tyre truer, keeping the speed of the tyre down and avoiding overheating and destroying the tyre.

• 
  @tomsidener4 күн бұрын

  Yes carrera is by far the easier to create a ghost car. I have another video that covers carrera specifically.

• 
  @TojuRacing-ry4cf29 күн бұрын

  Thank you! I am thinking about doing this on the track. This would be great to have. Been wanting to add this to the track. Race On!

• 
  @tomsidener26 күн бұрын

  If you run into any issues, just post me a message.

• 
  @brianstrawser5408Ай бұрын

  Tom, Thanks for making this video. If you could just clarify how the call buttons connect to each other before the control unit. I’m not very knowledgeable regarding electronics. Thanks Tom

• 
  @tomsidenerАй бұрын

  just run a wire (2 conductor) from each call button to the other. It doesn't matter what side of the wire goes to what side of the button. It's just like hooking up a set of speakers. Just make sure if you are using the buttons in the video that you have the wire connected to the correct posts.

• 
  @brianstrawser5408Ай бұрын

  Thanks.

• 
  @hammertimeracingАй бұрын

  Absolutely excellent video👍 I just finished building a box after your guide, and it works great😁 Thanks for doing this.

• 
  @tomsidenerАй бұрын

  I am so glad to hear this helped. If you have any questions in the future, do not hesitate to ask.

• 
  @FliToTheMoonАй бұрын

  Thanks for posting Tom but but do you have an idea to operate an analog Lap Counter using the Position Tower Carrera 30357. I saw someone on the French Net offering a TekSlots box with this option?

• 
  @tomsidenerАй бұрын

  I have seen that information also but I am not sure how they are doing it. I do not have a carrera tower so I have no way to experiment. If I ever get one in the future, I will be sure to post a video.

• 
  @IrrerasCarreraАй бұрын

  Thanks for this. Is there a picture of how you connected the three buttons. could you use a hub or is soldering them together a better option?

• 
  @tomsidenerАй бұрын

  Yes you could use a hub. It works both ways. You can wire them all direct to the main connection coming out of the controller, or you can daisy chain them. I wired the close ones directly back and daisy chained a couple that were fairly far from the main connection (to save wire).

• 
  @markphillips5368Ай бұрын

  Awesome looking car. I could almost hear the theme music from the tv show playing as you ran it around your track

• 
  @tomsidenerАй бұрын

  That's because it was playing really softly. lol

• 
  @chrissimone4916Ай бұрын

  Very nice.

• 
  @tomsidenerАй бұрын

  Thank you

• 
  @Madd_DaddАй бұрын

  There is a company in the uk that makes a Robin for this car. I’ll find out and let you know if you want

• 
  @chrissimone4916Ай бұрын

  Im looking,can’t find it. If you do let me know. Thanks

• 
  @BrotherJ-kg5zyАй бұрын

  @@chrissimone4916 I think company is 132 Models...look at Swiftslots video from Gaydon SlotFest...he puts Robin figure in car and lists where he got it from...

• 
  @tomsidenerАй бұрын

  That would be really cool!!!!

• 
  @chrissimone4916Ай бұрын

  Hello, I am considering this set. I’m curious what size are your tables ? Chris

• 
  @tomsidenerАй бұрын

  They are 4x8 but I had to add about 16 inches to the middle. (5.5X8). It was very frustrating that it did not fit on 2 4x8 tables as I originally intended.

• 
  @chrissimone4916Ай бұрын

  @@tomsidener thank you

• 
  @chrissimone4916Ай бұрын

  Hello again, l’ve since looked through some of your videos, it seems as if you built a 1.5x13 foot section and placed it between the two 8x4 tables?Thanks Chris

• 
  @tomsidenerАй бұрын

  ​@@chrissimone4916Yes that is correct

• 
  @chrissimone4916Ай бұрын

  Hello, i’ve viewed your newest video of the four lane policar track. is that layout built on two8 x 4 tables? I’m sorry I could not leave a comment on that video. Chris

• 
  @tomsidenerАй бұрын

  I had to add about 1.5 feet to each table so it's more like 5.5 X 8

• 
  @tzgardnerАй бұрын

  This is great. I love how you go through each card. Will you be doing any more of these expansions? I recently purchased Thunderstone Quest and it's nice to see walkthroughs of the cards and other components.

• 
  @tomsidenerАй бұрын

  That's the plan!

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  @NodramaslotsАй бұрын

  That’s a cool setup!

• 
  @tomsidenerАй бұрын

  Thanks!!!

• 
  @chrissimone4916Ай бұрын

  Very nice.

• 
  @tomsidener2 ай бұрын

  I have added amazon links in the description for the parts I used for this project. These links are Amazon affiliate links and If you buy from them, it helps out the channel. Thanks as always.

• 
  @Ayera112 ай бұрын

  Curious how you would have the arduino communicate with smart race. Looking for a solution that I don't have to open my control unit.

• 
  @tomsidener2 ай бұрын

  @Ayera11 I have another video where I show how to communicate with smart race. I have a link to some code in that video description you can look at. Unfortunately I do not have the code to stop the race because I do not own that smart race module. The module to yellow flag the race is an add on module I have not purchased.

• 
  @tomsidener2 ай бұрын

  Here is a link to that video kzread.info/dash/bejne/c4CokqWSipW2odI.html Here is a link to the code. tomsidenerpoems.blogspot.com/2023/12/wifi-board-include-httpsarduino.html

• 
  @Ayera112 ай бұрын

  Thanks I’ll check it out!!

• 
  @tomsidener2 ай бұрын

  Probably burned out the pots and they are just connecting on the end plates.

• 
  @benjaminandersen10973 ай бұрын

  i'm sorry, but i don't understand the problem with the pwm modules, as long as they are in series with the motor, it shouldn't be a problem? i.e, thev take the positive wire (+), modulate it, pass through the positive road-rail, trough the motor, onto the common negative road-rail (-)? the module also need a ground (-) of course, for the circuit to function. using a transistor like this ought to work, i believe

• 
  @tomsidener3 ай бұрын

  Unfortunately they do not modulate the positive wire (only the negative). The policar only allows the pass back of the positive lead through the connector. You would have to rewire the power unit to get it to work.

• 
  @benjaminandersen10973 ай бұрын

  @@tomsidener im struggling to see the problem, not meaning to be a bother, but these modules should in practice function like a potentiometer/variable resistor, used in the same placement as the original pot. alternatively you could grab the positive lead form somewhere, and run it directly to through the pwm mod, into the possitive road rail, surely this would work. -in function, the negative output from the pwm becomes the positive input to the car. all road rails shared a common ground right? otherwise, there might lye my confusion :)

• 
  @benjaminandersen10973 ай бұрын

  oh no, shame on me, i understand now, it took me a while to figure what you ment, english is my second language🤭 but another rout that WOULD work is using a simple trasistor or mosfet, and a cheap microcontroller to pwm control it, like an arduino connected with a pot to adjust the timing, i have done so with a three phased motor from a hdd (BLDC motor), and got it up to 7000 rpm. well, good luck, i like your project, hence the spamming of comments :D

• 
  @tomsidener3 ай бұрын

  @@benjaminandersen1097 I tried everything I could think of and I could not get it to work. Yes the rails share a common ground but that ground does not pass back through the controller. If you are able to get it to work, please let me know because I would much rather use the PWM than the Rheostat.

• 
  @tomsidener3 ай бұрын

  @@benjaminandersen1097 The controllers that come with the track modify the positive rail only. The positive power runs through the controller, gets modified by the Rheostat and then passed back to the positive rail. The ground gets passed to the controller but does not get passed back to the track. The three wires in the controller jack are positive out, negative out, and positive back.

• 
  @richardlange90943 ай бұрын

  So what is your opinion of the Policar track?

• 
  @tomsidener3 ай бұрын

  For multi lane, I do not think there is anything out there that is better.

• 
  @SlotCarMisfitsofallscales3 ай бұрын

  Awesome set I should have gotten this one !

• 
  @tomsidener3 ай бұрын

  I love it!

• 
  @SlotCarMisfitsofallscales3 ай бұрын

  Awesome

• 
  @tomsidener3 ай бұрын

  Agreed

• 
  @SlotCarMisfitsofallscales3 ай бұрын

  The packaging is great how they do it ! Plus awesome that the borders all come with it as well !

• 
  @tomsidener3 ай бұрын

  Yes the borders are a real plus

• 
  @HuesofReality3 ай бұрын

  Hey Tom, I came across your recent video on making a Slot Car Analog Ghost Car Controller and wanted to say thanks for sharing such a helpful DIY project! It's always great to see practical solutions like this for enthusiasts like us. Looking forward to more of your innovative ideas!

• 
  @tomsidener3 ай бұрын

  You are very welcome

• 
  @Madd_Dadd3 ай бұрын

  Damn Tom, when you said they’re loose on the track, you weren’t kidding, I have 2 revoslot cars, but have only ran them on my policar track, they don’t slide around like that, but they tip over real easy 😂 I don’t have magnets in mine either

• 
  @tomsidener3 ай бұрын

  If you round off the outside edge of the tires, that will help with the tipping over.

• 
  @Madd_Dadd3 ай бұрын

  @@tomsidener I haven’t done any tuning on them yet, I have the Datsun 510, and ford escort, they’re a little top heavy anyway compared to the viper and corvette. They also jump out of the slot if I gun it, need to experiment with some weight, body float and so on. Just need to find the time to do it

• 
  @slotcardude683 ай бұрын

  Great hint, thanks for sharing!!

• 
  @tomsidener3 ай бұрын

  Your welcome

• 
  @nobodyshome7583 ай бұрын

  Thus would probably solve my AFX ghost car issue we have discussed previously!

• 
  @tomsidener3 ай бұрын

  I think it would

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  @nobodyshome7583 ай бұрын

  @@tomsidener ordered using your link. 👍

• 
  @tomsidener3 ай бұрын

  @@nobodyshome758 Thanks always appreciated!

• 
  @nobodyshome7583 ай бұрын

  @@tomsidener That did the trick! Works great! Thank you so much for all your hard work on this. Much appreciated!

• 
  @tomsidener3 ай бұрын

  @@nobodyshome758 Your very welcome

• 
  @AudiSlotGarageRaceway3 ай бұрын

  such a great help again Tom answered questions i hadt had the chance to ask yet . great work and advice

• 
  @tomsidener3 ай бұрын

  Glad to hear it was helpful

• 
  @BSslotcars3 ай бұрын

  Lots of info here. what I do I just use a controller and wrap the leads around it holding the trigger to the speed I need or if you really are into this just get a old controller take the spring off and just move the trigger in the position needed for the speed you want the car to go.

• 
  @tomsidener3 ай бұрын

  Yes I considered the old controller trick but I did not have one and figured if I had to buy a controller, I could just buy a rheostat.

• 
  @Madd_Dadd3 ай бұрын

  That’s my fault Steve, I bombarded Tom with so many Questions, he had no choice but to make a idiot friendly video 😂

• 
  @tomsidener3 ай бұрын

  @@Madd_Dadd I hope the video answered some of your questions.

• 
  @BSslotcars3 ай бұрын

  @@Madd_Dadd He blew my mind! LOL!!!

• 
  @Madd_Dadd3 ай бұрын

  @@tomsidener yes, it did, thanks

• 
  @Slotspeed-scale-racing3 ай бұрын

  Hello Tom, very cool. Your video just reminded me to buy the great set too. I saw this a few weeks ago but forgot about it. I was just lucky enough to get one of the last boxes... Greetings from Germany, Carsten

• 
  @tomsidener3 ай бұрын

  Hope you enjoy it!

• 
  @Madd_Dadd3 ай бұрын

  Back in the day, I watched these cars race on the noris ring ❤

• 
  @tomsidener3 ай бұрын

  Never saw them race but I sure do think they are beautiful cars.

• 
  @Nodramaslots3 ай бұрын

  Very nice set!

• 
  @tomsidener3 ай бұрын

  Thanks!

• 
  @nobodyshome7583 ай бұрын

  Very nice Tom!!

• 
  @tomsidener3 ай бұрын

  Thanks!

• 
  @AudiSlotGarageRaceway3 ай бұрын

  nerf pellets on the barriers is great idea Tom, nice set

• 
  @tomsidener3 ай бұрын

  Thanks 👍 I originally had then vertical but they kept flying off so what you see in the video is 2.0.

• 
  @chrish55003 ай бұрын

  Looks fantastic 👍

• 
  @tomsidener3 ай бұрын

  Thank you!

• 
  @ScreamingTurtleRacing3 ай бұрын

  How is the track compared to Carrera? Gaps between pieces, grip, width etc?

• 
  @tomsidener3 ай бұрын

  Little gap but nothing extreme. Grip is way better. Width is a little smaller than Carrera but bigger than Scalextric.

• 
  @Madd_Dadd3 ай бұрын

  You have a nice big table to set up your track, I didn’t have that, had to build mine more in a straight figure 8. I bought the drift set before I bought that set just to test out how the track is, and it comes with R1 curves, so I was able to build a 6 lane,

• 
  @tomsidener3 ай бұрын

  I can't imagine how big 6 lane is. I almost bought the drift set to get r1 curves but after I saw how big this set was, I decided against it. I guess down the road I could maybe add 2 more lanes. How did you do power on 5 & 6? Upside down 1 and 2?

• 
  @Madd_Dadd3 ай бұрын

  @@tomsidener actually I messed that up, lol, I had 2 lanes going the wrong way! That’s why I didn’t do a video. I think you might have to change the polarity on third.

• 
  @Madd_Dadd3 ай бұрын

  Also, your track won’t be bigger if you buy the drift set, you’ll be just filling in the inside of your layout, and you’ll also need 1or2 boxes of straight pieces extra, I think

• 
  @Slotspeed-scale-racing3 ай бұрын

  I purchased my Policar track system a year ago and it was the best decision I could have made. The quality is really good, the fitting of the track is very tight und the grip level is outstanding.

• 
  @tomsidener3 ай бұрын

  So far I really like it. Working on a lap counter solution right now.

• 
  @richardlange90943 ай бұрын

  Where in IL?

• 
  @tomsidener3 ай бұрын

  Central, just outside of Springfield.

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  @richardlange90943 ай бұрын

  @@tomsidener A ways from me. I am in Millstadt. That is a very nice track. I have a two lane Carrera.

• 
  @tomsidener3 ай бұрын

  This is my jump into analog. I also have a 2 lane Carrera digital track.

• 
  @tomsidener3 ай бұрын

  @@richardlange9094 Have you been to Mark Twain Hobbies? I love that place.

• 
  @richardlange90943 ай бұрын

  @@tomsidener I added a box to my Carrera track so I can do Analog and Digital. I am think about a Policar track after we get rid of some things in the basement. My wife is very understanding.

• 
  @orestkucyna55463 ай бұрын

  Nice video and explanation. I went through similar iterations on a call button. Actually did something similar on my previous SCX track. Out of interest, did you consider using the Smart Race Connect app which allows for individual driver info stations and call buttons for each driver on their cell phones? When racing we currently use that app which allows for a VSC mode, virtual safety cars. During this mode The app announces who caused the stoppage, slows down all traffic on the track to a user defined preset slower speed, and automatically restarts the race after a user determined VSC duration. This avoided having to modify the CU.

• 
  @tomsidener3 ай бұрын

  Yes I considered that but the button solution was better for my grandkids. They love to smash the buttons and I don't worry if they break them.

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  @orestkucyna55463 ай бұрын

  I fully understand. For me have now used both types, I prefer the mushroom call button also. I see my drivers fumbling trying to hit the cell phone button, and found it much easier to just slap a button. Am thinking about going back to the call button approach and your video will be. Tremendous guide. Thanks again for putting the info out there.

• 
  @OKSlotCarTesting3 ай бұрын

  Very nice. I am thinking about getting this myself. No cars included in the set? I just subbed🏁

• 
  @tomsidener3 ай бұрын

  No there are no cars in the set but I have found some policar home racers on ebay for 20$ to 30$ and they run great on the track. They are pretty much the same cars you get in the policar drift set.

• 
  @SlotCraftMaster3 ай бұрын

  Ow that feeling of opening large boxes like those It's like Christmas in July 😊

• 
  @tomsidener3 ай бұрын

  Agreed!!!

• 
  @Madd_Dadd3 ай бұрын

  Great idea, I will be definitely making one of these ❤ You wouldn’t happen to know the resistance of the policar controller, would you? And what would happen if you used a different one, like a 5k, or a25k, I know absolutely nothing about electronics 😢

• 
  @tomsidener3 ай бұрын

  I will be testing that very soon and will report back.

• 
  @tomsidener3 ай бұрын

  I just tested and it looks to be around 50 to 60 ohm. Here is a link to the Pots I purchased. I am going to try and do some testing with the 50 ohm in a few days. I will report my findings. Potentiometer Kit B5K 10K 20K 50K 100K Ohm (Amazon Affiliate Link) amzn.to/3TNylmP

• 
  @Madd_Dadd3 ай бұрын

  @@tomsidener I ordered me a set, sorry I couldn’t use your link, I live in Germany, and that particular set is not available at the moment.

• 
  @tomsidener3 ай бұрын

  @@Madd_Dadd Not a problem at all. I just link to my account because I figure why not, but glad you were able to get some in Germany.

• 
  @Madd_Dadd3 ай бұрын

  Hi Tom, just wondering if you tested out that potentiometer yet

• 
  @Madd_Dadd3 ай бұрын

  Oh yeah, wear gloves when building your track, the surface will rub your hands raw, believe me I know 😂

• 
  @tomsidener3 ай бұрын

  I have a bad shoulder so I had some trouble getting the larger sections pushed together.

• 
  @Madd_Dadd3 ай бұрын

  @@tomsidener so it’s not just me, lol. Yeah this must be the tightest fitting track ever made

• 
  @SlotCarMisfitsofallscales3 ай бұрын

  My nuckles were raw lol

• 
  @Madd_Dadd3 ай бұрын

  I don’t know why I’m watching this, I just bought this set 6 weeks ago, absolutely the best deal you can get if you want policar track. I am 1000% satisfied with this track, I’m on my third layout already 😂

• 
  @tomsidener3 ай бұрын

  I agree this track was a great deal for what you get with it. Did you have to cut the feet on the bridge inner pylons or did I miss something.

• 
  @Madd_Dadd3 ай бұрын

  @@tomsidener I haven’t cut anything or had to cut anything, even when I built the 6 lane, I’m not really sure what you mean though

• 
  @Madd_Dadd3 ай бұрын

  Ok, I think I figured out what you meant, did you use the side by side track connectors, if you did, you don’t need the inner pylons

• 
  @tomsidener3 ай бұрын

  Yes I did use the side connectors. If you did six lanes I can see how you were able to leave out the inner 2 but on 4 lane (using the blue top connectors) it would have been hard to leave out those inner lane pylons.

• 
  @Madd_Dadd3 ай бұрын

  @@tomsidener I didn’t use the blue pieces, because they hung down , I just used the pylons on the outer edges

• 
  @twolinesslotcars3 ай бұрын

  Hey Tom! I have been begging Policar for over a year to send me track to test and review 😂😂 No such luck.. but I would love to give this track a try.. can't wait to see your thoughts..

• 
  @tomsidener3 ай бұрын

  One thing I can tell you already it the thing is absolutely huge. I could not get it to fit on 2 4x8 tables. Had to add a little to each side. Otherwise, so far, the thing is impressive. There will be plenty of videos to follow.

• 
  @SlotCarMisfitsofallscales3 ай бұрын

  Can’t go wrong with it

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  @AudiSlotGarageRaceway3 ай бұрын

  Hi Tom,id like to pick your brains the switch you used for making the Evolution ghost car control unit you made, could that same switch be used to make a on of unit on a spare Evolution power plug that i have to make a power track for a rolling road iv made that is powered by the ghost unit i used from your idea but i want it on my bench not on my track but dont have a spare power straight so want to make one but with a switch and im rubbish with electrics i dont understand the data 😅 kind regards Dan

• 
  @tomsidener3 ай бұрын

  Yes just put the potentiometer between the power and the bench and you can control the power by controlling the resistance. Better yet you may want to just get a inexpensive adjustable power supply to run your rolling road. This is the one I got my son for christmas and it works great. amzn.to/3J6DHoj * If you buy from the above link, I will get a small percentage but your cost will be the same.

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  @tomsidener3 ай бұрын

  After giving this a little more thought, I think you may be talking about the rolling road version that has an adapter that sits right on the track. That would work with the ghost car hack but you would have to make the hack for the track it is sitting on. The variable power supply would be a much simpler solution.

• 
  @AudiSlotGarageRaceway3 ай бұрын

  @@tomsidener Tom thank you so much for the assistance here and advice and the link for the power supply most appreiciated

• 
  @tswheaton50733 ай бұрын

  I am new to the hobby (had Afx HO 40+ years ago) and am in the process of setting up a Policar track. I bought the T003z 4-lane set and some additional R2 curves to create a larger 2-lane layout on a 12x6 table. This set was very hard to find in stock. Found mine at 132SlotCar, great folks there. This is awesome and am looking forward to future videos about your 4 -lane setup!

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  @tomsidener3 ай бұрын

  132SlotCar is also where I got my T004z. Talked to them on the phone before purchase and they were very friendly and helpful.

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  @scottparkhurst94683 ай бұрын

  Hi Tom. Nice idea. Do you have the link to the buttons? Thanks, Scott

• 
  @tomsidener3 ай бұрын

  Yes it is in the description below, just click more.

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  @tomsidener3 ай бұрын

  Here it is if you can not find it in the description. amzn.to/43Ho9km * It is an associate link so I get a small percentage if you buy from the link above.

• 
  @scottparkhurst94683 ай бұрын

  @@tomsidener Thanks Tom. Good to hear. I bought three of them. I am located in Upstate NY. What region of the country are you in? I'm always looking for some to race with.

• 
  @tomsidener3 ай бұрын

  I am in Illinois

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  @BSslotcars3 ай бұрын

  Wow! Get ready you will love the policar track and my get rid of all the other brands after running on it..add some more straights expand it and it will be really sweet ditch the controllers for some good trigger ones or the os3 ho lite ones that my sister uses they work real good. The policar track is perfect and the grip is very nice with stock cars tires too!! Have fun!

• 
  @tomsidener3 ай бұрын

  I am glad to hear you guys like it. I am really excited to get it. The 4 lane power setup looks amazing.

• 
  @mkoehler2224 ай бұрын

  Hi thank you for all you are sharing. I'm considering getting in the hobby with Carrera digital and was wondering if you could tell me if it would be more cost effective to buy 2 sets or just one and buy separately to expand the track cars and controllers? Also how many feet of track do you need to make it interesting? Thanks Mark

• 
  @tomsidener4 ай бұрын

  I found it more cost effective at the time I bought my track, to buy 2 sets. I wanted 4 wireless controllers and an extra lane changer so that kind of sealed the two set decision for me. I also highly modified my control unit so it was good to have the extra, in case I messed it up. I do recommend trying to find the sets on sale. I currently have a 30 foot track but plan to expand it eventually once I move it to another room. That being said if you are racing with the pit lane, any length is interesting (and challenging) because you have to make split second decisions on whether to pit or try and push it to the next lap. Keep in mind that the control unit does not have the ability to show you the level of the gas tank so I recommend an app for that.

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  @mkoehler2224 ай бұрын

  Great thank you for taking the time to reply. I was thinking that but wasn't quite sure. We'll see if I make the plunge here soon? Thanks again Mark

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  @tomsidener4 ай бұрын

  These are the 2 sets I ended up buying Race to Victory amzn.to/3Vx4MZo Bull and Horse amzn.to/4ahrEAa

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  @mkoehler2224 ай бұрын

  @@tomsidener Thank you for that as well. I did have my eye on the Race to Victory so the other is very helpful. I'm also trying to decide how time consuming all the track cleaning, maintenance and tire truing might be.

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  @tomsidener4 ай бұрын

  @@mkoehler222 ​@mkoehler222 I had a scalextric years ago and the track cleaning and maintenance on the carrera is way less. I think it is because Carrera has stainless steel rails. I do a little tire truing but I do not get crazy with it. Must of my cars run just fine without it.

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  @twolinesslotcars4 ай бұрын

  Thanks Tom!

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  @tomsidener4 ай бұрын

  Thanks Man!!