Track Layouts


This section provides suggestions for building several HO Scale Slot Car Racing layouts. All of the layouts described here have been built and tested by the author. Emphasis has been placed upon creating layouts that are both fast and challenging, while fitting a long lap length in the smallest available space.

All layouts are designed to be built using the widely available Tomy AFX track system. A few of the layouts, where noted, can also be built using Mattel Tyco plastic track sections.

If you are new to HO Scale Slot Car Racing, or only now returning after a long absence from the hobby, I can highly recommend the Tomy AFX Super International Race Set as a good first set. It includes an enormous amount of track, including an assortment of 6", 9" and 12" radius turn sections.

Enough track is contained in this set to build a 4-lane racing circuit with a lap length of over 25 feet. See the Race Sets page for details and all of the track layouts that can be built with just the track from this set.

Tomy AFX Super International Race Set


The Tomy AFX Super International Race Set, along with providing a good selection of track sections, also includes two 22 VDC power packs, four (4) controllers and four (4) AFX Super G-Plus cars. The cars included in this set alone often sell for up to $25.00 each, so purchasing this complete set is a truly great deal.

Listed below is an inventory of the track, slot cars and accessories included in the Tomy AFX Super International Race Set:

  •  (2)  - 15" Terminal Tracks
  • (12) - 15" Straights
  •  (2)  - 9" Straights
  •  (8)  - 6" Straights
  •  (6)  - 3" Straights
  •  (1)  - 15" Radius 1/8 Turn
  •  (6)  - 12" Radius 1/8 Turns
  • (12) - 9" Radius 1/4 Turns
  •  (9)  - 9" Radius 1/8 Turns
  • (28) - 6" Radius 1/8 Turns
  • (4) - Super G+Plus IndyCars
  • (4) - Hand Controllers
  • (2) - 22 VDC Power Packs
  • (20) - Guard Rails
  •  (6)  - Bridge Support Sets
  •  (4)  - GT Body Clips
  •  (1)  - Set of Color Lane Markers
  • The Tomy AFX Super International Race Set includes Track Layout Sheets to recreate the entire Formula 1 season.

    Tomy has recently introduced a second 4-lane race set, the Tomy AFX 4-Way Split. While not providing the variety of track sections that the Super International includes it does contain a good number of 12" radius turns. Combining a Super International and 4-Way Split will allow you to build a layout with several wider turn radius sizes.

    Tomy AFX 4-Way Split 4-Lane Race Set


    The list below is an inventory of the track, slot cars and accessories included in the Tomy AFX 4-Way Split Race Set:

  • (2) - 15" Terminal Tracks
  • (2) - 15" Straights
  • (2) - 15" Lap Counters
  • (2) - 9" Straights
  • (8) - 6" Straights
  • (2) - 3" Straights
  • (18) - 12" Radius 1/8 Turns
  •  (8)  - 9" Radius 1/4 Turns
  •  (2)  - 9" Radius 1/8 Turns
  • (4) - Super G+Plus GT Prototype Cars
  • (4) - Hand Controllers
  • (2) - 22 VDC Power Packs
  • (12) - Guard Rails
  •  (2)  - Bridge Support Sets

  • Tomy AFX 4-Way Challenge


    Purchasing a Tomy AFX Super International along with a 4-Way Split will not only give you the extra 12" radius turn sections most track designs require, but will also provide you with a total of four (4) 22 VDC power packs, enough to power each lane individually. You'll also get four (4) additional Super G-Plus cars. The 4-Way Split set includes GT Prototype sportscars as raced at Le Mans.

    The first layout illustrated here is the Tomy AFX 4-Way Challenge. It combines the AFX Super International Challenge and 4-Way Split race sets described above to create a challenging 4-lane raceway with a lap length of just under 38 feet per lane.

    This entire raceway fits on a single 4×8 foot table and can be built using only those track sections included in the two race sets. This race track makes extensive use of 12" radius turns to create a fast raceway.

    Tomy AFX 4-Way Challenge Raceway


    View Color-Coded Track Section Drawing

    This race track incorporates a technically challenging infield section to test both driving skills and chassis setup. Combining the International Challenge and 4-Way Split race sets provides a convenient and cost effective means of creating an interesting 4-lane raceway in a minimum of space.

    See the Tables section for detailed instructions on building a 4x8 foot table suitable for mounting this race track. The total cost, including the two race sets and table supplies should be under $350.00, making this a great weekend project. See the Construction section for detailed photographs of the table building process.


    HO Scale Raceways

    A variety of different HO scale raceways are described below. These tracks can all be built using standard Tomy AFX track sections. Raceways are divided into separate categories based upon overall table size.

       
      36" × 80" Door Raceways
       
      4' × 8' Raceways - 4-Lane
      4' × 8' Raceways - 2-Lane
      4' × 8' Raceways - NASCAR Ovals
       
      4' × 12' Raceways
      4' × 16' Raceways
       
      5' × 9' Raceways
      5' × 10' Raceways
      5' × 12' Raceways
       
      5'4" × 12' Raceways
      6' × 16' Raceways
       
      8' × 12' L-Shaped Raceways
      10' × 15' L-Shaped Raceways
      Space Saver Shelf Raceways
       
      Life-Like 4' × 8' Raceways
       


    36" × 80" Door Raceways
     

    This first category of raceways shown below are ideal for an apartment dweller or someone without a lot of room for a large permanent raceway. They are built using a standard 36" × 80" solid core exterior door. They're small enough to store when not in use, yet provide enough table space for a challenging 4-lane HO raceway. See the Tables page for construction tips.


    Tuckaway 25

    The first layout illustrated here is the Tuckaway 25. It uses the AFX Super International Racing Set described above as the base with only a few additional pieces of straight track. This is a great first layout for new racers or returning HO enthusiasts. This racing circuit, including permanent table can be built in only a few hours. Visit the Tuckaway section of this web site for complete step-by-step assembly instructions.

    This entire raceway fits on a single 36" × 80" table and can be built for under $250.00. In addition to a Super International Challenge set this layout can be built with only (4) 9 inch straights and (4) 15 inch straight sections.

    Tuckaway 25 Raceway


    View Color-Coded Track Section Drawing


    Tuckaway 25 Lane Lengths:

  • Lane 1 - 29.37'
  • Lane 2 - 29.37'
  • Lane 3 - 29.20'
  • Lane 4 - 27.59'
  • Along with Tomy AFX Super G-Plus and Tyco 440x2 cars, I often run my older Aurora Model Motoring Thunderjets on this layout. Racing the old Thunderjets from the 1960's on this type layout can be very exciting. While not as fast as modern traction magnet-equipped cars, the T-Jets can still be quite a handful to drive due to their narrow tires and lower cornering speeds.


    Paper Clip

    This raceway also fits on a single 36" × 80" table like the Tuckaway 25 illustrated above. This particular layout incorporates an overpass section to provide for longer, faster straights.

    In addition to a Super International Challenge set this layout can be built with (8) 15 inch straights, (6) 9 inch straights and (6) 12 inch turn sections.

    Paper Clip Raceway


    View Color-Coded Track Section Drawing


    The table below lists the Tomy AFX track sections required to build the Paper Clip raceway:

  • (20) - 15" Straights
  •  (8)  - 9" Straights
  •  (2)  - 6" Straights
  •  (2)  - 3" Straights
  •  (1)  - 15" Radius 1/8 Turn
  • (12) - 12" Radius 1/8 Turns
  •  (3)  - 9" Radius 1/8 Turns
  •  (6)  - 9" Radius 1/4 Turns
  •  (4)  - 6" Radius 1/8 Turns
  • (2) - 15" Power Tracks
  • (2) - 22 VDC Power Packs
  • (4) - Tomy AFX Hand Controls
  • Paper Clip Raceway Lane Lengths:

  • Lane 1 - 28.69'
  • Lane 2 - 27.12'
  • Lane 3 - 25.55'
  • Lane 4 - 23.98'

  • Neubauer 21

    This raceway also fits on a single 36" × 80" table like the Tuckaway and Paper Clip raceways illustrated above. This particular layout incorporates an overpass section to create identical lap lengths of just over 21 feet per lane.

    In addition to a Super International Challenge set this layout can be built with only (8) 9 inch straights and (4) 12 inch turn sections.

    Neubauer 21 Raceway


    View Color-Coded Track Section Drawing


    The table below lists the Tomy AFX track sections required to build the Neubauer raceway:

  • (10) - 15" Straights
  • (10) - 9" Straights
  •  (2)  - 6" Straights
  •  (2)  - 3" Straights
  • (10) - 12" Radius 1/8 Turns
  • (18) - 9" Radius 1/8 Turns
  •  (8)  - 6" Radius 1/8 Turns
  • (2) - 15" Power Tracks
  • (2) - 22 VDC Power Packs
  • (4) - Tomy AFX Hand Controls

  • Small Banked Oval

    If your tastes run more toward NASCAR or IndyCar oval racing then this high speed banked oval may be just what you need if your space is limited to a 36" × 80" exterior door.

    Small Banked Oval Raceway


    View Color-Coded Track Section Drawing


    The table below lists the Tomy AFX track sections required to build the Small Banked Oval raceway:

  • (10) - 15" Straights
  •  (4)  - 9" Straights
  •  (8)  - 6" Straights
  • (2) - 12" Radius Banked Turn Sets
  • (2) - 9" Radius Banked Turn Sets
  • (4) - Pairs of Banked Turn Supports
  • (2) - 15" Power Tracks
  • (2) - 22 VDC Power Packs
  • (4) - Tomy AFX Hand Controls

  • Bull Ring

    This next oval also fits on a 36" × 80" door, but unlike the banked oval above, this layout uses wider radius flat turns to create a much more challenging oval raceway.

    Bull Ring Raceway


    View Color-Coded Track Section Drawing


    The table below lists the Tomy AFX track sections required to build the Bull Ring raceway:

  • (6) - 15" Straights
  • (8) - 9" Straights
  • (8) - 15" Radius 1/8 Turns
  • (8) - 12" Radius 1/8 Turns
  • (2) - 15" Power Tracks
  • (2) - 22 VDC Power Packs
  • (4) - Tomy AFX Hand Controls

  • Oak Creek 36

    This 2-lane raceway also fits on a single 36" × 80" table like the other raceways illustrated above. This particular layout can be built using the Tomy AFX Super International and one (1) additional 15" straight to create lap lengths of just over 36 feet per lane.

    Oak Creek 36 Raceway


    View Color-Coded Track Section Drawing


    The table below lists the Tomy AFX track sections required to build the Oak Creek raceway:

  • (13) - 15" Straights
  •  (2)  - 9" Straights
  •  (7)  - 6" Straights
  • (1) - 15" Radius 1/8 Turn
  • (4) - 12" Radius 1/8 Turns
  • (5) - 9" Radius 1/8 Turns
  • (6) - 9" Radius 1/8 Turns
  • (4) - 6" Radius 1/8 Turns
  • (2) - 15" Power Tracks
  • (2) - 22 VDC Power Packs
  • (2) - Tomy AFX Hand Controls

  • 4' × 8' Raceways - 4-Lane
     

    This is the most popular size HO raceway. Built using a single 4×8 foot sheet of plywood with a simple 1×4 inch wooden frame, this size table provides a good platform for many challenging 2- and 4-lane raceways. See the Tables section for detailed construction information.


    Scenic Hills 33

    This first layout provides a 4-lane layout that fits on a single 4×8 foot plywood table. The overpass section allows for equal lap lengths of 33.50 feet per lane.

    This particular layout makes a good race track for scenic landscaping. See the Table construction section of this web site for the plans to build this table. See also the Landscaping section for more information about this layout.

    This circuit provides a fast 33.50 foot lap length with four fast straight sections and a challenging 6" hairpin section. The center area on the table provides enough room to create a realistic pit row and garage complex.

    Scenic Hills 33 Raceway


    View Color-Coded Track Section Drawing


    Tomy AFX track inventory required to build the Scenic Hills 33 raceway:

  • (28) - 15" Straights
  •  (8)  - 9" Straights
  •  (6)  - 6" Straights
  • (16) - 12" Radius 1/8 Turns
  • (20) - 9" Radius 1/8 Turns
  •  (4)  - 6" Radius 1/8 Turns
  • A longer 4×12 foot version of this raceway can also be built using the Random Lake 48 track plans shown later on this page.

    A faster banked version of this raceway is also possible using the Elm Grove 32 track plan.


    Ravinia 35

    The layout illustrated below fits on a single 4 × 8 foot table and provides a lap length of 35 feet per lane. The infield section is fast and provides a challenging technical section. See the Construction section for step-by-step instructions for building this raceway.

    Ravinia 35 Raceway


    View Color-Coded Track Section Drawing


    Cars travel counter-clockwise on the outer portion of the track. The main straight leads into a 90 degree right-hand turn followed by a 225 degree hairpin section. Upon exiting the hairpin the cars must negotiate a pair of 45 degree left-hand turns before accelerating down the infield straight.

    A decreasing radius turn at the end of the infield straight feeds onto a short chute followed by a sweeping carousel turn before exiting out and onto the back straight. A pair of 90 degree left-hand turns punctuated with a medium-speed straight leads back onto the main straight again.

    This particular layout incorporates many of the turn styles as described in the Design section, while still fitting on a single 4×8 foot table. This 4×8 foot raceway is my favorite layout for a smaller, flat racetrack. See the Scenic Hills 33 above for my choice of elevated 4×8 foot raceways suitable for authentic landscaping.


    The table below lists the Tomy AFX track sections required to build the Ravinia 33 raceway:

  • (28) - 15" Straights
  •  (6)  - 9" Straights
  •  (8)  - 6" Straights
  •  (2)  - 3" Straights
  •  (1)  - 15" Radius 1/8 Turn
  • (18) - 12" Radius 1/8 Turns
  • (23) - 9" Radius 1/8 Turns
  •  (6)  - 6" Radius 1/8 Turns
  • This design is ideal for modern Tomy AFX slot cars as well as older Model Motoring Thunderjets. If you're looking for a race track design that will be both challenging and still fit on a smaller 4×8 foot table this is a great raceway to build.


    International 39

    This next track layout also fits on a single 4×8 foot table and uses the Tomy AFX Super International Racing Set in addition to one dozen 15" straight track sections. This layout makes use of every track section contained in the Super International. This design packs a 39 foot lap length on to a simple 4×8 foot table.

    International 39 Raceway


    View Color-Coded Track Section Drawing

    If you own the Tomy AFX Super International Racing Set and are thinking about building a permanent HO race track this is an inexpensive layout to construct. Just add a dozen 15" straights and you'll have an excellent raceway. The circuit is comprised of three fast straights with a technically challenging infield section.


    The table below lists the Tomy AFX track sections required to build the International 39 raceway:

  • (24) - 15" Straights
  •  (2)  - 9" Straights
  •  (8)  - 6" Straights
  •  (6)  - 3" Straights
  •  (1)  - 15" Radius 1/8 Turn
  •  (6)  - 12" Radius 1/8 Turns
  •  (9)  - 9" Radius 1/8 Turns
  • (12) - 9" Radius 1/4 Turns
  • (28) - 6" Radius 1/8 Turns
  • (2) - 15" Power Tracks
  • (2) - 22 VDC Power Packs
  • (4) - Tomy AFX Hand Controls

  • Elm Grove 32

    This 4×8 foot raceway is very similar to the Scenic Hills 33 described above. However, this plan utilizes Tomy's new 18" radius turn, an increasing/decreasing radius hairpin turn at the end of the long straight and also provides for an optional banked turn.

    Like the Scenic Hills 33, this track is also great for Landscaping

    Elm Grove 32 Raceway


    View Color-Coded Track Section Drawing


    This challenging 4-lane racing circuit has even lap lengths of 32.48 feet for all four lanes and can be built on a single 4×8 foot table using the following Tomy AFX track sections:

  • (28) - 15" Straights
  •  (4)  - 9" Straights
  •  (6)  - 9" Straights
  •  (2)  - 18" Radius 1/8 Turns
  •  (7)  - 15" Radius 1/8 Turns
  • (14) - 12" Radius 1/8 Turns
  • (11) - 9" Radius 1/8 Turns
  •  (2)  - 6" Radius 1/8 Turns

  • HO Challenge

    This next track layout was designed for the now-defunct HO DL Challenge. This racing series allowed you to compete with other HO Slot Car racers from around the world using this standard track configuration.

    Because the track layout remained the same for all racers, lap times could simply be compared to see who the World's Fastest HO Slot Car Racers really were.

    HO Challenge Raceway


    View Color-Coded Track Section Drawing


    This challenging 4-lane racing circuit has a lap length of 32.64 feet and can be built on a single 4×8 foot table using the Tomy AFX Super International Racing Set in addition to these extra track sections:

  •  (4)  - 15" Straights
  • (12) - 9" Straights
  • (16) - 12" Radius 1/8 Turns
  • (2) - 15" Power Tracks
  • (2) - 22 VDC Power Packs
  • If you have ever wondered about your driving skills or your ability to prepare fast HO Slot Cars this is a good means of testing your abilities against other HO racers from around the world.


    Whitefish Bay 33

    This next track fits on a single 4 × 8 foot table. It has a 33 foot lap length comprised of 4 lanes. This track was originally built using Tyco/Mattel slot car track sections, but could have just as easily be made using Tomy AFX track instead.

    Whitefish Bay 33 Raceway


    View Color-Coded Track Section Drawing


    The table below lists the Tyco/Mattel slot car track sections required to build the Whitefish Bay 33 raceway:

  • (20) - 15" Straights
  • (20) - 9" Straights
  •  (6)  - 6" Straights
  • (14) - 12" Radius 1/8 Turns
  •  (4)  - 9" Radius 1/8 Turns
  • (12) - 9" Radius 1/4 Turns
  •  (7)  - 6" Radius 1/4 Turns

  • Whitefish Bay 43

    This next racing layout is a variation on the original Whitefish Bay 33 described above that provides a longer lap length of 43 feet with an infield comprised of two additional chicane sections. In my opinion this would be a better layout for older Aurora ThunderJets and A/FX slot cars due to its increased lap length and twisty infield section.

    Whitefish Bay 43 Raceway


    View Color-Coded Track Section Drawing


    This challenging 4-lane racing circuit has a lap length of 43 feet and can be built on a single 4×8 foot table using the following Tomy AFX track sections:

  • (24) - 15" Straights
  •  (2)  - 9" Straights
  • (24) - 6" Straights
  •  (4)  - 3" Straights
  • (21) - 12" Radius 1/8 Turns
  • (36) - 9" Radius 1/8 Turns
  • (15) - 6" Radius 1/8 Turns
  • The Whitefish Bay 43 is also well suited to computerized lap counting and timing. The open area in the lower left-hand corner of the diagram above provides space for a computer display monitor. The 6" straight sections at the center of the straight on the left side is an ideal location for a dead track section or photo-cells.

    The track is designed so that the cars circulate in a counter-clockwise direction. With the start/finish line along the left edge of the table, drivers can glance up at the computer scoring screen as the cars pass over the lap counter and head into the double apex turn.



    4' × 8' Raceways - 2-Lane
     

    This next group of raceways can also be built on a single 4×8 foot table. These layouts however are 2-lane racetracks. See the Tables page for building instructions.


    River Hills 50

    This next layout fits on a single 4×8 sheet of plywood and provides a 52 foot 2-lane raceway suitable for landscaping. Several long, fast straights combined with a twisty infield section make this an excellent 2-lane raceway. The overpass incorporated into this design provides a means of folding the raceway back in upon itself, and in the process provides additional long straights.

    River Hills 50 Raceway


    View Color-Coded Track Section Drawing


    The table below lists the Tomy AFX track sections required to build the River Hills 50 raceway:

  • (21) - 15" Straights
  •  (5)  - 9" Straights
  •  (6)  - 6" Straights
  •  (5)  - 15" Radius 1/8 Turns
  •  (4)  - 12" Radius 1/8 Turns
  • (17) - 9" Radius 1/8 Turns
  •  (6)  - 6" Radius 1/8 Turns

  • Caledonia 33

    This next 2-lane layout makes exclusive use of the 9" radius turns found in many 2-lane sets. The diagonal orientation of the main straight makes it possible to create a longer straight than would be possible if the track were aligned squarely with the edges of the table.

    This layout can be built on a 4×8 foot table and offers a good deal of open space for landscaping.

    This layout design uses the model railroading technique of laying track so that it never runs parallel to the edge of the table. This method provides a track that appears larger then it really is and avoids a static appearance. This is an ideal track for detailed landscaping and would be a good choice for someone wanting a 2-lane track to race both modern and vintage Aurora slot cars.

    Caledonia 33 Raceway


    View Color-Coded Track Section Drawing


    Track sections required to build the Calendonia 33:

  • (16) - 15" Straights
  •  (4)  - 9" Straights
  • (8) - 9" Radius 1/4 Turns
  • (6) - 9" Radius 1/8 Turns

  • Brookfield 50

    This next layout also fits on a single 4×8 sheet of plywood and provides a 51 foot 2-lane raceway. Unlike the River Hills 50 and Caledonia 33, this layout was designed as a flat race track. Several long, fast straights combined with a technical infield section make this an excellent 2-lane road course. The large open area inside of the 180º turn provides ample room for pits and a paddock.

    Brookfield 50 Raceway


    View Color-Coded Track Section Drawing


    The table below lists the Tomy AFX track sections required to build the Brookfield 50 raceway:

  • (17) - 15" Straights
  •  (4)  - 9" Straights
  •  (9)  - 6" Straights
  •  (5)  - 15" Radius 1/8 Turns
  •  (8)  - 12" Radius 1/8 Turns
  • (17) - 9" Radius 1/8 Turns
  •  (6)  - 6" Radius 1/8 Turns

  • Whitewater Farms 65

    This next layout packs a lap length of just over 65 feet on to a single 4×8 foot plywood table. Several fast straights on the outer portion of the circuit are joined using wide 15" radius turn sections. The interior of the race course provides progressively tighter turns.

    Note the location of the driver's stations in this design. Their placement along the fastest straight on the left edge of the table provides an unobstructed view of the infield underpasses. See the Construction section for detailed photographs of the table building process.

    Whitewater Farms 65 Raceway


    View Color-Coded Track Section Drawing


    The table below lists the Tomy AFX track sections required to build the Whitewater Farms 65 raceway:

  • (18) - 15" Straights
  • (11) - 9" Straights
  • (11) - 6" Straights
  •  (2)  - 3" Straights
  • (10) - 15" Radius 1/8 Turns
  •  (9)  - 12" Radius 1/8 Turns
  • (15) - 9" Radius 1/8 Turns
  • (10) - 6" Radius 1/8 Turns


  • 4' × 8' NASCAR Ovals
     

    This next group of 4×8 foot raceways replicate NASCAR and Indy Racing League 4-lane ovals. Both flat and banked ovals are shown below.

    See the Tables page for details plans to build a 4×8 foot table for these fast ovals.


    Indianapolis / Brickyard

    The first oval shown below is the world-famous Indianapolis Motor Speedway, home of the Indianapolis 500 and more recently the Brickyard 400 NASCAR race. This raceway plan makes good use of Tomy's new 18" radius turn.

    Indianapolis Motor Speedway


    View Color-Coded Track Section Drawing


    The table below lists the Tomy AFX track sections required to build the Indianapolis Motor Speedway:

  • (12) - 15" Straights
  •  (4)  - 9" Straights
  •  (8)  - 6" Straights
  • (8) - 18" Radius 1/8 Turns
  • (8) - 15" Radius 1/8 Turns

  • High Banked Oval

    This next NASCAR Oval also fits on a simple 4×8 foot table, but unlike the track above, this raceway uses Tomy's high banked turns at both ends to create a fast raceway.

    High Banked Oval


    View Color-Coded Track Section Drawing


    The table below lists the Tomy AFX track sections required to build the High Banked Oval Raceway:

  • (20) - 15" Straights
  •  (4)  - 9" Straights
  •  (4)  - 6" Straights
  • (2) - 12" Radius Banked Turn Sets
  • (2) - 9" Radius Banked Turn Sets
  • (4) - Pairs of Banked Turn Supports

  • Banked Tri-Oval

    This next NASCAR track is based upon the Talladega and Daytona Tri-Ovals. All turns are banked to create a fast and challenging superspeedway.

    See the Tables page for detailed plans to build a 4×8 foot table for this fast tri-oval.

    Banked Tri-Oval


    View Color-Coded Track Section Drawing


    The table below lists the Tomy AFX track sections required to build the Banked Tri-Oval Raceway:

  • (18) - 15" Straights
  •  (2)  - 9" Straights
  •  (4)  - 6" Straights
  • (2) - 12" Radius Banked Turn Sets
  • (2) - 9" Radius Banked Turn Sets
  • (4) - Pairs of Banked Turn Supports


  • 4' × 12' Raceways
     

    This next group of raceways were designed for a 4×12 foot table. The additional 4 feet of table length when compared to the 4×8 foot raceways described above provides for longer and faster straights. These layouts are ideal for faster modern cars as well as vintage Aurora slot cars.

    See the Tables page for detailed instruction for building a 4×12 foot table.


    Glendale 50

    This racing circuit fits on a 4×12 foot table and has identical lap lengths of exactly 50.39 feet per lane. This layout design can be built with optional 9" and 12" banking leading on to the main straight.

    Glendale 50 Raceway


    View Color-Coded Track Section Drawing


    The table below lists the Tomy AFX track sections required to build the Glendale 50 raceway:

  • (42) - 15" Straights
  • (14) - 9" Straights
  •  (8)  - 6" Straights
  •  (5)  - 15" Radius 1/8 Turns
  • (21) - 12" Radius 1/8 Turns
  • (25) - 9" Radius 1/8 Turns
  •  (9)  - 6" Radius 1/8 Turns
  • The Glendale 50 raceway can be positioned with the main straight along a back wall. All four drivers stand along the twisty side of the circuit.


    Random Lake 48

    This next racing circuit fits on a 4×12 foot table and provides a fast lap with a length of over 48 feet per lane. Each of the four lanes has exactly the same lane length. If you have the room, this is a great layout for landscaping. Four long, fast straights, a 180 degree hairpin and a sweeping carousel section make this an excellent layout for racing for modern or vintage era slot cars.

    Random Lake 48 Raceway


    View Color-Coded Track Section Drawing


    This track will test your driving skill as well as providing an interesting overpass section and elevation changes. If you have room for a 4×12 foot table this is a great layout for landscaping. See the Construction section for detailed photographs of the table building process.


    Track sections required to build the Random Lake 48:

  • (48) - 15" Straights
  • (16) - 9" Straights
  •  (4)  - 6" Straights
  •  (2)  - 15" Radius 1/8 Turns
  • (16) - 12" Radius 1/8 Turns
  • (18) - 9" Radius 1/8 Turns
  •  (4)  - 6" Radius 1/8 Turns
  • The pictures below illustrate the landscaping possibilities this layout provides. The first picture shows how an overpass can be landscaped to provide an interesting and visually appealing raceway.

    Random Lake Overpass


    The second picture shows the carousel and hairpin sections at the opposite end of the raceway. These are actual photographs of Brian Ferguson's beautiful HO scale raceway.

    Random Lake Carousel


    The Scenic Hills 33 described earlier is a shortened 4×8 foot version of the Random Lake 48 raceway.



    4' × 16' Raceways
     

    Next up we have 4×16 foot raceways. This size raceway is normally constructed by building two (2) 4×8 foot tables placed end to end, or on a large single 4×16 foot platform.

    The longer 16 foot running length of this size layout makes for extremely fast straights. This is an excellent table size for modified slot cars with hot motors.


    Commercial 68

    This first 4&3215;16 foot layout closely duplicates the routed continuous rail tracks found at many commercial slot car tracks. This layout can be built on a pair of 4×8 foot tables placed end to end. Many regional and national slot car championship races are run on tracks very similar to this one.

    Commercial 68 Raceway


    View Color-Coded Track Section Drawing


    Track sections required to build the Commercial 68:

  • (62) - 15" Straights
  •  (8)  - 9" Straights
  • (10) - 6" Straights
  •  (6)  - 15" Radius 1/8 Turns
  • (28) - 12" Radius 1/8 Turns
  • (34) - 9" Radius 1/8 Turns
  • (12) - 6" Radius 1/8 Turns

  • Route 66

    This next racing circuit also fits on a 4×16 foot table and provides a fast, challenging lap with a length of 66 feet per lane. This layout can be built on a pair of 4×8 foot tables placed end to end.

    Route 66 Raceway


    View Color-Coded Track Section Drawing


    Track sections required to build the Route 66:

  • (64) - 15" Straights
  • (10) - 9" Straights
  • (14) - 6" Straights
  •  (2)  - 3" Straights
  • (13) - 15" Radius 1/8 Turns
  • (24) - 12" Radius 1/8 Turns
  • (15) - 9" Radius 1/8 Turns
  •  (4)  - 6" Radius 1/8 Turns


  • 5' × 9' Raceways
     

    This next group of raceway designs fit on a single 5×9 foot table. 5×9 foot plywood sheets are available from most lumber yards. This size of plywood is normally sold for ping-pong tables.


    Scenic 55

    This is a slightly smaller variation of the Scenic 70 described below. This track is designed to fit on a single 5×9 foot table. 5×9 foot plywood sheets are readily available from most plywood suppliers.

    A 5×9 foot sheet of plywood is normally used to build a Ping-Pong table, but can just as easily be used for an HO slot car track. See the Table Construction section of this web site for the plans to build this table.

    This circuit provides a fast 55 foot lap length with six fast straight sections and a pair of challenging 6" hairpin sections.

    Scenic 55 Raceway


    View Color-Coded Track Section Drawing


    Track sections required to build the Scenic 55:

  • (44) - 15" Straights
  • (14) - 9" Straights
  • (20) - 6" Straights
  •  (2)  - 3" Straights
  •  (7)  - 15" Radius 1/8 Turns
  • (16) - 12" Radius 1/8 Turns
  • (21) - 9" Radius 1/8 Turns
  • (12) - 6" Radius 1/8 Turns

  • Bayside 55

    This next track design will also fit on a 5×9 foot table. If you prefer a flat layout, but still want a long fast lap this is an ideal circuit. This design provides enough space between all track sections to add FIA borders.

    See the Table Construction section of this web site for the plans to build this table.

    This circuit provides a fast 55 foot lap length with four fast straight sections and a challenging infield section. Tight 6" radius turns are kept to a minimum, with only the hairpin section requiring cars to slow substantially before entering the infield section of the course.

    Bayside 55 Raceway


    View Color-Coded Track Section Drawing


    Track sections required to build the Bayside 55:

  • (38) - 15" Straights
  • (18) - 9" Straights
  • (14) - 6" Straights
  •  (4)  - 3" Straights
  •  (7)  - 15" Radius 1/8 Turns
  • (28) - 12" Radius 1/8 Turns
  • (25) - 9" Radius 1/8 Turns
  •  (4)  - 6" Radius 1/8 Turns


  • 5' × 10' Raceways
     

    In many areas of the country a single 5×10 foot sheet of plywood is available from plywood dealers. You may also be able to find 5×5 foot sheets that can be combined to build this slightly larger 5×10 foot table.

    See the Tables page for construction details.

    If you would like to build a raceway larger than the common 4×8 foot layout, but don't have the room for a 12' or 16' table, then a 5×10 foot table might be just what you're looking for.

    The slight amount of extra room that a 5×10 foot table requires will almost double the track length over a standard 4×8 foot raceway.


    Blackhawk 60

    The raceway shown below makes good use of the slightly wider 5 foot table width to provide six fast straights instead of the four normally possible on a 4 foot table. The additional table length provides longer straights which will allow your cars to reach higher speeds than would be possible on an 8 foot table.

    This challenging track is ideal for landscaping and provides enough room at the center of the circuit for a pit lane complex and garage area large enough to display all of your favorite slot cars.

    Blackhawk 60 Raceway


    View Color-Coded Track Section Drawing


    Track sections required to build the Blackhawk 60:

  • (58) - 15" Straights
  • (12) - 9" Straights
  • (10) - 6" Straights
  •  (7)  - 15" Radius 1/8 Turns
  • (22) - 12" Radius 1/8 Turns
  • (21) - 9" Radius 1/8 Turns
  •  (6)  - 6" Radius 1/8 Turns


  • 5' × 12' Raceways
     

    5×12 foot sheets of plywood are available in many regions of the country. Look under Plywood Dealers in the Yellow Pages to find a supplier in your area.

    Many lumber yards can special order this size of plywood, but they'll probably just pick up the phone and call the same local plywood dealer you can call yourself. Save some money and buy directly from the plywood dealer!