by FairmontRacer » Sun Oct 12, 2014 6:59 pm
Well I guess I should introduce myself also!
I've been model railroading for about twenty five years as an adult, mostly N scale. I don't currently have a train layout. I had HO slots as a youngster. Never had children of my own to share the hobby with. Now I'm going to be a (step) Grand Dad so I thought building a slot car track would be more fun for when the grandchild is a little older.
One thing led to another, now here I am.
I've got a shop fairly well equipped for model building and have done a little scratch building with brass. Last year I decided to move my shop from one corner of the basement to another to make room for a new train layout that will probably now never be built. Due to a hectic work schedule, I'm still finishing up relocating and organizing the shop but should be done by Christmas.
As a model railroader I always thought the guys that modeled small, model genic, prototype lines were quite fortunate. I was always fascinated with Carl Ardents small layout scrapbook and some of the detail in larger scale models. I've modeled eastern logging railroads, but not much is available in N scale and scratch building the small oddball equipment I like so much is beyond my skills, at least in N scale. Working in 1/32 will be a joy for my 50 plus eyes.
I found the Milford Combe Circuit to be very convincing scenically so I searched the internet for a country set race like this in the US. I didn't find much in the US, but I stumbled onto the motor races at Fairmont Park in Philly. These were run from 1908 to 1911. Although not set in "the country" per say, some of the scenery looks country due to the park setting. I may have to pretend Fairmont ran into the 20's so I can find some cars close enough until I learn to scratch build something older. Now I'm hooked on another hobby and small part of history. I'm close enough to Fairmont Park that I can take day trips to the area.
Since I moved the shop I now have room for a shelf style, L shaped slot car track approximately 14 x 14. I'm going to keep the track plan simple so there will be room for a few structures.
I haven't settled on a plan yet, but will probably go with some type of folded over plan to keep lanes close to equal. I thought a two lane track would look more prototypical, but today I learned that the Fairmont course had wide roads, 60 -100 wide, so I guess a three or four lanner may be in the future if I can make the turn near a doorway tight enough .
The course had some winding down hill turns and ran along the banks of the Schuylkill River and past a small lake in the park. It ran over roads with names like Concourse Street, West River Drive and Sweet Briar Drive. (Now that's a street name perfect for a model road course.)
I want to keep the scenery to track ratio fairly high and track construction simple. I've scratch built some N scale turnouts, so building and wiring routed wood track should not be a problem. I don't know that I will ever race at other tracks, currently I'm thinking more like a model railroader than a slot car racer. Sound in the cars would be interesting. I would like to have a grand stand with a non working period score board on top. The original from Fairmont is in a museum about an hour from home.
The park also had some very unique structures and statues. The Centennial Exposition was held there and some of the buildings still survive. Photo flats of these incorporated into the backdrop would really set the place of the track.
....Well that's about enough of an intro for me.
I can't wait until the job slows down so I can get the shop finished and the layout started.
John