Tape vs braid in temperature fluctuating space

[Ember]

I've not had any experience, but logic says braid would be more reliable.

[Florida_Slotter]

My next track will be braided.

Tape is good, but it does have issues.

[turbokev]

Braid hands down..

I used tape in an unheated basement, and even though it never got 'freezing' cold I still had occasional
breaks in the tape between sections.

Braid is more effort to install (its not hard) but the benefit of ultra smooth power delivery and the
reliability make it worth that effort.

I'm braiding each section of my track rather than starting at one point and laying 75 continuous feet of it.
If I ever move or sell the track, it will be easy to take the track apart and set up somewherre else.

[HomeRacingWorld]

Braid will take a lot more, but it needs to be rolled the first couple of days. In extreme temp changes I would just make sure he checks it and rolls it when needed. The adhesive might need attention over long periods of time.

Copyright? Lawyers?

[SlotCarCorner]

The Shoreline Model Raceways Club built a portable track about 5 years ago that is braided. When not in use (which is about 98% of the time), the track sections are stored in the "attic" of an unheated garage. The garage sees temperature swings from -10F to 110F+ - there have been no problems with the braid lifting. One recommendation - apply the braid during "good" weather (say above 60F) and as Harry says, be sure to roll it several times during the first couple of weeks to ensure the braid and 2-sided tape (or contact adhesive if you do it "old school").

:)

[frank9129]

Just my 2 cents.
I have been racing out of doors, in garages, schools, churches, parks football fields with my 4'x16' routed oval. Christmas two years ago I had to retape only because the help at an event slid things across the track and tore up the tape.
I have not had a problem with the tape at all. The only thing I had to remember when laying it was not to stretch it in the turns.
Good luck with your track. I'm contemplating a routed 1:43 track to donate.
Frank

[chappy]

I'm with Frank , my routed track is 3 lane 90 feet and in my garage about 100 feet from the house.
The only time I heat it is when its a race day. I have an oil furnace formheat when needed.
My temp fluctuations in Canada are extreme, and the garage has a steel roof to boot.
8 yrs, and never a temp issue. Imused the 1.25 mil Venture tape at $7.00 for, 36 yds.
Actually I dont think I have ever cleaned the tape , just leave it to, the car braids to clean it up when running.
But thats just my personal experience.
Good luck whichever way you choose.
Bob

[dreinecke]

I'm fortunate that mine is in a temp controlled basement and I've had zero issues with the tape other than when I've done a bad job with a splice. I've redone a few sections of the track and re-routed them and in my haste did a poor job re-taping them. I've since replaced them and have had no issues.