I remember at noon each day they started taking reservations for track time for the following day. I have fond memories of repeatedly dialing their phone number trying to get a good lane at a time when I could get a ride.
Back then track time was 25 cents an hour. I don't recall how much they cost, but I can almost taste the chili-dogs we used to eat after racing. And the ice cold cream sodas. Those were the days!
I rediscovered the hobby in late '98 when I typed "slot cars" into a internet search page. I was surprised and delighted to see how much was going on.
Several months later I happen to mention slot cars to friend. He was pretty sure somewhere buried in his basement was the Strombecker set he had when he was kid. A few weeks later I had his old set in my basement. There was over 50' of track, the original cars, controllers and transformer. It took a long time to clean the track, but it was worth it.
Over the next few months a added Parma controllers (25 ohm), replaced the transformer by running wires from the marine battery that powers the back-up sump pump, and added photocells for lap timing.
I had a lot of fun bringing the old Strombecker cars back to life. For one of them I made rear bushings from copper tubing then picked-up an 1/8" axle, crown gear and new wheels and tires.
A while later I bought a Parma home set car. It was worlds above the old Strombecker cars and got me even more excited. Over the next several months I made a few new friends over the internet. With their help and motivation I scratch built a few cars. Then I got an E.J. Hobbies kit (which I really like) and a few Scalextrics.
It took probably 6 months to build a table. I spend a fair amount of time with Tracker trying to find a layout I'd like that would fit in the space I had (and with a small basement I don't have much space). I also spent a lot of time looking for table plans, then ended-up modifying some that I found. My 12' x 4.5' table was my first wood working project, and I'm actually very proud of the way it turned out.
When E-Toys had their going out of business sale I was lucky enough to get four Carrera Le Mans sets. That gave me enough track for a nice 2 lane layout, just over 40' per lane, that fits on my table.
I hope you're enjoying the hobby as much as I am. I've made new friends (via the internet, still can't find many locals who are interested) that have helped me, and a few that I've helped. I hope this never ends!
Ron
