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.

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.

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) Tomy AFX Mega-G slot 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 Layouts

(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

(20) - Guard Rails

 (6)  - Bridge Support Sets

 (4)  - GT Body Clips

 (1)  - Set of Color Lane Markers

(4) - Super G+Plus IndyCars

(4) - Hand Controllers

(2) - 22 VDC Power Packs

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.

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 Layouts

(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

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 4x8 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.

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.

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.

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" x 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.

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" x 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.

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.

This raceway also fits on a single 36" x 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.

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 Layouts

(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'

This raceway also fits on a single 36" x 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.

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 Layouts

(2) - 22 VDC Power Packs

(4) - Tomy AFX Hand Controls

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" x 80" exterior door.

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 Layouts

(2) - 22 VDC Power Packs

(4) - Tomy AFX Hand Controls

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

(2) - 22 VDC Power Packs

(4) - Tomy AFX Hand Controls

This 2-lane raceway also fits on a single 36" x 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.

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 1/4 Turns

(4) - 6" Radius 1/8 Turns

(2) - 15" Power Layouts

(2) - 22 VDC Power Packs

(2) - Tomy AFX Hand Controls

This is the most popular size HO raceway. Built using a single 4x8 foot sheet of plywood with a simple 1x4 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.

This first layout provides a 4-lane layout that fits on a single 4x8 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.

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 4x12 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.

The layout illustrated below fits on a single 4 x 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.

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 4x8 foot table. This 4x8 foot raceway is my favorite layout for a smaller, flat racetrack. See the Scenic Hills 33 above for my choice of elevated 4x8 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 4x8 foot table this is a great raceway to build.

This next track layout also fits on a single 4x8 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 4x8 foot table.

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 Layouts

(2) - 22 VDC Power Packs

(4) - Tomy AFX Hand Controls

This 4x8 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

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 4x8 foot table using the following Tomy AFX track sections:

(28) - 15" Straights

 (4)  - 9" Straights

 (6)  - 6" 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

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.

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 4x8 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 Layouts

(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.

This next track fits on a single 4 x 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.

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

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.

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 4x8 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.

This next group of raceways can also be built on a single 4x8 foot table. These layouts however are 2-lane racetracks. See the Tables page for building instructions.

This next layout fits on a single 4x8 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.

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

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 4x8 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.

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

This next layout also fits on a single 4x8 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 180° turn provides ample room for pits and a paddock.

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

This next layout packs a lap length of just over 65 feet on to a single 4x8 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.

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

This next group of 4x8 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 4x8 foot table for these fast ovals.

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.

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

This next NASCAR Oval also fits on a simple 4x8 foot table, but unlike the track above, this raceway uses Tomy's high banked turns at both ends to create a fast raceway.

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

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 4x8 foot table for this fast 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

This next group of raceways were designed for a 4x12 foot table. The additional 4 feet of table length when compared to the 4x8 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 4x12 foot table.

This racing circuit fits on a 4x12 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.

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.

This next racing circuit fits on a 4x12 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.

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 4x12 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.

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.

The Scenic Hills 33 described earlier is a shortened 4x8 foot version of the Random Lake 48 raceway.

Next up we have 4x16 foot raceways. This size raceway is normally constructed by building two (2) 4x8 foot tables placed end to end, or on a large single 4x16 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.

This first 4 x 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 4x8 foot tables placed end to end. Many regional and national slot car championship races are run on tracks very similar to this one.

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

This next racing circuit also fits on a 4x16 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 4x8 foot tables placed end to end.

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

This next group of raceway designs fit on a single 5x9 foot table. 5x9 foot plywood sheets are available from most lumber yards. This size of plywood is normally sold for ping-pong tables.

This is a slightly smaller variation of the Scenic 70 described below. This track is designed to fit on a single 5x9 foot table. 5x9 foot plywood sheets are readily available from most plywood suppliers.

A 5x9 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.

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

This next track design will also fit on a 5x9 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.

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

In many areas of the country a single 5x10 foot sheet of plywood is available from plywood dealers. You may also be able to find 5x5 foot sheets that can be combined to build this slightly larger 5x10 foot table.

See the Tables page for construction details.

If you would like to build a raceway larger than the common 4x8 foot layout, but don't have the room for a 12' or 16' table, then a 5x10 foot table might be just what you're looking for.

The slight amount of extra room that a 5x10 foot table requires will almost double the track length over a standard 4x8 foot raceway.

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.

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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

5x12 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!

In the early 1970's Aurora made a molded fiberglass tub available to its dealers. This 5x12 foot fiberglass table was molded so that a 6-lane HO track could be mounted using standard Aurora Model Motoring plastic track sections.

View Color-Coded Track Section Drawing

While using only 5x12 feet of precious retail floor space, this raceway still made it possible for many hobby shops to provide a larger commercial HO raceway in their shops.

Tomy AFX track sections required to build a modern day replica of the original Aurora Model Motoring Tub Track:

(54) - 15" Straights

 (3)  - 9" Straights

 (6)  - 6" Straights

(30) - 15" Radius 1/8 Turns

(30) - 12" Radius 1/8 Turns

(30) - 9" Radius 1/8 Turns

This next racing circuit also fits on a 5x12 foot table and provides a very fast lap with a length of over 60 feet. If you have the room, this is a great layout for club racing. The outer section of this road course is comprised of two long, fast straights ending in a hairpin turn that leads to a twisty infield section punctuated with two medium length straights and a second hairpin.

View Color-Coded Track Section Drawing

This track will test your driving skill as well as chassis preparation. The combination of long, fast straights and infield kinks provides a very challenging 4-lane racing circuit. If you have room for a 5x12 foot table this is a great layout.

Track sections required to build the Whitefish Bay 60:

(50) - 15" Straights

(12) - 9" Straights

(22) - 6" Straights

 (7)  - 15" Radius 1/8 Turns

(24) - 12" Radius 1/8 Turns

(29) - 9" Radius 1/8 Turns

(12) - 6" Radius 1/8 Turns

This next group of layouts are by far the most popular when it comes to larger HO raceways. 5' 4" x 12' tables can be built using only two sheets of 4x8 foot plywood cut in such a way as to allow a full 12 foot table length. See the Table Construction page for simple plans to build this size of table.

The Scenic 70 layout fits on a 5' 4" x 12' table. This 4-lane racing circuit has a lap length of over 70 feet. This layout, while appearing deceptively simple, is actually quite challenging. With six very fast straights, ranging in length from 5-1/2 feet to over 9 feet, this is an excellent racing layout. See the Table Construction section of this web site for the plans to build this table.

View Color-Coded Track Section Drawing

If you have the room for a larger layout this is an excellent choice. The Scenic 70 race track is also a good candidate for a fully landscaped layout. The over-pass at the one end provides for interesting elevation changes without obstructing the drivers' view of the entire circuit.

This design combines the best of both worlds, an interesting, technically challenging racing circuit with a track configuration that lends itself well to authentic landscaping.

Track sections required to build the Scenic 70:

(80) - 15" Straights

 (2)  - 9" Straights

(12) - 6" Straights

(11) - 15" Radius 1/8 Turns

(22) - 12" Radius 1/8 Turns

(15) - 9" Radius 1/8 Turns

 (4)  - 6" Radius 1/8 Turns

The Flying Cow layout fits on a 5' 4" x 12' table. This 4-lane racing circuit has even lap lengths of 51.96 feet for each lane. This layout was inspired by James Butt's 1:32 scale routed wooden raceway described in the Wooden Track section and shown in the picture below. See the Table Construction section of this web site for the plans to build this 5' 4" x 12' table.

View Color-Coded Track Section Drawing

If you plan to build a landscaped track then this would be an ideal choice. Painting the track surface gray makes a very realistic looking race track you would be proud to own and race on.

Track sections required to build the Flying Cow 52:

(44) - 15" Straights

(16) - 9" Straights

 (6)  - 18" Radius 1/8 Turns

(16) - 15" Radius 1/8 Turns

(18) - 12" Radius 1/8 Turns

 (8)  - 9" Radius 1/8 Turns

This next track design also fits on a 5 '4" x 12 foot table. If you would like to try your hand at building a landscaped layout of an actual race track this would be an excellent choice.

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

View Color-Coded Track Section Drawing

Track sections required to build the Riverside International:

(36) - 15" Straights

 (6)  - 9" Straights

 (6)  - 6" Straights

 (4)  - 3" Straights

(10) - 15" Radius 1/8 Turns

(17) - 12" Radius 1/8 Turns

(16) - 9" Radius 1/8 Turns

 (9)  - 6" Radius 1/8 Turns

This next layout fits on a 5' 4" x 12" table. This 4-lane circuit has a 60 foot lap length. This layout uses 9", 12" and 15" radius turn sections exclusively. No tight 6" radius turns are used in this layout, making this a very fast racing circuit. See the Table Construction section of this web site for the plans to build this table.

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Track sections required to build the Greenfield 60:

(44) - 15" Straights

(12) - 9" Straights

(14) - 6" Straights

 (5)  - 15" Radius 1/8 Turns

(42) - 12" Radius 1/8 Turns

(37) - 9" Radius 1/8 Turns

This next track design also fits on a 5' 4" x 12 foot table. If you have a large club and would like to have 8 drivers competing simultaneously then this would be an excellent track to build.

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

View Color-Coded Track Section Drawing

Track sections required to build the 8-Lane Club 50:

(96) - 15" Straights

(12) - 9" Straights

(20) - 6" Straights

(24) - 15" Radius 1/8 Turns

(24) - 12" Radius 1/8 Turns

(24) - 9" Radius 1/8 Turns

(24) - 6" Radius 1/8 Turns

A 6x16 foot layout is the largest size table you should build. Any table over 16 feet in length will make it difficult to see the cars at the far end of the table. And any table wider than 6 feet makes it almost impossible to reach the center to re-slot cars when they crash.

If you have the room though, a 6x16 foot is the absolute best! You can create raceways with lap lengths of 100 feet or more and the straights will be long enough to fully wind out any slot car made, including high-performance BSRT G3 racing chassis.

Keep in mind though, that a table this large will have to have at least 30" of space on all four sides to allow turn marshals to move around the table when re-slotting cars that go off.

This racing circuit fits on a 6x16 foot table. This is the largest track listed on these pages, with a lap length of just over 95 feet per lane. Scenic Hills is comprised of five very long and fast straights. If you have the resources, not to mention the room, then this is the layout for you. This layout makes a great club track.

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Track sections required to build the Scenic Hills 95:

(114) - 15" Straights

 (10)  - 9" Straights

 (14)  - 6" Straights

  (2)   - 3" Straights

(11) - 15" Radius 1/8 Turns

(22) - 12" Radius 1/8 Turns

(15) - 9" Radius 1/8 Turns

 (4)  - 6" Radius 1/8 Turns

This next racing circuit also fits on a 6x16 foot table. Fray-style layouts are characterized by six lanes, an odd number of overpasses, in this case three, and equal or very close to equal lap lengths. This particular 6-lane Fray design has lap lengths that are all exactly the same at 85.37 feet per lane.

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Track sections required to build the Fray 85:

(147) - 15" Straights

 (15)  - 9" Straights

 (15)  - 6" Straights

(16) - 15" Radius 1/8 Turns

(30) - 12" Radius 1/8 Turns

(30) - 9" Radius 1/8 Turns

(14) - 6" Radius 1/8 Turns

This next category of raceways are built using two (2) 4x8 foot tables arranged in an "L" shaped configuration. This design approach allows for a larger raceway with all drivers standing along the 12 foot side of the table.

The layout was designed to fit on a pair of 4x8 foot tables arranged in an "L" shape. In the 1970's Aurora, the makers of the original Model Motoring HO slot car system proposed the following racetrack to counter the increasing popularity of 1:24 scale slot car racing at commercial raceways.

The layout was designed so that Boy Scout troops and other clubs could race on a standard raceway. The track was designed using only 9"-12" and 12"-15" radius turns. None of the tighter 6" radius curves were specified.

The track also included a banked turn at the end of a long straight to duplicate the 1:24 scale American Kings that were popular at the time.

See the Tables page for plans to build the pair of 4x8 foot tables that this raceway requires.

View Color-Coded Track Section Drawing

This was a very fast raceway, testing both driving skills and car setups. If you have the room for a larger "L" shaped raceway this would be a great track to build. Lap lengths are just over 50 feet per lane.

Track sections required to build the Aurora Clubman:

(34) - 15" Straights

 (8)  - 9" Straights

 (6)  - 6" Straights

 (2)  - 3" Straights

(14) - 15" Radius 1/8 Turns

(30) - 12" Radius 1/8 Turns

(16) - 9" Radius 1/8 Turns

(1) - 12" Radius Banked Turn Set

(1) - 9" Radius Banked Turn Set

(2) - 15" Power Layouts

(2) - 22 VDC Power Packs

(4) - Tomy AFX Hand Controls

(30) - 15" Guard Rails

The next layout was also designed to fit on a pair of 4x8 foot tables arranged in an "L" shape. It is a high speed version of the original Aurora Clubman raceway described above.

This layout configuration offers longer straights than the original Clubman and is better suited to modern cars that can really make use of the longer, faster straights.

View Color-Coded Track Section Drawing

Track sections required to build the Club 56 Raceway:

(56) - 15" Straights

(16) - 9" Straights

 (2)  - 3" Straights

 (6)  - 15" Radius 1/8 Turns

(20) - 12" Radius 1/8 Turns

(14) - 9" Radius 1/8 Turns

(1) - 12" Radius Banked Turn Set

(1) - 9" Radius Banked Turn Set

This next layout was also designed to fit on a pair of 4x8 foot tables arranged in an "L" shape. Combining two 4x8 foot tables to form an "L" shaped table provides for a pair of long fast straights and ample room to place all four drivers' stations along the 12 foot length of the table.

The layout is designed to provide an unobstructed view of the entire course and places all marshalling stations on the sides opposite the drivers' stations.

See the Tables page for plans to build the pair of 4x8 foot tables that this raceway requires.

View Color-Coded Track Section Drawing

Track sections required to build the Eron 70 Raceway:

(56) - 15" Straights

 (2)  - 9" Straights

(30) - 6" Straights

 (6)  - 3" Straights

 (7)  - 15" Radius 1/8 Turns

(27) - 12" Radius 1/8 Turns

(35) - 9" Radius 1/8 Turns

(15) - 6" Radius 1/8 Turns

For a larger and faster version of this layout plan see the Eron 88 raceway below.

This next category of raceways are built using two (2) 5x10 foot tables arranged in an "L" shaped configuration. This design approach allows for a much larger raceway with all drivers standing along the 15 foot side of the table.

See the Tables page for detailed plans to build a pair of 5x10 foot tables for the raceways shown below.

This first 10x15 "L" Shaped raceway makes good use of Tomy's new 18" radius turn to create several very fast corners. This large track would be ideal for the serious racer or club looking for a fast and technically challenging raceway. The changing radius hairpin provides a single tight corner with all others being medium- to high-speed.

View Color-Coded Track Section Drawing

Track sections required to build the Club 85 Raceway:

(72) - 15" Straights

(24) - 9" Straights

 (6)  - 6" Straights

(20) - 18" Radius 1/8 Turns

(28) - 15" Radius 1/8 Turns

(12) - 12" Radius 1/8 Turns

 (6)  - 9" Radius 1/8 Turns

 (2)  - 6" Radius 1/8 Turns

This next raceway also fits on a pair of 5x10 foot tables arranged in an "L" shaped configuration. Like the Club 85 raceway above this track uses the new Tomy 18" radius turn in several locations to create sweeping high-speed corners.

See the Tables page for detailed plans to build a pair of 5x10 foot tables for this raceway,

View Color-Coded Track Section Drawing

Track sections required to build the Eron Raceway:

(74) - 15" Straights

(14) - 9" Straights

(24) - 6" Straights

(15) - 18" Radius 1/8 Turns

(28) - 15" Radius 1/8 Turns

(23) - 12" Radius 1/8 Turns

(12) - 9" Radius 1/8 Turns

 (2)  - 6" Radius 1/8 Turns

This next type of layout is designed to fit in the corner of a room and takes up very little floor space. If you have a limited amount of space but would still like a large track with long, fast straights this would be an ideal type of layout to build.

Two drivers stations can be placed at each of the short ends of the table to provide an unobstructed view of the entire raceway. The narrow depth makes it easy to re-slot cars even if they come off on the back straights.

This style of raceway can easily be attached to a wall as you would a normal book shelf.

This first layout can be built on a platform cut from a single 4x8 foot sheet of plywood. This 4-lane raceway features individual lanes, each exactly 32.39 feet in length. The L-Shaped arrangement requires 9' 9" x 8' of corner space.

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Track sections required to build the Space Saver 32 Raceway:

(28) - 15" Straights

 (8)  - 9" Straights

 (2)  - 6" Straights

(10) - 15" Radius 1/8 Turns

(16) - 12" Radius 1/8 Turns

 (6)  - 9" Radius 1/8 Turns

The diagram below illustrates how a single 4x8 foot sheet of plywood can be cut to make a 9' 9" x 8' L-shaped corner layout.

This next layout can also be built on a platform cut from a single 4x8 foot sheet of plywood. This 4-lane raceway features a 33 foot lap length with wide radius turns. The L-Shaped arrangement requires 8x10 feet of corner space yet is only 2 feet deep at any point.

View Color-Coded Track Section Drawing

Track sections required to build the Corner 33 Raceway:

(32) - 15" Straights

 (4)  - 6" Straights

(8) - 18" Radius 1/8 Turns

(8) - 15" Radius 1/8 Turns

(8) - 12" Radius 1/8 Turns

(8) - 9" Radius 1/8 Turns

The diagram below illustrates how a single 4x8 foot sheet of plywood can be cut to make an 8x10 foot L-Shaped corner layout.

The Life-Like track system is very limited in its selection of curves and straight track sections. Due to these limitations only 90 and 180 degree turns can be built.

Life-Like offers a 12" radius banked turn set, but it isn't the high-banked Daytona-style turn that Tomy and Tyco track builders are familiar with. Life-Like's 12" radius banked turn set is just slightly banked actually (about 7 degrees) and can used as the outside curve next to normal Life-Like 9" curves to create a 4-lane raceway.

Keep in mind that Life-Like 12" banked turns are sold in sets of four pieces when ordering.

The layouts shown below make use of Life-Like track sections, but could also be built using Tomy AFX or Tyco/Mattel track sections.

Life-Like track and slot car parts are for sale on the Track page, while Life-Like parts can be found in the Life-Like section.

All of the layout designs illustrated below fit on a 4x8 foot table. See the Table Construction page for detailed plans for building a sturdy 4x8 foot table.

This layout provides a 4-lane raceway on a simple 4x8 foot plywood table. This raceway can be built using Life-Like track as well as Tomy AFX and Tyco/Mattel track sections.

This layout has several fast straights and an overall lap length of just over 30 feet.

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Track sections required to build the Life-Like Paper Clip Raceway:

(28) - 15" Straights

(12) - 9" Straights

(16) - 12" Radius 1/8 Turns^*

 (8)  - 9" Radius 1/4 Turns

^*Life-Like 12" radius turns are sold in sets of four (4) sections each, so to build the raceway shown above you would need to order four (4) sets.

This layout also provides a 4-lane raceway on a 4x8 foot plywood table. This raceway can be built using Life-Like track as well as Tomy AFX and Tyco/Mattel track sections.

This layout has one fast straight along the left edge of the table and a twisty infield section to the right. The overall lap length is just over 22 feet.

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Track sections required to build the Life-Like Pinched Oval Raceway:

(10) - 15" Straights

(18) - 9" Straights

(16) - 12" Radius 1/8 Turns^*

 (8)  - 9" Radius 1/4 Turns

^*Life-Like 12" radius turns are sold in sets of four (4) sections each, so to build the raceway shown above you would need to order four (4) sets.

This 2-lane layout fits on a 4x8 foot plywood table. This raceway can be built using Life-Like track as well as Tomy AFX and Tyco/Mattel track sections.

This layout makes a great sports car road course. The overall lap length is just over 34 feet.

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Track sections required to build the Life-Like Road Course:

 (9)  - 15" Straights

(13) - 9" Straights

(16) - 12" Radius 1/8 Turns^*

 (3)  - 9" Radius 1/4 Turns

^*Life-Like 12" radius turns are sold in sets of four (4) sections each, so to build the raceway shown above you would need to order four (4) sets.

This 2-lane layout fits on a 4x8 foot plywood table. This raceway can be built using Life-Like track as well as Tomy AFX and Tyco/Mattel track sections.

This layout has one fast straight running diagonally on the table. This would be a great landscaped track. The overall lap length is just over 29 feet.

View Color-Coded Track Section Drawing

Track sections required to build the Life-Like Spiral Raceway:

(10) - 15" Straights

 (8)  - 9" Straights

(10) - 12" Radius 1/8 Turns^*

 (4)  - 9" Radius 1/4 Turns

^*Life-Like 12" radius turns are sold in sets of four (4) sections each, so to build the raceway shown above you would need to order three (3) sets.

This 2-lane layout also fits on a 4x8 foot plywood table. This raceway can be built using Life-Like track as well as Tomy AFX and Tyco/Mattel track sections.

This layout has one fast straight running diagonally on the table. This layout uses only 9" radius turns normally included in Life-Like race sets. The overall lap length is just over 22 feet.

View Color-Coded Track Section Drawing

Track sections required to build the Life-Like Spiral Raceway:

(10) - 15" Straights

(10) - 9" Radius 1/4 Turns