I have a Carrera D1:32 layout that's now over 200ft in length and I've learn a lot of hard lessons over the years. 1. If you have ANY intention of going Digital...do it right away. I made the mistake of starting analog, got a bunch of cars from a few manufacturers, even got the wireless Carrera controllers. Only to be lured into digital and all the cost that goes along. I easily could of saved $500+ had I started digital. 2. If you are digital 3rd part software is worth it. The manufacturers software is decent to get you started, but 3rd party is WAY better. 3. Get to know your set up and software inside and out and practice so theres less downtime when you actually wanna race. 4. Fast is smooth. A smooth quick layout is WAY more enjoyable than a technical one, you want the widest open layout your space and budget can handle. 5. In reference to point 4, If you are going Carrera stick with radius 2,3,4 turns wherever possible, the other companies R1's are what the Carrera R2's are radius wise. Also ALL Carrera sets only come with R1's if my understanding is correct.
This is great advise. I have been a victim of a couple of these trying to get started. The research especially. Just get a set and run it. Don’t over think it in the beginning. Subbed
I think just about everyone falls victim to over-researching in the beginning. I can't hardly blame anyone for that. After all, it is a big purchase and locks you in for future choices, but the whole point is that being locked into future choices is better than never making the first choice at all.
Great, simple video. You explained my experiences exactly. I was smirking and giggling to myself with each item you mentioned. I might also have mentioned when buying extra track educate yourself on the different types of track options. I learned the hard way that tight radius curves SUCK, and most newbies can’t stay on the track. Also x track and chicanes are nightmares as most drivers just want speed and not technical challenges. I have boxes of track I will ever use because they completely disrupt the basic flow of a race. Once again, nice job on the video. I have subscribed and await your next video.
Ironically, the original idea for the 5th mistake was not to choose a starter set based on track length. The idea was that longer track length in a starter set typically just means more R1 curves. As I was writing the script for the video, I realized that just getting started at all was a more important mistake to avoid! With that said, I completely agree with you! Thanks for watching!
I would still start with 132 for sure. I just bought my first 124 and will get a new power supply to run multiple 124 cars, but IMO you will get more use out of 132.
@tonydrives I am still a noob! Once the summer is over and I get back to making videos regularly I am planning on doing a more detailed/updated Safety Car video, so stay tuned!
Just started here! With carrera analog, i dint even know whatbare the diferences with digital, but i wanted to ask what you mean by the term shoulders?
I call them shoulders, but I think most people call them borders. It is the part that attaches to the side of the track to allow drifting and/or 1/24 scale cars
After watching your video I think you have been peaking in my window. I expanded my table, had a pretty cool design in my head, bought all the different track components and different radius turns and banks, got 80% completed then decided I wanted shoulders. Not only did that mean mo money, now my expanded table had to be not only expanded again but also built much stronger as now its so big it has to support my climbing all over it. If I could add two things for newbies, its you dont realize how much space 1/32 tracks consume and to find a way to leave access room on at least 3 sides of your table. Mine has ended up 7 feet deep x 11 feet long with 2 sides up against walls and approx 75 feet of track when I finally get finished. I sure hope it races as cool as it looks, I will be be major bummed if not after all the money and effort I've thrown into it
Man I know what you mean, I run analog but made the same mistakes buddy, I have enough extra track to build another track. Great video, just subbed your channel
@Show-MeSlotCars I collect them also. Looking for the second fish can series now. I've only found the crappie one. I like your videos. Glad I found you.
Shoulders are what I call the extra width that attaches to each side of the main track. They are the part that allows for a little drift through the corners, and in Carerra's case they allow 1/24 racing on the straights. I have also heard them called borders.
@Show-MeSlotCars ahh I understand.. thank you for your reply , yes borders is what I heard them called in Ireland. Enjoyed watching your post ...👍..Harry
Funny thing: I just referred to them as shoulders again even though I have tried to start referring to them as borders so everyone knows what I am talking about! 😁
@@Show-MeSlotCarsit's only a little thing of different names for the same item 😊I totally agree with you about the borders because I run my cars without magnets and love to tailslide around the corners and it also removes the chance of folk full throttling around corners useing the barriers 🤭
I agree with most of your points. My advice? I think getting an AI art program to generate a confused looking woman would look better on your thumbnail than the back of your head.
Please don't! You are a huge part of the reason I pulled the trigger and got started! You are a legend in the community. Thanks again for all of the support!
I really appreciate your videos: there is some writing behind it, structure, they're simple, short and easy to watch. Perfect for beginners!
Thank you very much. This comment means the world to me!
I'm just getting back into slot cars in a small way after last racing at commercial places as a kid in the 1960's, yeah I'm old but having fun.
Never too late to get back into it! Thanks for watching!
I have a Carrera D1:32 layout that's now over 200ft in length and I've learn a lot of hard lessons over the years.
1. If you have ANY intention of going Digital...do it right away. I made the mistake of starting analog, got a bunch of cars from a few manufacturers, even got the wireless Carrera controllers. Only to be lured into digital and all the cost that goes along. I easily could of saved $500+ had I started digital.
2. If you are digital 3rd part software is worth it. The manufacturers software is decent to get you started, but 3rd party is WAY better.
3. Get to know your set up and software inside and out and practice so theres less downtime when you actually wanna race.
4. Fast is smooth. A smooth quick layout is WAY more enjoyable than a technical one, you want the widest open layout your space and budget can handle.
5. In reference to point 4, If you are going Carrera stick with radius 2,3,4 turns wherever possible, the other companies R1's are what the Carrera R2's are radius wise. Also ALL Carrera sets only come with R1's if my understanding is correct.
Valid points! Thanks for sharing!
This is great advise. I have been a victim of a couple of these trying to get started. The research especially. Just get a set and run it. Don’t over think it in the beginning. Subbed
I think just about everyone falls victim to over-researching in the beginning. I can't hardly blame anyone for that. After all, it is a big purchase and locks you in for future choices, but the whole point is that being locked into future choices is better than never making the first choice at all.
Great, simple video. You explained my experiences exactly. I was smirking and giggling to myself with each item you mentioned. I might also have mentioned when buying extra track educate yourself on the different types of track options. I learned the hard way that tight radius curves SUCK, and most newbies can’t stay on the track. Also x track and chicanes are nightmares as most drivers just want speed and not technical challenges. I have boxes of track I will ever use because they completely disrupt the basic flow of a race. Once again, nice job on the video. I have subscribed and await your next video.
Ironically, the original idea for the 5th mistake was not to choose a starter set based on track length. The idea was that longer track length in a starter set typically just means more R1 curves. As I was writing the script for the video, I realized that just getting started at all was a more important mistake to avoid! With that said, I completely agree with you! Thanks for watching!
Good advice.
If you were just starting, which kit would you buy? The 124 or the 132 kit??
I would still start with 132 for sure. I just bought my first 124 and will get a new power supply to run multiple 124 cars, but IMO you will get more use out of 132.
@Show-MeSlotCars thanks
Great tips! I've already made several of the mistakes you mention. Looking forward to making the rest of them. LoL.
Sometimes there is just no way to avoid them!
You, my friend, are a SLOT CAR GOD.
I appreciate the sentiment, but I wouldn't go that far!
Love this video. So what does the safety car do when you need to pit isn’t it blocking the pit waiting for someone to deslot?
I have a separate pit lane just before the main pit that the safety car enters. That leaves the main pit open for refuel
@@Show-MeSlotCars Thanks for the clarification. This is such a good video for us n00bs.
@tonydrives I am still a noob! Once the summer is over and I get back to making videos regularly I am planning on doing a more detailed/updated Safety Car video, so stay tuned!
GREAT Video! Keep it real and keep em coming! You had me smiling all the way through!
Will do! Thanks for the kind words, they really mean a lot to me!
as someone just starting out in the slotcar digital world.your advice is very much taken on board.
Believe it or not, I just recently made the switch to Digital 132 from HO. It is amazing how quickly lessons can be learned! Thanks for watching!
Just started here! With carrera analog, i dint even know whatbare the diferences with digital, but i wanted to ask what you mean by the term shoulders?
I call them shoulders, but I think most people call them borders. It is the part that attaches to the side of the track to allow drifting and/or 1/24 scale cars
Thanks! I've already made 3 out of the 5 mistakes. 😆
Most people have, but at least you got started making mistakes in the first place!
Thanks for helping with shading of wisdom
Hopefully you can skip my mistakes and make some of your own! Good luck!
After watching your video I think you have been peaking in my window. I expanded my table, had a pretty cool design in my head, bought all the different track components and different radius turns and banks, got 80% completed then decided I wanted shoulders. Not only did that mean mo money, now my expanded table had to be not only expanded again but also built much stronger as now its so big it has to support my climbing all over it. If I could add two things for newbies, its you dont realize how much space 1/32 tracks consume and to find a way to leave access room on at least 3 sides of your table. Mine has ended up 7 feet deep x 11 feet long with 2 sides up against walls and approx 75 feet of track when I finally get finished. I sure hope it races as cool as it looks, I will be be major bummed if not after all the money and effort I've thrown into it
The great thing about plastic track is that you can redesign and try again if it doesn't work out the first time!
Buy AFX. It’s worth a few extra bucks.
When I was running HO I almost exclusively AFX!
Last advice is the best one!!!
You can't make the first 4 mistakes if you do not overcome the last one!
Adding shoulders?
Not heard of or thought about this.
You may have saved me from that mistake for certain.
Now, I've something to research....
Sometimes, they are called borders. Basically, the bits of track that extend the driving surface out on either side.
Man I know what you mean, I run analog but made the same mistakes buddy, I have enough extra track to build another track. Great video, just subbed your channel
Thank you for the support!
Great video. Love the Busch Lattes on the shelf behind you. 🍺
Drink of choice, but those are "collectors" cans!
@Show-MeSlotCars I collect them also. Looking for the second fish can series now. I've only found the crappie one. I like your videos. Glad I found you.
Haven't grabbed any of the fish cases yet this year! My favorite can is the one that actually has "Latte" printed on the can instead of "Light"!
Can you tell me what are shoulders (which track part )? Mabe it's and American term . Thanks in advance for your answer . Harry
Shoulders are what I call the extra width that attaches to each side of the main track. They are the part that allows for a little drift through the corners, and in Carerra's case they allow 1/24 racing on the straights. I have also heard them called borders.
@Show-MeSlotCars ahh I understand.. thank you for your reply , yes borders is what I heard them called in Ireland. Enjoyed watching your post ...👍..Harry
Funny thing: I just referred to them as shoulders again even though I have tried to start referring to them as borders so everyone knows what I am talking about! 😁
@@Show-MeSlotCarsit's only a little thing of different names for the same item 😊I totally agree with you about the borders because I run my cars without magnets and love to tailslide around the corners and it also removes the chance of folk full throttling around corners useing the barriers 🤭
I still have my magnets in for now, but I certainly agree with your point about riding the barriers without the borders.
Are you into 1:24 scale?
I have 1:32 Carrera, but never say never...
Analysis Paralysis ...classic! I didn't know 1/32 had a caution lap car---just NO, lol... unless they ALL raced with lights on, LOL!!
The Analysis Paralysis, it'll getcha every time!
Hi Peter. Good one, eh! Keep it going 🙂 Have a nice weekend!
You as well, thanks for the support!
I think the best advise is take of the wing/spoiler so you don’t destroy it and loose little fragments of it and things that will come off easily
Yep, definitely a great option to protect the fragile bits!
Some great advice sir.
Thank you for watching! Sometimes, you gotta make mistakes to learn from them!
Great vid
Thank You!
Just found your channel and subbed great advice buddy 👍👍
Thanks for the sub!
Super!
Thanks
My brother just got a track. We’ve been buying cards left and right and tossing them aside because we don’t know what the hell we’re doing.😂😂😂
Why would you toss them aside? Are they wrong for your track?
@@Show-MeSlotCarsno they are not as fast as the other ones. Some of them sound really loud and they constantly fall off the track.
Are you buying them used, or new in box?
@@Show-MeSlotCarsnew of course in box
@@JerseyStyle7 Strange. There is always a little variance from car to car, but typically not enough to toss them aside.
I agree with most of your points. My advice? I think getting an AI art program to generate a confused looking woman would look better on your thumbnail than the back of your head.
I will keep that advice in mind next time! Thanks for watching!
Yup I did everything this guy did
It's almost inevitable even if you get fair warning!
Nice work yet again, I am retiring from TH-cam you can take over ;) your content is way cooler than mine Awesome work.
Please don't! You are a huge part of the reason I pulled the trigger and got started! You are a legend in the community. Thanks again for all of the support!
@@Show-MeSlotCarsYou deserve it mate you are going to do so well just stick with it an lead the way
Thanks again!
Man after watching this I realized 1 thing I am still making those mistakes 😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂 stop it. You would think I learned by now.
The hardest one for me to overcome is making my table look like a bowl of spaghetti!
Been there done that's. 😅😅 fun video 😅
Thank you!
What's a shoulder ?!
I think most people call them borders. I am just used to calling them shoulders on full size streets in the US.
👍👍👍👍
🤘
What he said. 😎👍
They are pretty simple mistakes when you think about it, but WOW could I have saved some time and energy if I had known these a few months ago!
👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼
Thanks!
Cool
I FINALLY GOT TO THE POINT OF NO MORE CARS, NO MORE TRACK. NO MORE CONTROLLERS
YEAH RIGHT!!!!! GET A FORGIVING WIFEY GUYS...😊
are you frommissouri hence the name show me
Yep!
All time high? Strange
Hyperbole
Fantastic advice brother! Shut off TH-cam and go play with your slot cars!!
To be honest, that one came to me as I was writing the script and realized that I hadn't turned any laps for a few days!
@@Show-MeSlotCars It’s wise advice my friend!
Sometimes you gotta make mistakes in order to learn from them!