Cork Borders

Scalextric do produce them and I do have some (see Track Sections), but I wanted more and did not want to buy new ones.

For some radii of curve I could use and existing border as a template. I have made a simple tool to help me make cardboard templates for the others. It ensures the pencil stays exactly the same distance from the track section used as a guide.

A rectangular notch is cut in one end and the pencil is held in a grove at the other end by some rubber bands.

The template is used to mark out the cork tiles (intended for bathroom floors of notice boards).

I found the easiest way to cut the 3.2mm thick cork is to use a narrow (about 0.5 inch or 12mm) wood working chisel. It is easier to than a craft knife or utility knife.

The cork in then glued to hardboard that has been cut to shape with a coping saw. The 'wood' is cleaned up with sandpaper first.

The cork can be stuck down with watered down with PVA glue. I store my dilute glue in an old mustard jar and apply it with a brush, which I wash thoroughly after use. Line both bits up by pushing them against the side of a curve.

The border is then undercoated with Brilliant White Vinyl Matt paint. It can take a few applications as the cork absorbs the paint.

I learnt the hard way that you should not mark out the cork with a water soluble pen as it leaches through. The ink can be sealed with correction fluid if you accidentally use the wrong pen.

I have marked out a 'scrap' curve (it was already painted white by a previous owner) so that I can mark out the red stripes.

In real life the stripes are actually bumps or small steps to deter drivers from clipping curbs, but mainly on the inside. I have not modelled this feature as it would disadvantage one driver as unlike real life, slotcar drivers cannot select their position on the track.

The lines are painted on by hand using acrylic paint sold in tester pots.

You can even add crash barriers, either curved or straight. The Scalextric barriers used had broken clips so they could not be used by clipping them onto the edge of a track section. The straight barriers are made from a wooden moulding from Wicks.

If you leave a gap between the border and the barrier, the outside car cannot gain an advantage by leaning against the barrier and going flat out. Flat curbs are white, rumble strips are red and white, and grass is green.

I still need to make some run in and more importantly run out sections so that a car does not become stuck after sliding round a bend.