The Miracle of Security Tape
The true secret to easy home track construction is the metallic tape that is used to conduct power to each lane. Commercial slot car tracks use a heavy duty, woven braid identical to the pick up brushes found on your cars. This is, no doubt, the most durable solution but it is expensive and requires additional routing because of the thickness of the braid.
We found that the aluminum tape used to secure glass windows in home security systems is the perfect solution for your home track. It is easy to use, inexpensive, has great conductivity and is very easy to repair and replace. It has been working on our tracks for 2-3 years and has not required replacement. Occasionally, it may rip or wear down but we found that you just need to cut another piece and stick it right on top of the damaged piece. A major advantage of the aluminum tape is that it causes very little wear on the pickup brushes, so you seldom have to replace them. In addition, it doesn’t corrode and oxidizes only a little.
This product is sold by Radio Shack (Part Number 49-502) and is called
"Self Adhesive Window Foil" in the home security section of their
catalogue. A 120 foot roll costs $10.99 Cdn. You will need two strips (positive
and negative) for each lane. A fifty foot, two lane track will require two
rolls.
Once you figure out how to remove the backing paper, the security tape glues easily to the track. Make sure the paint is dry before applying. I found that a Wallpaper Seam Roller will iron out any wrinkles in the tape, particularly around tight corners. Occasionally, a piece of the tape may curl or lift in a corner. If this happens, an easy solution is to hold the edge down with transparent Scotch or Cello Tape.
Optionally, we have heard that there is a heavier brass "tape" available, which is used for stained glass window construction. This should be more endurable and solderable and should also work well.
Update: Good News and Bad News on Security Tape.
The Bad News... we have been advised that Radio Shack no longer carries our marvelous aluminum security tape. There have to be other sources in your city, such as home security companies. Let your fingers do the walking in the Yellow Pages!
The Good News... copper tape (not brass) is easy to get and apparently works just as well. There are probably a number of sources, here’s one: Venture Tape, Master Foil Plus, Copper Foil for the Stained Glass Artisan/Craftperson, Part No 1725, orange, 1.25 mils thick, cost $7.95 CDN per roll (less than $5.00 US??). Venture tape is in Rockland MA 02370 USA, but I am sure that you can find a stained glass window supplier in your Yellow Pages.
Venture Tape has an index of retailers that carry their products www.thestorefinder.com