New Mag-braid by Mr Slotcar

[mrslotcar.com]

Mr Slotcar is well known for it's Mr Trax brand of modular track systems. And as of January 2021, we were told that Magnabraid from Magnatech in the U.S. was ceasing it's manufacturing due to increased costs and higher MOQ's. This sent a chill down our spine, as magnabraid is the main ingredient on all of our modular and custom systems. So we bought all of the stock that was leftover! But that hasn't fixed the problem. As we are now at least 25 track sets further on from January 2021 and fast running out of Magnabraid.

A few months ago we approached many wire braiding companies in the USA, China, Spain, Germany and of course here in Australia to produce a specific braid to our specifications. These wire specs are not the same as Magnabraid. Although our specs stil produced an effective magnetic type of braid in the same same wiring configuration as the Magnabraid. It will be called Mag-braid!

At the moment our braiders are running our first batch of 5,600 metres @ 6.3mm wide x 0.6mm thick. Thats about 100kgs and constitutes 1/3 of the costs in shipping. Once we have our hands on the first delivery, the braid will undergo some testing on our production. Hopefully within a short time thereafter we'll release it for retail sales through mrslotcar.com.

The sad thing is we had to go overseas as the Australian braiders came back with pricing that was so ridiculous, we had no alternative to source it elsewhere. Nevertheless, the final pricing will be marginally better than what we had been selling the magnabraid for earlier this year. It will also come as the self-adhesive mag-braid exclusively through Mr Slotcar.

 

[SlotsNZ]

Great news Peter.  I saw your FB post, so have shared it to the NZ SlotRacers Facebook group. 

[tsmsoccer]

Good to hear Pete

I luv my Mr Trax track with Magabraid. While we do not run magnets the option to have some downforce when my grandkids are here is great.

Glad you were able to source it as it was looking like we may have to experience life without magnetic braid for a while there. 

[mrslotcar.com]

We have David Beattie of Slots mods eager to order our new product too. Hopefully we'll be exporting it around the world. 

[gazza]

Good to here, i'll be needing a roll or two when i start building my tracks when we move to Perth, once lock down finishes of course.

[Vinno]

Great news Peter I am hoping to have someone’s old track to restore if lockdown ever ends here and I can pick it up. 

[mrslotcar.com]

Well, after searching all over for an economical track braid that offered magnetic attraction for our MrTrax factory production and the local domestic market. We finally found a factory that would source and use our grade of specified wire. Then after about 8 months of back and forth with samples, bench-tests and adhesion tests etc. We now have our own Mag-braid product in 1/4" wide (6.0mm-6.3mm). It comes in 2 options. 1. Plain 1/4" wide Mag-braid or 2. 1/4" Mag-braid with a self-adhesive backing. Perfect for easy laying and consistent height in the braid recess.

We are offering FREE standard shipping to Australian addresses only in the month of March to try and move some of the 5,000+ metres we have in stock. For overseas buyers, we are offering 50% off standard international shipping (conditions apply).

So this is the best time to order Mag-braid for your up and coming routed track project.

https://www.mrslotcar.com/track-building?Track+Building=Track+Braid

Cheers Peter

Edited March 20, 2022 by mrslotcar.com
added shipping clarification

[mrslotcar.com]

Since the first shipment of 5,000 metres of mag-braid arrived about 18 months ago. We have installed and/or sold over 11,000 metres. There is another 5,000 metres on it's way. MrTrax has secured the clientel and trust of SlotMods USA and other track builders. The mag-braid has also been shipped overseas to Brazil, Spain, NZ, UK, USA and Italy. The last batch has improved substantially in the quality of the weave and sizing. The mag-braid offers great magnetic effect. Similar if not better than the former Magnatech braid we used to sell. It also has a much longer life span being stainless steel.

When laying braid over really long circuits, it's advisable to add power taps. As the resistance value of the mag-braid over longer distances is higher than copper braid. We would suggest a tap every 5-8 metres.

Another tip when bending the braid to go vertically down thru a hole (for a power tap or track connection). Is to give it a sharp 90 degree bend with a pair of pliers. Then pull the braid down to the track surface and it will sit perfectly flat.

We also found that once you have painted the track and braid recess. That it's a good idea to cut a slither of green scourer from the kitchen (same width as your braid recess). And run it over the braid recess only without marking the track surface. This will take off the high points and leave most of the paint in place. Give it a wipe over with a clean, lint free rag afterwards.

The most recent mag-braid we've been installing needs a recess depth of around 0.8mm. The braid should end up just under the track surface or level with the surface. That depends on how accurately you have achieved the 0.8mm.

If you're going to use the 3M VHB tape we sell. It is strongly advised that you purchase the braid with the adhesive already attached (self-adhesive braid). It will work out cheaper and so much easier to lay. Believe me! We lay 100's of metres of braid every week.

I hope this gives you some insight to our mag-braid product and how to use it.

Happy building!

Cheers, Peter

AKA MrSlotcar / MrTrax / Mobile Raceways

[SlotsNZ]

That is all excellent reading Peter. We applaud your commitment and success. 
 

[mrslotcar.com]

18 minutes ago, SlotsNZ said:

That is all excellent reading Peter. We applaud your commitment and success. 
 

Thanks SlotsNZ.

We get numerous calls each week asking advice and tips. Are happy to do so. 

Cheers, Peter