526 Reply by Wanabgts

(19 replies, posted in Track)

Al, I think your track is great use of the space you have. I definitely understand the desire to have the lane lengths pretty close, in theory this should provide the closest racing.

I was simply thinking of a larger simple layout because I have a large 2 car garage that I never have cars in. (all my toys sit at my shop). Plus I was thinking that this would reduce the complexity of building it for my first track.

I would like to have it up against the wall, so I think only going 4' deep is probably the best bet, but I could have an "L" layout something like 20 long and 4 on the short side....I think.

How much track feet are you guys running before doing power taps?

Zack

Go to forum: Track

527 Reply by Wanabgts

(19 replies, posted in Track)

ckouba wrote:

I have Luf's kit: a tape laying tool and a lexan strip with the nail holes drilled in it. It should make constructing a track super easy.

My track was quick and dirty- it was the first one I ever made and I built it in less than a week to fit a specific (small) space in the house using, um..., "experimental" materials for a router guide.  It worked OK but needed a bit of massaging to be presentable.  At this point I have tweaked it enough to host a race night or three and it has played to fairly positive reviews by the participants.

All the suggestions above are spot on- figure out your intentions (race hosting vs. tuning and development), think about your space available and the sight lines/marshalling requirements, commit to a layout, buy some lumber, borrow a router and track kit, and get to it.  Depending on its size and how much time you can throw at it, it's possible to knock them out in a reasonable timeframe.  They are actually pretty easy to build and they are super fun to run on.

As as Bill alluded to above, I am planning a new track build now that I have "finished" my basement and would be looking to pass along my current track to anyone who might be interested (keeping my power supply, driver stations, etc... though).  Odds are it will just get tossed, but if you're interested it would possibly re-shuffle my other domestic projects.

Chris


Thanks everyone for the advice. Chris, I may take you up on borrowing the router kit when I decide to pull the trigger. I am going to spend some time reorganizing the garage and see what I can fit in there comfortably.

Right now I was leaning toward having it for just tuning and practice and maybe an occasion race, the club schedule is pretty packed as it is with Bill's coming online it will be even more so.

I plan on doing a somewhat simple layout that just includes all the usual turn you are likely to encounter. A sweeper, hairpin, esses, and of course a decent a straight!

If my time investments continue to mount Chris I will contact you seriously about re-homing your track!

Zack

Go to forum: Track

528 Reply by Wanabgts

(19 replies, posted in Track)

Thanks for the insight guys, I had not thought about the crossover from the stand point of lane length. Makes sense. I am however still thinking a large mostly flat layout would make my life a lot easier for the first time. Only having a couple seams to contend with sounds like it would be a nice way to go.

I can see where planning would help a lot. My gut tells me I would do best by just building the table, and drawing something up. I like the idea of using a flex strip and trying to do the corners somewhat organically. Seems like it would be more "realistic" and possibly add some challenges.

I have space for a pretty large layout I think, I will have to measure it out.

Thanks for all the offers to borrow specialized equipment, I may take you up on it once I get my research sorted!

Zack

Go to forum: Track

529 Reply by Wanabgts

(83 replies, posted in InSlot's Checkered Flag Raceway)

Awesome job Bill, Can't wait to throw down some laps, from the looks of it they will be silky smooth!

Zack

Go to forum: InSlot's Checkered Flag Raceway

530 Topic by Wanabgts

(19 replies, posted in Track)

Hey guys, as many of you know I haven't been around long in the hobby. I am however quickly realizing that to get the most out of it I really need to build a home track.

I have been doing some research, looking at track builds, but I still got a couple questions.

What is the preferred lap counting setup? I know we use Race Coordinator at Al's, but I assume there is some hard parts needed. I saw a few people using the Pyramid 25amp power supply, seems affordable and should be plenty of power.

Did you buy a tool kit?

I got decent space, so I will be trying to plan something with no crossovers since that seems to be a bugger. Maybe some light banking, but really I plan to keep it SIMPLE. Especially for my first attempt.

Thanks in advance for the help and advice,
Zack

Go to forum: Track

531 Reply by Wanabgts

(43 replies, posted in Parkside Raceway)

I got signed up!

Thanks for the bit of fun yesterday. I will definitely be back for the next one!

Zack

Go to forum: Parkside Raceway