10 replies to this topic

[charlesx]

Hi all.

Some fo you may recall my comment a few months ago about being into trains and slot cars. Should say have also been into RC cars and radio yachts but not recently.

Somebody else is doing the train/slot car thing I think though. Mine is more about them occuping the same space or at least almost (piggy back style).

Project actually started by me walling off the hobby area from my garage. Not a large area (5.9 x 2.4 metres) but I intend to make the best use of it possible. Train track already exists (new wall was just about built around it) but it is still in an unfinished state. Slot car track is going to occupy exactly the same space (4.8 x 1.0 metres) but be folded or lifted out of the way when I want to play trains. Hopefully a happy marriage.

Basic frame has been built using 75 x 50mm wooden ceiling batten material. These are finger jointed, nice and straight and not too heavy. Ideal!!!

Have acquired two sheets of 16mm melmine coated MDF/chipboard for surface (cheap packing sheets). These have the advantage of providing a solid base for a two lane Scalextric track but can be directly routed should I ever decide to build a more permanent track.

Will provide some photos soon plus on-going progress which I hope will be very rapid. Currently just started cutting the MDF down to size. Should say reason for "Test Track" status is it is basically a practice area to help with preparation for the Hard Bodied Nationals to be held in Napier in early March. I might see you there.

Regards

Chas Le Breton

Edited by gazza, 14 February 2010 - 07:25 AM.

[munter]

Sounds like progress Charles.
Some pictures are required of course!
regards

[charlesx]

Sorry to be a bit slow but please see two photos I have added to my original write-up.

First shows basic frame sitting on top of my train track. Because of short timeframe to Hard Bodied Nations in Napier at beginning of March 2010 decided to dispense with storage mechanism at this stage so it will stay on top for a while.

Second photo shows nearly completed baseboard (still have some of the edging to complete) with basic 2 lane Scalextric track laid out on it. Pretty sure this will be final layout. Track just needs to be centred so it is away from baseboard edges at all points. It is about 15metres long.

Next step will be to cut out fillers to go around track to make it all the same height. As with Paul's track I will using combination of 4.75 and 3mm MDF as this almost exactly equals depth of Scalextric track. More on this later.


Regards

Chas Le Breton

[munter]

I used the finger jointed ceiling batten 75 x 45 for my tables.
As you say ...straight and light.
I cut mine with a drop saw for that added accuracy.

The track design looks like you will have some fast flow and some technical slower parts...cool!

regards

[charlesx]

Hi Munter

Yes I used drop saw too. Also bought some nail plates to reinforce corners then forgot to use them. Can always take off the edging strips and attach later. Probably more important when I decide on mounting sysytem. Having somewhere to run was more important at this stage but have not done a lot of that. Have used to set-up lap timing gear however so more on that later. Can easily transport between Paul's and my tracks.

On track design apart from liking tigher circuits myself I wanted to produce something different to Paul's but still reasonably free flowing. 1 x 4.8metres also had its constraints but I tried to vary as much as possible rather than repeat a similar design at each end.

Overall about 50% shorter than Paul's at 14.8metres average track length whereas his is about 21metres. Still a good length and hence test however.

Regards

Chas Le Breton

[charlesx]

Hi Munter and the rest of the world.

After hype of Hard Bodied Nationals have finally started next step with own Scalextric track. As with brother Paul's using a combination of 3mm and 4.75mm MDF to achieve right height so cars can slide without hitting any obstacles.

About 3/4 done as per attached photo.

Regards

Chas Le Breton

[munter]

Now thats starting to look real nice.

After you have copper taped it and painted it you'll be thinking"I might as well have routed one"

regards

[charlesx]

Hi Munter,

Brother Paul says he agrees but note we are still both running Scaly tracks.

No way is my track ever getting copper tape though. I would throw it out before resorting to that.

Paul is still talking wooden track however but do not hold your breath. One of these days we may surprise you or even ourselves.

Trust your club series is going well.

Regards

Chas Le Breton

[charlesx]

Hi Munter and all.

Attach photo of completed track although still to put light bridge in. Laptiming works OK as is as long as light is sufficient.

Yes I know it looks like a lot of work (infils) for Scaly track but this is all I am ever going to have. An aim of one wooden track at brother Paul's I can assure you is as much of a challenge as we need.



Regards

Chas Le Breton
New Plymouth, NZ

[munter]

Hi Chas,yes that is looking good.

The scalextric sport track I have driven on felt good as I am sure your track does.

Quote

An aim of one wooden track at brother Paul's I can assure you is as much of a challenge as we need.

I can tell you that after the first one or two it gets easier, after three or four I reckon you could make one with a swiss army knife and a bit of old pallet wood.

regards

[charlesx]

Hi John. Ta for encouragement.

Have you had a look at my latest topic under I think Members Track - NZ?

Regards

Chas Le Breton