Piano wire would work well. I tend to use roll pins myself but I'm weird like that
![]()
Piste Martini
When I posted this shot in the Scratchbuilding forum as an excuse for my current relative silence, Swiss asked me to amplify a bit.
![]()
It is a 61', 4 lane routed track using 3/16" Magnabraid recessed about 0.007". On the right side you can see the dead strips for the timer/lap counter. I use a PC based system by SRT in California. It is a bit of overkill for a home track being designed for commercial use but it has a lot of nice features and has proven to be absolutely reliable (this track replaced a 4 lane Scalextric track that was dismantled and sold last March)
I promise to add some more shots as the work goes forward but right now I am concentrating on getting ready for the "Grand Opening" in about ten days time.
The material for my Armco barriers has just arrived and I will photograph and describe that part of the project (caveat - I have an idea but have never done it before!)
The track is routed in 1/2" MDF with a 1/8" slot. The track surface is three coats of flat alkyd enamel and is almost velvety to the touch.
Hidden from view at the far upper end are the "esses" that connect the starting straight on the right with the main straight angling down from the upper left. The hairpin at the end of the main straight is the only constant radius corner on the track - all of the others open or close.
I have done only a few laps on it but my initial impression (and the design goals) is that the apparent simplcity is deceptive!
To be continued......
EM
PS - one last note - this is the first routed track that i have done. I assure you that the process is more tedious than difficult!
It is a 61', 4 lane routed track using 3/16" Magnabraid recessed about 0.007". On the right side you can see the dead strips for the timer/lap counter. I use a PC based system by SRT in California. It is a bit of overkill for a home track being designed for commercial use but it has a lot of nice features and has proven to be absolutely reliable (this track replaced a 4 lane Scalextric track that was dismantled and sold last March)
I promise to add some more shots as the work goes forward but right now I am concentrating on getting ready for the "Grand Opening" in about ten days time.
The material for my Armco barriers has just arrived and I will photograph and describe that part of the project (caveat - I have an idea but have never done it before!)
The track is routed in 1/2" MDF with a 1/8" slot. The track surface is three coats of flat alkyd enamel and is almost velvety to the touch.
Hidden from view at the far upper end are the "esses" that connect the starting straight on the right with the main straight angling down from the upper left. The hairpin at the end of the main straight is the only constant radius corner on the track - all of the others open or close.
I have done only a few laps on it but my initial impression (and the design goals) is that the apparent simplcity is deceptive!
To be continued......
EM
PS - one last note - this is the first routed track that i have done. I assure you that the process is more tedious than difficult!
21 - 34 of 34 Posts
2
I believe McLaren just invited a large number of used sport sock shipments...
![]()
![]()
2
And in an attempt to put this back on "track"
![]()
, Subdude: I have added the pic of your track to my "inspiration folder". Very nicely done!
![]()
2
EMs track is much larger than it looks in the picture. Runs well too. My only problem was running out of talent in turn one
![]()
I need to find a bulk supplier of talent somewhere and soon too
![]()
I have sooo much to learn, again. The track is great to run on and I hope to be better prepared next time.
As is typical with routed tracks, it is very smooth and quiet. While there are those on this board that believe real race cars power slide around turns and do so at every chance, I think you'll find you'd better get your act together racing here. Yeah, you can swing the back end out but you better straighten the car out before you attempt to exit the turn. You see, EM has a mean streak. He put in decreasing radius turns. It really makes it more interesting for the driver since you need to pay attention. The magnabraid supplies some grip for traction magnets but it isn't overpowering like some plastic tracks.
As is typical with routed tracks, it is very smooth and quiet. While there are those on this board that believe real race cars power slide around turns and do so at every chance, I think you'll find you'd better get your act together racing here. Yeah, you can swing the back end out but you better straighten the car out before you attempt to exit the turn. You see, EM has a mean streak. He put in decreasing radius turns. It really makes it more interesting for the driver since you need to pay attention. The magnabraid supplies some grip for traction magnets but it isn't overpowering like some plastic tracks.
2
QUOTE (Fergy @ 11 Nov 2004, 15:44)And in an attempt to put this back on "track"
![]()
, Subdude: I have added the pic of your track to my "inspiration folder". Very nicely done!
![]()
<{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Fergy,
My thanks! Maybe you'll be in the neighborhood someday and give it a go!
Here is a link to more pics.
Jim
<{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Fergy,
My thanks! Maybe you'll be in the neighborhood someday and give it a go!
Here is a link to more pics.
Jim
2
I'll be there Sunday morning. I didn't break my car (the geezer mobile) at the dragstrip so I still have transportation
![]()
Now I'm off to Google to figure out what a couple of 30's Alfa monopostos are. Doesn't anyone drive Fords or Chevies anymore?
![]()
Monopostos, monopostos, they've got to be around here somewhere.
Now I'm off to Google to figure out what a couple of 30's Alfa monopostos are. Doesn't anyone drive Fords or Chevies anymore?
Hi Alan,
The motor is a shortened Mabuchi 'S' can with a turned-down Mura 'C' endbell. The armature is a Slot.it 26K, balanced by Best of the West.
Here's a picture of the chassis alongside EM's similar Plafit-powered car, to give you an idea of the size of the motor. Apologies for the poor quality of the picture.
![]()
I seem to recall that I used a tin of Humbrol maroon paint for the body. Having won two Marconi Foundation Charity proxy races, the car now proudly resides in the Marconi Automotive museum in Tustin, CA.
Kind regards,
Russell
The motor is a shortened Mabuchi 'S' can with a turned-down Mura 'C' endbell. The armature is a Slot.it 26K, balanced by Best of the West.
Here's a picture of the chassis alongside EM's similar Plafit-powered car, to give you an idea of the size of the motor. Apologies for the poor quality of the picture.
I seem to recall that I used a tin of Humbrol maroon paint for the body. Having won two Marconi Foundation Charity proxy races, the car now proudly resides in the Marconi Automotive museum in Tustin, CA.
Kind regards,
Russell
21 - 34 of 34 Posts
