It's Time; I Hope

[bookie]

[chappyman66]

Rick,
Good on you for getting started. I had a track similar to this in Artin plastic years ago. It's one of the decent L shaped layouts. The thing to remember about L shaped layouts (when the long sides are against the walls) is that the driver stations have to be on the 6 ft end of the L....otherwise someone is always standing in the way of a driver seeing their car in a corner. I had 4 lanes and learned this the hard way racing against my boys.

Have you considered the "triangle" space and putting table across the ends of the L? It gives you more room to work and drivers across there can see the whole track. Might make marshalling more challenging but that depends on the layout........

Whatever you choose, the important thing is build it and race!

[chappy]

Love the design Rick.
It has a nice flow to it.
As for timing of the build on a wooden track, I find they are never completely done anyway.
I am still adding scenic touches or changing things, so time is a good thing.
As for tools , I have used tool rentals in the past if it is a one time use.
Keep us posted , as it progresses.
Bob C

[TuscoTodd]

That looks like a fun layout!
Looking forward to updates as you progress! :D

[Jabbatee]

Hey Rick,

I like your layout...looks like it will be fun!

Be sure to post your progress as we all like watching new builds come to life!

Joe

[2FER SLOTS]

Yeah this is exciting....new track coming :banana-dance:

[dreinecke]

Rick -good to see you back to playing with small cars soon!

If I may, and I may be the lone dissenter here...but, that's not an uncommon position for me.

The track design is great! Nice flow and space for scenery as well.

But...you mention you're on a budget that is fixed. May I suggest something? Use copper tape. Why? Your track isn't in a garage - it is in a heated/cooled bedroom so there should be minimal issues. It will be so much cheaper than braid. Please don't mis-understand me - braid is fabulous, but if it isn't needed due to garage temps, I'd go tape for cost. That'll allow you to pick up the power supply Harry just reviewed for $42 and some PM controllers at $55 each.

[bookie]

Dave I appreciate your suggestions, but when I started planning this thing I was still employed and had squirreled some funds away for the basics. While it would be great to have this up and going, I realize this one is going to take some time and right now for me, that's part of the enjoyment. Heck, I currently only have one car to run :lol:
Thanks to everyone else offering support and suggestions. I listen to all because I don't want to make the mistakes I made on my first wood track.

[bookie]

It's been awhile since I updated this post. The delay was out of my hands, well a lot of it was. Again because of finances it will be a slow go. I tried to get a part time job, but I guess being 64 and bald no one wants to hire. I even had interviews at Lowes and Home Depot, but never heard back. Well back to the track I listed a tentative schedule. Hope to start on the tables Monday
I'm currently a tad out of sequence, but will add a pic or two later when I find my camera


Track Layout Developed Done
Build Tables
Route Track Done
Paint Track 1/2 Done
Braid
Wire
Get Power & Controllers
Buy a Car
Landscape if any

[Audi1]

To have the track routed already is good progress! Nice layout.

Allan

[bookie]

[chappy]

Looking good Rick.
It may be slow going, but it is going right imho.
Bob

[seal666]

Rick, your doing one heck of a great job. Im also on a tight retirement budget, so my layout is progressing slowly. It does give me the time to make tight track connections and neat wiring. Im also narrowing my car focus and am thinning the herd a bit. What style of cars you plan on running? Would be happy to ship one of my extras, if you dont mind a car from north of the mason dixon line. Right now ive just about saved enough for 2 of the tekpower variable supplies. Look forward to your progress.
Bob E

[midmoslts]

I just love watching track builds. It looks great. Love the layout. Keep up the good work and I will continue to follow along.

[dw5555]

Rick with regards to the crossover, have you considered putting the straight on the bottom? Might be easier to see the curves on top.

Dave