I have decided, this will be the winter to build another track. My first routed track was lost in a house fire in July of 2012, which is where the hobby died for me and my kids. Time to get back into it. Building my first track was one of the most fun projects I have ever done. It was 80' length, 3 lanes, taped. 3.75" lane spacing and occupied about 8.5' by 24.5' of floor space. I built it modular, in boxes, big mistake. Way too much work and cost.
My new track will borrow from many things about the old Pretzel City Speedway track... such as....
Three lane road course
3.75" spacing,,, err,,, maybe 4" as I do have some 1/24th cars.....
Routed using the flexible strip method for smooth flowing realistic driving lines.
Plasti Dip coated surface versus paint. Great grip, remains clean as in does not come off on the tires, rubber builds on it improving the already great grip, easy on cars, non abrasive..
Same basic footprint, about 8' by 24' of maximum usable space.
Things I will do differently....
Built like a commercial track, no tables, just using the triangles of plywood for support. large open areas in the middle will remain open. Some areas for minimal scenery, trackside scale berm and scrub brush etc.
1/4" braid instead of copper tape
Much more elevation change than my first track
Not modular, assembled in place, though, braided and built with "cut points" or separate points in mind where the track could be cut apart/taken apart should it need to be moved ever.
I have a sketch I would like to share, but, I have forgotten how to do that on this forum. I cannot copy and paste it, I think I need to have the picture hosted somewhere ??? I will work on that.
Next step, I am going to lay it out on the floor in the room in heavy brown paper and actually sketch it out as a pattern.
I would love to hear any and all advice and comments.... we all learn from each other.
thank you,
John