Question for the track builders

[Bluegnuoy]

Hello I have never built anything out of wood. How much does temperature and humidity affect the finished product, in this case a 6 x12 foot oval? My garage isn’t climate controlled. Thanks in advance =)

[Florida_Slotter]

As long as the top and bottom of the MDF Is painted, you should have no issues.

We have a 65 foot MDF track here in Florida. There is no A/C at the location. We have very little issues and each time we up our repair skills, we have very few repeats.

[dreinecke]

Where are you located? Moisture will mean you definitely have to paint both sides. However, I would highly recommend braid and not tape in that case. It may lift with wild temperature fluctuation.

[Bluegnuoy]

I'm in northern indiana. Plastic tracks get really hit by the cold and heat. I have had Tomy HO and a Ninco track they didn't do well in the garage but were fine in the basement. I am moving and the only room will be the garage.

[chappyman66]

Not sure what SCC will say but I have the same experience in MN. I used copper tape and after being stored for a winter in the garage I do have minor tape lifting in a couple of the corners. Contact cement would seem the best option but that's my opinion only.
OJ's advice to paint both sides is correct. I would also suggest that you use connectors to make the connections between sections. I got mine at Radio Shack and they are cheap insurance for a good connection across sections.
Make sure you have a robust alignment system at the joints as they will move with the weather changes (presuming that you will leave the track up all year). I have seen stacks of 1x3 lumber that look pretty strong......

[ddyke]

I envy your garage and the track. Now off to confession.

[Wolseley Hornet]

Yeah, but what a few months!

. . . and you have got a couple of others to fall back on. :lol:


David.

[VenturaAlfa]

Bibster,
I envy what looks like a 66 mustang behind the track. Very nice. That was one of my high school cars and a lot of fun. Nice track too.

Ventura Alfa

[ourwayband]

I second what Bibbster says about the tape.I've had tracks out in our slot shed off and on for years.They seem to do well after the 1st couple months.The room is only temp controlled when we are out there..

Rusty

[woodman]

Humidity is the killer..here in Mo. it gets so bad if I don't run the AC in my shop the unfinished Mdf or Partical board even plywood will collect green mold, the concrete floor will turn damp....It can be really bad some summers....I'm running a fan across the floor right now, but may have to turn the Ac on for the first time this year.. I can't have these cabinet doors etc. start cupping....Again humidity is an enemy to raw wood...

[Bluegnuoy]

Thanks for all the input. Once I start I will post the build but no laughing ok?

[ddyke]

I run a dehumidifier in addition to an air filtration unit and AC, but I also work in this area. The dehumidifier is emptied twice a day. I use it to water vegetables.

[bobbyraz49]

[frank9129]

Most people here know that I run charity races. I run then in schools, churches, libraries, cow pastures, car ports, etc...
My track was built by Rocky at Stingray Racing in Virginia. It is 4'x16' routed MDF with copper tape.
The track surface is Latex wall paint. There is nothing on the underside. Any of you who are familiar with Maryland know that the humidity here is H E double hockey sticks.
I only had one problem early on when I did a race about 50' from the Chesapeake Bay. I had to rewire the terminal, It corroded. I did repaint the track and retape it due to an accident when the corner was crushed by a car following too close.
If you are in the area stop by and lets sweat with the OLD Artins.
Frank

[dreinecke]