Building Prairie Winds Test Track

[DrumPhil]

Here we go...my first attempt at building a wood track. MDF should be here in a week or so (ordered today through our small-town lumber yard). In the meantime I'll get to work building the table. Experienced help with the routing is on the way from 2FER, so let's hope it all goes well and driving can start in a few weeks.

This is going to be a simple 4x8-foot one-lane "test track", since I pretty much expect to race alone. If anyone else wants to try it we can take turns setting lap times.

Here is a 1x2-foot model of the layout. Elevation in the top left corner is about ten inches (in scale); we'll see if adjustments are needed when we do it for real in wood. From my past experience I've learned that elevations, a variety of corners, and scenery go a long way to keep the driving interesting and fun.

[2FER SLOTS]

This is going to be fun :dance:
Thinking about guard rails and barriers yet ?

[Z-carfan]

Hmmm, this is giving me ideas....

[DrumPhil]

[DrumPhil]

Okay, table is built. Ready to get busy with the MDF when it arrives. Yay!

[2FER SLOTS]

[DrumPhil]

I like the idea of drawing it with the strip and a yardstick. I have plenty of yardsticks, so we can drill holes in one to use as a compass for the consistent radius corners. If the groove changes slightly in the transfer process, it's not a big problem. This is a learning process for me, right? :)

Getting very excited now!

[Broman62]

Neat little layout DP...welcome to the wood world...good luck!!!!

[DrumPhil]

Day 1 saw a ton of progress because this first-timer had a great, experienced coach to talk things through. Three cheers for Derek (in the red shirt)!
:text-thankyouyellow:

[DrumPhil]

End of day 1 after routing, sawing, and making first attempts at elevations.

[k0z0oo1]

That's some nice progress! Looks like a fun track, I like the elevations

[dreinecke]

Outstanding work gents! Looks like a fun circuit and I love the elevations!

[2FER SLOTS]

I got to route exactly 9" of this track,just to show Phil where to turn on the machine.
Dude is a natural.....should be more wood tracks in the future.
Was concerned that I remembered the bondo half way to Phil's house,we didn't need any !
Had a blast being a part of this build,going to be good.

[DrumPhil]

Today I did some undercuts at a few corners, using my Dremel. I don't recommend the Dremel for this purpose, but it got the job done eventually. Also got accurate supports cut for the elevations. My goal today was to get the track into the basement before my wife got home from visiting her mother. Happy to say the garage is all cleaned up, and the track sits on the table in its new home.

Tonight I go to hear my son play euphonium in the community band. :clap:

Hopefully tomorrow I can get those supports screwed in place, make a few wiring holes, and get the road surface ready to paint.

[2FER SLOTS]

Looks good sitting there :handgestures-thumbup:
Good job getting the garage cleaned up,would not make points tracking MDF residue into the house.