Hello from SW Michigan
I'm just a starting collector but I love the idea of making my own downhill track
and racing, even if it's just with my family. A couple of weekends ago I had
the good fortune to visit the Children's Museum in Indianapolis with my kids
and viewed their Hot Wheels exhibit... great fun for all.
Between my son and I we have a fair number of cars but I will be looking into
more, and also plan to make my own downhill track. I haven't figured out the
finish line yet, but I'm working on it. I'd like it to be all-mechanical, inexpensive,
but still homemade.
Other things I'm into: built my own arcade cabinet (actually, built 3 of them including
a virtual pinball cab), collecting Gi Joes and Transformers and doing a fair amount
of customizing. Haven't done customs with Hot Wheels yet.
Discussion
Welcome to Redline Derby, VidClub! You'll find a lot of great information in the forums about building tracks, finish lines, starting lines and everything in between. And if you haven't yet, check out the online Fantasy League game - http://www.redlinederby.com/fantasy/ - It's good fun for everyone and you can play with your kids too, several of the guys here do and have a good time with it.
And you say you've made some arcade cabinets, eh? Arcade games are a hobby of mine as well and I've long wanted to make my own cabinet for a MAME machine. I had a CRT monitor that I had lined up for a cocktail cabinet but then the tube blew I'd love to see photos of your cabinets and maybe pick your brain about such a project - send me PM if you're up for chatting.
And GI Joes too? Damn, man, you'll fit in around here perfectly! You seen this Joe site? I think it's relatively new - http://www.3djoes.com
But again, welcome, I hope you enjoy your stay!
Thanks for the warm welcomes!
I'd be more than happy to help out w/ an arcade project.
Here's a photo of my arcade machines, albeit somewhat dated (the pinball cab
is now finished, unlike in the photo). I built the middle Gauntlet Cab myself
from scratch. The pincab is also from scratch, using scrap wood. The
driving cab was an ebay find that I MAME'd. Loads of fun for hours
and a big hit w/ the neighborhood kids.
I looked at the photos on the links you gave, they were a help in giving me some
ideas. I still think it's possible to do a drag-race type finish gate using
popsicle sticks and other common items, will let you know what I can come up
with. If I have to shell out $15 though, I'll probably just end up getting a
hot wheels one instead.
Re: GI Joes -- Haven't visited that Joe site yet. More often than not I'm on Hisstank.com,
but even there I haven't been real regular lately. Here's an example of one of my customs,
a USS Flagg w/ a custom skystriker on it.
Super Cool! Welcome aboard....can't wait to see the track you will produce. How do you keep your models clean and dusted?Preacher
lol... the ones that don't get played with gather dust
For the most part, my kids and I play a LOT.
I do have a few planes hanging up that have gathered some dust though...
welcome vidmouse!! Hope you enjoy your stay here! Almost everyone here has our own track so we can help you out with anything you need! Here are a few guides to get you started:
Do it yourself Finish Lines
Do it yourself Starting Gates
Also check out the Fantasy league! It's great fun and there are already a few father/son rivalries!