Build Journal: Confessions and photos of a wannabe Diecast Racer
So let's start out with something simple, like um, 3D BotMakers test track. Right, right? How hard could it be?(sarcasm) He gives you everything you need minus the materials. Photo, schematic diagram w/measurements, and weekly motivation. My goal is to finish with a raw track, no bells, no whistles, no diorama. Something for me to play on with my want- to-be "fast cars". This is day 2 and already my back is hurting. Critiques and suggestions welcomed.
Discussion
Looks good so far! Take your time, I overdid it the first few days of my build as well.
Measure twice, cut once, my friend! Off to a great start and I'm looking forward to what you put together. Keep sharing the updates!
I'm happy you said you're starting with the core track - no bells or whistles. I think it's easy to see some of the super tracks and want to jump right into making it look cool, but you gotta have a solid foundation to build on.
Update: All the pieces are cut and layed.
Open track selection is next. Any recommendations on straight track and curve selection?
- Crash Racers is a good one. Wal-Mart has them for 29.98 most places. — JBlotner42
- Depends if you want a track with lanes or an open run. There are orange track curves available but also a lot of 3D printed ones to buy. — redlinederby
Mock up track. Old with the new.
- I like it. I'm getting jealous. All I currently have is an 8 ft. 2 lane drag strip for some very basic testing. — Dutch_Clutch_Racing
- Looking sharp! Seems you're almost ready to start testing that thing. — redlinederby
- That looks great! Keep up the good work! — JBlotner42
- Awesome, thank you for the pictures. I'm just starting out with diecast racing as a hobby and these pictures are getting me started on a track build similar to this. I've been playing for a few weeks with a track supported by cardboard boxes, DVD cases, jigsaw puzzle boxes, and tables etc. This will inspire me to build something much nicer. — Archerm340
- Boxes and stuff are great while figuring stuff out but once you have those dimensions and angle, build something more sturdy. — redlinederby
- Thank you to all that have commented. This track has been five years in the making. Two things,patience is a virtue, and things are not as easy as they appear to be. Blessed are the track builders and content creators of our hobby. More to come. Stayed tuned. — RC_Attucks
- I built this same frame out given the dimensions from 3dbotmakers test track and I'm using the crash racers set turns but the turn seems to be too wide. Did you have to alter/change the lengths of the curve supports to fit the turns from crash builders set? — Garage93Diecast
4 words...
Sub
Track
Safety
Surface...
that is all
- Understood. I have it in place. Just not ready to be layed yet. More to come. Stayed tuned. — RC_Attucks
I built this same frame out given the dimensions from 3dbotmakers test track and I'm using the crash racers set turns but the turn seems to be too wide. Did you have to alter/change the lengths of the curve supports to fit the turns from crash builders set? Or what turns are available that will fit
- I think your bottom 2x4 horizontal braces maybe need to be in between the vertical uprights....or made 7 inches longer to screw them on the way you have them? — Dutch_Clutch_Racing
White dots on 2x4 cross braces.....I'm thinking they should be between the vertical uprights - like yellow line I drew....not overlapping on the vertical uprights. Easiest to make new cross braces that are 7 inches longer....thar way you can still overlap them the way you have them....easier to screw together that way.
Sorry.....I tend to over explain things....
- Thanks a lot you definitely helped and I believe an extension of the curve supports is what's needed like you said. Going back and looking at the 3dbotmaker test track I see he used a smaller turn that fits the dimensions he gave. So going to try the extended brace and see how that works out. — Garage93Diecast
- 3DBotmaker used to make/3d print parts of his track so that may come into play as a factor here too? I don't know that for sure but I am speculating. — Dutch_Clutch_Racing
Looking back at RC_ATTUCKS build journal it looks like he ran into the same thing. Notice cross braces in below photo are spaced different the 2nd time.
- Appreciate the info again man helping out a ton as I'm new to the hobby only been in it for about 2 weeks or so. But plan is to extend then curve supports out bout 7 7/8" as well as the leg supports and should be good to go. Will definitely post an update for sure. — Garage93Diecast
- Correct, I had to alter the measurements. — RC_Attucks
- Thanks for the response and help going to get around to fixing it tomorrow hopefully and will post an update — Garage93Diecast
- There's a lot of room to improvise the track to make it work for you. I'm in the the process of reconfiguring myself. As soon as life gets out of the way, I'll make an effort to post my results — RC_Attucks
Woo Hoo! Great so far! Keep up the good work.