In this segment, Chris Chianelli shows how you can build a portable race track in less than 15 minutes that costs very little to build. All you need is some PVC pipe and connectors (available from hardware stores) and a PVC cutter or saw. Materials: 4 pieces of 1/2-inch PVC pipe cut to 10 feet each
3 pieces of 1/2-inch PVC pipe cut to 6 feet each
2 pieces of 1/2-inch PVC pipe cut to 2 feet each
Four 1/2-inch PVC elbows
Four 1/2-inch PVC T-Joints
PVC pipe-cutters or saw
Measuring tape
Note: For our demonstration, we made the course with sides 10 feet in length, because PVC pipe typically is sold in 10-foot lengths. Using additional connectors and more pipe, you could make your track larger if you like.
Steps: - You may want to begin with a drawing to help you lay out the course design.
- Select a location on a flat surface, away from vehicular traffic. An empty parking lot, large driveway or cul-de-sac all make suitable locations for setting up a track.
- To create the racecourse outfield, place the four 10-foot lengths of PVC onto the ground to form a square (figure A).
- Secure the corners of the square using elbow joints.
- To create turn barriers, T-joints will be inserted in the mid-point of two opposing sides of the infield. You'll need some PVC cutters (figure B) or a small hand-saw to cut the pipe at these locations.
- Once you've measured and determined the center points on two opposing sides, make a cut in the PVC pipe (figure C) at each of those two points. Use caution when using the cutters as the blades are very sharp.
- Once you've made the cuts, insert the PVC T-joints (figure D), joining the cut lengths back together. This is where the turn barriers will be attached.
- After installing the T-joints in two sides of the perimeter, create the infield spikes for the turn barriers. To do this, create a figure "H" using three 6-foot pieces of PVC pipe and some T-joints (figure E). Cut two of the pieces in half, and insert T-joints in the center points to create the sides of the "H," then add a single 6-foot section to form the cross-bar of the "H."
- Insert cut 2-foot pieces of PVC into the two perimeter T-joints to create the turn barriers (figure F).
- Following these directions will result in a racecourse with lanes approximately 2 feet wide. The entire track can be put together from scratch in less than 15 minutes. It's easy to move and, when you're done racing, you can break it down to make it easy to store or transport.
In the segment that follows, Chris Chianelli revs up the mini-Z for some racing action.
RESOURCES :
RC Modeler magazine
RC Modeler magazine
Sierra Madre, CA 91025
Fax: 626-355-1476
Website: www.rcmagazine.com
Viper mini Z-racer by Kyosho
Great Planes Model Distributors
Website: www.greatplanes.com
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