New Project! Dragon's Tail Hill climb! video added.

[Audi1]

I think it looks great!

Allan

[TuscoTodd]

Holy cow Bob! That looks sweet!
Two thumbs up sir! :D

[TsgtRet]

Looking good. I'm wondering when you'll build the bridge over the door and connect to the road course in the back room!

[btaylor]

Thought I would share this link for those doing scenery on their layouts. this is some great stuff, and a lot cheaper than the woodland scenics product.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/10-Rolls-Hobby- ... 257f8556ec
This is the same brand I used on my road course, and the guy ships fast too.
I might add that the same thing can be accomplished by using paper towels and plaster of paris, but is more time consuming.

Bob

[btaylor]

Well, for all practical purposes, The Dragon is Done! all that's left now is the grass and what small details that will be added over time.
My timing system is on the way, and will be almost plug and play. I will be adding some corner worker figures, and a few spectators where feasible. As it stands, the track is running on twelve volts, and I may reduce that in the future to 10 or so, I will just have to see how it goes. so far, the cars like the twelve volts, and it's not difficult to drive any of the various motored cars. The track has brakes, and I am using a PM adjustable controller. Total cost to this point has been just under $200, that includes the new plywood for the sides, and the case of plaster cloth. I did not count the craft paints, and other small materials used, as most of us have all that kind of stuff laying around. So all in all, I am very pleased with this track. It is a blast to drive, and almost all my cars are appropriate to run on it.
One more thing worth mentioning, this whole track is very light, and can be moved easily. if I were to put casters on the legs, it could be rolled around, and in my case, it could even be rolled outside for an event if needed.
I had never even considered a hill climb track till I saw the pictures of Luf's Burnaby Grind in Retro's post. Now I cant see being without one! As I have said many times during the build of this track, if you are even considering building one, I highly recommend it for the fun factor of building the track, as well as running cars on it. It is big time fun all the way, and you would not regret it im sure.

[HomeRacingWorld]

Just incredible work Bob. Congrats sir, this will be a hoot :)

[btaylor]

Thanks Harry! I have had a lot of fun building this, and I hope it has inspired at least a few people to go ahead and build the wood track that they have wanted, or another track variation that takes up little space. I also thank you for the inspirational rally cars you sent me, as they certainly were a great reason to keep going on this project, not to mention a ton of fun to drive! :auto-driving:

Bob

[chappy]

Bob you are an inspiration sir.
I will be calling the scrap metal guy today to come and clean out my other garage.
Its time to concentrate on using the space 40 x 18 for other than junk.
Should have room for a track or two in there, and anhill climb is def on the plans.
Bob

[TuscoTodd]

Man! That looks GREAT!!!! Kudos Bob!!!

[GTI]

Very Nice......tempting too!

[TuscoTodd]

Jeremy - appreciate the link - that is a cool looking track as well!
REALLY got to work at finding a good spot here to put together something like one of these as they look like a LOT of fun!!! :D

[dge467]

That is so cool !

[Audi1]

Looks great, and a blast to run on.

One question - no guard rails on a hill climb.................? :o Are you going to rig safety nets........? :lol: If not, then I can see your parts box growing............rapidly! :dance:

Allan

[btaylor]

Allan, The guardrails are on the" details" List. Not sure what style I want just yet. I have a few installed to see if I like them, and to keep errant cars from flying off!. I have natural barriers around most the course, so there is little chance of a car hitting the floor.
So far, The only damage sustained has been a stripped pinion on my E jag coupe. to many laps up the hill I guess? it let go on an upward run. I am quite sure there will be more.

Bob

[btaylor]

Just got my new power source in for the Hill climb. The one Harry had posted here.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/121446222459?_t ... EBIDX%3AIT
And as I suspected, Dropping the voltage on the track to 10 volts instead of 12, netted smoother runs up and down the hill.
And in most cases, better lap times as well. I will be posting a new and improved "best" lap for this fun run, as I have not received any cars to challenge the hill yet. It should even the odds a bit for all cars this way.
Example from last nights testing.
Scx MGA/ PG tires on rear, stock gearing and motor at 12 volts= 16.337
same car at 10 volts netted a best of 15. 611.
Harry's Dragon slayer fiat= 12 volts, 16. 210, at 10 volts cut consecutive 15.550's
A very smooth and controllable series of runs also.

Bob