Post by rickvoegelin on Sept 7, 2009 18:44:11 GMT -7
While the 1:1 drag racers were busy this Labor Day weekend at the U.S. Nationals in Indy, I spent the holiday building a drag strip. It was a labor of love to recreate Lions Drag Strip in HO scale. This is what happens when a person hangs out online with a bunch of psycho slot racers, er, "miniature auto racing enthusiasts." <g>
The track is 24' long, constructed in two modules. The 16' powered module has a 15' 3" timed section (1/4 mile in 1/87 scale). A detachable 8' unpowered module bolts to the end for shut-off.
The 8' track sections were routed by TKO and shipped from Pennsylvania to California. There is only one joint on the powered section, and a joint after the finish line. The track is very smooth, with consistent rail heights. The lane spacing is 4 inches, with an 8" section on the right side for modeling pits, return road, grandstands, etc.
The framework is 1x3 pine, glued and nailed, with a 1/2" MDF top. The track is light enough for two people to carry, which is important because I don't have room in my garage for a 24' permanent track.
The TrackMate DP 2000 timing system is mounted on a hinged board underneath the track that flips down for service. This board also has fuses for each lane and connections for a 30-volt, 10-amp adjustable power supply. The TrackMate software runs on an IBM laptop with Win XP. The DP 2000 system includes a 6" LED Christmas Tree that's mounted on an aluminum stand at eye level. The wires carrying track power and the wires for the timing system are separated by about 12 inches -- so far, no interference (fingers crossed).
Light bridges are installed at the starting line and finish line, with a third bridge 12" before the finish for the speed trap. The bridges have infrared emitters mounted above the sensors. There are alternate mounting positions for the bridges and sensors to allow running 1/8-mile and 1,000-foot races.
There are still a thousand details to finish, but for now it's up and running, and everything seems to be working. Our first club race is scheduled for next weekend. Usually we run road courses and ovals – I intend to show them that drag racing is the one true motorsport <g>.
I'm hoping that the ghosts of Lions, Fremont Drag Strip, Half Moon Bay, and all of the other California tracks we've lost will attend. Thanks to everyone on the Psycho Slots board for your inspiration and encouragement.
Thanks,
Rick V.
The track is 24' long, constructed in two modules. The 16' powered module has a 15' 3" timed section (1/4 mile in 1/87 scale). A detachable 8' unpowered module bolts to the end for shut-off.
The 8' track sections were routed by TKO and shipped from Pennsylvania to California. There is only one joint on the powered section, and a joint after the finish line. The track is very smooth, with consistent rail heights. The lane spacing is 4 inches, with an 8" section on the right side for modeling pits, return road, grandstands, etc.
The framework is 1x3 pine, glued and nailed, with a 1/2" MDF top. The track is light enough for two people to carry, which is important because I don't have room in my garage for a 24' permanent track.
The TrackMate DP 2000 timing system is mounted on a hinged board underneath the track that flips down for service. This board also has fuses for each lane and connections for a 30-volt, 10-amp adjustable power supply. The TrackMate software runs on an IBM laptop with Win XP. The DP 2000 system includes a 6" LED Christmas Tree that's mounted on an aluminum stand at eye level. The wires carrying track power and the wires for the timing system are separated by about 12 inches -- so far, no interference (fingers crossed).
Light bridges are installed at the starting line and finish line, with a third bridge 12" before the finish for the speed trap. The bridges have infrared emitters mounted above the sensors. There are alternate mounting positions for the bridges and sensors to allow running 1/8-mile and 1,000-foot races.
There are still a thousand details to finish, but for now it's up and running, and everything seems to be working. Our first club race is scheduled for next weekend. Usually we run road courses and ovals – I intend to show them that drag racing is the one true motorsport <g>.
I'm hoping that the ghosts of Lions, Fremont Drag Strip, Half Moon Bay, and all of the other California tracks we've lost will attend. Thanks to everyone on the Psycho Slots board for your inspiration and encouragement.
Thanks,
Rick V.
very nice!!!!!!!
