Been thinking and Im wanting to try and build a track. What things do I need to build.
Kind of a wide open question, not sure what you mean.
How long does it need to be to meet the NTRA rules.
At one time there was a minimum length requirement (and there still is). But due to
a near crisis of NTRA being reduced to the possibility of only having one host track,
it has been relaxed to include a wider variety of lengths. Ideally, it would be great if
all tracks were 1/64 scale quarter mile tracks. But, not everybody has room for a
20’ 7-1/2” track plus shutdown. So, the general consensus is to build the track as long
as you have room for. By track owners making their tracks at various lengths, I believe
this added more of a challenge to builders. Where two cars run a close finish on one
length of track, the outcome between the two may be totally different on a track of a
different length. NTRA now accept a wide range of lengths, and track materials. You
(and anyone else interested) should refer to “The Unofficial Guide To Hosting NTRA
Events 2012” In it you will find minimum track lengths along with other useful info.
www.ninjatekprojects.com/pdf/unofficial_ntra_hosting.pdfMaterials used to build your track will depend mainly on your budget, skills, tools
available time, and how well you plan. MDF is probably a good choice. There are
a few build items you will want to be aware of before getting started. Like getting
rail material to lay flat (and even) is a challenge I was up against a one time. You
need to be careful with inserting rails near board edges (when using steel wire tape).
If wire tape not straight at end of board edge can damage section between rail slot
and pin slot. Other things you may discover as you go.
Also what controls are being used at the other tracks . . .
For the purposes of proxy racing, controllers that work are best, provided they are the
same for both lanes. You may have a preference of controller when you are doing the
actual driving but for proxy racing they only need be of the same type and ohms (and
hopefully not preferred by either of the proxy drivers). Controllers rated at 60 ohms or
less is probable best for drag racing (when you are the driver you may prefer the lower
end of the spectrum). Plunge or trigger, again as long as they are the same for both lanes.
I do not know if controllers with electronics within are of any advantage for drag racing.
. . . and power supplies and also timing system if they are used.
For power supplies, builders of less than 5ohm miniature projectiles that approach speeds
nearly undetectable by the human eye will favor a car battery and charger set-up. And no
doubt it is the purest form of DC power around. But for proxy racing, do we care . . .
maybe a little. Theoretically, the cleaner power will pull better performance from any car.
ET’s will be better, MPH’s will be better. The same two cars with perfect reaction times
will probably have the same win result with any power supply provided. For NTRA proxy
racing as long both lanes are using the same type and rating power supply your good.
The popular timing system among the medium to high end tracks are the Track Mate
systems. These systems are noted for their accuracy and provide most features wanted
in a timing system but cost a little more than others. Features like RT, ET, and MPH
are all provided with the Track Mate systems. New comer AW(NHRA drag sets) are
good for a quick right out the box track set-up. The timing system lacks some of the
desired features but can still be system to have lots of fun with. Another new comer
Slot Dragon, provides a timing system only at a reasonable price but currently lacks
the feature of providing MPH. They are currently sold-out, but rumor is they are
working on the MPH feature and will be on sale again soon. If you have a little skills
in the area of electronics, forum member ‘estil’ has developed a timing system for
which he is willing to share his plans with anyone interested in wanting to build their
own timing system. Again let your interest in the hobby and your budget be your guide.
There almost is no wrong way to go.
In summary, get what
you want. NTRA can work with whatever you have.
