The Kevin Mark Birthday Bash
Off-Road Challenge
This temporary track is made by combining track from two Mattel (Tyco) Motocross
Motorcycle sets. These sets have special track pieces, the curves are all outer
curves (12" radius) with a very wide border as part of the turn allowing the
motocross bikes to slide wide a bit. It also works quite well for Thunder
Jets. Straight borders are also included in these sets. The inner curves were
additional pieces and were painted to match the brown track giving a dirt track
or rally course effect.
The track rests on two five foot by four foot tables with about a one and a half
foot gap between them. A soft plastic wall surrounds the tables except at the
gap in the middle. The tables are covered with green felt and Styrofoam hills
adds some scenery rather quickly.
The most noticeable feature is the hill. Many of the current magnet cars do not
like hills and most racing organizations do not allow them or even banked
turns. The hills was made by rearranging the pieces provided in the motocross
sets and actually dips below the surface of the tables. The green felt is
draped in the gap to most of the cars that come off at the top of the hill.
With a straight almost ten feet long and the hill to contend with it was an
interesting track. The hill needed to be negotiated carefully. Too fast at the
top and the car de-slotted cresting the hill and too slow it would not make it
up the other side. IT was really quite fun. The drivers station were
positioned all around the table to help with corner marshalling.
Overall
a fun and unique track. This shows that a unique and great looking track can be
done easily and quickly with just a little creativity.
- Rich