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Where are there plans to build a Space Derby track?

Posted: Mon Sep 29, 2003 2:09 pm
by kwoods
I just received an email from a cubmaster looking for plans on building a Space Derby track. Are there any suggestions?

Re: Where are there plans to build a Space Derby track?

Posted: Tue Sep 30, 2003 10:57 pm
by gpraceman
My sons haven't done a Space Derby yet, but I found these two sites that had some info on the track.

http://www.bsa.net/co/p467/RunningASpaceDerby2.html
http://www.pack982.org/Links/SpaceDerby ... yInfo.html

It sounds like there is a BSA How-To book with plans in it.

Are there any other Space Derby sites that are a good resource?

Re: Where are there plans to build a Space Derby track?

Posted: Tue Feb 17, 2004 11:25 am
by cubmaster89
I found a picture and basic desctiption in the leader how to book. the size is not given. I built my track and have had know problems. i can try to send you the size and dim. if you need them.

Re: Where are there plans to build a Space Derby track?

Posted: Tue Feb 17, 2004 2:08 pm
by TurtlePowered
gpraceman wrote:My sons haven't done a Space Derby yet, but I found these two sites that had some info on the track.

http://www.bsa.net/co/p467/RunningASpaceDerby2.html
http://www.pack982.org/Links/SpaceDerby ... yInfo.html

It sounds like there is a BSA How-To book with plans in it.

Are there any other Space Derby sites that are a good resource?
There doesn't seem to be many Space Derby sites really out there. At least I didn't find much when I have looked before. I would think BSA book would probably be best source.
When the track is built you better check out how true the lines are so one fishing line doesn't always win.

Re: Where are there plans to build a Space Derby track?

Posted: Tue Feb 17, 2004 6:54 pm
by SteveJahr
TurtlePowered wrote: When the track is built you better check out how true the lines are so one fishing line doesn't always win.
Sounds like *another* application for NyOil :lol:

Re: Where are there plans to build a Space Derby track?

Posted: Wed Feb 18, 2004 11:24 am
by TurtlePowered
SteveJahr wrote:
TurtlePowered wrote: When the track is built you better check out how true the lines are so one fishing line doesn't always win.
Sounds like *another* application for NyOil :lol:
Problem isn't typically lube. Need to match height, tension of the fish lines. Don't want one line going uphill at the end of the race!

Re: Where are there plans to build a Space Derby track?

Posted: Tue Mar 16, 2004 12:18 pm
by pack80
Try this site: http://www.pack80.net/spacederby.htm

There are plans available in PDF and can be available in autocad DGW or DXF formats.

:D

Re: Where are there plans to build a Space Derby track?

Posted: Tue Mar 16, 2004 2:15 pm
by gpraceman
pack80 wrote:Try this site: http://www.pack80.net/spacederby.htm

There are plans available in PDF and can be available in autocad DGW or DXF formats.

:D
Some very good info. Thanks for posting that link.

Re: Where are there plans to build a Space Derby track?

Posted: Fri Apr 02, 2004 10:04 am
by pack80
Updated plans and pictures specifically on the construction of a Space Derby Track. Also, a page on the how's and why's of the track.

http://www.pack80.net/space_derby/Track ... _plans.htm

There will be more details as I have time (and better pictures). :P

Re: Where are there plans to build a Space Derby track?

Posted: Wed Jun 16, 2004 11:12 am
by gadgetmom
pack80 wrote:Updated plans and pictures specifically on the construction of a Space Derby Track. Also, a page on the how's and why's of the track.

http://www.pack80.net/space_derby/Track ... _plans.htm

There will be more details as I have time (and better pictures). :P
Your space track plans look really nice. I have a few questions though.

Do you have a weight on each lanes line? Can you get a picture of the lanes lines attached?

I was looking at the Gate Details on sheet 5 and it looks like there are some errors in some of the dimensions. I was looking to see if our finish line could be attached and noticed that some of the dimensions don’t add up. The top view and the front view of the track specify different dimensions. Also when you add up 36” + 6.875” = 42.875” and then take 49.625” – 42.875” = 6.75” the two outside values are different. Is that true? Is the total width 49.625”? I did not check any other sheets.

You made the distance between each lane 12” instead of the 10” as specified in the BSA handbook. Did you have a specific reason for this?

Do you need any special tools for making this track? It looks like you have because of the nice rounded curves and notches where the wood goes together.

I also had a question about the winders. I went to the faimodelsupply.com web site and could not find a winder that looked like yours. Did you have to contact them by phone and if so do you have the model number of the winder? Does that winder automatically stop after a set number of turns?

Overall your space track plans look very nice. Thanks.

Re: Where are there plans to build a Space Derby track?

Posted: Wed Jun 16, 2004 12:02 pm
by pack80
The winder I purchased was bought at a local Hobby store. It has a counter on it that you reset to 0 after every wind (like a trip odometer in a car). I will verify the dimentions you noted and let you know.

There are 2 options for line weights: Each line could be weighted (would require a little different hardware configuration and more weights) or as indicated with 2 lanes sharing a single line and weight. Packs have built them both ways.

The track can be constructed using a jig saw and an electric drill.

Distance between the lanes was arbitrary. 10 or 12 would work for the race, but I would think that a little more room between them for winding would lessen the possibility of hitting another rocket.


I will post something as soon as I review the measurements.

Re: Where are there plans to build a Space Derby track?

Posted: Wed Jun 16, 2004 12:22 pm
by gadgetmom
pack80 wrote:
I will post something as soon as I review the measurements.
Thanks.

Re: Where are there plans to build a Space Derby track?

Posted: Thu Jul 08, 2004 9:24 am
by jrz_dad
Pack80 - I'm currently building our track from your PDF plans - so far, so good...Although its not quite finished yet, I am concerned that since I used 1x4 white pine, the structure seems alittle unstable without weights. (based on me just standing it up and moving it around alittle)

Since you have already built one - can we assume that it will be alot more "stable" once the weights are applied?

Thanks!!

jrz_dad

Re: Where are there plans to build a Space Derby track?

Posted: Thu Jul 08, 2004 6:49 pm
by pack80
If you follow the plans and dado, glue, and screw the rear support members, screw and glue the front support members, along with the dowels on the rear legs, it should be stable. Weights will also add stability to the frame.

When you set it up, if there is any "slippage" on the floor, put a rubber floor mat under it. That will solve that problem.

Feel free to reply with more questions.

Pack 80 Webmaster :D

Re: Where are there plans to build a Space Derby track?

Posted: Mon Jul 19, 2004 11:16 am
by jrz_dad
Pack80 - - Well, I finished the launcher with no issues. We used it on Saturday and it worked pretty darn good - No stability issues were noticed. About the only thing we are going to change on the launcher is that we will use individual weights on each track line to keep them taut and we plan on devising some sort of "center release" so the drop-bar can be released evenly. We had some 'complaints' about the appearance of one-side droping 'faster/sooner' than the other - We video-taped it several times and ran it back in "slo-mo" - it looks fine to the leadership but to keep "harmony" within the pack, we'll come up with something.

Anyway, Thanks again for posting a GREAT LAUNCHER DESIGN - You have been a BIG HELP to our derby success.

James Vaughn
Cubmaster Pack 185
www.pack185.org