I used to be in NY, but moved to PA late last year. :)

Any track will be fun - anything RC is fun come to think of it! My goal is a small, pro-level track with as many challenging features as possible.

Agh bugger guess that rules me out.

How about a track that has multiple surfaces? i.e. hard pack in one section, loose loamy type dirt in another section, and maybe some dime size round pebbles for another? Basically a track that will have a difficult section no matter what tires you are running. Also maybe a sweeping corner that is banked the wrong way so you have to go slow around it, a jump that is tilted to the side with a landing ramp that is tilted in the opposite direction. I dunno, just some ideas off the top of my head :yes:

No worries, Chris - IMO, the mark of a good track is one that a rookie can get around, but a fast guy can get around much faster(reward the fast drivers without penalizing the less talented). Besides, you have gotten better every time I have seen you so you won't have any troubles getting around I'm sure!

Not feeling the "multiple surfaces" thing, Josh. For one, it sounds expensive(not just material, but probably tires, too). It sounds like a great plan for a bashing area, but not so much for a race track. Besides, the surface dirt is already here, so it is what it is now - just the layout left to do now. :)

Mike just remember July 10th you are rock crawling.

Lookin good Mike!!!

90x60 is a pretty tight track for 1/8. A few recommendations I have:

1)Try not to pack to much into it otherwise it wont flow.
2)Pick a couple key "bigger" elements that you will build and leave put for some time and the rest of the smaller features can be more easily flattened or moved to get the layout changes you are looking for.
3)Any combo jumps or tabletops you build you should pay attention to try to make them so they "work" in both directions. Making them work both ways will really hep make your track flexible for easy changes. Heck, just driving the same track backwards really changes things.

I like your idea of an easily changeable layout. One thing that I can say is a layout does start to get boring once you have it mastered. Change is good especially if you want to keep the skillz sharp.

BTW: did I mention I am really jealous? :grrrrrr: I wish I had room for something like that in my yard. :yes:

Watching closely
 

Well I will be watching closely, because I hope to have a track in the backyard of our retirement settlement when that day comes in 2017. Look & learn is the way I see it. Joe over on the US forum has been working on his backyard track for a few months now, but the rains keep knocking him back. Before, during and after pictures help to get the full story to share with everyone though. Good luck with your project Mike.

YES! You have to get Mike addicted so he starts making crawler parts and carrying crawler merchandise in the store. :intello:

layout
 

The rain has been keeping me at bay somewhat, but I slopped around the mud this morning and placed the pipes onto the track area to show the layout I have worked out. There are no bumps or jumps yet, but you can see the double lane crossover(behind the tree with the clothes line) and the general layout - it will be pretty technical when the planned bumps and jumps get done. I am getting excited!

Thanks for the tips, Jeff - you will get to play on my track when you come out for the bash this year - it should be running like a well-oiled machine by then.
The track will be pretty feature-rich, but I think it will flow pretty well, too. I do want to make it doable in either direction as well - just for the occasional change of pace to keep things interesting. 90x60 is a bit tight, though the actual dimensions will feel a little larger(straight is 100+ and there are 2 areas that swing out to 70-75 ft wide between the trees). I spent a few hours laying the pipes, looking, shuffling things around...repeat, review, etc. this morning after working late last night on the layout. I can almost taste it and can hardly wait to get it finished!

25x18 meters ....... perfect for a 1/8tt :D

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Uze8fsIa2LY

Extension
 

Yea I was going to say you could always take the track out into the trees and actually use them as part of the scheme, which would allow you to add a little more track and perspective to the experience. Looking good so far Mike.

track progress
 

Got a few bumps and jumps done over the last few days. :yipi:
Excuse the phone camera picture - doesn't do it justice, really. The plastic pipe is all strewn about during construction, but the same layout as before will be utilized - added a corner table top, rythm section, big bermed corner and 1/2 of the crossover jump.

Looks good so far. I can't wait to see a high shot from the driver's stand... :wink:

more progress
 

Got a few more bumps done and some refinement on the initial bumps. The track is shaping up nicely!