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Step 5Track
I used strips of corrugated cardboard that were glued to form T beams as the main supports for the track. Each section of track is made from two corresponding pieces of single-ply cardboard that form a V-shape. Small strips of cardstock-like cardboard were used to glue the track strips together. Please examine the photos for detail.
I made up the layout of the track as I went along. It took a lot of trial and error to create all the various sections of track that curve, dip, rise, etc. The trick is to build and test with a marble as you go, and if it works, great--if not, take it apart and try something else.
If you're interested in making a marble coaster but are somewhat scared by the complexity of my project, take a look at these instructions for building simple marble tracks (shared by user Covo).
I made up the layout of the track as I went along. It took a lot of trial and error to create all the various sections of track that curve, dip, rise, etc. The trick is to build and test with a marble as you go, and if it works, great--if not, take it apart and try something else.
If you're interested in making a marble coaster but are somewhat scared by the complexity of my project, take a look at these instructions for building simple marble tracks (shared by user Covo).
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Each side of the track is about 3/4 inch tall. I would draw out each new section of track on a sheet of cardboard, cut it out, and then match it up to an existing piece to see if it would fit on the track the way I wanted. These were like "trial" pieces. If the new piece worked well, and took the ball where I wanted it to go, I'd add the new piece permanently to the track, thus extending the track little by little.
If the new trial pieces didn't fit, which was the case most of the time, at least I could see specifically what shape the new pieces needed to be. Many times I would just try something--knowing that it probably wasn't going to work--but that it would show me what would.
Certain sections (like the loop) were completely made off of the the base, and then added as a finished unit.
This project took lots of trial and error, practice, and patience!
As for the paint, I brush painted everything with basic acrylic craft paints. The paint seemed to slow down the track somewhat, so I gave it a coat of lacquer spray, which helped speed things up, and gave it that glossy look you see.
I have a question. So did you just make the whole track first, then add it onto the structure, or build it as you went?
Thanks, this project looks awesome, I'm going to take it on soon.