Introduction: Backyard R/C Track

By

If you have a r/c(remote control) truck, but no where fun to drive it. Here is how I made a very simple backyard track that you can do too.

Tools:

Wheel barrow

Shovel

Rake

Maddox/Picaxe

Dirt tamper

Cutters for weeds and roots

Gloves and a strong back

Materials:

Dirt/Sand - Depends on your track base. I bought a few bags then found a friend doing construction that gave me a truck load of dirt.

4 inch pvc drain pipe - Depends on your track size

12 inch rebar stakes - to secure the pipe. As many as needed

4x4 wood pieces for making banking turns and jumps

Optional - sign materials, astroturf, tunnel.

Step 1: Prepare the Site

Hopefully you have a nice flat spot with no weeds, rocks and trees in the way. I started with the picture above and it took a while to clear out. Fortunately I had cleared most of it for anther project(Backyard roller coaster) but that didn't work out.

Measure and map out the course you want. Here is a Google link to give you some good ideas. I started small for my son's track, but we already have plans to expand.

Depending on your site you will need to remove grass,weeds, roots etc and rake it smooth. I add sand to my soil to make it lighter and have better drainage.

Step 2: Lay It Out and Build It Up

Roughly lay out your drainage pipe and 4x4's in the corners. Stake down the pipe and wood as you go. I recommend at least a foot of rebar for each stake. Also depending on the car size and how many cars you want to race. I would recommend at least 5 feet width on your track. This seemed like a good size for 1/16 scale and a few cars racing. My banked turns are only two and three 4x4's high but that is up to you.

My kids wanted a special short cut, so we used half a plastic barrel for a tunnel and a small dirt jump back onto the course. It's your track so you can do whatever you want.

I put 4x4's down for the base of the jumps but you could just use dirt.

Tamp down the track and banked turns as needed.

Rake it smooth again, pull some roots and then maybe it's time for a test run.

Step 3: Details and Racing

Every race track needs a name and sign. You can make one with coroboard, pvc and a sharpie. Simply print out your text on paper. Cut out and trace it onto your sign. Then fill in with sharpie. Attach the sign to some Pvc with zip ties. It may not last through a hurricane, but it adds a nice touch.

To keep weeds down and make the track look nicer. I cut and placed AstroTurf in and around the track.

Next will be to build a grandstand and some more bumps and jumps.

Obviously this isn't a professional course, but it's a good start and the kids love it.

Now stop driving that off road truck in the street and build your own backyard r/c track.

Backyard Contest

Participated in the
Backyard Contest