Universal gutters

This time some basic work during the workshop. Today's topic is directly related to the previous and next article by this author, in subsequent issues of the Young Technician. This month we will be preparing folding model racing tracks for young modelers, both boat and wheeled. The Challenge Before starting work on the tracks that this article is about, I set myself the following goal: Design and manufacture a prototype of universal, disassembled for transport and storage tracks for racing models in such classes as the Rainutter Regatta. (non-steerable sailboats approx. 18 cm long, described in the previous issue of "Young Technician"), Mini 4WD (cars 1:32) and other similar models with different types of drive (electric, rubber).

Such assumptions assume minimum clear dimensions: 50×115 mm and track length min. 3 m (from two to a maximum of three segments), with the possibility of extending the route up to 6 in the case of cars.

Tracks must also be:

• maybe cheap,
• aesthetic,
• removable,
• constantly,
• easy to transport and store,
• easy to perform in an average studio,
• system / modular
• easily reproduced
• allows you to combine kits from different laboratories.

Search

Of course, tracks can be made from scratch, from various materials - but for many reasons it is more profitable to use / modify existing sections and system solutions. Thus, under the microscope were taken and examined:

1. Semicircular steel gutters. Disadvantages: applicable only to boat models, considerable price
2. Steel balcony gutters (rectangular). Disadvantages: high price, unprofitable ending of the walls, lack of arches.
3. Steel profiles of plasterboard wall systems. Disadvantages: despite the relatively low price, also low profile (less than 40 mm effective) - too small for sailboats, holes in the bottom, no bends, finish: galvanized, easily recognizable main purpose
4. U60x120 steel profiles are specially made by the roofer. Disadvantages: logistically troublesome, not cheap at all, troublesome and expensive bends,
5. PVC wiring strips. Disadvantages: a considerable price, troublesome profiles (narrow, low, with additional fittings in the light of the profile), extra covers and their locks along the entire length, no bends
6. Cardboard and cardboard profiles. Cons: low wear resistance, only for cars.
7. The guide rails are specially made of 3 mm thick white PVC foam boards. Disadvantages: big production problems with small series, very soft material.

decision

In the end, as the basis for the implementation of the proposed tracks, I chose the popular white PVC ventilation ducts 60x120 mm.

Their biggest benefits:

• decent price
• availability in most DIY stores,
• various commercial lengths: (0,5 m, 1 m, 1,5 m, 3 m)
• system outlets, lugs and couplings,
• aesthetic white color, perfect for promotional stickers, etc.
• impact resistant material,
• ease of processing
• easy to bond with commonly available adhesives and adhesive tapes,

Disadvantages:

• closed profiles for processing and finishing
• after cutting, the walls are slightly tilted inward

purchase

To make two three-meter tracks (because that's the one I took at least for the studio), you will need:

• 4 things. channel 60×120, 1,5 m long (about PLN 24/piece)
• 4 channel ends 60×120 (about PLN 6/piece)
• 1 roll of white self-adhesive packing tape 50 mm wide (or it can be transparent - approx. PLN 5 / roll)

If you want to make more extensive tracks, you can also consider purchasing the following items:

• straight channel connector 60×120 (approx. PLN 4 / piece)
• horizontal outlet of the air duct 60×120 (about PLN 7/piece)
• Soundproofing PE foam under the floor panels (to compensate for irregularities in the base/channel/connectors)

Prices in brackets are valid in one of the popular chain DIY stores.

equipment

In order to turn purchased materials into target tracks for the contest, you will need:

• Electric table saw with lint-free toothed blade
• scraper or model knife for possible corrections inside the profile
• large sanding block or grater with sandpaper, grit about 80-120

implementation

The first stage of the workshop will be cutting closed profiles to obtain the desired shape and size of the gutters. Since the profile is not too high, the side walls should be as high as possible.

Is trimming of sawn edges required? alignment of the inner walls in the upper parts (see illustrations) and rounding of the upper edges to protect against cuts. I considered using channel end caps (flexible U-plugs) but eventually gave them up - nothing but problems. The corners of the lids also often require sanding.

Drainage holes can also be made in two places at the ends of the channels or in plugs (usually they are sealed with tape from the water side). Two of the four end caps can be permanently glued to the ends of the ducts - if you're not planning on building an enclosed run, silicone glue or even cyanoacrylate can be used. In other cases, the ends should be carefully glued to the channels with self-adhesive tape and additionally sealed with a plastic mass (white silicone, Tack-it, even plasticine).

Miedzyzdroje beach and swimming fish – 10.06 at 17.00 pm

Transport and assembly of tracks

One and a half meter track modules with soldered ends for transportation or storage are inserted into each other and the whole thing is connected with a carrier tape with a clasp and a handle, or only with adhesive tape (by the way, you can use white spirit or even WD-40 preparations to remove it from the plastic ). This size allows you to freely transport tracks in any car.

A flat surface in the form of a table, tables, desks should be fixed on the site, and finally, the tracks can even be spread on the floor. Sometimes washing machines are the fashion to be indispensable? water in the channels will undoubtedly show any leveling inaccuracies.

Are the two modules of each fairway glued together with wide white packing tape? first from the outside, and then (for convenience - with the second piece) from the inside, pressing it well against the fittings to be joined. A carefully made connection of this type is sufficiently reliable and tight for use in confined spaces. Each track requires 18 liters of water (two buckets) to fill. To empty them, it is enough to remove the stopper sticker at the end of the track after placing the bucket.

Gutter tracks - swimming test PP-01 for children in grades 0-1 - MT

Information for augmented reality collectors

Since the above topic is naturally designed for a larger number of participants (for a class, a club, a modeling workshop), therefore, each contractor who will present “water” caterpillars made by himself. with sizes, as in the assumptions for this project, be sure (in addition to the standard ones) they will also receive author's points. In order for the project to be recognized at all (reference points), it is necessary to present a pair of lanes with minimum dimensions as in the assumptions intended for the passage of cars (thus, these can be lanes made of, for example, cardboard).