Advice for a new guy?
Excited to be here and anxious to start building, testing and racing. Questions. Is their a specific brand of graphite that’s better? I see the pinewood brand and one other similar priced brand on the bay. I got 3dbots 2 lane start and finish line on order. I have plenty of the new and less desirable straight h.w. orange track. Where can I get the 2 lane 180 track pieces? Do I have to pay for the piece from the 70’s? I’m getting too old and broken to keep fetching the cars. Especially when I switch lanes with every race and run again. My 4 year old gets sidetracked. He’s not a retriever. Last question for now is about the alignment jig. I was about to start making one with pencils. I think I read that here a few years ago but I can’t find the info. Is that a good choice? Or do one of you make them to sell? I’d really appreciate any help.
Discussion
Welcome to Redline Derby. Glad you found us.
Regular pinewood graphite is just fine...they’re pretty much all the same.
You want ' em there yours...just PM your address and just pay it forward when the chance arises.
- There Vintage 1969 Redline Curves — LeagueofSpeed
- That’s very generous of you but before I take what someone else may need more, let me contemplate. I pictured having my finish gate after the curve and some straight. Then eventually add more track while moving the finish further away as the track evolves. But I might just take that offer. Thanks. — Jav74
- Just let me know...been sitting in a box for over a year — LeagueofSpeed
- Thanks. I will let you know. If anybody else needs them while I decide, give away! I don’t want to hold up anyone’s design while I remain indecisive. — Jav74
- I went for it! I paid up for 2 of the double curves. About $22 each shipped!! Thanks for the offer and I am also willing to pay forward if l have anything someone needs. — Jav74
Hi, and Welcome!
I used to make the alignment jigs, but you can make your own and it will work just as well. The whole idea is to keep the axles in line as you are JB Welding them in place.
As for track, the seamless orange track shows up on ebay...LoS might be able to help you there. Personally, I like the Drag Track style of track but it won't work without modification with the 3DBot parts.
I would encourage you to just start building cars...the only way to start making fast cars is to, first, build a bunch of slow ones and learn from those. The Bare Muscle race is coming up in September and might be a fun race for you to start with.
If your user name refers to AMC Javelins, my first cars were a '71 Javelin (304, 4-speed, red/black) and a '73 Javelin (360 4-speed, black/black)...so, I'm a fan! :)
See ya in lane 2!
Chris
- Awesome!!! I was lucky enough to have a 74at one time. Nothing special. AMC 360, 727 torque flight with a ford 2 barrel and delco distributor. A real mutt, but I loved it. Last of the American Independants!! I always loved mopars first but a handful of amc’s probably more so at this point. And yes, I want to race in the Bare Muscle 4 and the formula race as well. I’m just not sure I’ll make it. — Jav74
- You can race a Stock in the Dixie Gran Prix....a Modified car has never won on Bootleg Run. — LeagueofSpeed
- Good to know. I’m going to order 2 cheap ones because I don’t mind the looks. Formula flashback and winning formula. What do you guys do to them? Just graphite, wheel sanding and alignment/spacing? — Jav74
- And maybe a formula 5000. I saw one of you is going to use one in that race so I won’t. But I like the look as far as this type is concerned. — Jav74
- You can race a Formula 5000 if you want...don't let that stop you at all. — LeagueofSpeed
- Only if the other guy is painting his. Are you that guy? Whoever it was showed the bottom. I like that weight cavity it has. But I wouldn’t do that mod if I was in the Dixie race until after. Because you were cool enough to tell me that moded cars don’t do well on that track. — Jav74
- How do I add pics to this reply by Chevy? Excuse me guys, if not very tech savvy. If I ever post or reply in the wrong way or place, let me know. — Jav74
Hey welcome to the race scene! You're going to have a lot of fun!
If you're just getting started modding cars you can check out an article I wrote in this month's Diecast 64 Magazine on making cars faster. I have a post on Facebook where I'm giving away some free issues. There are still some left. Here is the coupon code so you and whoever else wants one can copy and paste it because the zeros and O's can get a bit confusing. SSRPRP10BEOR
C10 is right though. Just jump in and start building. You're going to have a great time with a great group of racers! See ya on the track!
- Thanks! I’ll check that out when I get home. I’d like to say that I really feel like you guys are a great group and I look forward to picking up where I left off 2 years ago. Time to find my sinkers and track down the aircraft stripper. — Jav74
- This Hobby takes care of it's own...The Brethren of Speed is a true Brotherhood — LeagueofSpeed
- I like that. Now when I can do simple things like cut and paste from my phone, I’m checking out that mag. It’s not the phone, I’ve never known how to do it from a desktop either. Lol! Seriously! — Jav74
Welcome and just jump right in the deep end. The pencil jig can get you going to start and then you can get creative from there...the vintage 180 high banked two lane curves are hard to find and pricey, but 3D said he was going to start making them as well ...I've got some single lanes laying around here...easier to find. So, as RLD staff...Welcome once again and let me know if I can help with any questions moving forward.
Peace and Speed - League of Speed