Manx Club

Bud - I have one more question about the VCR track. How wide are the lanes? I know about the max width of the "car", I would like to make a starting grid lineup tool. Thanks! Tom

Tom-Kathleen wrote:Bud - I have one more question about the VCR track. How wide are the lanes? I know about the max width of the "car", I would like to make a starting grid lineup tool. Thanks! Tom

Tom,

I'm sorry, I don't know. I don't have access to the track until I get to the MOTB on the 10th. This track is a loaner.

Bud

Wow....we need to get this track a mate seeing that it is a loaner.[emoji14]

Tom, the track lane is around 11 inches wide. It has two rods that come up through the track, the cars rest against the rods until a pin is pulled, the rods rotate forward under spring tension, releasing the two cars at the same time. If you need a exact lane measurement, the track is Vince's house already.

Thanks Paul. Each lane must be 11" wide because the max car width is 9". I think there is going to be a lot of trouble keeping the "cars" going straight for the length of the track. Tom

Tom-Kathleen wrote:Thanks Paul. Each lane must be 11" wide because the max car width is 9". I think there is going to be a lot of trouble keeping the "cars" going straight for the length of the track. Tom

Tom, I think you are right but that seems to be the issue for all VCRs. Go on youtube and search on "valve cover racing." There are a lot of videos. Some of the tracks are pretty bad but you'll get the idea.

Probably the way to handle the problem of the VCR's not going straight is to have the owners line them up for the start, that way they can't blame the officials for not doing it properly. Also to let people have several test runs to get an idea of how the VCR performs, to learn how to line it up for a good run. Tom

This seems to be getting somewhat competitive. If you let the officials set up every race, everyone has that equal chance of losing. Besides I at least know my VCR will be sitting in the winner circle while I'm drinking the customary and traditional quart of cold milk.


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If it is obvious that the VCR was aimed crooked and runs into the wall, we can just re-run the race. The picture of the track looks to me that it will be easy to line the VCR's up to run straight. With the tipped up angle of the start line, just sight along the wheels and aim the VCR straight.

I know we are all going to be very competitive, but we are also all good friends. We will get it done so everyone has the best chance for their VCR to run it's best. I agree with Jon, let the same one, two people set up every race for consistency.

I look for this to be a big deal and a lot of fun! I am looking forward to seeing every ones VCR's and their design's.

So as I reread this, I keep looking for the bad news. Buggies, VCRs, picnic, friends, A few side bets. Life is good.


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Tom-Kathleen wrote:Probably the way to handle the problem of the VCR's not going straight is to have the owners line them up for the start, that way they can't blame the officials for not doing it properly. Also to let people have several test runs to get an idea of how the VCR performs, to learn how to line it up for a good run. Tom

Tom, no decisions have been made yet on the launch protocol but I can tell you that we won't be doing test runs (other than to ensure the track is assembled correctly). As you know this is a first-time try at doing this activity so it's a learning curve for everyone. Just another attempt at keeping the event fresh with new activities.

Now, I've shown you mine (Project Z) so it's time for you to show us one of those engineering marvels you are working on

Hey Bud, I'm fine with the "no test run" concept just as long as you let me pick my time slot... I'm bringing highly sophisticated Nasa engineered atmospheric pressure monitoring equipment that will calculate the best conditions to execute launch.

vincent9993 wrote:Hey Bud, I'm fine with the "no test run" concept just as long as you let me pick my time slot... I'm bringing highly sophisticated Nasa engineered atmospheric pressure monitoring equipment that will calculate the best conditions to execute launch.

Hmm, did I say launch (slip of the tongue )? I meant starting protocol.