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How to Build an RC Carpet Track

RC cars, also referred to as radio-controlled cars, are vehicles that can be controlled from a distance by a handheld controller. Featuring either an electric or a small internal combustion engine, RC cars vary in size from 1/5th to 1/24th scale. As an RC enthusiast, having an RC carpet track to drive on will help you hone your driving skills and, once you are ready, allow you to race against your friends. Since the track will be designed by you, you can feature as many tight corners, hairpin turns and fast straightaways you want.

Things You'll Need

Tape measure
Graph paper
Pencil
Low-profile carpet
Carpet shears
Carpet adhesive
Marker
Caulking gun and adhesive
Rubber cement
Garden hose

Instructions

- 1
  Choose the location where your track will be located.
- 2
  Measure the width and depth of the location using a tape measure. Scale down the measurements using a ratio where 1 foot equals 1 inch in order to draw the measurements onto a piece of graph paper using a pencil.
- 3
  Design the RC track, drawing it onto the graph paper using the 1 foot to 1 inch ratio. Be creative; this is your track so design it the way you want. Be sure, however, to take into account the size of the RC vehicles that will be racing upon it. The larger the vehicle, the wider the lanes will need to be.
- 4
  Cut a piece of low profile carpeting the size of your location using carpet shears. Apply carpet adhesive to the base where the carpet track will be laid. Roll the carpet into place. Adjust the carpet so that it lies nicely in the predetermined location. Stretch the carpet to eliminate any lines or bumps. Allow the adhesive to dry according to the manufacturer's directions.
- 5
  Draw the lanes you designed from the graph paper onto the carpet using a marker and taking into consideration the ratio of 1 inch equals 1 foot.
- 6
  Apply a generous amount of rubber cement to the lines outlining the track lanes. Lay garden hose on top of the rubber cement cutting it where needed with a utility knife. Press the garden hose down so that it seals to the carpet. The garden hose will provide a barrier between the lanes on the track.

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