4 lane Track box plans?

Feb 23, 2014
624
1
16
11
Sure I could throw together a track box but I'm looking for some good tips. Here are some of my thoughts.

Note: I'm thinking nothing but the track in the box.

1. able to stand in corner (4 lane)
2. straps to hold in place?
3. minimum size wheels?
4. 4 swivel casters or just 2
5. pull cart? (swivel front end like the old wooden go cart)
6. ahhh beverage holder? /images/boards/smilies/smile.gif
7. 1/2 ply wood strong enough?
8. and I'm thinking screwed and glued.
9. hinge-Piano a good idea?
10. I'm all ears if you have a good idea!!

Thanks!
 
Based on the boxes we built for our track, my first recommendation would be for two handles per end. When loaded, the box is quite heavy and unwieldy. 1/2" plywood would be plenty strong. I'd recommend going a little smaller, though. 3/8" maybe. Unless you plan on making a very large box, you'll need two — the curve section won't fit into a box with all the other track in it. We use one box for the main track, the second box contains the curve and stop sections, plus the various supplies we use on race day. Casters or wheels are a great idea. Until this last race, we held the race right next to where we store the track. This time, we were in an out-building, which made moving the track much more difficult. As for hinges, the piano hinge might be overkill. At the very least, though, use three hinges for the lid. Our boxes are made of pressboard, and while being rather rough, they are also a little flimsy and let the lid get out of position.
 
Our Pack's track box has one fixed caster attached on one end set so it just barely doesn't touch when the box is sitting on the ground. One guy can lift the opposite end and roll it by himself. The box sides are only 1/4" plywood but the box is still pretty heavy. It does have handles at both ends so two guys can lift it in and out of a truck , down the stairs, etc.
 
Our district uses a small cover trailer (4x6'?) and each section has a shelf to slide into. May want to check out how those large concert equipment trunks are made.
 
leave it up year round and test
dancelaugh