DIY Network

Ladies and Gentlemen, Start Your Engines From "Radio Control Hobbies" episode RCH-202

In this segment, Chris Chianelli and guest expert Alan Smith have gone to set up a mega-track racing kit for the residents of youth-care facility The Bethel Bible Village, and they've initiated a real team effort to help build the track. They began with four 4x8 sheets of cabinet-grade plywood to create a racing layout that is 8 feet by sixteen feet. After dividing the track-assembly work between two teams of kids, the track is now complete. The race is just about to begin.

Alan instructs one of the kids in the use of the Scalextric computer-based race-management system. This software allows hobbyists to use the computer to help create track designs, keep track of racecar inventory and -- most importantly -- run a race and determine the winner.

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Ladies and Gentlemen, Start Your Engines

• The track and race-management system are both ready to go. Chris has given a quick lesson on using the car-controllers. The racers are ready.

• On your mark (figure A) . . .

• Get set (figure B) . . .

• Go! The race is on (figures C, D and E)!

Bethel Bible Village began 50 years ago as an outreach ministry near Chattanooga, Tennessee. Part of the goal and mission of that facility is to provide a nurturing environment to help give some unfortunate kids a bit of their childhood back. By donating this track to the facility -- something that hopefully will supply hours of fun for the kids -- DIY hopes to help at least a small amount in that worthy endeavor.