I. PLATFORM BASE PREPARATION

A. The flatter the platform, the smoother the racing surface.  Whether plywood or particle board, the platform base must be pre-sanded as evenly and consistently as possible to ensure perfect track alignment and overall ease of construction.  Any belt, disc or hand sanding should be accompanied by a carpenter’s level, T-square or other known straight edge for reference.  Make sure that there is no paint, varnish, grease or dirt on any area of the platform where the track layout would be bonded.

B. Measure twice, cut once.  Lay all the track sections in place, pencil trace their outlines for reference, and mark the location of any access cutouts that will be required to accommodate power taps and/or reed switches.  A sabre saw with a fine blade is best for the access cutouts, using a pilot hole drilled within the cutout area that is large enough for the saw blade.

C. If a one piece infield is to be used, turn the infield material upside down and lay it flat on the platform.   Lay each track section upside down on the infield’s backing in its exact relative position.  Use duct tape to keep tracks sections temporarily aligned if necessary.  Using a carpet knife and/or X-Acto knife, cut the infield material along the edge of the track outline.  Be sure to use a sharp blade, keep the knife vertical, and make a clean cut to ensure a tight fit.