Storage Crate for Piantedosi Track
Posted: Wed Jan 11, 2006 9:44 pm
Well, my older son's den this last weekend built the storage crate for our pack's Piantedosi Freedom track. We used the instructions on their website (http://www.pinewoodderbytrack.com/stow.html) and it came out very nicely.
The instructions were easy to follow and measurements were right on. Though, I would recommend some alterations to their plans if you wanted to build one for your track:
They mention having Home Depot rip the plywood to width, but I wouldn't do that unless you have no other alternative. You are lucky if they make a cut for you within +/- 1/4" of the desired measurement. It would be terrible to build a crate only to find out they cut the width too narrow.
I think the crate is a nice parting gift to the pack from the Webelos II den and is a great way to protect the pack's investment. We had all of the boys sign the inside of the lid so their effort will be remembered for many years to come.
The instructions were easy to follow and measurements were right on. Though, I would recommend some alterations to their plans if you wanted to build one for your track:
- Add a handle to each of the long sides. With the track in the crate (especially with our 48 footer) it is rather heavy. Having handles for 4 people to carry the crate would help spread the load.
- Add casters. To save us middle age folk some back strain. At least two of the casters should be lockable to keep it from rolling around when not wanted.
- Make the crate width 1/4" or 1/2" wider. It was pretty snug on getting the sections into it, especially with the thin rope loops we slung over the ends to aid in pulling them out. If the crate was a just little wider it would make loading and unloading sections easier. Length was not an issue.
- Add cross pieces to the bottom, just like on the top. I do wonder if just having the two bottom runners, without any additional support, may lead to the bottom plywood sagging in the middle.
They mention having Home Depot rip the plywood to width, but I wouldn't do that unless you have no other alternative. You are lucky if they make a cut for you within +/- 1/4" of the desired measurement. It would be terrible to build a crate only to find out they cut the width too narrow.
I think the crate is a nice parting gift to the pack from the Webelos II den and is a great way to protect the pack's investment. We had all of the boys sign the inside of the lid so their effort will be remembered for many years to come.