How to Build Matchbox Car Race Ramps
Matchbox cars are a blast on their own, but when they're on a race track and set to roll down the hill, they're even more fun. Then it's about speed, distance or--if you have some Matchbox stunt tracks--style. Setting up the tracks is half the fun, and once you've got them ready, you can spend the afternoon racing your cars to see which ones are faster.
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Things You'll Need
- Matchbox track
- 1x2-foot plywood board
- Glue
- Stack of books
- Matchbox stunt tracks (optional)
- Ruler
- Screws (optional)
- 3/4-inch thick wood, in 6x2-foot sections (optional)
- Card stock (optional)
Instructions
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1
Glue some spare Matchbox track to the plywood. The narrow edge of the board is the top and bottom, so glue the tracks running from the top to the bottom. Stick down the number of lanes you want to race with. The tracks should extend past the bottom slightly.
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2
Lay out the stack of books at the head of your race track. Place the race ramp on top of the books so that it creates an angle.
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3
Attach some additional Matchbox track, if you have some to spare and want to make a full track. You can also attach any stunt tracks that you have to the race track--to be fair, make sure there are the same number of stunts on both sides of the track.
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4
Hold a ruler a few inches below the tops of the tracks.
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5
Place all of the Matchbox cars behind the ruler at the top of the ramps. When ready to start the race, pull the ruler straight up to release the cars.
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Tips & Warnings
If you don't have Matchbox track, you can make individual tracks on the board. Cut the 3/4-inch board into 1-inch strips. Glue and screw them into place, running from the top of the board to the bottom, and make sure they're parallel. These tracks should be about 2 inches wide--you can use a Matchbox car as a measurement. Glue the cardboard to the bottom to make smooth the transition from the ramp to the floor.
