Tron - Light Cycle Racing Project

[captain apathy]

After watcing the movie Tron:Legacy I decided to add another project to my 2011 list. I picked up some diecast cars and decided to give the Light Bikes game a whirl. I am tracking my progress on my blog, link below

http://captainapathy.wordpress.com/2011/02/05/tron-light-cycle-racing/

With regards to the walls, I decided to start with foam core so the project would be less expensive. That way if I didn't enjoy playing the game my investment would be minimal.  I priced acrylic walls and they are not cheap. I might go that route if the game proves to be really fun and something worth bringing to a con.

To deal with the weight issues, and walls falling over, I followed the advice from the Light Bikes rules and used 3/4" roofing nails. They have a nice flat head and add enough wieght to keep the walls from toppling over.

[Slayer]

coolness on a mat

[captain apathy]

Thanks.  Actually the mat pictured is my self healing cutting board.  It hapens to have a 1" grid, so I used it for the pictures.  I am working on a 40" x 30" grid.  It is a black cardboard presentation board similar to what you would use for s school science fair.  I am working on drawing a 1" grid using a blue pencil.  I will post pictures once I have it finished.

[Bagpuss]

This has the poential to be the single most cool thing I've ever seen...

[6milPhil]

Great idea and original which is always good to see. Whereabouts are you and how much did the diecast toys cost you? In the UK via ebay they're around $30 a piece... pricey!

[captain apathy]

Thank you. I can’t claim complete credit for the idea. It turns out Glory Games was thinking along the same lines as I was.

I am in the US and the Tron diecast vehicles were acquired from local department stores for approximately $4 each.

[Isamu]

Maybe a little tip: you may use acryl plates for the lines behind the motorcycles. A nice idea thou in the film.... snake, but cooler.

[anevilgiraffe]

a thought...

could you make the board so it has slightly raised pegs at each grid intersection, that would fit under the bikes bases, and then string coloured wool behind each bike and loop around the pegs...

[Braz]

further to Anevilgiraffe's idea, I'd use pegboard (perforated hardboard) for the base. It's readily available at DIY stores in precut sections 4'x4', they will cut it to size for you,  just needs a good slap of paint and draw your grid lines on. As it is pre-holed, little work, holes are accurately spaced, all that would be needed is pegs; also readily available (roofing nails or shelf hanging pegs). Players place the peg where they move and add the string.  You might have to add a spacer underneath (insulation foam).  Come to think of it I have a spare piece of pegboard...

[anevilgiraffe]

good idea that... pegs only when needed... genius

[captain apathy]

Fantastic ideas.  I will look into pegboard.  Thanks.

[fastolfrus]

Great idea and original which is always good to see. Whereabouts are you and how much did the diecast toys cost you? In the UK via ebay they're around $30 a piece... pricey!

There were a stack of them in our local department store last week for under £5 apiece.
I didn't look too closely as I couldn't think of a use for them.

[The_Beast]

good idea that... pegs only when needed... genius

Yeah? Well REAL genius would have been to put tiny magnets in each hole, then fill with wood putty. You could make magnetized pegs, and you'd only need to buy enough rare earth magnets, lets see, 40 times 30, ...

 

[quiet voice] Never mind. [/quiet voice]

Lovely idea, by the way.

 

Doug

[Junkers]

Awesome idea! I like it 
Good work!