Building an RC Jump: The Easy DIY Construction Guide

🔨 Step 1: Draw the Sides (Ramp Profile)

On your 15mm plywood panel, draw the side profile of your ramp.

Recommended technique:

1. Draw a rectangle 120cm (length) × desired height (45cm)
2. From the top right corner, draw a gentle curve that descends towards the bottom left corner.
3. Use a flexible object (flexible pipe, flexible ruler) to create a smooth curve
4. The exit angle (apex) should be approximately 28-32°

💡 Tip: Imagine a right triangle where you round off the hypotenuse to create a gradual curve. Avoid sharp angles that could damage the car.

✂️ Step 2: Cut the First Side

Using the jigsaw, carefully follow your outline. This piece is crucial as it will serve as a template.

• Set the jigsaw speed to medium
• Follow the line as closely as possible (stay just outside it)
• Don't force it, let the saw do the work.
• Once cut, sand the edges with 80 grit sandpaper

⚠️ Safety: Wear safety glasses. Secure the sign firmly (clamps or with the help of another person).

📐 Step 3: Duplicate the Side (Template)

Use the first cut piece as a template to trace the second one onto the same panel.

1. Place the first piece on the remaining part of the panel
2. Trace the outline with a pencil (follow it perfectly).
3. Cut out the second piece with a jigsaw.
4. Also sand the edges

✅ Verification: Overlap the two sides. They must be perfectly identical (tolerance ±2mm maximum).

📏 Step 4: Create Internal Reinforcements

Cut your battens to the exact width of your ramp (60cm in this example).

• Number of reinforcements needed: 5-6 cleats minimum
• Distribution: 1 at the bottom, 1 at the top, 3-4 evenly spaced along the curve
• Cut cleanly with a saw (a manual one is OK)

🔩 Step 5: Assemble the Skeleton

Screw the battens between the two sides to form the supporting structure.

Assembly procedure:

1. Place one side flat on the ground
2. Position the cleats perpendicularly
3. Screw each batten in place (2 screws per end = 4 screws/batten)
4. Use 40mm screws for a good grip
5. Position the second side and screw on the other end.
6. Straighten the structure: it must be able to stand on its own.

💡 Pro tip: Pre-drill the holes to prevent the wood from splitting. Use a 3mm drill bit.

🌊 Step 6: Prepare the Rolling Surface

The thin plywood panel (5-9mm) must conform to the curve. Flexing technique:

• Lightly dampen the inner surface (concave side) with a damp sponge.
• Let it rest for 10-15 minutes
• The wood becomes more flexible and pliable.
• Test its flexibility: it should bend without cracking.

⚠️ Important: Do not over-wet (risk of deformation). Just enough to make it flexible.

🔩 Step 7: Secure the Rolling Surface

This is the final assembly stage. Installation technique:

1. Position the panel on the frame, wet side against the battens
2. Start from the bottom (flat part): screw in 3-4 screws
3. Gradually push the panel upwards
4. Screw onto each cleat, going up the curve.
5. Use 25mm screws (going through 9mm panel + biting into battens)
6. Space the screws every 8-10 cm on each batten.

✅ Result: The panel naturally conforms to the curve. If there is resistance, lightly dampen it again.

✨ Step 8: Finishing and Protection

• Sand all edges and corners (120 grit) to prevent splinters.
• Check for sturdiness: no screws should protrude
• Exterior protection: 2 coats of exterior wood paint or varnish (if used permanently outdoors)
• Grip option: Stick adhesive carpet strip onto the surface (better tire grip)

🎉 Congratulations! Your springboard is finished. Allow 24 hours of drying time before first use if painted/varnished.

📏 Run-up Zone (BEFORE the Jump)

• Minimum distance: 5-8 meters of clear straight line
• Surface: Flat, without obstacles (stones, branches)
• Adhesion: Good (short grass, compacted soil, asphalt)
• Purpose: To allow reaching a stable speed before ramping

🛬 Landing Zone (AFTER the Jump)

• Minimum distance: 10-15 meters in a completely clear area
• Ideal surface: Long grass (5-10cm) = best natural shock absorber
• Avoid: Concrete, gravel, areas with obstacles
• Gentle downward slope: Facilitates landing if possible

⚠️ Safety: Clearly mark the area. No one should cross during jumps (risk of collision).

1️⃣ The Approach: Speed ​​and Trajectory

• Always approach the ski jump in a straight line (not at an angle).
• Wheels perfectly straight (no steering)
• Maintain a constant speed for the last 2 meters (no more accelerating/braking).
• First attempt: moderate speed 50-60% (assess jump distance)

2️⃣ Takeoff: Maintaining Balance

• At the moment of takeoff: Release the trigger completely (neither throttle nor brake)
• Let the car "feel" the ramp naturally
• Keep the wheels straight until you are completely airborne

3️⃣ The Flight: Airborne Control (CRUCIAL)

This is THE essential technique for landing on four wheels:

💡 Pro secret: Short reaction times (0.2-0.5 sec). No need for full throttle/brake. A quick tap is more than enough.

4️⃣ The Landing: Absorbing the Impact

• Objective: To land slightly on the rear (rear wheels touch down 0.1 seconds before the front wheels)
• Ideal position: car almost horizontal, nose very slightly raised
• At the moment of impact: Release the accelerator/brake, let the suspension work.
• Avoid accelerating abruptly immediately after contact (risk of rollover).

5️⃣ After Landing: Regaining Control

• Allow the car to stabilize for 1-2 seconds
• Correct direction if necessary (gently)
• Gradually accelerate again once you've stabilized.
• Visual inspection: Check that nothing is trailing/hanging (every 3-4 jumps)