Number of lanes

[neonglass]

I'm planning on building an analog track in my basement in a space about 10' by 22'. I plan on using Carerra plastic track. I'm using the Autorennbahnplaner program for track design. I'm having a problem deciding if I should do 2 lanes or 4. Besides almost doubling the cost having 4 lanes shortens the track length I can fit. I know that except for a few hours a month when our group gets together to race I would be on the track by myself. I'd like to hear what other people think.
Larry

[Ragtopman]

Hello Larry,
I just went from a 2 lane to a 4 lane analog Carrera track in my attic (12’x’16). I know you will lose a bit of length compared to the 2 lane but it is way better when friends or family race w 3 or 4 lanes going. Well worth the cost and the sacrifice in length imo. Also, I do race solo a lot of the time and find racing on the different lanes more challenging. Just my 2 cents. Good luck! -Geoff

[chappyman66]

Several thoughts:
I had an Artin 4 lane (very similar to Carrera) back in the 90s. It's really fun to have more than 2 cars running at a time, but I never had a regular race group.

My first wood track is 3 lane 4x16. A compromise between 2 and 4 lane. Very fun when my wife and grandson would race with me. When alone, not so much better than the 2 lane.

The tracks in the group I race with are all 2 lane....Carrera and Scalex, and my new routed 2 lane. I finally realized that without a regular group, it wasn't worth having more than 2 lanes. For a group of 4-5 racers, 2 lanes is adequate so you have marshals. To marshal a 3 or 4 lane track you really need a regular group of 6 or more.

So think about how many folks and what so of layout you like. There isn't a wrong choice.

[RichD]

The number of people that you would expect to race with is a major factor in deciding how many lanes you would need. If you would only be doing informal running VS formal racing that would be a factor as well. When you design your layout be aware that the middle of a ten foot wide table will be difficult to reach. Having to use grabbers to retrieve cars does not work very well in my experience. Do not be obsessed with trying to cram the maximum amount of track into the available space. A track with good flow is usually more satisfying in the long run.

[WB2]

How about a one lane track?
Friends show up - run on time.

Since you want to use Carrera track, get one lane crossing. It will double your lap length when running alone.

[jaws]

The number one thing to look at is how the track will work for you. I have two tracks, both Carrera. The two lane is a more technical track, 10 x20, because of the 2 foot offset for the hill and bridge crossover. the track is easy to marshal the cars. This track has been used for Club racing and a few Proxy races. The other is a 4 lane, 8 x 24. The 4 lane is long straights with some curves to help change directions. This track is used for racing when a group of people are over, either the Grandkids or Race clubs. The 4 lane tracks are much harder to marshal the track and it can be difficult for small ones to put their cars back on the track. When I have a race, some guys will want to race on the 4 lane because it gives them more track time using all 4 lanes vs 2 lanes. Both tracks have bridges to make all lanes equal in length. Both tracks are about 85 feet in length.

Jim W

[HomeRacingWorld]

[mattb]

I agree with Harry on this. If you ever hope to have a small group of regulars or to entice new guys to join up, I would want at least 3 lanes.
If you doubt ever having more than one other racer, just go with 2 lanes. To have new guys show up and not to enjoy racing 3-4 wide, you may lose them pretty quick. Lot of fun to have 3-4 guys fussing with each other, racing and wrecking. The fun is what brings them back.

Not so much fun just watching somebody else.

[4380r]

[downtowndeco]

When I built my last HO track I stuck to 2 lanes because not only would I rarely have more than a couple guys race on it, but it just looked & flowed so much better w/2 lanes vs 4. Every corner got to have a wider radius, every piece of track was easy to marshall & maintain.

[Xr4ti]

My six lane oval has all the variety I want in radii. It's like having 6 challenges instead of just 2 or 4 and come race party time, I'm ready. More is better.