track layout thoughts

[mtrcyclu]

Hey all

I have decided that I am going to go with carrera digital for my 9x5 table top track. With the help of Carrie from carrera slots came up with the track attached. Just wanted to get thoughts and opinions on the track setup. I think there is a lot going on with the track but I think it will be fun. Unfortunately 9x5 is the max space I have to put down the track. Dave (dw5555) gave me a some things to consider and I wanted to get opinions from the rest of you more seasoned in the hobby. thanks and I look forward to your comments and suggestions.

thanks
Tom

[dw5555]

Tom you might have an issue with the inner left side curve where it goes over the track. You have a lane changer exiting under it and you wont be able to see the exit (collisions) I would shorten the straight before the curve so it doesn't go over the track. Then you can lower the inner curve to level there so there is no line of sight issues there. :twocents-mytwocents:
Dave

[Czar]

I'm with dw on this. Actually there is another section on the other end where the "underneath" curve where line-of-sight is also blocked. The corner with the lane changer is going to be VERY problematic. The other will just become an annoyance. Since you can't be inside the car to see the road ahead, it is very important that all drivers can see the course (especially turns, chicanes, etc.) they will be driving.

[goosenapper]

I have a hard time believing that Carrera track is flexible enough to change the amount of elevation that is necessary all around this course.

The whole over-hang above the pits is also above the curve in the right-rear portion of the track, so the downward plane of that curve that heads in to the start/finish line would be quite extreme as you're going from the highest point of the track to the lowest in rather short order, and I don't think the track can handle it. Carrera cars can bottom out, and without any flex in the track (because Carrera track does not flex) you're going to have sharp elevation differences between track pieces.

Even if that up/down is possible, I doubt you'll hit that lane change before the pits too often as the cars will be fish-tailing out of the downward curve and miss the sensor. (even with magnets) You need at least one standard straight after a turn in order for a car to straighten out after a curve, saying nothing of recovering from the g-force of a down-hill curve.

On paper it looks well enough, but experience tells me that this track is going to frustrate more than thrill.

[pgtr]

Is this going against a wall? If so put a long straightaway in the back against the wall - keep your curves and chicanes towards the front where your cars will be in easy reach.

Consider shortening it to flatten the layout. Or if elevating... elevate the rear straight along the wall just enough to slide some curves under it from the inside - this gives a 3d effect and gives you a little extra real estate without blocking any views.

Here's one I designed a long time ago for a 4x8 plus 2x6 'L' extension - note the straight in the back and that straight was gently elevated to allow a couple of curves to go under it. It's not your exact dimensions or brand of track - but you get the idea.

[buspor63]

9X5 is a good size for Carrera. I suggest you sneak over to Slot Car Illustrated and take a look at the many designs "thatguy01" has come up with. If you can, leave some room for track borders, even magnet cars need some wiggle room from time to time.

[slowdogracer]

I have a Hotslots123.com Carrera digital 132 "Mountain Challenge" layout, 9x5, with overlapping elevations and there are no issues with clearance or binding.

[mtrcyclu]

I played around with ultimate racer and came up with another track plan with no elevated track sections, just wanted to get opinions from all you slot car veterans out there. Thanks - Tom

[dw5555]

Tom just 2 comments this time. On the right side loop, it looks like you could get rid of the 1/3 straights and put in full straights instead and it looks like you have all left to right lane changers. How do you get to the outside lane?

Dave

[mtrcyclu]

Hi Dave
Not sure what you mean by the right side loop? as far as the lane changes there are 3 in total. 2 double lane changers. One is on the back short straight and the other is above the pit lane. I think with the colors I chose for the lanes they are hard to see. if you zoom open the file a bit they are easier to see. My fault. The last one is a right out to in , just before the home straight and pit lane.

Tom

[slowdogracer]

Tom that looks like an interesting little run. The pit lane fits in real nice there.