[Scafremon]

I purchased Tracker 2000 to help me design my next track layout. I'm starting to get the hang of the software - the split/join track feature is nice.

I'd like to get your input on the current design I am working on. I have uploaded the .tr3 file in case you would like to assist by modifying it.

The file will show my current inventory of track. I was a bit shocked to realize that even after purchasing an SI set and a BBB set (along with a few more pieces) I am still about $150.00 short in needed track based on this design So the track has started to slowly change, as I try to use more of my inventory pieces. But, I don't want to build a poor track just because I'm trying to only use what I have.

The layout is 2 4x8's, and since they will be stored seperated, I am trying to keep straight pieces over the split, so when I carefully pull the tables together, I can make the track connections over the split. I am also trying to keep the track flat, since the tables will be stacked with spacers and raised to the ceiling of my garage. However, I'm tempted to work in the few 12" banked pieces I have, to save some $$ on more track.

Anyway, suggesstions on improving the design are appreciated. Even negative comments will be appreciated. I have virtually zero experience running slot cars, so I'm not sure what really works, and what doesn't.

Thank you.

 

[Scafremon]

No matter what you do, make sure you lay the track out and run it before you finalize your design. Sometimes what looks good in the program doesn't always 'flow' right when you actually build it.

I hear what you are saying. One thing I am trying to do is get a fairly close estimate on what track pieces I need to purchase, since I am realizing this can get expensive. Having done 3 or 4 designs, I am seeing that I need a bunch more 15" straights and larger curves, no matter what I do.

I was just looking at the track pics you posted, and noticed how drastically different our layouts are. I'm in a poor position because I have no idea how those consecutive curves I have are going to play out - if I will enjoy that aspect, or just wish I just had bought more straights.

My SI set will arrive on Monday, so I am going to try next week to build a small track, and test out some different aspects, such as all those 6" curves. Unfortunatly, the only cars I have are Super G+, and I am already thinking I need to try some different cars on a track to get a better feel for how it runs.

Or, I am simply overthinking this - something I tend to do.

 

[Scafremon]

No offense....

None taken whatsoever! I was hoping to get some criticism on the design. If everyone would have posted 'best layout ever' I would've probably stopped visiting this forum.

As for scenery, I wasn't planning on any, although, as I see more and more of these landscaped tracks, I could see myself going that direction at some point. I just think that would be later - after I experience just the racing part of slot cars, and if I get to that point, I would start over with a new design.

I agree with the visual appeal of an overpass. Just adding a little elevation to a flat track makes a difference. I noticed that when I built a door track, that by simply adding the guard rails helped the visual appeal of the layout. The reason I have not incorporated an overpass (although I may end up doing so) is the limited storage space I have for the track when it is not in use. I just measured, and I have 27" from garage ceiling to the roof rack on my wifes Honda Element (proper air pressure in tires, and it will be 26.75"). I'm leaning towards buying that Racor Lift I posted in another thread, and it will lift one of the 4x8's, with the other 4x8 attached to and hanging underneath it. I'm not sure what the total height of that assembly is going to be (Racor thing and 2 table halves), and what clearance I will feel safe with. Another 4 or 5 inches for an overpass should be doable, but until I really figure that out, I was going to design all flat.

Thanks for your comments...and don't forget to tell me more about the Harbor Freight Wench thing you are using. It's half the price of that Racor thing, but then, it takes up more vertical space (I think).

 

[Scafremon]

I'd really like to see a big long sweeper turn up there on the left, you have enough twisties I think, and a sweeper would add to this layout.

When you say ‘sweeper’, is that like what I have in the upper right corner, or even the lower right corner?

FYI, the 90 degree 9" radius corners aren't really 90 degrees. Don't use more than one in a corner cause there will be gaps.

When you say ‘don’t use more then one in a corner’, do you mean not to use two 90’s to form a 180 degree turn, or something else? I don’t have any consecutive 90’s, except in the wiggles. Is the gap you are referring to a gap that is created between the inside and outside track pieces, or somewhere else? Based on something I read at Greg Braun’s site, I was thinking I would try and maintain the 1/8” gap between inside/outside tracks for the complete layout. Do you have a pic of what you are describing?

I admit I was trying to use as many 9” 90’s as I could, since aside from 6” curves, this is the piece I have the most of.

I think most surfers have seen "portugal in a play room"
But just in case...the article...pictures on the right...
…
Almost everyone has a "favorite" real track...you should include elements from that track that make you like it...

I had not seen “Portugal in a Play Room”….. Oh My!! That is spectacular! You may have just changed everything in how I approach this. Previously, when I thought about ‘landscaped’ designs, I pictured diorama’s in my mind, with buildings and scale people, etc. And while I think dioramas are incredible in their own right, I did not see how the ‘snapshot’ of the diorama fit in with the ‘action’ of the slot cars. I would prefer to see a diorama with fixed mounted roads and cars, and then I could see spending hours talking with the creator about why he/she created each part of the snapshot.

If you have more links to tracks like Portugal, maybe you could start a thread and post them. I would enjoy seeing more layouts like that.

As for a favorite real track, I don’t have one. I don’t follow any type of car racing, except for maybe the weekly car-jackings-turned-into-police-chases I catch on the evening news.

 

[Scafremon]

Here is latest design. I basically just tweaked a greg braun design, by adding some 18" curves, and trying to keep the tracks from getting to close to each other.

I haven't tried an overpass yet.

 

[Scafremon]

Thanks bunches for the input!

I straightened out that one run as suggested, but then added some curves to the short straight beside it. I want to try one set of squigglies, plus, it helps to use track pieces I have.

I had envisioned drivers stations on the ‘inside’ of the “L”, but then read a tip to put them on the outside, to allow clear view of the track for all. I think that makes a lot of sense. It’s also what led me to start thinking about ‘lane selectable’ driver stations, and putting stations on all sides. (Not sure about actually doing that yet – need more knowledge on wiring issues).

After buying two boxed sets (4-Lane SI and 2-Lane Big Block) I was bummed to realize I still need to buy another 50 plus pieces of track for this layout…and likewise, I have about 50 or so pieces that I am not using. That’s why I decided to go ahead and use 18’s, since I have to buy track anyway.

Thanks for the tips on the 90 deg 9’s and the 15” straights. I noticed I do have a couple 180 turns made of (2) 9” 90s, so I will rethink those.

The borders and aprons look great Tycoarm, as do the layouts. I was shopping saws last night online (band and scroll), and I’ve got a feeling my borders are going to resemble yours.

Attached is my current design – 2 revisions since I posted previous design. I’ve added a couple things suggested here, and also tried to get straight pieces over my table split.

One more thing I was considering: With the Big Block set I got one set of 12” banked curves. I think Tomy has a complementary set of banks (either 9” or 15”) for a 4-lane track, but was wondering about using the banks for the 2 outside lanes, and then having the inside lanes lie flat on 9” curves. Any thoughts on that?