[BAracer]

A better flowing set of curves, and a perfect fit with the track pieces...I think I am getting there...

   

[BAracer]

Just ran the Lancer for a few laps. Feels ok to drive. Flows well with just the snakey inner straight to add some variety. Not much room to drift around the lower hairpin as there would have to be a steep bank up to the outer loop. So might see if I can add half a straight to that outer loop to give me more options for scenery at the far end.

[OXO cube]

nice find 
i keep saying im going to route a rally layout 
also liking your inner and outer curve additions 

i was thinking it might look cool , if your going to do more scenery etc 
to incorporate a tunnel and have the track cross over itself in that inner added section 
shouldn't spoil the layout and will give more scenery options 
just a thought 

kev

[BAracer]

I had wanted a crossover in the central section in order to create some left hand turns, but I am not aware of any such 90 degree piece of track that could be used or created in Scalextric Classic.

[BAracer]

So the time is approaching when I need to start rebuilding the track.

   

I want to create elevation around the outer loop, rising up from zero to around +100mm. Rather than use the cardboard box lids in the photo, I need some advice on how to properly support the track where it is raised off the baseboard. I was thinking of using a strip of thin flexible hardboard to provide continuous support to the track and avoid sudden changes in gradient. Then I would prop that hardboard up at appropriate points to create the ups and downs I am looking for. 

I had also thought of laying the track on rigid foam insulation board, but I am not sure how easy it would be to carve sloping sections into that material. 

Any advice gratefully received.

[BAracer]

The nights are drawing in, so time to get on with it!

Out with the old...
   

In with the new...
   

And an initial playing around with a rough layout based on a plan I have sketched up!
   



Initial impressions are: -

2.4m x 1.2m (8' x 4') is a 'good sized' base for my layout. Alot bigger than I had imagined, but actually it's the size I need for the layout I had in mind.

Lots of room for scenery...so I might try and expand the twisty section at the front to fill up more of the space. Not sure I have enough trees!

My initial thoughts were to elevate the loop at the back, and the 'ice curves' leading up to it. Once I power it all up and run cars round it, maybe I'll mock up a hill and see how it changes the driving experience.

[Gpa113]

Hi Jeremy, 

When I built my second 4 lane layout I wanted elevation changes,  as it definitely adds an extra element of realism to a track.

I used foam insulation boards,  which you can pretty easily carve about to give the desired incline. I then laid Scalextric track straight on top of this, mistake... It is much better to have a thin board under the track, it will work much better.   I had never attempted anything like this, but it really isn't that difficult.  Your initial effort may not be perfect,  but just keep practicing and as the confidence grows, the track layout will start to take shape.  The Great thing about using insulation board is that you can cut, hack, chop it about to your hearts content.  

Once you are happy with how it looks, simply cover with a cheap tile adhesive/grout. I used the cheapest Wickes sold, it was perfect. This goes rock hard, and enables you to then paint and add scenic decoration as you please.

There was a really helpful set of articles in the early editions of Slot Magazine,  by David Jessett of Slot Track Scenics. I got so much help, and ideas from these. Happy to try to send them as scans, or photo copies in the post if you think they would be beneficial. 

Good luck,  and have fun..

Pip

[BAracer]

Thanks for the advice. Will be in touch!

More like this maybe...?

   

[BAracer]

And now with joined up track pieces...

   

[BAracer]

Having run a car round the previous layout, it didn't quite flow as I had hoped, so back to the drawing board...

   

This version definitely looks more flowing, but there is a 5cm gap that I need to fill before I can run cars round.

And I might move some of the ice curves to more reachable locations.