[Johno]

Are there any track planning programs that can plan a track for you ? i.e you enter your footprint size , track stock and it comes up with a suggestions ?

Thanks in advance.

[Kevan]

There's a shortage of track planning software period..I doubt any have a facility like that built in, none I've used.

[JasonB]

I've never heard of anything like that, and as Kevan said, track planners of any description are becoming increasingly rare.

But if you post up the footprint you have available, and the stock and type of track you have, we might be able to come up with some suggestions.

[Johno]

I've never heard of anything like that, and as Kevan said, track planners of any description are becoming increasingly rare.

But if you post up the footprint you have available, and the stock and type of track you have, we might be able to come up with some suggestions.

I have a 9ft x 5xft board , its Carrera digital , i have plenty of standard straights,standard curves and 6x r3 30's put happy to invest in more variations to make it work , i would like to incorporate a pitlane.
Thank you.

[MrFlippant]

softyroyal.de is a great web based carrera planner, but you do have to do the designing part yourself. :)

[JasonB]

As you are probably aware, Carrera is one of the more difficult track systems to fit into a compact footprint.

If you want a flat track with a pit lane, lane changer, and borders you may be limited to either an oval...

   

... or using lots of R1 corners.

   

If you're happy to have a multi level track with bridges, then you can fit more track in, but might have visibility issues.

   

   

   

There are places where you'd want longer straights before the lane changers and pit lane entrance, but I'll leave it to the digital experts to advise you on that.

[Johno]

As you are probably aware, Carrera is one of the more difficult track systems to fit into a compact footprint.

If you want a flat track with a pit lane, lane changer, and borders you may be limited to either an oval...



... or using lots of R1 corners.


If you're happy to have a multi level track with bridges, then you can fit more track in, but might have visibility issues.







There are places where you'd want longer straights before the lane changers and pit lane entrance, but I'll leave it to the digital experts to advise you on that.

Thank you for taking the time, much appreciated. I'm not adverse to having a multi layer set up , are there better options to elevate track sections than the standard Carrera offerings ?

[JasonB]

I'm not familiar with the Carrera system, but Race Track Scenics make a nice looking girder style elevated track system for Carrera, though obviously that could get expensive.

Another option would be to build some yourself. You can make grass banks out out of papier mache, concrete structures from wood, or girder structures from plastic profiles.

[Scuderia_Turini]

This sounds like a test case for ChatGPT ...


Leo

Edit: - I just asked it to design a Carrera slot car track on a 7 meters by 10 meters baseboard. Just got general comments like "include a long straight".
Not sure what language needs to be used to ask the question appropriately.

=================================================
Designing a Carrera slot car track on a 3-meter by 7-meter baseboard provides ample space for a detailed and exciting layout. Here's a layout suggestion that you can use as a starting point:

Track Layout Overview:

Track Length: Approximately 21 meters (69 feet).
Layout Style: A challenging, multi-level circuit with a variety of turns, straights, and elevation changes.
Theme: Classic race circuit with some unique features.
Track Components Needed:

Carrera track pieces (standard straights, curves, crossovers, banking curves, and supports).
Carrera slot cars.
Controllers and power supply.
Scenery and decorations (model buildings, trees, figures, etc.).
Layout Description:

Main Straight (Start/Finish):

Start with a long straight section for high-speed racing.
Install a lap counter to keep track of laps.
First Turn and Elevation Change:

After the main straight, create a sweeping curve that leads into a gentle uphill section.
Incorporate a chicane or series of S-turns to add complexity.
Elevation Change and Split Section:

At the top of the uphill section, introduce a split in the track.
One path continues with a downhill slope, while the other goes into a looping section or an overpass.
Looping Section (Optional):

If you choose to include a looping section, make sure it's fast and exciting.
The looping section can pass over or under the main track, adding a dynamic element.
Downhill and Hairpin Turn:

The path from the elevation change comes downhill with a sharp hairpin turn at the bottom.
This turn can be a challenging point for racers.
S-Curves and Chicanes:

Create a series of S-curves or chicanes to test the drivers' skills.
Use banking curves or elevation changes to add variety.
Long Straights and High-Speed Section:

Include a couple of long straights for high-speed racing.
Install a short straight with a jump or hump for a bit of excitement.
Tight Hairpin Turn:

Near the end of the layout, introduce a tight hairpin turn that requires precise control.
Final Straights and Finish Line:

End the track with a series of straights leading to the finish line.
Place barriers or guardrails to prevent cars from leaving the track.
Decorations and Scenery:

Add model buildings, trees, signs, and figures to enhance the circuit's visual appeal.
Create a pit lane area with pit boxes and mechanics.
Remember to adjust the layout to fit your specific track pieces and accessories. Additionally, fine-tune the design as you build it to ensure that all track pieces fit together seamlessly. This layout provides a mix of challenges, speed, and excitement for slot car enthusiasts on a 3m x 7m baseboard. Enjoy building and racing on your Carrera slot car track!

[Kevan]

This sounds like a test case for ChatGPT ...


Leo

ChatGPT is a text-based model and does not have the capability to create images