[JasonB]

I have bemoaned the lack of slot track design software for a while now. 

With the disappearance of Ultimate Racer, Scalextric Track Designer, SlotMan, Tracker 2000 and Track Power, it has felt like the ultimate goal of a modern, relatively inexpensive, cross platform planner had waltzed off ever further into the distance. 

All of which made it a great pleasure to be contacted by the developer of Race Track Lab, a free, web based, cross platform, slot track designer.

Since it is browser based, there is no need to download or install, you simply register, and start designing. It also means that you can access Race Track Lab from any device; desktop, laptop, tablet, and/or phone, all you need is a web browser.

The system provides real-scale measurements, multi-lane layouts, inventory management and a community circuit library. It supports Scalextric (SCX), Ninco, Carrera, Policar, and Scaleauto tracks, with Scalextric (UK), 1/43, and HO to come.

           


Having briefly tested it my first impression is that it is very good. It feels exactly like where we should be with a track designer, and that is a huge compliment, as it's a first time in over a decade I've said that. It seems well designed, intuitive, and simple to use.

If you're anything like me, you probably have your favourite old track designer stashed away somewhere, and it probably does everything you need it to do. But if I were new to the hobby, I would be very tempted to go for Race Track Lab.

https://racetracklab.com/

[Kevan]

It's there a link to the website?

[JasonB]

Oooops!! Link added. 

[Kevan]

I'll admit I've always loved making tracks.  I used to spend ages drawing layouts by hand when I was in the local RC car club then laying out a circuit on our indoor carpet from one of my chosen designs.

So it's no surprise I'm enjoying 'playing' with this software 

[RetroRich67]

This is great! Thanks for sharing Jason. Looking forward to the Scalextric (UK) track being added, and hopefully the Rally Chrono Pack can be included in the SCX classic section too.

[racetracklab]

Thanks again for the warm welcome. I have some big updates based directly on your requests from this thread:

Following up on my first post, I wanted to share a major update to Racetracklab.

Thanks to the feedback from this community, I have added two of the most requested features: live metric/imperial system support and the official Scalextric UK (Sport) track system.

Here is the breakdown of the new features now live in the track designer:

* Metric and Imperial System Support:
You can now toggle instantly between the metric system (millimeters and meters) and the imperial system (inches and feet) directly from the designer sidebar. The entire canvas and measurements will adapt in real time.

* Integration of Scalextric UK (Sport):
We have fully integrated the Scalextric UK catalog with official measurements for accurate layout building.

* More tracks for Carrera Digital:
We have completed the Carrera Digital catalog, adding all the missing special tracks and lane-changing sections so you can design your digital layouts without limits.

* Scaled Icons and Reorganized Menu:
All track piece icons have been redesigned to represent real-life scale proportions relative to each other, making the selection menus much faster and more intuitive.

* Quick Screenshot Button:
Added a capture button so you can instantly download a clean, high-resolution photo of your circuit with a single click without needing to save it.

* Standard Accessory Set for Combos:
Added a new button inside the combo section that allows you to instantly apply a standard set of accessories (borders, kerbs, and fences) to the entire loop at once.

* True-to-life Track Redesigns:
We have visually overhauled several key track pieces such as powerbases and special combos so their digital rendering matches physical tracks exactly.

* Toggle Track Markings:
We enabled the option to toggle (show/hide) custom markings and lines on special sections like chicanes, start lines, and pit lanes.

Happy to answer questions or take feedback on these additions.

racetracklab.com

[JasonB]

Great updates. 

The Scalextric track addition is great for UK users, and the imperial measurements should be good for the USA.