[masto182]

Hi, 

I'm planning out my first decent track. I've taken the time to read about track design and have tried to incorporate most of the suggestions I have read.

I'm trying to understand where I should start the elevation on the back straight, the nested r3 and r4 I plan to be banked corners.  In the image, I set the pieces to transparent where I think the elevation should start.

My questions I have are;
- is that a good place to start the elevation?
- The double lane changers are they too close to the banked turns (I read this can cause issues)
- the r1 60 turning right connected directly to the r3 nested banking, will that cause an issue, and should I put 1 or 2 extra straight pieces in place to flatten off after the banking?
- Can you identify any other suggestions for improving this layout?

[woodcote]

Welcome Masto182 

Great looking track. I also think you’ve successfully identified the 3 main issues with the layout. 

Changes in elevation (and banking) need to be as gradual as you can make them, especially with Carrera track, which is totally rigid and offers very little flex. The banked curves do look cool, but a flat R3 curve will make your layout function much better. Yes, going from bank to R1 corners will be a big issue and two extra straights would be the minimum, I think. If flat, the R1-R3 transition becomes a nice feature. 

Likewise with the lane-changers at each end. They do need to be as flat as possible. My other concern about the changers in an acceleration zone (exit of a corner), cars could get a bit sideways as they approach the elevation/bank - and potentially into oncoming traffic in the inner loop. My preference is for a lane changer in a deceleration zone - most importantly it does not put the overtaking car at a disadvantage.

Specifically on the elevation: this is crucial to squeeze such a nice layout into a small space. The gradual elevation on the straight looks perfect. However, the sudden decline into the infield looks too steep to me. You could make it nice and gradual again, ending no earlier than the corner before the powerbase / start straight.

Could you confirm the direction of travel? If it’s right to left on the top straight (you say this is the start of the elevation), then I wonder if you could look at whether the layout could be run in the opposite direction? That would position the double lane changer in the deceleration zone going into the R3 corner - a great overtaking spot as it then hits the R1 complex… When you run a track, there are always tweaks you find will improve the layout that you couldn’t predict in the planning stage. Lane changers especially might be moved or removed (it is possible to have too many!). You might also find a single lane pit is more than sufficient and actually gives you more capacity.

I hope that helps.