[JasonB]

Compact layouts are always popular but often difficult to achieve. Fitting an interesting track onto a single sheet of MDF is a real challenge, but it's not impossible.

SCX-5013

   
       
   


SCX-5015

   
       
   


SCX-5021

   
       
   


SCX-5023

   
       
   


SCX-5032

   
       
       
   


SCX-5036

   
       
   


SCX-5112

   
       
   

[BAracer]

Jason

Are you up for a challenge???

I'm liking SCX-5036, nice and sweepy, but I am wondering about storing an 8 x 4 layout that has a 'flyover' incorporated on it. 

So I am wondering what similar layouts might be achievable if, instead of a bridge, it incorporated a crossroad piece. It would just be a solo test track for me to run one car on, so no risk of collisions! It should also incorporate a crossover piece somewhere so that my car alternates between slots every lap.

If you could recommend a track planning software programme, I would be happy to have a go as well...

Cheers

[JasonB]

Yes, I'll have a look at it for you, no problem. I'm assuming that being a solo test track you won't be needing the digital sections?

If you fancy having a go yourself, there aren't that many software options left nowadays. I've always used Ultimate Racer which I think is great, if a little buggy in places. Or you could try SlotMan, available in The Manual. It's free, but I can't remember if it has all the track sections, and it takes a bit of getting used to, at least it did for me.

[BAracer]

Cheers

Yes, analogue.

And I'm off to look at Slotman...[which I now see is a windows programme, and my laptop of choice is a Chromebook, hey ho]

Thank you.

[KensRedZed]

Slotman was used to make this design. It fits on a 4x8 table and uses R2 radius curves.

One option is to change the over-pass on the right side for a 90 degree crossover and lay it flat. Then lift the left part over the track instead.

   

Jason. I like 5032. A bit challenging to marshal. But the curves are wicked! 

[chrisguyw]

I'm liking SCX-5036, nice and sweepy, but I am wondering about storing an 8 x 4 layout that has a 'flyover' incorporated on it. 

Hi Jeremy, If you are planning on "storing" a 4x8 track, why not consider routing one  ???......lots more design options, less issues with storing, and a far better testing venue for your proxy cars.

Cheers
Chris Walker

[JasonB]

Here's a quick rework with the flat junction. One or two borders would need to be trimmed a little to fit the 8x4 footprint.

   

I feel like I should add a note of caution here though, as I honestly feel like this sort of track will be quite unlike most other tracks you'll race on, with the predominance of tight R1 corners.

As Chris said, a routed track would be great, but if you're anything like me, you probably don't have anywhere to make one.

But looking at the tracks above, I just wonder whether something like SCX-5015 or SCX-5112 might make a better test track? They might not be as visually appealing, but they have a much more even balance of corners. You could replace the flat R3s on the left with banked R3s, which would give you a nice high speed section round the outside, and you could replace a couple of the R2s with an R2 crossover curve, so that you drive both lanes, and therefore test your cars on every radius of corner that Scalextric have to offer. Just a thought.

Let us know how you get on with SlotMan. It's ages since I used it, and I'm so used to using UR that I found it difficult to change my habits.

[BAracer]

Many thanks for the overnight responses.

We are out for the day today, but I will have a good think about what I want, what I need, and what I might be able to build!

[woodcote]

I just wonder whether something like SCX-5015 or SCX-5112 might make a better test track?

That was my thought too - both would make cracking test tracks. 8 x 4 is a really good size for a track on a board to store against a wall. Storing vertically does limit any scenics, so I'd be maximising the amount of track and using as many big radius corners as possible - especially if it's a test track for club or proxy racing.

Ideally, I'd go for a track surface and the sort of turns I'll be racing on at my regular club... If that's WHO Digital, that's Scalextric Sport and mostly R3 and R4 corners - although an R1 hairpin is always a good test of the balance of the car. Of course, it's impossible to replicate 25-30 foot straights... but that's why we hire the Barn - to build tracks none of us can build at home!

Whatever design you go for, it's very exciting

[BAracer]

So have had a think...

One arrangement could be this on an 8x4 board that comes out at weekend to check basic balance and characteristics of cars: -
   

And something like one or other of these routed beauties on a table out in the garage to stretch the motors a bit and to find the limits of tyre adhesion: -
     

   

But I have no router, let alone any routing skills. If I was to learn the art of routing a wooden track, would there be any benefit is starting by making a smaller 8x4 track first? How would that layout differ to one based on Scalextric track pieces? 

[Does anyone make bespoke routed tracks for sale to the UK? I think I saw a modular type product made in Australia.]