<![CDATA[SlotRacer Forum - Planning]]> https://slotracer.online/community/ Tue, 14 Apr 2026 21:08:38 +0000 MyBB <![CDATA[Track Planner]]> https://slotracer.online/community/showthread.php?tid=5137 Wed, 31 Dec 2025 18:48:54 +0000 https://slotracer.online/community/showthread.php?tid=5137
But progress was slow, potential avenues to explore were blocked after promising starts, and Pierrick became frustrated. There was potential, but I never saw anything that felt as if it even approached a finished product.

A year or so ago, it occured to me that there was already a piece of 3d software which was free, and cross platform, namely Blender. Obviously it was hugely over qualified for the job, but I wondered if, with Pierrick's coding skills, we might be able to simplify it enough for practical use. I set out to test a few things, but stalled on some of the basics before I'd even mentioned the idea. I have most of a useable Scalectric 3d library, but simplifying the user interface, and getting the track pieces to reliably snap together have proved difficult. I haven't given up on it yet, but I am feeling it may be less likely now.

However, I have been doing some experiments on a Blender based, routed track designer, and progress here has thankfully been rapid. 

Below you can see the reults of using an array modifier, which allows a small piece of 3D track to be extended, following a curve, to make a complete track, in this case a three lane layout with 10cm lane widths and borders.

.png Routed-3-Lane-124-003.png Size: 2.21 MB  Downloads: 31


.png Routed-3-Lane-124-002.png Size: 1.61 MB  Downloads: 25
.png Routed-3-Lane-124-004.png Size: 1.78 MB  Downloads: 40



The control points on the curve allow you to change the shape of the track more or less instantly, and really simply. You can see the changes in the track as you work, and the automatic smoothing means you can get a track design together very, very quickly.

.png Design-Routed Track-001.png Size: 561.13 KB  Downloads: 30
.png Design-Routed Track-002.png Size: 553.45 KB  Downloads: 23



Of course you can add more control points, delete them, or change type for finer control, as you'd expect with Blender. But I think these work fine.


There are a couple of complications...

Firstly, the array modifier can't automatically change its length, so there is some tweaking required to make sure the track joins up without overlapping.

And secondly there is a strange problem with rendering whilst the array modifier is active, as you'll see below. This is easily fixed, but the fix prevents you from editing, so you have to make a copy, in case you want to edit further.

.png Routed-3-Lane-124-001.png Size: 1.79 MB  Downloads: 27


Finally, it looks as if elevations may be possible, though that will need more investigation to see if it works reliably.

.png Routed-3-Lane-124-005.png Size: 1.79 MB  Downloads: 37



Fixing the two slight complications would be a bonus, but probably aren't possible. Even as it is, though it's great, so user friendly and easy, though a basic familiarity with Blender is necessary

My intention is to draw up a comprehensive list of track pieces, in a range of lane numbers and widths, and then make it available.]]>
But progress was slow, potential avenues to explore were blocked after promising starts, and Pierrick became frustrated. There was potential, but I never saw anything that felt as if it even approached a finished product.

A year or so ago, it occured to me that there was already a piece of 3d software which was free, and cross platform, namely Blender. Obviously it was hugely over qualified for the job, but I wondered if, with Pierrick's coding skills, we might be able to simplify it enough for practical use. I set out to test a few things, but stalled on some of the basics before I'd even mentioned the idea. I have most of a useable Scalectric 3d library, but simplifying the user interface, and getting the track pieces to reliably snap together have proved difficult. I haven't given up on it yet, but I am feeling it may be less likely now.

However, I have been doing some experiments on a Blender based, routed track designer, and progress here has thankfully been rapid. 

Below you can see the reults of using an array modifier, which allows a small piece of 3D track to be extended, following a curve, to make a complete track, in this case a three lane layout with 10cm lane widths and borders.

.png Routed-3-Lane-124-003.png Size: 2.21 MB  Downloads: 31


.png Routed-3-Lane-124-002.png Size: 1.61 MB  Downloads: 25
.png Routed-3-Lane-124-004.png Size: 1.78 MB  Downloads: 40



The control points on the curve allow you to change the shape of the track more or less instantly, and really simply. You can see the changes in the track as you work, and the automatic smoothing means you can get a track design together very, very quickly.

.png Design-Routed Track-001.png Size: 561.13 KB  Downloads: 30
.png Design-Routed Track-002.png Size: 553.45 KB  Downloads: 23



Of course you can add more control points, delete them, or change type for finer control, as you'd expect with Blender. But I think these work fine.


There are a couple of complications...

Firstly, the array modifier can't automatically change its length, so there is some tweaking required to make sure the track joins up without overlapping.

And secondly there is a strange problem with rendering whilst the array modifier is active, as you'll see below. This is easily fixed, but the fix prevents you from editing, so you have to make a copy, in case you want to edit further.

.png Routed-3-Lane-124-001.png Size: 1.79 MB  Downloads: 27


Finally, it looks as if elevations may be possible, though that will need more investigation to see if it works reliably.

.png Routed-3-Lane-124-005.png Size: 1.79 MB  Downloads: 37



Fixing the two slight complications would be a bonus, but probably aren't possible. Even as it is, though it's great, so user friendly and easy, though a basic familiarity with Blender is necessary

My intention is to draw up a comprehensive list of track pieces, in a range of lane numbers and widths, and then make it available.]]> <![CDATA[Help with planning]]> https://slotracer.online/community/showthread.php?tid=5056 Sun, 02 Nov 2025 23:21:31 +0000 https://slotracer.online/community/showthread.php?tid=5056
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?
.jpg Garage track.jpg Size: 1,011.29 KB  Downloads: 31
]]>
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?
.jpg Garage track.jpg Size: 1,011.29 KB  Downloads: 31
]]> <![CDATA[My first sketch]]> https://slotracer.online/community/showthread.php?tid=4941 Mon, 18 Aug 2025 11:33:52 +0100 https://slotracer.online/community/showthread.php?tid=4941
.jpg 20250813_165328.jpg Size: 1.89 MB  Downloads: 74


Dave]]>
.jpg 20250813_165328.jpg Size: 1.89 MB  Downloads: 74


Dave]]> <![CDATA[Policar track]]> https://slotracer.online/community/showthread.php?tid=4731 Sun, 26 Jan 2025 23:40:34 +0000 https://slotracer.online/community/showthread.php?tid=4731  I currently have a lot of Ninco track, but would need more R4 curves to complete some larger layouts. Ninco R4 curves are quite scarce these days.]]>  I currently have a lot of Ninco track, but would need more R4 curves to complete some larger layouts. Ninco R4 curves are quite scarce these days.]]> <![CDATA[Xmas Four lane Policar track]]> https://slotracer.online/community/showthread.php?tid=4646 Tue, 10 Dec 2024 21:24:34 +0000 https://slotracer.online/community/showthread.php?tid=4646 Im planning on all visitors doing some laps so I can get some race times up and hopefully get one or two interested.
Ive not built a four lane track before and because I will have to build it on the weekend before xmas Im after some ideas.
I have plenty of track stock including some R5's and also a fair bit of Ninco and adapters but would prefer to stick to Policar.]]> Im planning on all visitors doing some laps so I can get some race times up and hopefully get one or two interested.
Ive not built a four lane track before and because I will have to build it on the weekend before xmas Im after some ideas.
I have plenty of track stock including some R5's and also a fair bit of Ninco and adapters but would prefer to stick to Policar.]]> <![CDATA[Policar R1 inner borders]]> https://slotracer.online/community/showthread.php?tid=4615 Sun, 24 Nov 2024 16:24:09 +0000 https://slotracer.online/community/showthread.php?tid=4615
I was thinking about getting inner borders for the r1s but looking at them i suspect each section is only 22.5deg and at £10 for 6 that's ludicrous.

anyway long story short...can anyone conform they're only 22.5deg because the manufacturer and retailer websites don't actually state that?]]>
I was thinking about getting inner borders for the r1s but looking at them i suspect each section is only 22.5deg and at £10 for 6 that's ludicrous.

anyway long story short...can anyone conform they're only 22.5deg because the manufacturer and retailer websites don't actually state that?]]> <![CDATA[Policar Layout POL-1003]]> https://slotracer.online/community/showthread.php?tid=4413 Tue, 09 Jul 2024 20:09:10 +0100 https://slotracer.online/community/showthread.php?tid=4413
I plan to build a table and obtaining the extra track I need.

Thank you]]>
I plan to build a table and obtaining the extra track I need.

Thank you]]> <![CDATA[Track planning software for a Mac?]]> https://slotracer.online/community/showthread.php?tid=4228 Tue, 27 Feb 2024 22:18:31 +0000 https://slotracer.online/community/showthread.php?tid=4228 A search turns up a lot of outdated posts on the subject.
Seems there used to be a free version of the Scalextric track layout design software, but the down load no longer opens (at least on my iOS Mac desktop).
I currently have my set up in an oval on an 8 x 10 on a sheet of plywood off the floor on saw horses.
But I'd like some type of layout design software where I could plug in my current track sections and it would give me a layout I could use on my hardwood floor for a temporaryset up.
I can't see paying for a subscription for using it so little.  Even the old free Scalextric software had a 50 section limit.
Anything out there for a Mac?]]> A search turns up a lot of outdated posts on the subject.
Seems there used to be a free version of the Scalextric track layout design software, but the down load no longer opens (at least on my iOS Mac desktop).
I currently have my set up in an oval on an 8 x 10 on a sheet of plywood off the floor on saw horses.
But I'd like some type of layout design software where I could plug in my current track sections and it would give me a layout I could use on my hardwood floor for a temporaryset up.
I can't see paying for a subscription for using it so little.  Even the old free Scalextric software had a 50 section limit.
Anything out there for a Mac?]]> <![CDATA[Removing painted stripes from track?]]> https://slotracer.online/community/showthread.php?tid=4182 Tue, 30 Jan 2024 20:02:49 +0000 https://slotracer.online/community/showthread.php?tid=4182
Suspecting that solvents might damage the plastic? 

Thanks in advance!
.jpg image.jpg Size: 3.09 MB  Downloads: 85
]]>
Suspecting that solvents might damage the plastic? 

Thanks in advance!
.jpg image.jpg Size: 3.09 MB  Downloads: 85
]]> <![CDATA[Track dodgy]]> https://slotracer.online/community/showthread.php?tid=4173 Sat, 27 Jan 2024 10:47:39 +0000 https://slotracer.online/community/showthread.php?tid=4173
Hi, I love Scalextric but always, I have some niggerling problems. Could you please help me? I have used a track plan and power is reducing on a number of pieces around the track, some of them make the car stop and it only gets going again halfway round the rest of the track. What should I do?

Thanks a lot. Checkeredflag]]>
Hi, I love Scalextric but always, I have some niggerling problems. Could you please help me? I have used a track plan and power is reducing on a number of pieces around the track, some of them make the car stop and it only gets going again halfway round the rest of the track. What should I do?

Thanks a lot. Checkeredflag]]> <![CDATA[New wooden track idea...]]> https://slotracer.online/community/showthread.php?tid=4097 Sun, 24 Dec 2023 00:02:09 +0000 https://slotracer.online/community/showthread.php?tid=4097
Attached is my idea with a alternative in red.

Looking to get some thoughts and/or ideas from the more experienced.  Track theme is 50s 60s early 70s. Roen/Spa setting. 
Thanks
.jpg 20231223_185358.jpg Size: 1.94 MB  Downloads: 103
]]>
Attached is my idea with a alternative in red.

Looking to get some thoughts and/or ideas from the more experienced.  Track theme is 50s 60s early 70s. Roen/Spa setting. 
Thanks
.jpg 20231223_185358.jpg Size: 1.94 MB  Downloads: 103
]]> <![CDATA[Small space Scalextric setup]]> https://slotracer.online/community/showthread.php?tid=3993 Tue, 07 Nov 2023 14:26:45 +0000 https://slotracer.online/community/showthread.php?tid=3993
So I have a small space of 2.51m x 1.05m (8.23ft x 3.4ft) & a decent amount of Scalextric track

I'm new to slot car racing & would love to see some track design options for this space, please see pic for my current setup

I do tend to enjoy long sweeping fast corners like I have setup currently, I don't race with other's much it's more me setting lap times & seeing which of my cars performs best

Is there any way I could improve my layout? I'd love to see! There does  seems to be a fair amount of wasted space in the middle

Thanks!
.jpg WhatsApp Image 2023-11-06 at 20.39.23_fa087a82.jpg Size: 437.41 KB  Downloads: 417
]]>
So I have a small space of 2.51m x 1.05m (8.23ft x 3.4ft) & a decent amount of Scalextric track

I'm new to slot car racing & would love to see some track design options for this space, please see pic for my current setup

I do tend to enjoy long sweeping fast corners like I have setup currently, I don't race with other's much it's more me setting lap times & seeing which of my cars performs best

Is there any way I could improve my layout? I'd love to see! There does  seems to be a fair amount of wasted space in the middle

Thanks!
.jpg WhatsApp Image 2023-11-06 at 20.39.23_fa087a82.jpg Size: 437.41 KB  Downloads: 417
]]> <![CDATA[Newbie Question]]> https://slotracer.online/community/showthread.php?tid=3894 Tue, 12 Sep 2023 15:17:39 +0100 https://slotracer.online/community/showthread.php?tid=3894
Thanks in advance.]]>
Thanks in advance.]]> <![CDATA[Cracking Sillage Track]]> https://slotracer.online/community/showthread.php?tid=3867 Wed, 23 Aug 2023 12:42:33 +0100 https://slotracer.online/community/showthread.php?tid=3867
.jpg Screenshot_20230709_134031_Facebook~2.jpg Size: 168.73 KB  Downloads: 161
   

I reckon that's got everything I look for in a track. Nice combinations of bends with some quicker bits as well. It includes a bridge so should assist with balanced tyre wear left to tight. And it uses all of the footprint without being too Mickley Mouse.

I just need to find a spare 4.8m x 1.8m.]]>
.jpg Screenshot_20230709_134031_Facebook~2.jpg Size: 168.73 KB  Downloads: 161
   

I reckon that's got everything I look for in a track. Nice combinations of bends with some quicker bits as well. It includes a bridge so should assist with balanced tyre wear left to tight. And it uses all of the footprint without being too Mickley Mouse.

I just need to find a spare 4.8m x 1.8m.]]> <![CDATA[Baseboard location solved.]]> https://slotracer.online/community/showthread.php?tid=3657 Thu, 06 Apr 2023 10:05:46 +0100 https://slotracer.online/community/showthread.php?tid=3657
.jpg 16807718542445580604075280681277.jpg Size: 3.43 MB  Downloads: 87
]]>
.jpg 16807718542445580604075280681277.jpg Size: 3.43 MB  Downloads: 87
]]> <![CDATA[GOODWOOD]]> https://slotracer.online/community/showthread.php?tid=3647 Thu, 30 Mar 2023 20:20:29 +0100 https://slotracer.online/community/showthread.php?tid=3647
I am on a mission to create a new track for public events where I raise money for charities. I currently operate www.havenwoodraceway.co.uk which as you will see is great for a bit of fun and was designed to maximise track length in a practical space that could be taken on the road. It also had to be modular for different venues.

JasonB was an earlier collaborator on this and helped me enormously to produce something that presents a drivable solution. 

So here we go again :-)  
Its time to get serious with my slightly smaller automotive addiction and look at creating something new.
My Havewood Raceway, will be out in force during 2023 at a number of events around the country, which I hope to see some of you at.

Not being content with one layout, I am on a mission to build a Goodwood track. I have had a scan on the forum and read many of your comments about the less than exihilarting experience of slot racing on a track that is built to emulate the real world track. Whilst I acknowledge those as reasons not to attempt a large scale Goodwood, I am also focused on public events, which mitigates the idea that this is for hardened slot racers, but more of a desire to entertain casual racers.

So in time honoured tradition, I offer you my first attempt of a plan, which I will at some stage lay down and see how it races, but for now I am keen to hear all your opinions on the design and concept.

I have used the basis of one of the Goodwood layouts I found on the web and have tweeked it for digital use.
The main difference is that I would like to make the start finish straight as similar to the Revival look as I can from a spectacle point of view and hence the 3 lane straight that I have carried around Madgwick corner.
Whilst other parts of the track could also be widened to 3 lanes, due to the tracks size and the experience of 6 cars on large circuits, those lanes would rarely get used. As it is I suspect the outside lane of Madgwick would only get used for the start sequence.

I would also like to experiment with reducing the chicane to a single car pass and therefore the sequence of two R1's followed by an R2 (Half Std) may become a bespoke squeeze section.

Lane changers often become an area of debate, which I have placed based again on some real world experience of the track and areas where there is often juggling for inside lines or in some cases outside lines. Again I appreciate these are not practical concepts that translate into slot racing for fastest laps, but the objective is as much to replicate Revival style racing where the look of something and the variety are as important as outright performance.

Enough of my pleas of mitigation on the design. Grateful for any and all feedback.
Some Stats:
Size: 5.8M x 5M
Lane length: 17.45M and 17.94M (two inside lanes).

Thank you
Paul[Image: goodwood-circuit1-1-jpg.342055]]]>
I am on a mission to create a new track for public events where I raise money for charities. I currently operate www.havenwoodraceway.co.uk which as you will see is great for a bit of fun and was designed to maximise track length in a practical space that could be taken on the road. It also had to be modular for different venues.

JasonB was an earlier collaborator on this and helped me enormously to produce something that presents a drivable solution. 

So here we go again :-)  
Its time to get serious with my slightly smaller automotive addiction and look at creating something new.
My Havewood Raceway, will be out in force during 2023 at a number of events around the country, which I hope to see some of you at.

Not being content with one layout, I am on a mission to build a Goodwood track. I have had a scan on the forum and read many of your comments about the less than exihilarting experience of slot racing on a track that is built to emulate the real world track. Whilst I acknowledge those as reasons not to attempt a large scale Goodwood, I am also focused on public events, which mitigates the idea that this is for hardened slot racers, but more of a desire to entertain casual racers.

So in time honoured tradition, I offer you my first attempt of a plan, which I will at some stage lay down and see how it races, but for now I am keen to hear all your opinions on the design and concept.

I have used the basis of one of the Goodwood layouts I found on the web and have tweeked it for digital use.
The main difference is that I would like to make the start finish straight as similar to the Revival look as I can from a spectacle point of view and hence the 3 lane straight that I have carried around Madgwick corner.
Whilst other parts of the track could also be widened to 3 lanes, due to the tracks size and the experience of 6 cars on large circuits, those lanes would rarely get used. As it is I suspect the outside lane of Madgwick would only get used for the start sequence.

I would also like to experiment with reducing the chicane to a single car pass and therefore the sequence of two R1's followed by an R2 (Half Std) may become a bespoke squeeze section.

Lane changers often become an area of debate, which I have placed based again on some real world experience of the track and areas where there is often juggling for inside lines or in some cases outside lines. Again I appreciate these are not practical concepts that translate into slot racing for fastest laps, but the objective is as much to replicate Revival style racing where the look of something and the variety are as important as outright performance.

Enough of my pleas of mitigation on the design. Grateful for any and all feedback.
Some Stats:
Size: 5.8M x 5M
Lane length: 17.45M and 17.94M (two inside lanes).

Thank you
Paul[Image: goodwood-circuit1-1-jpg.342055]]]> <![CDATA[First time build advice]]> https://slotracer.online/community/showthread.php?tid=3614 Fri, 17 Mar 2023 09:56:19 +0000 https://slotracer.online/community/showthread.php?tid=3614 <![CDATA[Track Design Software / Web Tools]]> https://slotracer.online/community/showthread.php?tid=3600 Tue, 14 Mar 2023 00:45:28 +0000 https://slotracer.online/community/showthread.php?tid=3600
Also, How do they generate the plans shown on this sit, like this one: https://slotracer.online/track-plans/sca...-5133.html

   
Thanks,
John]]>
Also, How do they generate the plans shown on this sit, like this one: https://slotracer.online/track-plans/sca...-5133.html

   
Thanks,
John]]> <![CDATA[4 Lane J track?]]> https://slotracer.online/community/showthread.php?tid=3598 Mon, 13 Mar 2023 10:54:36 +0000 https://slotracer.online/community/showthread.php?tid=3598 <![CDATA[Venture Tape source?]]> https://slotracer.online/community/showthread.php?tid=3567 Mon, 27 Feb 2023 00:07:58 +0000 https://slotracer.online/community/showthread.php?tid=3567 current UK source of 6mm Venture Tape?
A search here found a link in MOTD's Conington Park topic but its a 404 nowadays.

Leo]]> current UK source of 6mm Venture Tape?
A search here found a link in MOTD's Conington Park topic but its a 404 nowadays.

Leo]]>