Having never had the ability to send large files, I had never thought of doing a review since switching to broadband I thought I would have an attempt I hope it will generate some interest for others to have ago.

I thought that this product is one I use and like, so it had to be a candidate especially as it is developing alongside Digital which is my Genre of choice when it comes to slotcars. I must also state that I have no connection with the company or creator and have received no payment to post this review.

Although I use this package for Digital it is not purely for digital users, Classic and Sport users are catered for just as well.

Creating your first layout

As you can see the first track section is already laid for you, this is the powerbase track section, a section that must exist in all layouts, and a good place to start. To lay your sections all you need to do is click on them, from the tool bar at the top of the screen. This is so easy for straights then you need to do the curves the same method applies click on the curve you want to use and it is put in place for you, only it may be facing the wrong direction, no problem either press the Space Bar or the D key on the keyboard and it changes the direction curve is pointing, I tend to use the space bar. You may have noticed that this is a Digital powerbase but as you will see in the package it can be a Sport Powerbase if you choose.

Saving a layout is simple and the method we are all used to File: Save as.

Opening a saved layout, again no problem File, Open, and the list of your files appears just click on the one you need. 

Using the Room Designer
Now this is a tool I had to have as I have an odd shaped room a U shape but it is simple to setup again just click on the button that nearest represents your room and it is placed as a base then you click on each wall length and a box appears in which your fill you rooms dimensions it builds a floor plan for you to drop your track into I now use this before building my track layout to ensure what I build, will fit!

Viewing your Layout
When you open the program to start the layout of your track you are presented with a simple perspective view to start the creation of your track layout. Once your track is complete or if it is a big track you can change the view or zoom in or out to suit viewing your layout from different angles. 

Changing the perspective, simply click the mouse anywhere in the viewport and hold the left mouse button and move the mouse about whilst keeping the left mouse button depressed. You will notice that you can move the viewing perspective about quite a bit, and get some really nice views of your layout.

Right, holding both mouse buttons down is not the only way to zoom in and out of a layout, if your mouse has a wheel on it, you can use that instead, no need to click, just move the wheel back and fourth.

Bridges and Raised Sections
This is an almost an automatic feature if are building a track that requires a bridge as you click on the bridge button it will magically raise the section before and then as you enter the next straight lower it again.

Insert
bold'>One of the best updates to this package was the introduction of the Insert or correction facility until this was introduced if you had made a mistake half way through the build it meant you needed to delete all after the mistake and rebuild that part of the track now all you need to do is click on the misplaced part and then click on the button of the replacement part which is then implanted into your design. Great feature for me.

Designing
This package certainly allows you to consider building rally stages or more compressed integrated, tacks, before you shake your head and just give-up you can do all the preparation on the computer, work out all the possibilities then try it out for real. How many times have you/I had an idea in mind but just couldn’t complete it because a few vital parts where missing then you need to wait till you get those parts by which time your enthusiasm has waned, such a package prevents that, it will even list the parts you need to build the circuit you have planned.

Available Layouts
Track Creator 3D also tells you the length of your track in each lane this is shown at the bottom of your screen all the time, during construction to so you are constantly aware should you wish to get that balanced track.

It has some sample layouts in the program ready to use, Such as Grand Prix Layout including Silverstone, and Monaco, Medium layouts, Moto GP circuits, Smaller layouts (where space is limited) Standard Scalextric Layouts, Sport Digital Layouts, and there is an area being developed to add the users layouts.

Print your Layout or Track Part List
Once complete you may wish to print your layout you are guided through the print procedure again it is easy to do, for the parts list it is File; Print Track List this is handy if you are planning a track but haven’t got all the parts you need its almost a shopping list!

Adding Classic
bold'>To switch from Sport to classic click the classic TAB and the only part you can enter is the C8222 converter half straight once that is entered you can continue with all the classic parts when you need to go back to Sport then the same thing occurs in reverse.

Adding Borders and Barriers
Again just click on the part you need to add the boarders and barriers to then switch the TAB “Borders and Barriers” select inner or outer and it’s in place.

Working with the new Sport Sections
Yes this package has the PIT LANE sections ready to use, and it has already opened up the route for some very interesting and exciting layouts.

I do feel that though this is great it is still only a work in progress, and as I would like to take this slightly further to enable the single lane to go off on its own away from the main track as with my planned pitlane.

I am also aware that some people would like to run to inner circuit rally sections infact I can see these single lane sections shooting off all over the place. Even having shortcuts like on the PS games, this could open a whole new form of track building and is going require development.

Track Creator 3D other features
I found other features in the program such as hiding the grid which I use before printing. Changing to wire frame mode, is above me but I am sure those more technical will understand this feature but it has no affect on my use so that’s fine. I have just been told that this will in time be changed so when you go wire frame it will show all the track part numbers now that is a good idea.

Oh and the background feature I have that on all the time so you can see in the first two pictures I prefer the Greenery to the Rocky Mountains but I see that could be fun for Rally track designers out there.

Coming Soon
And for those of you that have Digital take a look at the sections coming out soon.

What I do like about this package is it that it uses K.I.S.S. “Keep It Simple Stupid” as you will have noticed throughout I found myself repeating simply do this etc…..

Now I have put down what I think about this package and hopefully given you some incite into its strength and weaknesses. I hope you find it useful even if it’s not what you want should you have any questions feel free to ask me. I have deliberately not mentioned other available track design products as I have not tried them so I have tried not to compare them.

What does it cost £7.99 if you get it now or £12:99 if you wait for the v2.01

From http://www.trackcreator3d.com/

Bleep (01/2006)