[Tropi]

Being full of digital cameras, my brain won't work properly today!

But a thought to dissect, by someone in a clearer thinking state -

It seems thatScalextric lane changers (LCs) consist of one active switch and one 'passive' switch and that this is the only reason for the need for four different LCs. If the LCs consisted of TWO active switches, wouldn't this obviate the need for two of the pieces?

A straight X crossover would appear to do the job of all four Scalextric pieces, making it much more versatile and economical.

I am sure Scalextric must have thought of this - they are far from stupid, but I'd be interested to see it discussed.

PS: This split out from a topic dealing with HRW's Scalextric digital review as it did not really fit in there.
Brain just beginning to work now!

 

[astro]

economics-wise, scalextric system requires tooling for 2 sorts of track, which depending on assembly results in 4 products.

The parts in a LH turn in->out are the same as the parts in a RH turn out->in.

Since I imagine the active switching piece to be one of the more expensive components, it makes sense from scalextric point of view to make the product as they do - less manufacturing costs resulting in lower shelf price for us.

SCX LCs are passive so these economics do not apply to that range, but I should think it does also apply to Carrera.

An |X| LC would be more expensive than a |\| LC as it needs 2 switches, and as has been discussed is liable to result in more carnage than a |\|!

 

[darainbow]

Reports are that "X" crossovers add to the chaos and are not as good from a tactical standpoint, which is why Carrera and Scaly went with single LC, IMHO.

From an ownership standpoint, carrera has gotten it right, because you only need 2 types of LCs to actualize any layout. With scaly you need to buy four. And with straight LCs, you can already build 3 or 4 lane digital layouts with carrera offset construction.

I am going to try a "shortest racing line" approach with my new pro-x digital layout im building. There is also alot of flexibilty in where I put the LCs, but with scaly layouts you are limited to where you have 90* R2s.

I think from a track and LC standpoint, carrera is leading right now. I have not tried scalectric digital though, os there may be a good reason to have LCs in turns.