Joined
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88 Posts
Hi All,
Its been about along time for me without a track after a move, but thankfully a new build is underway. My previous tracks ave been scaley plastic. This time I'm going for routed.
The track will be 2 lane scorpius digital/analogue configurable and able to take 1/32 & 1/24 so 100mm lane spacing. Overall lane length is about 23m. In digital will use up to 4 cars.
The area I've got to work with is an unusual space but have settled on a layout that should accommodate the multifunction use of the room. The resulting overall plan size is around 5m x 5m.
The design preference for me was to have a relatively free flowing layout, a long strait included, operational pits, and equal length lanes for analogue mode. Also wanted adequate space for scenery over time.
Also have an idea to add a rally/hill climb stage to the side. Wont finalise this till after the main track is built so I can judge better how it will integrate.
So too he lay out.
![]()
It will run primarily clockwise, but will be able to be operated bi-directionally, for variety.
The red lies show the lane changes. have gone for a couple of true best line bends and a few lane change 'choice' points to mix it up.
I looked into getting the slots CNC routed locally , but the cost was looking like too much, so have started doing the routing myself. I'm trying the method of printing out the layout 1:1 including radius centre marks for routing to start with and see how it goes. Am thinking a combination of routed radius arm for the tight corners and guide strip for longer curves.
To the Build:
The support table gives a feel of the size:
![]()
![]()
The Routing:
This one shows the printed layout laid (light adhesive spray & sticky tape)
![]()
I made a base for the router that fits the spacing of the lanes.
![]()
as well as fit a longer radius jig:
![]()
Having a woodwork setup, for the longer guide I ripped a strip of pine to 8mmx8mm that was flexible enough for the sweeping bends, worked well.
![]()
Once I had one lane done I used a piece of 'yellow tongue' (the plastic joining strip you get out of chipboard floor, left over from some renos) to use as a guide to cut the second slot. The yellow tongue was actually too thick by a smidge, so ran it through the thicknesser!
![]()
and voila!
![]()
a few 'excursions' , but nothing that cant be patched.:
![]()
Still need to rout the braid recess but will do that once all pieces are cut & joined.
The flippers will be aluminum tailored to each LC so will do at end to see how far I strayed of the designed geometry.
That's it for now, will update after next weekend efforts.
Cheers
Ray
Its been about along time for me without a track after a move, but thankfully a new build is underway. My previous tracks ave been scaley plastic. This time I'm going for routed.
The track will be 2 lane scorpius digital/analogue configurable and able to take 1/32 & 1/24 so 100mm lane spacing. Overall lane length is about 23m. In digital will use up to 4 cars.
The area I've got to work with is an unusual space but have settled on a layout that should accommodate the multifunction use of the room. The resulting overall plan size is around 5m x 5m.
The design preference for me was to have a relatively free flowing layout, a long strait included, operational pits, and equal length lanes for analogue mode. Also wanted adequate space for scenery over time.
Also have an idea to add a rally/hill climb stage to the side. Wont finalise this till after the main track is built so I can judge better how it will integrate.
So too he lay out.
It will run primarily clockwise, but will be able to be operated bi-directionally, for variety.
The red lies show the lane changes. have gone for a couple of true best line bends and a few lane change 'choice' points to mix it up.
I looked into getting the slots CNC routed locally , but the cost was looking like too much, so have started doing the routing myself. I'm trying the method of printing out the layout 1:1 including radius centre marks for routing to start with and see how it goes. Am thinking a combination of routed radius arm for the tight corners and guide strip for longer curves.
To the Build:
The support table gives a feel of the size:
The Routing:
This one shows the printed layout laid (light adhesive spray & sticky tape)
I made a base for the router that fits the spacing of the lanes.
as well as fit a longer radius jig:
Having a woodwork setup, for the longer guide I ripped a strip of pine to 8mmx8mm that was flexible enough for the sweeping bends, worked well.
Once I had one lane done I used a piece of 'yellow tongue' (the plastic joining strip you get out of chipboard floor, left over from some renos) to use as a guide to cut the second slot. The yellow tongue was actually too thick by a smidge, so ran it through the thicknesser!
and voila!
a few 'excursions' , but nothing that cant be patched.:
Still need to rout the braid recess but will do that once all pieces are cut & joined.
The flippers will be aluminum tailored to each LC so will do at end to see how far I strayed of the designed geometry.
That's it for now, will update after next weekend efforts.
Cheers
Ray
