[jwillie4308]

I am looking to buy a new digital set and was wondering how much space I need to dedicate to a decent entertaining
Carrera digital setup?

In looking at sets the only flaw with Carrera is track size, so how much space is enough?

 

[EngyPT]

Hi
Well, it depends. I bought two weeks ago the set GT Masters (30152) but i don´t build the layout as they show in the set because i don´t like to use the bridge track. The layout that i have built only with the set tracks have 8 meters (3,20 x 1,3) but if you built the original they have 9m but you need a little more space. I have a lot of fun with the 8m layout (average lap time with Audi 3,400 and 3,300 with the Mercedes) but after that we want always more track. The advantage of small layout is that you easily dismount and mount them quickly. The door of my office is closed at weekend when i mount the track layout because my little and lovely daughter with two years like the cars very much.
If you have space built a larger layout.
Regars
Álvaro Neves

QUOTE (jwillie4308 @ 15 Dec 2011, 01:27) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>I am looking to buy a new digital set and was wondering how much space I need to dedicate to a decent entertaining
Carrera digital setup?

In looking at sets the only flaw with Carrera is track size, so how much space is enough?

 

[MrFlippant]

I would say that 5x12' is probably the minimum space for what I'd call a "good" layout in Carrera. This is, of course, entirely subjective and 100% opinion as opposed to fact. I've seen a lot of really huge and boring tracks, and a lot of really small and boring tracks. But there's one track that stands out as well designed and a reasonably compact space for Carrera sized track. That layout is the one BigAl made with his set. He recently became disenchanted with Carrera digital and switched to Ninco, but kept the Carrera track so that he could run 1/24 scale cars. Here's a pic of his track:

 

[jwillie4308]

If you were going to add any accessories, you would probably add at least another foot in width to that setup. I think I am ruling out Carrera that track and corners are too wide. But their cars are sweet.

Thanks for your help Mr. Flippant

I am getting close to making a decision with your help.

 

[b.yingling]

QUOTE (jwillie4308 @ 15 Dec 2011, 16:26) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>If you were going to add any accessories, you would probably add at least another foot in width to that setup. I think I am ruling out Carrera that track and corners are too wide. But their cars are sweet.

Thanks for your help Mr. Flippant

I am getting close to making a decision with your help.

I feel compelled to point out that if you choose Carrera track, the longer you spend in this hobby the more you will appreciate that initial decision.

 

[jwillie4308]

As a new guy, I am going to have to ask you to explain what you mean by that because I can still be swayed.

 

[JL-F1]

I think Bruce means the Carrera track will stay nice, good contact etc, almost forever

whereas the scaly track doesn't 'age' as well

you know you can easily Chip a Carrera car with a Scalextric digital chip, right?

 

[jwillie4308]

No, i am completely new to this any help navigating this would be great. I have read up on tracks and accessories but that is it. But I have no knowledge on the details of each manufacturers.

 

[astro]

I agree with B.Yingling about the pleasure of driving Carrera - but if there's only room for a simple Carrera figure of 8 - it might lose its appeal...

 

[Sabata]

How much room do you have?

 

[astro]

Maybe you could use a free track designer like Ultimate Racer 3 to see what would actually fit in your space

 

[jwillie4308]

12 by 4. I would like to do a L design using the corner of the room. I really dont want to go wider than 4ft. beacause I have children under 10the who will need to reach over the table.

 

[cincyslots]

Carrera Digital is the way to go IMO. You can run 124 and 132. The track just looks impressive laying on the table. As for size, you can pack a lot of track in 16X8.6. Here's a video of mine running 5 ghost cars and myself. Well, I was going to post it in this thread but I don't see how. Here's the youtube link.

Ghost cars

 

[b.yingling]

My comment was because of how Carrera track drives.

It is slightly more difficult to assemble than some of the other options, but once assembled it provides a wide, smooth surface that is as close to wood as you will get w/o going to wood.

 

[hkfears]

I would suggest 12'x8', i.e, 3 sheets of plywood. Also, make sure your design does not have any de-slot sections in the center of the track.

Harold

 

[Turismo]

Cincyslots
Nice setup.
I have some qs if you don't mind.
Do the autonomous cars run at one pre programmed pace? Or can this be varied to run as a true competitive ghost car?
Also, will the autonomous car lane change or run a preset path?
Thanks

Jarrod

 

[b.yingling]

Fixed speed, random lane change.

A piece of tape over the LED sensor makes them no lane change.

 

[Turismo]

Is there a system (different brand) that will remember a fast pre programmed lap?

I think I scx might do that?

 

[b.yingling]

Out of the box- no.

SSD with SSDC can use variable speed pacers- but it is problematic. I don't know anyone who posts here regularly who has good success with it, but the SSDC users can give you a better answer.

Scorpius plans variable speed pace cars, but I don't believe they are available yet.

It is a more difficult task than it appears at first glance. You would almost have to have sector timing (part of the Scorpius solution, I think), as cars will not duplicate laps endlessly. Grip changes, braid contact is not 100% the same, and small inaccuracies can translate into big differences over time, etc.

Carrera users who feel they absolutley have to have a competitive ghost will often run a ghost car with magnets, and their own, driven car w/o. On a technical track, you can setup a ghost you can't beat.