Layout suggestions for wood routed digital 16'x8'

1042 Views 28 Replies 6 Participants Last post by njones11, 2 mo ago

njones11

Discussion Starter · 3 mo ago

Hi all,

I'm looking for ideas on my next layout. Although I designed as Scalextric track it will be all wood routed, so the actual curves will be smoother using the routing template, the straights will have broad curves instead of the R4 pieces.

I would also make the hairpin as large as possible to fit so somewhere in between an R1 and R2.

I tried a number of different things and came up with this. I'm just not entirely sure as it seems unconventional, but It has some balance to it. Also trying to keep the center free of problem areas for marshalling, what do you all think?

Line Font Rectangle Reptile Auto part

See less See more

1 - 20 of 29 Posts

HO RacePro

· #2 · 3 mo ago

I would eliminate that pocket in the middle of the track. It would be hard to marshal, and frankly adds twists to a track that is quite twisty enough without it.

The tight loop at the upper right is going to be challenging. But there are enough straights and fast corners to balance it out.

Ed Bianchi
York Pennsylvania USA

njones11

Discussion Starter · #3 · 3 mo ago

That makes sense to me to eliminate those, thanks. The idea with that was to get the elevation down to avoid blocking the bottom of the projector screen when sitting down, but that shouldn't really be an issue. Might make those straights really wide radius turns too, which should be fun.

Nolakers

· #4 · 3 mo ago

What digital system are you going to use? With as much space as you have, could a 3 lane track be of interest?
More than 6 cars on a 2 lane track will generally be too much.

Nolakers

· #5 · 3 mo ago

Similar to yours, but 1/28th scale (better lane spacing and ability to run some 1/24th cars), and using the SXR wood track in Ultimate racer. To me, it is easier to visualise exactly how it´s going to look.

Rectangle Font Slope Pattern Urban design

See less See more

Reactions: 2

Nolakers

· #6 · 3 mo ago (Edited)

Personally, i´d do a three lane track, like this one. Space around the track is a little limited, but you'll have a lot easier overtaking, and better racing.
Plus the ability to run 8+ cars if you decide on oxigen/scorpius.

Font Line Automotive tire Auto part Drawing

See less See more

Reactions: 2

njones11

Discussion Starter · #7 · 3 mo ago

Thanks, those are great. I like the 3 lane, but to use the Scalextric ARC pro base, wouldn't I need to modify it to add an extra sensor? Also, planning on using the parts from the dual lane changers and unfortunately the two sensors are mounted to the same board, so I may stick with the 3-1/16 spacing.

John Aitken

· #8 · 3 mo ago

Simplify it..you won’t like the spilled pasta style on a wood track

Reactions: 3

njones11

Discussion Starter · #9 · 3 mo ago

Hey @Nolakers, would you have a higher res drawing for the 2 lane track you posted? I think that works well for what I'm going for, except for the exact lane spacing which will be 3-1/16, unless I make it widen around the turns and narrow back down at the lane changers and main straight, not sure if that's worth doing.

I don't see a compelling reason to change to a different digital racing system because I have invested so much in Scalextric digital, although I wish the system could be modified easier.

Nolakers

· #10 · 3 mo ago

njones11 said:
Thanks, those are great. I like the 3 lane, but to use the Scalextric ARC pro base, wouldn't I need to modify it to add an extra sensor? Also, planning on using the parts from the dual lane changers and unfortunately the two sensors are mounted to the same board, so I may stick with the 3-1/16 spacing.

I don't know anything about running a 3 lane scalextric. With carrera, you can use the pit track as a lap detection point. Probably not with scalextric.

I really recommend at least a 90mm (3.5 in) lane spacing. You could remove the IR sensors, and solder them to extension wires. Then you can choose whatever lane spacing you'd like, and put every LC exactly where you want it.

njones11 said:
Hey @Nolakers, would you have a higher res drawing for the 2 lane track you posted?

Of course, sorry about that. I'll redesign it, and post again.

njones11 said:
I don't see a compelling reason to change to a different digital racing system because I have invested so much in Scalextric digital, although I wish the system could be modified easier.

Totally understand. Although converting to oxigen should not be too expensive. ~$80 for the Usb dongle, and then $130 per controller. No need for a powerbase, you just need full voltage on all lanes. Oxigen still works with scalex LC's, so no new investment there.
Chips are about $40 each.

There is probably some other cost as well, that I don't know of.

If you run in a club, where everyone has their own chipped cars and controllers, this swap will not be that expensive, but having everything yourself, and the costs go out of hand quickly.

See less See more

MrFlippant

· #11 · 3 mo ago

Nolakers said:
More than 6 cars on a 2 lane track will generally be too much.

Not if the track is long enough and/or the drivers are skilled enough.

I think I saw someone post their magic formula for how much linear feet of rail/slot each car should have. I don't recall the number, because I don't necessarily agree with it, but it was probably like 5m or something.

Nolakers

· #12 · 3 mo ago

MrFlippant said:
Not if the track is long enough and/or the drivers are skilled enough.
I think I saw someone post their magic formula for how much linear feet of rail/slot each car should have. I don't recall the number, because I don't necessarily agree with it, but it was probably like 5m or something.

I can agree that differance of skill plays a huge part in how "cramped" a track car feel.

You also have to take in to consideration that two or three cars on a 3-lane track will just end up as anaouge racing with bad controllers. This is why I decided to go back and have my track analouge, because we are only two racing on it.

@njones11 is this good?

Line Font Auto part Drawing Pattern

See less See more

MrFlippant

· #13 · 3 mo ago

Yep, little point in digital with only two racers.

njones11

Discussion Starter · #14 · 3 mo ago

Nolakers said:
Of course, sorry about that. I'll redesign it, and post again.

Thanks! Just need an approximate outline to plot out the track, I'll use the routing guide I received from @MrFlippant to work out the curves.

This is starting to come together. Yesterday I picked up all of the needed lumber, OSB for the table, and 1/2" MDF, just need the router bits and braid. Super excited!

Reactions: 2

njones11

Discussion Starter · #15 · 3 mo ago

Nolakers said:
@njones11 is this good?

Yes, that should do nicely. Thanks again, you rock!

GRUNZ

· #16 · 3 mo ago

I like your original design. With all that track you will need more than 3 lane changers.
Even with scalextric lane changer boards you are not limited to the scalex standard spacing.
We have seen in this forum an Australian routing his own track with a 100mm (or even more) lane spacing using scalextric SSD: what he did was to split the board and add wires to connect the two halves. He can run full 1/24 cars on his track.

I like 3-lane tracks but I think you need to have a good number of drivers to really make the most of it.

GRUNZ

· #17 · 3 mo ago

Nolakers said:
I can agree that differance of skill plays a huge part in how "cramped" a track car feel.

You also have to take in to consideration that two or three cars on a 3-lane track will just end up as anaouge racing with bad controllers.

I wonder which controllers do you use...

Reactions: 1

MrFlippant

· #18 · 3 mo ago

Surely he wouldn't compare upgraded third party club-level analog controllers to cheap OEM digital toy set controllers?

Reactions: 1

Nolakers

· #19 · 3 mo ago

MrFlippant said:
Surely he wouldn't compare upgraded third party club-level analog controllers to cheap OEM digital toy set controllers?

njones11

Discussion Starter · #20 · 3 mo ago

GRUNZ said:
I like your original design. With all that track you will need more than 3 lane changers.
Even with scalextric lane changer boards you are not limited to the scalex standard spacing.
We have seen in this forum an Australian routing his own track with a 100mm (or even more) lane spacing using scalextric SSD: what he did was to split the board and add wires to connect the two halves. He can run full 1/24 cars on his track.

I like 3-lane tracks but I think you need to have a good number of drivers to really make the most of it.

That's encouraging, @GRUNZ . Does anyone know of any guides or threads on how to split the boards or remove the sensors to widen the spacing? I'm good with soldering and have a good iron station with variable control, but I'm a bit leery on this as I don't want to trash them. I don't plan on going back to the plastic track, so that's not a concern.

1 - 20 of 29 Posts