I have revised an earlier project in order to create a track that is compact, easy to live with, and basically never see completion. This rally circuit is on three levels with hidden ramps for passing between levels. It is contained in a "cabinet" 2' deep, 10.5' long, and just over 5' tall...designed to fit in a niche in my bedroom.
The interesting thing about this track is that each level can be reconfigured and/or re-scenicked independently of the others and, as they are visually separated, can each be different scenes. Mountains, coast, autumn, winter, day, night...all are possible in one track. My goal is to never finish this one, and that it will provide a contained space to engage my personal slot car hobby interests.
The track, as a rally circuit with loops on each end, is analog by nature, but a passing section has been included to accomodate digital racing against a pace car via PB Pro.
As you will see, another nice thing about this setup is that each level is in a different phase of construction, so I can have detail work, scenic contour formation, and track layout all going on simultaneously.
Okay, here is the layout all closed up. This helps me keep things tidy/liveable while significantly keeping dust down. The doors are light weight and lift up and out of cleats at top and bottom. (in this photo the doors look a bit skewed as I had to Photoshop several pics together)
Here are the layers in the basic construction phase. You can see where the hidden ramps will be placed. Each layer can be removed from the others, but the three are locked together by corner boards at the outside edges of the cabinet. The entire cabinet is on wheels and can be rolled away from the wall for cleaning/maintenance.
This picture shows my current progress and is taken from more or less race position where all three levels can be clearly seen. Each level has it's own lighting. Because a bookshelf arrangement is being used, scenic elements only need to extend as far as the proscenium.
Here are some details sections of the middle level.
Obviously, such a layout isn't workable for many in the hobby, but for indoor space and overall , long-term interest/engagement, it works well for me.
Problems? Well, to be honest the whole thing is based on a series of compromises. Getting the geometry of the three levels right was the hardest part so that are each level is visible given my height. I was also worried that the ramps would work well, but I needn't have...the cars scrurry right up w/o any complaint. Lastly, if I had more length I think I would benefit from more visibility coming out of the hidden ramps into the first curve one encounters. I have, however tried to adjust scenic elements to maximize this visibility.
So there it is...one idea/approach among many. I'm pleased in that this will keep me busy for a long, long time and, if need be, I can dismantle each section and move it. I'll post more pics as I move on to other levels.
The interesting thing about this track is that each level can be reconfigured and/or re-scenicked independently of the others and, as they are visually separated, can each be different scenes. Mountains, coast, autumn, winter, day, night...all are possible in one track. My goal is to never finish this one, and that it will provide a contained space to engage my personal slot car hobby interests.
The track, as a rally circuit with loops on each end, is analog by nature, but a passing section has been included to accomodate digital racing against a pace car via PB Pro.
As you will see, another nice thing about this setup is that each level is in a different phase of construction, so I can have detail work, scenic contour formation, and track layout all going on simultaneously.
Okay, here is the layout all closed up. This helps me keep things tidy/liveable while significantly keeping dust down. The doors are light weight and lift up and out of cleats at top and bottom. (in this photo the doors look a bit skewed as I had to Photoshop several pics together)
Here are the layers in the basic construction phase. You can see where the hidden ramps will be placed. Each layer can be removed from the others, but the three are locked together by corner boards at the outside edges of the cabinet. The entire cabinet is on wheels and can be rolled away from the wall for cleaning/maintenance.
This picture shows my current progress and is taken from more or less race position where all three levels can be clearly seen. Each level has it's own lighting. Because a bookshelf arrangement is being used, scenic elements only need to extend as far as the proscenium.
Here are some details sections of the middle level.
Obviously, such a layout isn't workable for many in the hobby, but for indoor space and overall , long-term interest/engagement, it works well for me.
Problems? Well, to be honest the whole thing is based on a series of compromises. Getting the geometry of the three levels right was the hardest part so that are each level is visible given my height. I was also worried that the ramps would work well, but I needn't have...the cars scrurry right up w/o any complaint. Lastly, if I had more length I think I would benefit from more visibility coming out of the hidden ramps into the first curve one encounters. I have, however tried to adjust scenic elements to maximize this visibility.
So there it is...one idea/approach among many. I'm pleased in that this will keep me busy for a long, long time and, if need be, I can dismantle each section and move it. I'll post more pics as I move on to other levels.