I am new to this forum! I have been posting on a different Slot Forum, but have been directed this way! Seems like the Carrera system is popular here!
After selling everything from my old Scalexctric Loft Layout 6 years ago, i have come back to the Hobby. I wanted to go Digital, and after much head scratching, i chose Carrera as i wanted Ghost cars and Fuel Management right from the off without the need for a PC/Laptop.
So far i have just a basic S/h Digital set with Cars that have seen better days, but the system itself works ok. (cars are good for practice lol). In additon to this, i have purchased a couple of Gt Cars in the Form of an BMW M3 GT2 and the Audi R8 LMS. Overall, even on a small layout, i am really impressed with how quiet the cars are as well as how effective the lane changing is. Loving the Ghost car function. I never thought it would require such concentration! Carrera you have exceeded my expectations already
The main point of my post is to bounce my layout ideas off you guys to give me some feedback based on your experience with the system and how it operates. The Cars have had their rear magnets removed, and i will be painting the track too as i am not a huge fan of the lines. Adding scenary will also be on the agenda, so the `grey tarmac` look will be ideal. Therefore the cars will move around a little more, so i want a layout that will not cause too many de-slots with the Ghosts. (suggestions on which paint/application are welcome)
Any feedback welcome. I have tried to put into practice any tips i have had up to now, but always happy to listen. The system looks like it will entertain me for a long time, so i want a layout that will make the most of it
Howdy,
I'm sure you will like Carrera. Personally I think its the best out there as long as you have the room for it. As you have noticed you WILL get alot of helpful hints here.
Your layout is ok but the general concensious is that you have at least a partial straight after the curve before going into the pit area. You are running w/o rear mag so even though you will be slowing down for the curve, you might be hanging your tail out and there's a chance you are going to miss the sensor going into the pit. The straight allows the car to straighten out alittle so it hits the sensor.
As far as marshalling goes, it looks like all the trouble spots are close to the edge so you should be good to go.
After you have it up and running, drive it for awhile to make sure it feels good and it will show you if there are any trouble spots that need tweeking. They all do....
Good point. I am surprised i missed that one, as i had made sure there were some straight sections before the crossovers everywhere else
Pit lane changed... Its a little shorter than i wanted, but as long as i can have my row of Pit Garages i`ll be happy
I`d like to make the most of the working pit lane and bring a car into a specific garage space depending on manufacturer... http://s1147.photobucket.com/albums/...inaldesign.jpg
Really looking forward to getting the additional track and getting it laid out... you don`t realise just how much wider the Carrera track is......
I was also thinking of elevating the run up to the back of the circuit, with the Hairpin at the top being where the track begins to drop back down to the rest of the circuits level.... thoughts?
Welcome to SCI! Layout design is a very personal thing, as we each like different features. I very much like elevation change, as it brings more character to the layout without making it any bigger. It's also easy to try out, simply by using books or blocks of wood as temporary supports until you find a setup that you like.
It looks like much of your layout has room for borders aroudn your curves. If you like racing without rear magnets (as I do), you may find that adding borders instead of just guardrails makes the driving experience much better.
Have fun trying modifications to your layout and cars. As Dave said, race with it a while before you start building serious scenery. It's best to get pretty close to your ideal layout before plastering in the hills (so to speak).
Give it drive and see how the pit works. You might be able to get away with a 1/3 straight instead of a full straight in front of the pits. That'll give you two more 1/3 straights in the pits.
I love elevation changes. I have 3 different changes on mine. 1 is above the main track and 1 is below. Check out my album for my pics. The back side of your track would make an ideal transition.
Dave
Welcome to the forum. I agree with Dave and Phil on their suggestions, especially the borders. You will need the borders if you run with the mags removed...definitely if you ever run the D124 cars...which in my opinion the most fun to run. The elevations are a great idea also but, you will change your track around several times before you find the one you like. I changed mine quite a few times until I came up with a theme for the track and then I ran with it. Don't hesitate to ask questions either...everyone on this site is very helpful. Look down in the track and scenery section and you may get some ideas on scenery. My build is under the Ross Valley Cobra Den. I also have many elevation changes.
wow didnt expect to find so many posts! Thanks for all the tips..
I have never been a big fan of elevation changes in the past on previous layouts, but they have grown on me. Bit like Porsche 911s...... never really a big fan of those until i hit 30 and now i turn my head everytime i see one! lol
I will give it a try. Buying the track will be next on the agenda and i`m hoping to order it from a local store all in one hit.
I will hopefully run the d124 cars, although instead of borders, i was going to bring the ground up to the level of the track and add my own `run-off` areas...
I`ll continue playing with the design a bit and keep you up to date with the progress with pics...
Thanks for the help......i`ll check out your circuits!!
the main space i have is 8x10. Its a little small i guess, but i`d like to keep the track on that area if i can. I do have a further 4x3 which is added onto to one corner, which if i can use to extend the pit straight.
I think i`m going to need to buy as much track as i can and play with the design and try it as you say...
The problem with buying carrera track at random is that it comes in big packages. Scalextric curves come in 45 or 90 degree packages; Carrera comes in 180 degree packages. Similarly, Carrera straights come in boxes of four pieces.
Do you know exactly which lane changers you want to buy?
IMO, you need a left to right changer on the straight before the track turns around to go past the pits, whether you use a straight changer or the new curved changer.
Do you know exactly which lane changers you want to buy?
IMO, you need a left to right changer on the straight before the track turns around to go past the pits, whether you use a straight changer or the new curved changer.
I have the two changes that came in the Set, a right to left and vice versa, so i would probably use one of those there.
I will be adding the Double changers too at a later stage.
One quick thing i have noticed. Is that going to be enough room to squeeze a row of the Carrera Garages behind that pit lane? Looks a bit tight....
and whats the best way people have found in making the pit lane functional in getting cars into their specific pit boxes? Standard Crossovers or Double changers?
If you are going to try and make specific stopping areas for your different cars, I think you may be in for quite a challenge. Obviously it can be done but getting drivers to actually make their designated spot is going to be interesting. Looking forward to see if it works and how you do it.
Dave
Carrera Track design
Linear Mode
