Carrera Digital Layout for 1/32 and 1/24

[GRUNZ]

Hi All
I am an SSD user and I have plenty of SS track.
However, recently I have started collecting Carrera digital track and eventually I would like to build a layout. My idea is to use the track to run 1/32 and 1/24 with oXigen chips and controllers.
I will install magnets under the track for S/L and for pitlane entry and exit so I do not need Carrera sensors for that. Also I will take power directly from my variable PSU.

The dimensions of my table are roughly 2.3 x 5.5 m but I can stretch the long side to 5.7 m (this is a hard limit as it is wall-to-wall in my garage).

This is my first attempt at designing a Carrera layout and so far I have come up with this:



That is just an idea that i got by googling around (I think it might be from a German guy). I would like to have even lanes and a double pitalne to accommodate 5 to 6 1/24 cars.

The pieces that I have got so far are:
Plenty of R1
1 XLC
3 Rh LCs
3 Lh LCs
2 pit access and exit
29 Standard straights
4 third of a straights
12 R2
2 R3

I will eventually order some more R2, R3 and R4.

Thanks,
gio

[ATIS]

I would do a split pit..put a double cross over in the middle of the pit lane and two fuel sensors...that way your not stuck behind cars in the first pit.

[ATIS]

Deleted, photo wouldnt load

[GRUNZ]

I will not use carrera system for detecting pitlane but will go for oxigen.
I have added more curves to my collection. Now I have in total:
- 12 R4
- 6 R3
- 18 R2

[thatguy01]

Here's a design that uses your corners. The green area is 5.5m x 2.3m.

The double pit lane is designed to give length/time to operate each switch, including the preceding lane changer. Your original design has consecutive pit entrance switches. You'll have a hard time working the controller switch that quickly and precisely, and the detectors in the track may not respond to the car.

[b.yingling]

Hi All
I am an SSD user and I have plenty of SS track.
However, recently I have started collecting Carrera digital track and eventually I would like to build a layout. My idea is to use the track to run 1/32 and 1/24 with oXigen chips and controllers.
I will install magnets under the track for S/L and for pitlane entry and exit so I do not need Carrera sensors for that. Also I will take power directly from my variable PSU.
[/IMG]

Power direct from your PSU? Won't you need to switch out all the electronics in the Carrera lane changers for oXigen electronics? If you're planning on waiting for the type C chips, won't you then need to run the track in Carrera mode- meaning through the CU. Or am I missing something? Or maybe you already planned to switch out the lane change boards...

[MrFlippant]

Ultimately, I believe he plans to install oXigen electronics in the lane changers. Until then, however, the CU will be needed for any lane changing to work. Gio (Grunz) is aware of this.

[GRUNZ]

@thatguy: man you did you magic again! Thanks a lot. Looks like an interesting layout.

@b.yingling: as Greg said, I am aware that first I have change all the lane changer electronics and install the oXigen ones.

Currently I have the BB and the standard PSU. I am not sure if this is ok for 1/24. How can I check? For what I have understood, the carrera 1/24 need 18 volts to run at a decent speed. Is that correct?

[thatguy01]

Here's an alternative with a curved pit entrance. The green area is 5.5m x 2.3m.

[MrFlippant]

Yes. It's fine, it just won't be as high voltage at some people like for the D124 cars. They have a pretty slow motor. But, if you run anything other than D124 cars (BRM, ScaleAuto, etc) then the 1/32 pack will be best. In fact, a lot of people prefer to run their D124 on the D132 power.

[GRUNZ]

@TG: I like this second even better...I think its flow suits 1/24 even more.

@Greg: thanks for the extra info...it seems that I am all good to go. I just need the cars ;-)

[GRUNZ]

ThatGuy01,
Let's say that I do not have any restriction on the track pieces, which layout would you come up with given the space limitations?

[thatguy01]

Given the space limitations, I'd stick with the layout in post 9.

It's difficult to fit a 180 degree curve in this space in a complex layout without at least one R1 to reduce the radius.

[GRUNZ]

Fair enough GT! Thanks a lot anyway because that layout you suggested looks really nice.

[MrFlippant]

I think both of TG's layouts look good. I kind of like the raised section with turns in it, but the one with straights would make adding a standard bridge section easier. Either one should be great. Now to decide where best to put the lane changers. For sure agree that the last one before the pit should get you to the correct lane to enter the pit.