Hi.
After 15 years of analog wood track racing, I fell in love with digital and quickly tore down my 3 lane road course to make way for a digital/ analog track. dual use....which was my 1st mistake.. :? The small group of guys ( 4 ) I race with all agree , digital is tooo much fun to go back to analog.
2nd mistake, planning..... I have planned and constructed about a dozen analog wood tracks in the past. My first one had many issues... Just like my first digital track has now... So I am planning the second one and I am looking for any help suggestions and tips in trying to avoid the dreaded stupid mistakes :doh:
I have attached a rough drawing of my idea. It incorporates my must haves, a long straight , a wide sweeping turn, and some twisty bits.
I'm not a fan of the spaghetti bowl track plans, for me less is more , plus it leaves lots of room for scenery. And am I wrong in thinking that digital racing allows for simpler track plans? For instances , having to have an over pass in an attempt to equalize lane lengths in an analog track.. that takes a good amount of planning to get it right.
I plan for three lane changers ,not counting the pit road entrance.. # 1 in the straight right after the start finish line , # 2 ( a double lane change ) right before the wide sweeping 180 degree turn and # 3 at the end of the long straight.
Would it be a good idea to put a lane change in the beginning of the long straight and turn into a 3 lane long straight , with that 3rd lane rejoining at the end of the long straight ??
I am using Carrera components. I am trimming down the lane change tracks and embedding them flush into MDF board. So I have lots of leeway for the twisty bits and where pit road re enters the track. Elevations changes will also be worked into the plan...Gotta have a up hill thru the esses part, similar to the Glen!
And what is the rule of thumb for how far from a exit of a turn to a lane changer ? I believe Carrera standard straight is about 13 1/2 inches.. so about 1 foot minimum?
And the bench work is an island so all corners are access able.
So any possible issues any one see with this plan? ideas ? tips? gratefully for any and all help
Thanks guys
John