This will make you think

[racer6583]

Ok I've been toying around with an idea of getting a 132 to run 143 and maybe get myself a couple 132 cars also.

The problem is space for the track would be small and I do mean small the size for the track is 3' x10' give or take some inches, I know this is not ideal size but can a 132 track fit in the space that I have to work with.

any idea of how I can do this and not have a big headache when I do get my butt in gear.

Thank you for all and any suggestions.

[proxieken]

The Carrera track is somewhat large and the radius 1 curve, with borders on the outside, makes a half circle curve in 3'. So you can make an oval in your space, or one side straight and the other with some curves. With borders you can even run 1/24 cars too.

At 143 scale a friend has a nice little set up on a 3 X 7 foot space. This scale would give you a lot of options for the layout but limit you a little bit in terms of cars available to use. I think there are some 1/43 bodies made and Nascar in particular is well represented.

If you get achance look in to digital, as this has been a huge part of our racing enjoyment.

[356speedster]

The length is OK, and the depth is doable if you stick to Scalextric or SCX track which have the tight R1 turns that are fine for 1/43 and small 1/32 cars.
Carrera track will be more challenging, but it's probably the only track that will accept the thick 1/43 Carrera guide pins without modifying them.

Would you be happy to sand the guide pins a bit thinner to get a more interesting layout? or do you already have a track preference?

Do you need shoulders for no-mag sliding? and maybe you have a few more inches to go on in the depth?

[goosenapper]

[356speedster]

This illustrate the main differences between Carrera and Scalextric/SCX systems.

1 big square on the grid = 1 feet
1 sub-square = 4 inches



You get a lot more options and lap length with Scalextric because of the tight R1 curves they offer. The smallest Carrera R1 curves have a larger radius than Scalextric R2, and the Carrera shoulders are almost twice as wide as Scalextric.

Before I fired up Track Power I was sure Carrera would be out of the question for such a shallow track, But now I'm not so sure anymore... I think the Carrera layout above came out pretty good, If I may say so :) it has some potential for some nice scenery. Take a look at Kellerkind's amazing "Targa Suburbia" with it's simple layout as inspiration: http://www.slotforum.com/forums/index.p ... ntry779497

Other advantages of the Carrera track is that it will let you run any scale without having to modify guide flags or pins, and you can run D143, D132 and D124 cars on the same system/controllers if you go Digital. There is space for at least 1 X-over and 1 curve LC in that layout, and possibly more with some modification. The larger radius curves will be also very flowing to race with the smaller cars.

On the other hand, there is almost twice the lap length in the Scalextric layout, and it's more technical, but then again "length" is not everything ;)

[HomeRacingWorld]

"I think the Carrera layout above came out pretty good, If I may say so"

Yes you may because it is fantastic. Thanks for taking the time to do this.

[racer6583]

Thank you all for your thoughts and the info on the tracks that will fit in my space.

I run 143's and been getting interested in 132 cause some of the cars are getting my curiosity up a little and I want a track I can run both scales.

Now another question If I go digital can I run analog on the same track if not, what changes would I have to do to run analog so I can host proxy's?

Can you run a 124 on a 132 track if you can I think I might go with Carrera 132 digital cause the 124 looks a little big on paper but I got some more thinking to do before I drop the greens on what track I choose.

Thank you.

[racer6583]

I'm not switching I'm adding to my hobby fun as of now I have about 20 143 but I want to change it up a bit.
So 132 just seems to be the next step to add to my ho and 143 scale just gives me a little more opportunity to what I already have.
When I get my 132 track I'll send you a pm to let you know it will be a bit before I get my set got to play catch up with some unexpected bills that came calling.
Thank you for the invite M_Delaneyfan and as previously stated when the ducks are line up I'll pm you, oh do you run 132 and 124?