Tips from Tom (GIDDYUP) 1-19-08

elevations too - these add a dimension and enjoyment, that's hard to explain in words. Any thoughts to what kind of scenery? Looks like it would be a good fit for a Targa Florio, Mille Miglia type ...mountains, rolling hills )

Couple things I learned after routing my first track was spreading out the driver stations and placing them around the track in places where de-slots would be most likely to occur...this has helped the enjoyment factor a tonne as people aren't having to hit the track call as many times to stop the action and walk around the track...which you know can be frustrating when driving with newbies or small kids.

I think you'll really enjoy routing...take Luf's advice and route a few scraps first and use his kit...especially that flex strip. On my first I wanted constant radius corners...the corners ended up pretty boring. On my new track...all routed with the strip...which just allows for more natural, flowing lines. One other thing too, based on your footprint, I'd recommend to take advantage of a squeeze...adds another dimension to the racing. Just try to keep the number of them down...too many - like too many esses in a row - makes for frustrated drivers. Hmmm, maybe a squeeze in the upper left corner? (with a driver station there)...I had a top of mountain squeeze on my first track....everyone loved that part - here's a link to it on SlotForum:
Tanglewood

One other thing I did differently on my new track was I drew out the track plan, just as you have, then figured what the racing lines would be through certain corners etc (i.e., what I'd route), then adjusted the plan for spacing etc around that to make it look more like a real track versus a static width to the painted roadbed all the way around...I got the idea from a Belgian fellow on Slot Forum and his Petit Spa track, here's a link to his site (it wasn't working last I checked), look under Gallery/Circuits/Petit Spa (the rebuild)
Petit Spa

Re: sources of inspiration, Luf's new & revamped Targa:
New Targa

Triggy's and Martin's San Pheono which I see on your site.

Plus...

Toby's track:
Targa Lestrell

Rallyhub's: RallyHub's dutch trio track
Wes' Targa digital wood layout: Digital Wood!

Not sure if all that rambling was any of use...but glad to share!

Take care & happy routing!
tom

PS Very jealous of that 'future space' you've got there...the possibilities!


PPS Thanks for the kinds words about my humble little track....keep your eyes on the Canadian Proxy Race thread at SCI, my little track will be hosting the August race (round 8/9). CPR 2008