SCALEXTRIC | Big issue with C8295 Elevated Cross Over

[Local Hero]

I have a big issue with C8295 Elevated Cross Over.
That item doesn't work correctly with RailModeller Pro.
It is not possible to use it to build Scalextric layout.

See attached 'Scalextric layout' example with that issue.

¿Has anybody that isuue too?

[david oxford]

Same here, with the two half-straights it is supposed to be a match for the C8210 crossover, but the latter matches up in RailModeller, while the former does not.

[david oxford]

The dimensions they have for the C8295 match don't match the flat crossover, but do match the description on the Scalextric site:

C8295.png (46.62 KiB) Viewed 7094 times

I did wonder the C8295 straights are a little longer to allow for the approach ramps being sloped (and thus a little shorted if viewed from above), but then the lower deck also seems to be different in length.

I don't have one to measure it out or try it. I'd get one or two if I was more confident they'd fit.

[david oxford]

Interestingly, the Scalextric track plans book contradicts the idea that it's a straight swap (with half-straights) for the 90˚ crossover. Here, they use dual short straights instead of the half-straight (156mm instead of 175mm):

Screenshot 2020-01-19 at 16.27.19.png (622.97 KiB) Viewed 7091 times

All curves are 2R.

[Local Hero]

I have the C8295 Elevated Cross Over and it measures 234mm. So if you add a C8207 Half Straight (175mm), the measure total is 409 mm that matchs with the C8210 Crossover 90º.

The C8295 Elevated Cross Over on RailModeller Application gives a measure of 264mm which is a mistake because my C8295 Elevated Cross Over measure 234mm

[david oxford]

The catalogue says 233mm, which ties in with your measurement.

But their web site refers to "¾ length", which would be 262.5mm, and this seems to be what RailModeller has used.

The real weird thing is the Scalextric official track plan book, by using the short straights, seems to be expecting the ¾ length measurement. I wonder if they actually built those circuits, or just drew them up in something like RailModeller?!

[Local Hero]

David,
Where have you found the Scalextric Catalogue which says that the measure is 233mm?

[david oxford]

2020 catalogue says on p94 that it is "three quarter length", which would be 262.5mm, but p93 explicitly says 233mm

Screenshot 2020-01-24 at 17.18.23.jpg (58.88 KiB) Viewed 7050 times

Screenshot 2020-01-24 at 17.17.58.jpg (66.69 KiB) Viewed 7050 times

[david oxford]

I decided to try editing the library file, I'd hoped it was in some format that I could understand, e.g. an XML or SQLite-based format.

But it's in a binary RSet (Apple Extensions Manager, apparently) format that I don't think can practically be edited without the source.

I don't have one of these units myself currently, but have two that should be arriving on Monday. I'll do some measurements and submit them to the app author, hopefully he'll update the library and do a new app release. In the meantime, I'm doing my design in RM Pro using 90˚ crossovers instead.

If anyone wants to try to look at the lib, right click (or shift click) on the app icon, and select "Show Package Contents". From there, go into Contents > Resources > Libraries > Custom > Slot Car where you will see a file called Scalextric Digital

[Local Hero]

I have already submitted the bug with the C8295 Elevated Cross Over Measurement but I don't have any news about it.
It is a pity because if the app author would correct, sure I will buy the app because it works very well on my Mac.

Note: David, I don't know what is the "RM Pro".

[david oxford]

RM Pro = RailModeller Pro.

RailModeller comes in two versions Express (which is free) and Pro (which costs ££). The free version has certain limits which are removed from the paid-for version.

I've also sent a report on it via email now.

There was a new release this weekend to 6.2.4 but it didn't have this fix.

[david oxford]

The developer got back to me, and I've supplied him with measurements now that mine has arrived. He seems willing to make the fix.

[Local Hero]

The developer has also contacted me and he has confirmed that is going to resolve the bug on upcoming releases of the RM Pro.

[david oxford]

Good news! He/she seems like a very helpful person, it must take a lot of time to maintain that app.

[RailModeller Support]

Thanks for the heads-up, we've updated the elevated track crossover section accordingly for the upcoming update (also included the C8435 ARC PRO Powerbase DIGITAL while at it..)

Cheers,
Jan