Track libraries are text files which define the size, shape and general characteristics of each track piece within a particular library. These text files are always saved in the Library folder, within the Racer30 folder where the software is installed.
There are two ways of editing the library files.
You can use the Library Editor, which has a graphic interface
Or you can edit the text files directly
Both options are available under the Frequently used tab of the Library Toolbar
Before making any changes to a track library, please make a back up copy of your Library folder, or of the specific library file you wish to work on.
It's easy to make mistakes when you are working on track libraries and there is no way to undo those mistakes.
Of course we are always happy to supply replacement library files if all else fails.
The library editor is a graphical tool allowing library file editing.
Choose a track section to edit on the left hand side
The top right section of the dialogue concerns library information.
The central section on the right hand side displays the current track section.
Track sections are defined in the bottom section on the right hand side
When editing the text files directly you'll see the same information, but in text format.
The text files are divided into sections
The first section at the top of the page contains all track default parameters, and all library information
[default]
Library=Scalextric Sport
DBName=Scalextric Sport Track
Scale=1:32
Unit=cm
Author=URTeam; Andy; ElectricImages, Ian
DateRevision=Feb 11th, 2009
Notes=
Logo=scalex_sport.jpg
Object=
MaxLane=8
Shows other files which will be included in the Library Toolbar but which are defined separately
[includes]
file1=scalexsport_multilane.inc
file2=scalexsport_rwborders.inc
There will be many track sections. Each section corresponds to a track piece, and each line of the section corresponds to a track attribute.
[C8205]
Name=Straight
Notes=
Shape=15.6,35.0
Equivalent=
OneWay=
Frequent=yes
ColorCoding=12845092
Lane1=3.9,3.9
Lane2=11.7,11.7
[C8206]
Name=Standard Curve R2
Notes=
Shape=curve,21.6,15.6,45.0
Equivalent=
OneWay=
Frequent=yes
ColorCoding=921343
Lane1=3.9,3.9
Lane2=11.7,11.7
Let's look at the basics of track definition by examing the two Track Section examples above. Although we're looking at the text files here, the principles are the same for the Library editor.
[C8205]
Name=Straight
Notes=
Shape=15.6,35.0
Equivalent=
OneWay=
Frequent=yes
ColorCoding=12845092
Lane1=3.9,3.9
Lane2=11.7,11.7
[C8206]
Name=Standard Curve R2
Notes=
Shape=curve,21.6,15.6,45.0
Equivalent=
OneWay=
Frequent=yes
ColorCoding=921343
Lane1=3.9,3.9
Lane2=11.7,11.7
In the square brackets at the top of each section is the unique reference number for each track section. In this case it is Scalextric's own reference number for this track section. This will appear on your layout if you choose to Display section reference in View > Preferences
Next is the Name, which is fairly self explanatory, and can also be displayed on your layout if you choose to Display track name in View > Preferences
Shape defines the section's shape. For the straight section there are two numbers representing the width and the length, so in this case it's 15.6cm wide, and 35cm long. For the corner piece, the definition starts by specifying "curve" then defines an inside radius of 21.6cm, a track width of 15.6 cm, and an angle of 45°.
Lane1 & Lane2 specify the positions of the lanes. In this case Lane1 is a constant 3.9cm from the inside edge of both track pieces, and Lane2 is 11.7 cm.
More involved descriptions for editing and creating track pieces can be found in the pages below.