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Our tracks Over the past few years we have built several SSD layouts here in Cheddar:

First digital circuit This twisty circuit was the first one built for our private use. Scenery done with papier mache, paint, and model railway supplies. Had plenty of tight corners, also used an old analogue pit lane (this was before the digital ones and straight lane changers came along) and also used classic crossovers, skid chicanes and a hump back bridge. Great visually, but it proved rather too tricky to drive and also hard to marshal due to cars getting stuck in the three tunnels or in other unreachable places.

Second version private circuit This is a revised version of the first circuit, done after the release of pit lanes and straight lane changers. Used by our racing club for its regular digital meetings, where we race a variety of different car classes, and is also used for car chipping testing. This circuit has a two-bay double pit lane so lends itself readily to fuel stops and endurance races. You can find out more about the club and the types of cars we race here.

First season public track This is the circuit from the 2005-6 public season, the first opening of the track in the Cheese Company courtyard, photo taken shortly before opening with scenery work still in progress. This had a fast front straight, a wiggly back section and a tunnel to optimise the use of space. This also proved a bit tricky for the many novice drivers we had visiting (particularly the wiggly back section), so was reworked for season two.

Second season public track This version of the public track ran from 2006 to early 2007, and ironed out many of the problems encountered in the first version, a double tunnel providing access to a boot-shaped loop of track at one end. Much easier to marshal and popular with local families and community groups. Unfortunately this circuit did not get used nearly as much due to external factors such as persistently terrible weather, new neighbouring tourist attractions and World Cup games keeping people away from the Gorge at what should have been the busiest times.

Third season mobile track Rather than risk another poor season of visitors to the Gorge, for 2007-8 the scenic circuit was dismanted and replaced with a simpler "mobile" version on folding tables. We had several bookings for corporate events and parties that year. Most of the time it was sited in the original building in Cheddar but here it can be seen running in Chippenham shopping centre. This whole circuit was possible to erect in an hour and take down in 30 minutes.

Fourth season mobile track The mobile circuit was revised for 2008 to incorporate a longer 3-lane section and also a double pit lane (the earlier single lane had been causing pit lane congestion and accidents). Unfortunately with the credit crunch setting in, and lack of visitors and bookings, plus, building lease due for renewal, it was not economically viable to continue with this track and it was dismantled after a few months.

Third version private track Much of the material from the public scenic circuits has now been recycled for use on a third version of our private circuit. With the arrival of PB-Pro, the RichG timing tower, and Pit Lane Game, this has been re-engineered to incorporate all of these on a fast and flowing circuit with three lanes everywhere except across the starting grid. This miniature version of the Cheddar Gorge Model Motor Racing Circuit can now be booked for track testing.

Hornby 2008 "Silverstone" layout This is the SSD layout created by Hornby for the Abbey Santander stand at the 2008 British Grand Prix, based on the club circuit of Silverstone.

Michael's circuit in Lancashire One of our store customers has sent us these pictures of the SSD circuit he has built. The entire circuit has been covered in "Tarmac Paper" from Gaugemaster. This reduces slide on the R1 corners, makes for quieter running, and covers all the track joins. The whole base is is hinged against the wall and the front side can be raised up with a winch for easy storage. There is also a fully-featured pit lane.

More tracks See also the Scalextric Events page for some corporate event circuits. If you have an interesting SSD track (especially if you are one of our customers!) please send us some photos and we will feature you on here.