Blackwood Trackday Layout Poll - Loop or no loop?

[[TC]►BP◄]

Hi,

This thread refers to the cruising roads (i.e. industrial estate) when the map is set to Blackwood Trackday. This thread has no relation to Blackwood Retro, where the cruising takes place on the "track" itself.

This poll is simply designed to see which of the two layout arrangements people prefer. Please vote, and feel free to reply if you have any minor suggested changes. Any larger or more general changes should be in its own thread.

See below descriptions for more info.

1. Non-loop: This is a slightly chaotic layout where many users repeatedly drive up and down the main industrial road. There is no clear "course" to follow. This was the main layout for this map until around a year ago.

2. Loop: The loop layout was introduced around a year ago, and has been the main layout since then. There are fewer objects down the main industrial road. That road is used less than option 1. There are a lot more objects in the storage yard area which encourages people to use more of the map as it connects the roads a little better (hence "loop"). It's still a bit chaotic.

The poll will automatically close on 01 May 2025. Poll results are public.

Thanks

[[TC]►BP◄]

Updated above description a bit to give extra clarity.
Batman is also working on some screenshots for those who are unsure.

[[TC]►Batman◄]

Non-Loop Track Images

Spoiler (Click to View)

Loop Track Images

Spoiler (Click to View)

[[TC]►BP◄]

The poll is currently a little closer than anticipated. It would be appreciated if people could post some reasons why they prefer their choice or maybe why they don't like the other choice.

For example, those who voted the non-loop: do you actively dislike the storage yard loop (if so, why)? Or do you think that part requires fine-tuning? Perhaps you think that the "main industrial straight" section is less appealing without the objects?

Just trying to understand this, so we can hopefully offer a compromise.

[Marty_Deslions]

I personally don't really like the storage yard loop layout.

For one, it looks way too artificial and clunky. Just compare the pictures that Batman posted. With all the red/white barriers it almost feels like an airport or something. At least the industrial area feels like a proper normal city.

Also, with the storageyard loop layout, the stuntzone is now surrounded by roads on which people must follow rules. So even if people are stunting in the stunt area, there is a chance of them flying out of it and disrupting the mainroads area. It would make sense to have some safety distance between the stuntzone and the normal roads, and not have the stuntzone being surrounded by normal roads.

Lastly, even if TC decides to go with the storageyard loop layout, can they at least turn the intersection into a roundabout, like in the "non loop" layout? I mean the 4 way intersection when you enter the storageyard from the Industry lane (iirc). I think I also mentioned this problem a while back in a suggestion:
https://forum.city-driving.co.uk/showthr...?tid=38721

[P V L]

The loop finally offers kind of a lap to just roll around, old lyt there was like no way to find some

smooth cruise lap. The loop having the right of way makes sense, a roundabout will just cause

problems with bus or trucks. And yes, there is not as much objects needed on the main road as

before as traffic spreads a lot more all over the map.

[[CSR] you_nos]

i suggest a new roundabout in the loop layout, people go very fast there and crashes happen

[Marty_Deslions]

Current loop layout:



This is what I have in mind, if it has to stay the loop layout:



PVL mentions that a roundabout may cause trouble for busses and truck. If people really have trouble managing a medium sized roundabout in a bus/truck, maybe they shouldnt drive such a vehicle. Or, alternatively, TC can make a huge roundabout, which connects more roads:


This leaves a large open area within the RB, in which they can build an Arc de Triomphe or something.

[SIMOX]

if you put roundabout at the end of main street, people gonna loop it and go back anyway

Force people to go right with an optional road left. You can then loop the main road around the carpark and connect it back. Similar to loop layout but i think it should work better in making players drive more roads.
Think of it as a big roundabout at the end of the main road

[[TC]►BP◄]

Thanks for the responses.

So far I don't think anyone is objecting to the fact there is a storage loop at all - only about its visuals or specific ways in which it can possibly be improved.

The storage loop is quite critical to the overall flow of the map, so it probably needs to stay to some extent. Some potentially interesting ideas here as to how to improve that area.

Blackwood TD is next online towards the end of May, hence why the poll closes on the first of May. Hopefully the team can come together and decide on/implement some of these ideas to make the layout more enjoyable for those on both sides of the poll.

So please keep the replies coming (e.g. why did you choose one option over the other - what do you like/dislike about the options).

Thanks