(model link: https://makerworld.com/en/models/2958258-flexatrack-light-up-car-track#profileId-3315421)

The funny thing is, I don't even like Magic Track and its clones.

• The ramps are garbage and cars like to jump off the track constantly.
• The connectors are fussy and prone to breaking.
• The cars light up, but the "glow in the dark" track and stickers... don't.

When MakerWorld proposed a #S-Shapeledstriplight challenge, my first thought was to light it up like a Mario Kart track and hopefully fix my other complaints along the way. So, how did it work out?

Well, no complaints about the strip light. It's tiny, flexible, durable, and bright. The phone camera does not convey how much this track dominates a dark room. As for the rest…

Overconstrained Parameters

• The track needed the strip lights, of course, but also enough material covering the LED so the light spreads outward.
• Also, obviously, it needed to be 3d printable.
• Specifically, it should work on the A1 mini, since that's all many families have.
• It should curve and bend as well as the normal track.
• It needs to handle a variety of cars and keep them on track across hills and crossroads.
• We have a lot of Picasso Tiles, so if it could fit with those, it should.
• It should be durable enough for kids to toss around.

I went through a literal pile of prototypes along the way (some were close enough to use in the final demo):

The lighting, flexibility, and durability all directly conflict with each other at the middle of the track. The current design sacrifices some durability to meet the rest. 

I still have a couple of theme pieces to add, but the main track pieces are ready. I've only been printing since Christmas, so this was my largest design so far. A huge thanks to MakerWorld for sponsoring this project and the other #KitChallenge entries.