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Car set up
lionelbyron - 30-8-2007 at 12:55

I am very new to 1/24 scale racing. What is the difference in car set up between racing on a wooden track compared to a Carrera track?


Francesc - 31-8-2007 at 12:53

Hello

The main difference is the weight balance, with carrera trak your car must be more heavy in the rear.


fola - 2-9-2007 at 09:47

Francesc.... any news on the sc4205?
thx,
fola


tamar - 2-9-2007 at 14:09

Hello Lionel Byron
There's a bit more to it than just sticking some more weight to the front for a good set up on a wooden track.
You're post suggests that you have experience with Carrera tracks.....
So just compare the two different types of track and you'll be able to analise most of the differences needed for a "wooden" set up by yourself.

Track surface; undulating versus smooth!
A Carrera (or any other plastic) track is made up of single track elements, standardised fixed ratio curves and uses stamped metal braids. The track is softer (more flexible) except where the track segments meet. This results in a sort of undulating cadance, sort of like a train running over a railroad track. In short..even with the best build quality, compared to a routed track, plastic tracks are more bumpy!

Curves, fixed ratio versus variable!
Carrera has 4 types of curves, which means that if the track segments are used to make a six laner, most circuits will have just one type of corner. ( very few tracks use the big curve 4)
Compared to a routed track the corners are of a smaller radius and are taken at slower speeds.
On routed tracks (like the Spa Francorchamps circuit) you'll find combinations of big curves that can open up or tighten on the exit, followed by tight chicanes.

Braids
The braids on a Carrera track are made of stamped stainless steel. The material used to make the braids has a high internal resistance. The braids are usually situated 0,05 <>0,10 mm above the track surface, they are smooth and narrow but have sharp edges where the track segments meet.
Routed tracks have braided brass braids meaning that compared to a plastic track the power is more direct.
The braids are usually situated 0,05 <>0,20 mm below the track surface, they are wider and have more space between them than on plastic tracks.

Grip Levels
Some say that wooden tracks have more grip than plastic, but this is bollocks :D It all depends on how the track is used. I know some plastic tracks that have a 1mm layer of tyre goop on them, and on wooden tracks that see mainly cars with the famous "ortmanwieseldieckel" poly tyres...fitting skates will give you more grip than sponge :laugh:

For the coming race on the Spa track we will controll the grip level and will keep tham moderate. First of all everybody will use the same "handout" scaleauto procomp 3 tyres.
Tyre dressing will not be allowed and should there be not enough grip...the organisation will prepp the track.


I hope this will give you enough info to detremine your set up.
Good luck and see you in a couple of weeks.