Sunday June 12, 2005
Sunday June 12, 2005
Start
Small! Carrera Part 2
The Super Formula Racing Set
Track Design & Expansion
In the latest of our series of Starting Small, we are taking a second look at the Carrera system. Our first look featured the MONZA GT set simply because it offered a good amount of track at a very decent price. However, we still wanted to show you how you could start even smaller and then add on to your new set over time.
One of the smallest sets that Carrera features is a simple figure 8 design. This design is found in several sets offered by them with different models to choose from. Our set features the new Formula One models which are quite popular with current enthusiasts today.
Assembly
Everything arrived intact and ready for assembly from Carrera USA. The instructions found inside are easy to follow and you should have your track set up in around 15 minutes. This set features 14.76 feet of track with 5 Standard straights, 1 Connecting (power base) section, 8 Curves 1/60°, 2 Mech. speed controllers, 1 Transformer and Guardrails.
Assembly of this track is identical to our first MONZA GT set with clips that hold the track together. With the smaller design of this set, here is quick assembly tip for you: Connect the track upside down as shown in the photo and then install the track clips. This makes it much easier than trying to snap them in place from the underneath.
Power and Control
This set includes the mechanical thumb-type speed controllers and a transformer that are very simply to connect. The power base is clearly marked so that you should have no problems hooking everything up correctly.
Operation
Although it is just a simple figure 8 design, this layout is still fun to operate. My 8 year old son soon found a good rhythm and he could race for many laps before having the occasional crash.
When you think about just getting started, having a small layout like this is more than enough track to learn the basics and begin honing your driving skills. Plus, if room for a layout is an issue, this track is quickly disassembled and ready for storage in a closet or under a bed.
The Cars
One main reason this set is so much fun to operate is the cars themselves. These latest F1 models from Carrera have the new chassis design that provides you with increased magnetic-traction.
These models really hug the track and are also very smooth running with better braking and acceleration than older versions. The level of scale detail is also very high which just adds to the realism of racing in our scale.
Track Design & Expansion
Let’s say that you have had this set for awhile and are really enjoying it, but now you want a little more track. The 26953 Evolution Extension Set is the only expansion set they offer and it includes 2 standard straights, 2 lane change sections, and 4 curves 1/60°.
However, before we add this new track we need to come up with a design. One item that I feel is a nice added touch by Carrera is that they have a free Track Planner available to users via the Internet. Simply go to the Carrera web site and look above where it says Specials. A menu will come up and you will see Track Planner (It says “planer” but you get the idea). Click on this and the section will come where you can click on the image on the right and download the software.
The software works as intended although it takes a little getting used to. There are other after-market software design programs out there, but if you choose Carrera, this free design software should be more than enough for you to design a new layout.
We began to change the original layout and came up with one design that uses the entire track in the expansion set. There are many different designs you can create, although most of them do not include all the track in the set. This is fine as not everyone has the room for large layouts and perhaps when they do find more room, they can then add on even more.
This new design really opens up the layout. Longer straights allows you to see the speed and acceleration these cars are capable of, plus the crossovers add a little more challenge. Some enthusiasts do not like crossovers, and if you decide you don't like them, they are easily removed from the design.
If you are looking to get started in this hobby, a set like this is worth considering as your starting point. It begins as a small layout that will fit almost anywhere, then over time can grow with your interest level and space available.
- Harry
As always feel free to contact me about this article or just the hobby in general at harry@homeracingworld.com, or better yet drop into our Message Forum and share your thoughts with other enthusiasts!
Thanks Go To CARRERA USA For Providing Us With This Set!
