[astro]

A few people have been talking about Brooklands banked curves, and having to opt for Carrera.

Scalextric used to make strongly banked curves - but these have been discontinued. The reason is that the geometry of such curves causes modern cars (GTs and F1 for example) to ground out - the low ride height and long chassis apparently means it just doesn't work.

And it stands to reason that a radius 2 (1:1 scale probably = monaco hairpin tightness) cars possibly will do that.

But do they, if any of you have scalex old banked curves? And what happens to these modern cars when raced on Carrera banked track - surely the geometry is the same?

 

[driver#8]

I can speak for the Carrera track.

I've got a four-lane tri-oval running the two middle-sized curves (2/30 and 3/30). They are about the same as Scalextric Radius 4 and (if it was produced) Radius 5.

As Carrera track is 1/24 scale it is bigger so the angle of attack is shallow enough for any 1/32 car.

To do justice to Brooklands (or indeed any major oval) you'd have to use the two widest Carrera curves, 3/30 and 4/15. I would have got the widest 4/15 for my own personal Daytona but I don't have enough room!!!

 

[JohnP]

QUOTE the geometry of such curves causes modern cars (GTs and F1 for example) to ground out - the low ride height and long chassis apparently means it just doesn't work.

Not really answering your questions astro but I thought I'd throw this in:

The banking was quite severe as I recall. If you look at cars such as the old Scalextric F1 Brabham, BRM, McLaren, etc. that were made to run on this banking two things are apparent:

1. Although the cars are approximately the right length overall the wheelbase is way short.

2. The front wheels just slop about above track height making the cars effectively "tripods".

These two factors together meant that the cars could negotiate the steep banking with ease. If they had been true scale models I reckon many would have ground out even with cars as they were back in those days.

 

[McLaren]

Surely the wheelbase should be longer than usual to minimise the overhangs, rather than be shorter and increase the overhangs.

A short wheelbase helps to negotiate bumps while a long wheelbase helps on banking.

Here's a pic to illustrate:

McLaren

 

[driver#8]

Carrera 2/30 banking in action. Both these cars are dropped down at the front over box stock models but still go around just fine.