Technical description
General information
The Czech racing track FARO is one of the widest hobby tracks in the world. Its long production history continues today under the brand FARO, which builds upon the tradition of original Champion, Europa Cup or Gonio-autodráha 90 racing tracks. Even though the track is fully compatible with the original parts, it has undergone a significant optical and technical upgrading. Development and production are carried out exclusively in the Czech Republic.
The project IDEA FARO: Czech racing cars on the Czech racing track will certainly also delight those interested in history and in present motor sport. The racing track has become sort of a technical game, rather than just a toy.
Track parts
The parts of the track are made from a sturdy polystyrene (PS). The mouldings contain pads through which the metallic link-ups and trolley are attached (these are used to supply electricity to the car motors). The track part external width is 180 mm, its height is 8,6 mm, the thickness varies from 2 to 2,5 mm. The surface of the track has finely coarse coat that allows a better adhesion. Also, the parts are thicker, which brings the strengthening of the track and increase the durability of the track and prevent the edges to be snapped off. The required conditions are a clean track surface as well as clean treads of the tyres.
EUROPA CUP (left) vs. FARO track. FARO track has a finely coarse surface, which brings better adhesion for tyres.
Track guiding grooves
Two guiding grooves are below the surface of the track; their width is 2,9 mm and the depth is 6 mm. An important parameter is the 90 mm pitch between the two grooves (measured between their centres). It is possible to operate cars that are up to 80 mm wide on the track. On both sides of the grooves there are two pressed-in metallic trolleys of a 3,8 mm width, the pitch between the trolleys is 17 mm (measured between the centres). Trolleys are fitted with connections that create a system of 'plugs and connectors'; this ensures conductive connection between separate parts of the track.
Connecting of parts, track connecting clips
The parts of the track are connected together by the plugs and connectors inserted to the follow-up track parts. It is helpful to join the parts on a solid and smooth surface (e.g. a plastic pad 200 x 60 mm). Two parts of the track will be connected with the connecting clips (Cat. No 510). The clips are supplied with an auxiliary forming frame, from which it is necessary to separate the individual clips (cutting them off with knife, pincers etc.).
Track as viewed from underneath shows the system of its parts connection.
Straights
Straights are 180 mm wide and are shipped in the lengths of 60 mm, 140 mm ('Half straight') and 280 mm. The 280 mm straight is also used as basis for the power and supply straight, Cat. No 401. Different length of the straights allows the combination of different turns with successive straights and also makes it easier to join the original narrow slot track '74'. The converter straight (L=300 mm) also befits between the straights, which may be used to narrow the track at some point; however, primarily these spare parts are intended to connect the oldest Czech track (Champion-grey parts, black at later date, pitch between the two grooves - 74 mm).
Curves
Curves are supplied as a 'small-M' radius R 290 mm (external diameter 580 mm, internal 220 mm) and a 'great-V', the radius R 470 mm (external diameter 940 mm, internal diameter 580 mm). The parts are sectors of a circle cut in angle of 45°; this means that a 90° turn consists of two parts (a whole circle has 8 curves). Because the internal diameter of V turn equals the outer diameter of M turn, it is possible to build a 4-line track in order to combine parts of two tracks together (use buckles Cat. No 529). By combining M and V shape turns it is possible to create a variety of chicanes. This provides the closure of the circuit.
V turn inner diameter equals the outer diameter of M turn, so it is possible to build a 4-line track.
Crash barriers, barrier holders
Entering and safely getting out of the turn at a high speed is possible only with crash barriers (profile w = 3,5 mm, h = 19,5 mm) that are placed on flexible holders (it is appropriate to place all the holders and then snap them on the barriers). Crash barriers can be supplied in customised lengths.
Photo shows how to use the barriers and the supports.
Supports
When constructing a track with an overpass it is necessary to support the track so that it generates a smooth viaduct. A track support system (h = 10, 20 and 40 mm) is available. It is preferable to create an overpass from 140 mm straights as it is easier to give the correct shape to the overpass (strong negative and positive breaks have impact on the way the brushes can receive electric current from the rails and also cause collision between the track and the support frame).
Track support can help to model a hump, over which cars can jump.
Crossings
When the circuit is not built to have the '8' shape and it is a different shape-alternative of an oval, it is appropriate to align the lengths of separate lines by including two crossover straights 280 (Cat. No 502). Be careful! It is necessary to use two of them at all times; otherwise you will create a short circuit.
Track crossing
Track crossing (Cat. n. 508) is intended mainly for city-circuit tracks. Its proportions are 180 x 180 mm, so it is possible to replace it with 3 pieces of 60 mm straight (Cat. n. 503). Then it is possible to change the track crossing to crossover while using additional 60 mm straights for the upper passage.
Converter straight 300/90-74
For the owners of the original Czech racing track ITES - EUROPA CUP, which had 74 mm pitch between the guiding grooves, we present the converter straight 300 mm. This allows connecting the original track to the current one. We recommend to use BOX # 7 directly for this purpose.
Power & control straight 280, power supply, controllers
In each race track a power & control straight 280 must be inserted, through which the power supply and controllers will be connected. The power supply is the source of CC in the aforementioned voltage. The power supply was intended and constructed as a source of voltage for the used motors and cannot be replaced by others (such as adapters and chargers). The power supply is fitted with a PTC protection on the secondary output to prevent short-circuits and overloading. In case of short-circuit this component disconnects the power supply and after eliminating the cause of the short-circuit its function is restored.
The power supply is connected to the power & control straight using a bipolar connector with contacts. Changing the polarity and therefore changing the direction of driving is possible by simply unplugging the connector and rotating it by 180°. It is possible to connect the power supply to electricity network of 240V/50Hz after connecting the power and control straight. The power supply cannot be disassembled.
Controllers are fitted with three-pole connectors with contacts. The controller triggers vary in colour. Pressing the controller trigger changes the contact between two electrical resistances and gradually exempts the sections winding from action. This reduces the resulting value of electricity resistance in the controller and the car motor is supplied with more voltage-current. When the trigger is pressed fully, the resistance is excluded, which provides maximum current value and the car is travelling at maximum speed.
Connecting straight, power supply and colour-distinguished controllers.
Electrical brake function
In contrast, the electrical brake is involved at the time of full release of the trigger. Whilst driving this function expresses itself via much greater stopping effect comparing to just 'releasing the gas' when the car goes on for a while. The braking effects vary depending on the weight of the car, on the motor type and on the transfer gear used and also on the type of magnets. This is intended for a large diversity in driving separate car models; it is necessary to try various braking points on the track and different techniques of driving with different types of cars. Slow driving excludes only a small part of the electricity resistance due to the nature of the electrical circuit, so there are considerable heat losses and the resistors start to heat up. This fact is therefore not a fault, but just a physical effect based on the driving style. During normal and effective use of the whole resistance and whilst driving at maximum speed heating is lower or minimal. Packages intended for control services are Cat. No 404 (trigger and runner/contact) and Cat. No 404 (Left and right panelling resistance).
IMPORTANT NOTICE! Power supply, controller and the power & control straight for FARO racing track are designed with regard to the purpose and the method of use. Use of another power supply and interventions in the electrical connections of the controller and power & control straight may lead to damaging the product and losing the right for a guarantee repair.
SRC – slot racing cars
Practically every car model consists of differently composed support frame and bodywork. Current is supplied to the motor by cables from the guide, in which braids are fixed (different types of rolled shielding). Guide fits in the guiding groove, braids touch the track - after pushing the trigger on the controller the electrical circuit is open and motor is supplied with D.C.
Chassis
All FARO SRC have support frames from resistant polyamide PA 66 (some parts are lined with glass filling). The excellent mechanical qualities give a high resistance and service life. Bearings made of polyamide are self-lubricating, thread connections are very solid and flexible snap locks are also resistant to breakage.
Motors
Faro SRC use several types of the motor size '130', powerful motors from a specialised German company produced in Asia. When changing a motor it is important to follow the instructions in the manual. Each engine has its designated direction of rotation and this is taken into account in the assembly of gearings into the chassis.
Gearings
The share number of teeth on the large tooth wheel and the number of teeth used on pinion (FARO module 0,5) provide the gear ratio. We use mainly so-called crown wheels (Cat. No 617, material Derlin, 30 teeth) and pinions (Cat. No 616, zinc alloy, 8 teeth). This combination was also used in most of the original Gonio cars - therefore a smooth service is ensured. The new cars may be fitted with other combinations of gear wheels and pinions. At all times, the manual contains a guide for every specific car. An overview of used gearings will be in a separate table in the service section.
It is necessary to remove impurities from the gearings and it is appropriate to lubricate them with a high quality vaseline in regular intervals. Oil is not suitable. Great attention must be given to gearings when changing the motor as certain types of cars require to push the pinion out of the gear carefully, and vice-versa for the back installation of the engine into the chassis.
Guides, Braids
FARO models (and the original Gonio cars) use several types of guides; PA 6 material is often used. The construction of the guide is adapted to the groove and to the type of the support frame. Individual guides are generally not interchangeable. All the information necessary for the correct installation and the right option of the guide to choose from is also written in the manual.
Gonio Wheels - discs and tyres
Tyre is a set of 'tired' disc with a tyre. At first, Gonio cars (Ford GT, Porsche 917, Mirage, McLaren and Shadow) had wheels produced from discs with indicated wire spokes (later on from smooth discs with central matrix) and so-called narrow tyres with a stump on the internal diameter. FARO managed to repair the mould and nowadays the tyres are supplied under Cat. No 615 (ex FGT). The shape of the tyres changed later on and the front tyre with disc was also used on all types of circuit cars including Porsche 911. These wheels consisted of disc Cat. No 609 and of tyres Cat. No 613. The parts are still shipped (for illustration the tyre is marked as 'front') under these notations. 'Rear' tyres (today under Cat. No 614) are used on the formula cars such as Lotus, Tyrrell, Renault, Ligier and Toleman and it is possible to use them on disc Cat. No 609 again. Since the term "Gonio car" is widely spread, FARO will continue to use this label to simplify orientation in the assortment of the older racing track.
Summary: formula Gonio, all discs Cat. No 609, tyres at the front Cat. No 613, at the rear Cat. No 614. All other Gonio cars can be equipped with discs Cat. No 609 and tyres Cat. No 613.
FARO Wheels -discs and tyres
With the growing number of types of cars being made, the number of different kinds of used wheels (and thus discs and tyres) increases. But in principle the opportunity to mix discs and tyres is largely used when the different average diameter of these parts gives optically a different set of wheels that matches a given SRC model.
The very first FARO SRC model was Favorit Racing on a scale 1:28. It used the discs Cat. No 608 and slick tyres Cat. No 611, diameter 19,5/width 9,9 mm. These tyres are also intended to be used as rear tyres for models of National formula NF 1400 in combination with front tyres or as front tyres for formula Tyrrell F1. It is evident from this example that a correct assessment of which tyres and discs should be used is relatively complicated and it is therefore necessary to understand exactly what type (Cat. number) is used for the model. More information is given in the 'Service Section' where the dimensions of discs and tyres will be updated when introducing new types of cars.
Before racing the easiest way to remove all the dirt from the tyre is to use a piece of self-adhesive foil and run it over the sticky layer. While assembling the new tyre on the disc it is necessary to check that the completed wheel does not pulse.
BODYWORK
Most of the bodywork is made of mouldings from ABS. Some low-volume models or models in limited editions (LE) might have so-called multi-material body shells (ABS-PS-PA-polyurethane, Durofol or Vivak). More detailed information is included in the instructions for each model. Knowledge of types of used materials is necessary when repairing the bodywork, constructing it together from kits and during additional adjusting and colouring. In case of any doubt it is advisable to contact the manufacturer.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
FARO track is not suitable for small children. The 'racing driver' needs to know and understand the controller functions, the system of the support frame setting, theadjustments to braids and the tyres exchanging. The ability to read the instructions is needed and thus the age limit is defined (from which age on it is possible for a small driver to be entrusted in building the track and in its maintenance). Metal objects must not lie on the trackand the power supply should be connected only by the person who is the small child's supervisor. Many dramatic events might appear during the race, e.g. a moment when small children seek to put back cars that 'fell off' as soon as possible - therefore there must be a sufficient space around the track and it is advisable to limit the possibilities of tripping over or of any impact with furniture. Due to the design solutions it is not possible to avoid sharp edges that might injure very small children. Racing cars also contain small parts that might be swallowed by small children.
It is therefore necessary for parents, older siblings or friends to realize the possible risks and in particular their responsibility when playing with a small child. Declared suitability of FARO racing track is 9 years plus. It goes without saying that younger children are also able to control the track and cars; however, they should be under a constant supervision.
The manufacturer takes care of all guarantee and post-guarantee service, of individual corrections and adjustments and (when it is technically possible) of any repairs regarding also Gonio cars. Technical advice and the construction of tracks in accordance with the terms of reference (through track editor, incl. calculations of small accessories), as well as building large motor-racing circuits is also a part of the service.
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