Track Temperature
Just got through doing some rolling resistance test with some of my cars, and noticed that all the cars were rolling better when the track was cooler. Most of the cars were rolling 8-10 inches further on the cold track. Didn't know if anyone else here has experienced this before...or maybe it just me.
Preacher
Discussion
i agree with worpex...
ask T.L.D. he's at 6000 FT. above sea level... gotta be cold this time of year.
What about on the other side. I have always wondered what difference a car that is cold versus warm has on the track. Sounds like another science fair project for the boys!
There is a difference fo sure when the track is really cold. It can get to the point where cars start jumping the track because of the track seams. It might constrict so my that it causes problems. I'm talking about freezing tempatures. I can't race sometimes in the early morning. Too cold.
I also assume the cars go faster when the track is cold and " hardened".
Different track from over the years may be affected more or less as well.
I would think the temp would have a greater effect on seamless rolls of track too compared to segments. My track is segments and I really do see a difference based on hot/cold (maybe I should include a weather report on the fantasy league!) when it comes to cars staying on the track, never thought about the temp affect on the joints themselves.
That's the one downside of my setup, my sunroom swings huge between temps throughout the day so even if I start racing pre-noon, in the hour it takes me to race things have changed. And if it's sunny, direct sunlight will change things too. I can lead to frustrating debugging of your track.
I also assume that temperature affects the wood of the track itself, quite possibly changing the stability of the track in certain cases....warping, etc.
makes sense. When the track is colder the atoms on the tracks surface are closer together - making it harder and smoother. When its warmer, the track is softer.