[lornecherry]

...any fiberous surface is simply a no-go for the d'NaNo. I did far more testing then Kyosho and I can assure you that you cannot use a running surface with fibers. Not on the track, not on the run-off area, not anywhere around these cars. I've seen cars get fouled from simply running off the track for a few inches and into a barrier run-off made of felt.

Noth'in, nada, nope ...I tested anything from specially-made "Mini-Z Ozite" to micro-fibered trade show carpet (probably very similar to Pytex but I can't be sure). I even tried the very best industrial felts that have the most compacted fibers. And I tried coating the fibers with chemicals to keep them from shedding and tried even a few industrial treatments recommended by an Ozite chemist. Everytime I thought I had the problem solved, the wheels would eventually foul up. As the former Ozite racing carpet distributor for Canada, I had a vested interest in making a carpet track for the D'NaNO work, but there's something about the front-end of the cars or how close they are to the ground that attracts fibers like a flies to pile of %&#!.

Yes, I able to get some cars run about 15 minutes before one wheel fouled, but if you've ever cleaned the front end on these cars, you know what a pain in the asz it is ... because of the low-mass wheels; one single fiber or hair wrapped around the front axel will tweak the car's handling. John's RCP, the Realtracks surface, or the stuff I make my custom tracks from are not fiberous at all and there's a good reason for that... it's far easier to care for these non-fiberous surfaces and the cars; just keep your track static-free and use a dry (graphite) lubricant on the fron end.

I only wish this were not ture, since we had $99 roll-up carpet track ready to go that was perfect in terms of traction and convenience. Moreover, John from RCP and I had a few long discussions to try and get a carpet-type surface to work; I don't give up easily, but I just couldn't sell or use any fiberous track and be honest about it.

Kysoho could easily redesign the front end to keep the fibers out of the axle area or at least make it a 10 second clean-out like it is on the rear wheels. (I consider the current front-end a design flaw with the cars.) Fixing this one problem would do a lot to help this class of cars, not to mention that the Hobbytown tracks would actually be useful ...and think of how many tracks could quickly be setup if clubs could use their exisiting Ozite that they run larger cars on.

If you have a link to Pytex carpet (I think it is made in China) or you know where I can find a sample I will have a serious look at it; (I can't find it in Canada) ...but my gut feeling is if its got fibers, stay far far away.

If I can save a few hobbyists the grief of going through all the carpet/felt/whatever testing I did then this rant has been worth it. Kyosho, please, please fix the front end.