Carrera 1/32 scale track types?

[SlotCat]

I'm buying a new 1/32 scale Carrera Evolution race set. I've read that there are at least two versions of the tracks and how they connect together, I gather that the latest iteration is held together with red plastic clips underneath? Where as the previous version the tabs are black plastic and molded as part of the track sections. What are the pros and cons of the types? Quality differences, slot depth, fitment?

Forgot to mention that I did find info on Carrera's site that they are interchangeable, but nothing more.

Also anybody have any info on when the new racing set shipments are due in stores/websites?

[Slotspeed]

The four tab stuff had rails that were flush to the plastic. I kinda like that. But all the newer sets (including all the digital stuff and new digital LC's etc) had slightly raised rails, which isn't ideal but also isn't really a problem. There can be a slight track height difference between the newer 3 tab and the older 4 tab, maybe 5 thou, not really a problem. You can't join the two systems using the red clips, maybe the older black U clips may work but I'm not sure.

I find I have to adjust the front ride height for the lower slot.it and sideways cars, or the guide and front of the car fouls up a bit on the raised rails of the newer 3 tab stuff. But it only takes a tiny bit of adjustment to set it to a suitable setting and then its fine.

I did notice small differences between 3 tab stuff manufactured around 2010 and stuff made more recently. Slight differences in plastic track height and very slight difference in rail height (2010 is about 0.35mm or 14 thou and later stuff, say 2017 manufacture is about 0.45mm or about 18 thou)

[WB2]

The new stuff does have (three) plastic tabs molded into the track. The track, and borders, are held together with red plastic clips on the underside of the track.

[SpeedyNH]

do the clips stick down and space the track off the table, or are there slots under there for them to keep things flat? just curious.

[HomeRacingWorld]

Not sure if it helps, but from one of my track reviews. Review here of the Fast Classics II Set



I personally very much prefer the new clips. The old ones were very difficult at times, especially for my younger racers to work with.

[jaws]

The red clips are in slots in the track, so the track will set flat. The red clips are the "fourth" tab on the newer track pieces for connecting pieces together.
The old and new tracks can be connected together using the plastic U shaped clips. I have had three different Carrera tracks using old and newer pieces of track. They have been 2 lane or 4 lane tracks. I have run Vintage and modern cars on these tracks. The only "problem" I have had was when someone brought a car that was very low, it would drag across a couple of the straight pieces. My tracks have been used for Club racing and have had Proxy races run on them also. We race using cars without magnetic (magnets) downforce.

Jim W

[Slotspeed]

That "drag" I presume would be the rails that protrude slightly from the plastic?

[SlotCat]

Wow, great info exactly what I was looking for thanks! Harry, thanks for the review link too, I’ll read that now. I searched several different ways before posting but didn’t get good results. Do you have any search tips for the site?

Oh, and how do know what sets have which track type? I’d buy local but most stores are out of stock except for a few digital sets, most sites don't say which type track is in the sets.

[dinglebery]

I'm buying a new 1/32 scale Carrera Evolution race set. I've read that there are at least two versions of the tracks and how they connect together, I gather that the latest iteration is held together with red plastic clips underneath? Where as the previous version the tabs are black plastic and molded as part of the track sections. What are the pros and cons of the types? Quality differences, slot depth, fitment?
...

I really don't know why people are muddying the waters about Carrera track. OLD track can be connected to NEW track without issues. As mentioned, there might be slight differences in rail heights between the pieces. For you, however since you've just bought a new set, you won't have any of these differences.

There's only 2 methods of securing track pieces together:
1- long red clips
2- Red and Black U Shaped clips (I only show red because black is hard to see in pictures)

For the #1 style - these get inserted in the track at the inside and outer locations of each track piece to hold them together (as seen in Harry's post above)
For the #2 style - these are placed in strategic locations and clip into a tab created when one track is inserted into another on the underside of the track

OLD track does not allow the #1 Style clip as seen in picture 3

[Slotspeed]

I'm not sure how anyone has muddied the waters apart from re-iterating points that were already made. The rail height of the newer track is an issue for lower cars and worth mentioning to a newcomer to Carrera plastic, as some cars drag on them and require adjustment.

[SlotCat]

Trying to un-muddy the track types. I’ve not bought a set yet, researching and decided to buy. After reading these replies, I’ll go for the new style track. Local stores out of stock and waiting for new shipments, online sites many don’t specify old or new style track in the sets. Carrera site doesn’t show older sets either therefore that leaves me guessing.

[dinglebery]

I'm pretty certain you can only get OLD style track from someone like myself, who has bins of it from 10+ years ago. I wouldn't be concerned with any set you can buy today.

[SlotCat]

I'm excited to run 1/32 scale again, thanks for all the input, pre-ordered Carrera 25237 DTM Ready To Roar, Evolution 1/32 Set!!!

https://www.carreraslots.com/slot-car/25237.html

[dinglebery]

Excellent! You're going to love it for sure! I think you'll quickly start looking for more track.

[SlotCat]

Thanks, yes I can't wait to build a new table and get it up and running!

[mattb]

I have mixed the tracks and never knew there was a difference.

[SlotCat]

Thanks, I cancelled my pre-order since it got bumped out twice and now says October lol.

Instead locally bought Carrera Furore 1/32 digital wireless set. Now have to build a new larger table to setup on and first time owner of Carrera /digital set, can't wait to get it up and running! I'm still learning, thank you for the replies. Need to take down my AFX HO set and put it up for sale.

[dinglebery]

Good decision! Next step is to replace the wall wart power with a 10a adjustable voltage one!