New to using a test board

[DerbyDoc.com]

Im fairly new to the idea of a test board but Ive picked it up pretty well. I use to just finish the car and go striaght to the track to test it. Does anyone know the best way to railride? Such as how much pull do you want in your car?

[ninjarabbi1997]

We got a fairly high tolerance (.0005") steel ball a few years ago (I can't remember where, maybe Enco?). I put .5" x 2" rails on the sides of the 8' melamine shelf board (so the car wouldn't fall off). I then prop up the back about 1" and roll the steel ball down. I shim the board with playing cards until the ball rolls straight down the 8' board (so I will know that it is the car and not the board making the car turn).

I usually have an old shirt or something as the stop section at the end.

I drew the outline of an uncut wood block and centered it at the start gate (makes it easy to stage). I drew another outline of the uncut block 4' down the board and 1.5" to the left (so, in rail riding, we are shooting for a 1.5" turn in 4'). I play with the steer of the car so that it passes over this outline.

One other thing, I use a playing card as the starting peg, makes it easier to get more of a true roll by removing it quickly than with my fingers--which always seem to give a more slanted start.

I'm pretty tired, but I hope this makes sense.

[DerbyDoc.com]

Thanks ninja, It makes perfect sense. When your wanting to ride the rail, you want the rolling front wheel to ride and not the raised one, Is that right?

[ninjarabbi1997]

Yes, that's it. Check out www.derbytalk.com/viewtopic.php?t=2460 for a great summary of how to do it. WarpSpeed is the guru and the post is a summary of some of his comments.

I think the test board is perfect to get your car going in the right direction before fine tuning on a track.

[Knothead Racing]

Good link Ninja. Thanks