Wheel Location

[grimetime]

I can't seem to find the answer to this, nor am I able to logically reason it out using my limited physics experience...

We have a fixed wheelbase. We have a maximum length, but no minimum length for the car.
Given that, what's the best position for the wheels?


1) all the way back? (thinking to nose past the opponent?)
---> O====O=== --->


2) all the way forward? (thinking to keep the weight back?)
---> ===O====O --->


3) cut the length down to wheelbase+wheels length (thinking smaller weight distribution?)
---> O====O --->

Thanks,
a pine-fused dad

[MaxV]

On most tracks you would want the wheelbase shifted back.

Don't shorten the car, as you will lose potential energy (center of gravity starts further down the hill).

[grimetime]

Okay, I guess that makes sense... so far, we've designed for style over speed (an A-wing Fighter and a Wii remote)... but moving forward, my son wants something that's cool looking, but fast this time!

The A-wing Fighter (very short) was quicker than the Wii remote (long, but square), but that could have been due to other factors like aerodynamics, better weight distribution, or perhaps we didn't polish the axles enough or something.

[JustaDad]

You can make a square design and have it run fast, but you need to hollow out the body and place the weight in the rear. File, sand & polish the axles and clean up the wheels. Make sure your alignment is true(square) and you can go fast regardless of looks.

To go really fast, you must get extreme with your design and it will need to be thin and light. (less than an once before you start adding weight)

Good Luck!!