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Old 2017.02.17, 10:36 AM   #1
RCPMini-z
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Kyosho USA Mini-z Cup 2017

I am working with Kyosho on organizing this years event here in the US. If you are a hobby store that may want to host a regional event, send me a pm or email and I can give you more details. Discussions are in progress to possibly bring top finishers from the USA Cup to Japan to compete against drivers in the Japan Mini-z Cup.
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Old 2017.02.17, 12:28 PM   #2
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Do you know what the minimum space requirement will be to host an event or will the track layout be up to the host shop?
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Old 2017.02.17, 12:41 PM   #3
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Awesome to hear and have already contacted Hobby Works to ask they reach out to you!
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Old 2017.02.17, 12:51 PM   #4
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Quote:
Originally Posted by mleemor60 View Post
Do you know what the minimum space requirement will be to host an event or will the track layout be up to the host shop?
In 2004, the track sizes were about HFAY size. At the time, not all LHS had RCP so it was also on whatever track the LHS had. There was a track in Charlottesville VA LHS had a painted wood track with wood rails
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Old 2017.02.17, 01:17 PM   #5
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Originally Posted by mleemor60 View Post
Do you know what the minimum space requirement will be to host an event or will the track layout be up to the host shop?
Track size and classes have not been finalized. Track surface will be RCP, but I am working with Kittrich to get tracks sent to hobby stores that don't already have a track in place, so more shops can participate.

We may include Mini-z Buggy and in this case will provide jumps, bumps and obstacles for the races.

Still working on details including timing system to be used, but most likely it will be similar to the Robotronics. Philip is testing another system at his facility and we may use that system, which is also similar to Robotronics. I was at PN Racing yesterday and got to watch Grant's practice session with the timing system and his car he will be using in Brazil. I bought a transmitter from Grant some time ago, thinking it would make me drive as fast as him. Didn't work out so well.

I am in process of testing out some new surface textures from the factory that manufactures RCP Tracks. We may use the new surface and tracks for the future Cup events. The new tracks will incorporate grey tiles, so black vehicles will be easier to locate and will have a skin on one side.

Last edited by RCPMini-z; 2017.02.17 at 01:27 PM.
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Old 2017.02.17, 09:39 PM   #6
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I am testing out some new surfaces for future RCP Tracks. May use the new surface and tracks for the Mini-z Cup events. Hopes are that the surface will offer grip somewhere between the rough side and the smooth side. The pattern on the attached sample simulates asphalt and it has a random texture pattern. The texture will be a skin on the tiles, so clean up will be much easier and tire wear will be greatly reduced.

Thinking of grey tiles, so you can see the black cars, blue turn rails and black side straight rails. Your suggestions on colors, would be appreciated. We can also go dark grey for a better look and so dirt doesn't show up as much, but will be lighter color than black for the tiles. Also thought of grey tiles with black rails all around. Even the turn rails. Might look more professional if there weren't bright colored rails. Black rails wouldn't show the dirt as much as blue, red or yellow turn rails.
Attached Images
File Type: jpg Blue.jpg (8.7 KB, 28 views)
File Type: jpg Texture.jpg (65.9 KB, 30 views)

Last edited by RCPMini-z; 2017.02.17 at 10:29 PM.
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Old 2017.02.18, 12:00 PM   #7
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if I can make a suggestion on the timing system, unless it will be provided for the event, let the location use the timing system of their choice and maybe select a program like ZRound that is very cross platform compatible so that a specific race format can be programmed and followed. While everyone appreciates PN has taken the lead on the North American market racing, not everyone is switching systems when they do to the next best thing. For many places, a timing system is a significant investment and cannot migrate to whatever PN chooses every other or every couple seasons. Your looking at anywhere between 2-400 for the system and a club could have 3-600 invested in transponders.

In my experience, LHS will not devote funds to invest in additional equipment if they are not certain of drawing additional sales as a result. The great recession took it's toll on LHS markets and experimenting with retail floor space just isn't as likely today as it was pre-2008 crash.

Is participation limited to hobby stores or can appropriately sized clubs also host?
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Old 2017.02.20, 08:32 AM   #8
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Quote:
Originally Posted by RCPMini-z View Post
I am testing out some new surfaces for future RCP Tracks. May use the new surface and tracks for the Mini-z Cup events. Hopes are that the surface will offer grip somewhere between the rough side and the smooth side. The pattern on the attached sample simulates asphalt and it has a random texture pattern. The texture will be a skin on the tiles, so clean up will be much easier and tire wear will be greatly reduced.

Thinking of grey tiles, so you can see the black cars, blue turn rails and black side straight rails. Your suggestions on colors, would be appreciated. We can also go dark grey for a better look and so dirt doesn't show up as much, but will be lighter color than black for the tiles. Also thought of grey tiles with black rails all around. Even the turn rails. Might look more professional if there weren't bright colored rails. Black rails wouldn't show the dirt as much as blue, red or yellow turn rails.
This is very exciting, and I think this topic should have its own thread!

I'm encouraged by this because new investment/innovation by industry leaders like RCP Tracks is another sign that Mini-Z racing may be coming back to the U.S., but then again, it could be wishful thinking on my part.

I really appreciate you seeking input from 'customers' on your plans, unfortunately there aren't many racers that frequent these forums nowadays . As far as colors, definitely one that makes is easier to see all cars is a big plus in my book. I have a devil of a time seeing, dark blue or red cars. And black cars are invisible to me. I think the rails should stand out from the tiles to make it easier to see the boundaries when cutting a corner closely. Grey tiles with black rails may look cool, but I'm not sure how easy it would be to navigate. In terms of dirt, I like seeing the dirt on the track, because it's a good indicator of when the track needs cleaning, so I wouldn't try to pick a color to conceal it. I wonder what light grey tiles with red and white rails would look like. As far as texture is concerned, I'm not sure what to think. Consistency between tracks would be nice, as would easy cleanup and reduced tire wear, but what about all the RCP that is out there? Would it become obsolete? My concern is that the texture idea ends up being like New Coke.

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if I can make a suggestion on the timing system, unless it will be provided for the event, let the location use the timing system of their choice
+1 on this.
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Old 2017.02.20, 08:35 AM   #9
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Something like this from Bahrain International Circuit?

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Old 2017.02.20, 02:31 PM   #10
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Originally Posted by Traveler View Post
This is very exciting, and I think this topic should have its own thread!

I'm encouraged by this because new investment/innovation by industry leaders like RCP Tracks is another sign that Mini-Z racing may be coming back to the U.S., but then again, it could be wishful thinking on my part.

I really appreciate you seeking input from 'customers' on your plans, unfortunately there aren't many racers that frequent these forums nowadays . As far as colors, definitely one that makes is easier to see all cars is a big plus in my book. I have a devil of a time seeing, dark blue or red cars. And black cars are invisible to me. I think the rails should stand out from the tiles to make it easier to see the boundaries when cutting a corner closely. Grey tiles with black rails may look cool, but I'm not sure how easy it would be to navigate. In terms of dirt, I like seeing the dirt on the track, because it's a good indicator of when the track needs cleaning, so I wouldn't try to pick a color to conceal it. I wonder what light grey tiles with red and white rails would look like. As far as texture is concerned, I'm not sure what to think. Consistency between tracks would be nice, as would easy cleanup and reduced tire wear, but what about all the RCP that is out there? Would it become obsolete? My concern is that the texture idea ends up being like New Coke.



+1 on this.
Any new textures would be in addition to current RCP Track tiles. The original track texture will always be available as long as the tracks are sold, so current customers will be able to expand.

I can create some 3D images with different color rails and tiles for you to view. Regarding dirt, I was referring to the rails as the inside turn rails receive the most dust, dirt and marks. Having a dark rail will help hide some of the marks. I like the idea of either grey or dark grey for the tiles. I too have some black bodies using black rims and they are hard to see on the track. I wonder what green rails would look like on grey tiles. Could simulate grass! Maybe print red and white checkered on the inside of the tile for short and long inside turn rails. Would look similar to picture above.

Last edited by RCPMini-z; 2017.02.20 at 02:33 PM.
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Old 2017.02.20, 02:33 PM   #11
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Originally Posted by arch2b View Post
if I can make a suggestion on the timing system, unless it will be provided for the event, let the location use the timing system of their choice and maybe select a program like ZRound that is very cross platform compatible so that a specific race format can be programmed and followed. While everyone appreciates PN has taken the lead on the North American market racing, not everyone is switching systems when they do to the next best thing. For many places, a timing system is a significant investment and cannot migrate to whatever PN chooses every other or every couple seasons. Your looking at anywhere between 2-400 for the system and a club could have 3-600 invested in transponders.

In my experience, LHS will not devote funds to invest in additional equipment if they are not certain of drawing additional sales as a result. The great recession took it's toll on LHS markets and experimenting with retail floor space just isn't as likely today as it was pre-2008 crash.

Is participation limited to hobby stores or can appropriately sized clubs also host?
Yes, ZRound software will be used.
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Old 2017.02.20, 02:38 PM   #12
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Any new textures would be in addition to current RCP Track tiles. The original track texture will always be available as long as the tracks are sold, so current customers will be able to expand.
Whew! Glad to hear!

Quote:
Originally Posted by RCPMini-z View Post
I can create some 3D images with different color rails and tiles for you to view. Regarding dirt, I was referring to the rails as the inside turn rails receive the most dust, dirt and marks. Having a dark rail will help hide some of the marks. I like the idea of either grey or dark grey for the tiles. I too have some black bodies using black rims and they are hard to see on the track. I wonder what green rails would look like on grey tiles. Could simulate grass! Maybe print red and white checkered on the inside of the tile for short and long inside turn rails. Would look similar to picture above.
I'd like to see what this would look like!
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Old 2017.02.20, 03:26 PM   #13
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I wonder what green rails would look like on grey tiles. Could simulate grass! Maybe print red and white checkered on the inside of the tile for short and long inside turn rails. Would look similar to picture above.
I've often thought about painting this on my RCP track for the added realism. I love the sounds of this!!! Grey/green sounds like a good color combo too.
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Old 2017.02.21, 03:14 AM   #14
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I personally like a bright colored inside turn rail. The red works well, as does yellow. It allows you to spot the apex easily without looking for it directly. I fear that a black inside turn rail may hide itself in the peripheral vision.

Any chance on also giving the side rails a smoother textured surface, so the cars are less prone to stopping as they graze the rail, and wont chunk apart as much after many cars hitting the rail. We resorted to putting duct tape on some of the rails for the cars to glance off rather than stop and get slammed by the cars behind.
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Old 2017.02.21, 07:43 AM   #15
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I personally like a bright colored inside turn rail. The red works well, as does yellow. It allows you to spot the apex easily without looking for it directly. I fear that a black inside turn rail may hide itself in the peripheral vision.
Ditto!

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Any chance on also giving the side rails a smoother textured surface, so the cars are less prone to stopping as they graze the rail, and wont chunk apart as much after many cars hitting the rail. We resorted to putting duct tape on some of the rails for the cars to glance off rather than stop and get slammed by the cars behind.
This would be a huge improvement! What if the top of the rails were green to simulate grass, but the sides were a harder/smoother surface that is red/white squares?
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