rec.autos.simulators

I've seen much discussion here on whether GP2's *** spins (and F1RS,
but I haven't and don't have the horsepower to play that) are realistic.

I've never driven a full-size race car, but I would say my Predator
(tenth scale electric 4WD off road) is the next best thing (if the word
'toy' springs to mind go and browse rec.models.rc.land) and experience
with that suggests that F1s may indeed 'lose it' just like that.

Basically, if I tap the brakes on the Pred on wet tarmac, especially into
a corner, I lose it (there's a one-way clutch to the front wheels so it's
rear brakes only).

It can be caught but (like GP2) only occasionally and only if I'm expecting
it.  Since it's 4WD, applying power solves the problem but doesn't help
with getting round the hairpin!  (I rarely need brakes in a racing situation)

I sometimes describe it as a 'quantum spin' - the molecules just seem to
rearrange themselves so the car's facing the other way, with no noticeable
stages in between!

In general, the thing does handle much like GP2, although it's a touch more
forgiving, but a sweet setup on either gives a similar buzz.

BTW, I drive GP2 with opp lock help and nothing else on a converted two-
channel transmitter, and I'm currently leading my second Ace-level
championship seasion - I haven't beaten it yet!

'Nuff respect to those nutters like Alesi and Villeneuve who consistently
hold oversteer into chicanes - watch them through the last at Suzuka.
No-one said driving F1s was easy!
--
Jonny
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|                 Jonathan Hodgson | TTech Predator                 |

| it's the way you set it up.      | LSU Archery Club and Orchestra |
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Indeed, i used to drive a 'Schumacher CAT 2000' (nothing to do with Micheal)
and that had a tendency to just suddenly spin out on slippy surfaces,
however both this and the Predator are 4WD. The only 2WD I drove was the
Cougar 2000 (and one quick go with a Losi XX) and these handle completely
differently - they tend to just drift out and understeer a lot, although
when they start to slide, they normally just completely go and are very
difficult to get back under control, just as in the games.

What I'm trying to say is yes, I agree with you, and though the  crashes
might be slightly exagerated for entertainment value (they are still games,
after all) they are probably a lot more realistic than people seem to think
they are. SODA off-road is probably the best example of a good driving
model, although it does seem to oversteer a bit too much.

Steve

The problem is that when you dab the brakes, _catch_ the spin and
bring the sideways slie to a halt, if you release the brakes the slide
continues. Basically you need to hold the brakes on until the energy
of the slide has dissipated as if you never touched the brakes. It's
as if the kinetic energy is somehow stored in the car and released
again when you come off the brake, rather than being dissipated into
heat through the brakes as it should be.

Cheers!
John

Your supposed to catch it *before* you need to use the brakes <g>

Cheers,
Richard

You know, that's just about the most original thing I've ever read on
this ng <g>

Maybe we should start classifying spin models using 'charm',
'strangeness' etc <vbg>

Cheers,
Richard

Perhaps this was also an example of the 'quantum spin' of
of car spinning ...  ;-)

Arto

What kind of spin save is that :o)? Dab the brakes when the car starts to spin
:o)? Tell me all about it, I always thought that if you start to spin release the
throttle and apply opposite lock.

/Christer Andersson, hoping he can learn something :o)

What kind of spin save is that :o)? Dab the brakes when the car starts to spin
:o)? Tell me all about it, I always thought that if you start to spin release the
throttle and apply opposite lock.

/Christer Andersson, hoping he can learn something :o)

On Mon, 26 Jan 1998 00:26:23 +0100, Christer Andersson

Getting on the brakes will catch the spin, so I'll do it.

Cheers!
John

You're right though, if you catch the spin before a certain point it
behaves pretty much exactly as it should. It's only when the "canned"
rroutine starts that this energy conservation feature comes in and
spoils things.

Cheers!
John

But, did you get your license?   :)

Ben

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On Mon, 26 Jan 1998 00:26:39 +0100, Christer Andersson

Cheers,
Richard

some removed...

This sounds like the best way to drive a video game, if you don't want
to take up your whole desk with a wheel.  I am curious, tho' is it a
pistol grip w/wheel steering, or two sticks (yeah right), and how much
was it to convert?

Too bad you can't stand way off to the side of the track with a view
like god, and get a lot of practice :).

Dan.

"Three options: Right, Fast, and Cheap.
Pick Two."

Like everyone else, I've changed my reply address.
To reply, remove ._nospam_ from address.

: If the car is enough out of shape that it's impossible to 'properly' save
: the spin, there is a fall back option in GP2; simply slam on the brakes.

Alternately, you can DOWNshift and keep the power on FULL.  What that does
is put the engine on the limiter.  Once on the limiter, the engine will
stop producing power and the rear wheels will no longer spin.  Then you
can "catch" your "spin" and then start upshifting again on your merry way.

Works on all corners depending on how far you kick the rear out and
how much steering you are doing.  It kills the lap times, but will save a
spin just about every time.
--
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1st gear ones? <g>

Cheers,
Richard