Carrera FAQ
Questions and answers
Questions and answers
Please select a category
General product questions1. Do the engines have to have EMI restrictors?
Yes. EMI restrictors are a legal requirement, although the regulation does not refer to the engine specifically, but to the entire car and the complete circuit (transformer toys). "Legal" refers to the CE labelling which is absolutely binding for all EU states.
Electrical equipment (transformer toys) is basically subject to the so-called low voltage directives and the electromagnetic guidelines EN55014 - 1 and 2.
These directives provide limits EMI limits, the violation of which immediately requiring EMI restrictors. Each manufacturer has the freedom to create his/her own restrictor which is nevertheless subject to EU norms.
Electrical equipment (transformer toys) is basically subject to the so-called low voltage directives and the electromagnetic guidelines EN55014 - 1 and 2.
These directives provide limits EMI limits, the violation of which immediately requiring EMI restrictors. Each manufacturer has the freedom to create his/her own restrictor which is nevertheless subject to EU norms.
2. Are the old and new track locking systems from 2006 onwards compatible in 1:24 scale sets?
Yes! Every old or new track element is compatible with every other element.
The locking system can be combined freely.
The locking system can be combined freely.
3. Where can I still get parts for my 'old' Carrera racetrack?
Für Rennbahnsysteme, die älter als 10 Jahre sind, können wir keine Ersatz-und Zubehörteile mehr zur Verfügung stellen. Bitte wenden Sie sich bei Bedarf an folgende Firmen, die Ihnen evtl. weiter helfen können:
Benzerath's Rennbahnladen
Beate Benzerath
Klausenweg 8, 86974 Apfeldorf
Tel: 08869-5393
Fax: 08869-921280
www.rennbahn-benzerath.de
Mail: rennbahn@benzerath.de
Heisse Reifen
Pappenheimer Str. 51a
D - 90451 Nürnberg
Tel. 0911 642 64 50
Fax 0911 642 64 01
www.heisse-reifen.de
Der Carrera Doc - Klaus Ledebuhr
Jürgen-Sohrt-Straße 29b, 24803 Erfde
Tel: 0049/04333/1416
Fax: 0049/04333/1420
carreradoc@t-online.de
Fa. Sporby Inh. Andrea Wachtmann
Bahnhofstr. 1 , 38124 Braunschweig
Tel. 05341 - 260 975
Fax 05331 - 42 937
sporby@rennbahncentert-online.de
www.sporby.de
Rennbahnshop Krefeld
Gladbacher Straße 806, 47804 Krefeld
Tel. 0049/2151/310048
carrerafan@gmx.de
www.rennbahn-krefeld.de
Benzerath's Rennbahnladen
Beate Benzerath
Klausenweg 8, 86974 Apfeldorf
Tel: 08869-5393
Fax: 08869-921280
www.rennbahn-benzerath.de
Mail: rennbahn@benzerath.de
Heisse Reifen
Pappenheimer Str. 51a
D - 90451 Nürnberg
Tel. 0911 642 64 50
Fax 0911 642 64 01
www.heisse-reifen.de
Der Carrera Doc - Klaus Ledebuhr
Jürgen-Sohrt-Straße 29b, 24803 Erfde
Tel: 0049/04333/1416
Fax: 0049/04333/1420
carreradoc@t-online.de
Fa. Sporby Inh. Andrea Wachtmann
Bahnhofstr. 1 , 38124 Braunschweig
Tel. 05341 - 260 975
Fax 05331 - 42 937
sporby@rennbahncentert-online.de
www.sporby.de
Rennbahnshop Krefeld
Gladbacher Straße 806, 47804 Krefeld
Tel. 0049/2151/310048
carrerafan@gmx.de
www.rennbahn-krefeld.de
4. What can I do if my car scrapes in the 1st steep bend Steilkurve 1 and the old crossover section?
From 2004 the cars are designed to work with the new 4-piece crossover and may scratch when used with the old 2-piece crossover. Unfortunately, due to the construction of the cars sports cars in particular are prone to scratching in steep curve 1.
5. Is there an optimal setting for the drag contact?
Drag contacts must always be set correctly to ensure the car drives well and constantly.
The drag contacts should be straightened a little and split a bit at the ends (see operating instructions), so that the drag contact is good and can still skid past. If necessary, the worn drag contact can be cut a little at the end. Only the end of the drag contact should touch the track, not the entire contact. From time to time a fingernail can be used to split the end of the drag contact and remove dust.
Furthermore, the track parts on the circuit be cleaned of dust before every use as they attract dust due to the static charge. Dust particles wear drag contacts down at a great rate and break the contact to the track.
Drag contact positioning - see picture!
(Click the picture for a larger view)
The drag contacts should be straightened a little and split a bit at the ends (see operating instructions), so that the drag contact is good and can still skid past. If necessary, the worn drag contact can be cut a little at the end. Only the end of the drag contact should touch the track, not the entire contact. From time to time a fingernail can be used to split the end of the drag contact and remove dust.
Furthermore, the track parts on the circuit be cleaned of dust before every use as they attract dust due to the static charge. Dust particles wear drag contacts down at a great rate and break the contact to the track.
Drag contact positioning - see picture!
(Click the picture for a larger view)
6. Is there a loop-the-loop for my circuit (Evolution, Digital 132, Digital 124)?
There are no loop-the-loop track parts in 1:24
Because the current cars are scale licensed car designs that have to be build true-to-life proportions they are not suitable for looping activities.
Because the current cars are scale licensed car designs that have to be build true-to-life proportions they are not suitable for looping activities.
7. The bodywork is damaged on one car. Can I buy individual car bodies?
No. Car bodies can not be purchased individually.
8. What are special guide fins?
Special guide fins are small guide fins for use on non-carerra circuits:
- Art.-No. 89107 for Evolution cars up to 2007 (fin is 1.5mm thick / depth 6mm)
- Art.-No. 85309 for Exclusiv/Digital 124 cars from 2006 and Evolution/Digital 132 cars from 2007 (fin is 1.4mm thick / depth 6.4mm)
9. Does the engine need to be serviced?
The engine in maintenance-free.
The gears and the axle mountings should be cleaned and smeared with non-resin, non-acidic grease now and again.
The gears and the axle mountings should be cleaned and smeared with non-resin, non-acidic grease now and again.
10. How and where can I find Carrera distributors?
In the Distributors section of our website you can find a list of all the Carrera distributors. Please select a country, click the button "weiter" to continue to the desired solution!
11. Why are adjustable transformers no longer being produced?
Our products, thus our race circuits, are subject to a number of strict European safety norms such as EN62115 (safety in electrical toys). This norm states that from 1998 onwards adjustable transformers may no longer be used in the toy sector. Model railway manufacturers were given a transitional deadline of 2002 to find suitable alternatives. Now this deadline has been passed they are also subject to the ban on the production, sale and distribution of such adjustable transformers.
12. Can Carrera provide me with information on product prices ?
Since our products are solely distibuted via our dealership network prices can only be provided by toys and games traders or by specialist racing circuit (slotracing) supply outlets, and can only be purchased from the aforementioned.
Carrera does not sell from its production base. The exceptions are spare parts and small parts which can be viewed in the Carrera Online Shop.
Carrera does not sell from its production base. The exceptions are spare parts and small parts which can be viewed in the Carrera Online Shop.
13. What can I do to care for my tracks?
Dust, tyre crumbs and other bits can block up pieces of track, especially on parts such as the conductors and grooves. Clean with a dry cloth only and remove the rest with a clean, dry brush or a vacuum cleaner.
If the circuit has been left set up for a period of time it should not be used immediately as there will be dust particles on the conductors, in the grooves, on the drag contacts and within the car which can lead to accelerated wear on the crown wheel on the rear axle and on the engine pinion and wheel.
If the circuit has been left set up for a period of time it should not be used immediately as there will be dust particles on the conductors, in the grooves, on the drag contacts and within the car which can lead to accelerated wear on the crown wheel on the rear axle and on the engine pinion and wheel.
14. Which circuits are compatible with which other circuits?
Due to being smaller at 1:43 scale our Carrera GO!!! racetrack system and Racing Set (discounter) is not compatible with any other racetrack system.
The non-technical GO!!! tracks can be used with Digital 143.
Evolution, Exclusiv and DIGITAL 132 (Track scale 1:24) are also compatible in terms of tracks and accessories. Only the accessory track sections can be used for both analogue and digital systems.
Accessories for DIGITAL 132 such as the lap counter, points and pit stop should not be combined with Evolution and Exclusiv circuits.
To be driven, each car requires its own type of transformer. For DIGITAL 132/124 this also means the need for a special connetor unit (Black Box) and hand-held control set.
No Evolution cars should be driven with the Exclusiv transformer as engine damage can occur and hand-held controls can overheat for which we can not provide guarantee coverage. Similarly, Exclusiv cars must not be driven with the Evolution transformer as it is too weak for Exclusiv cars.
Only the accessory track sections can be used for both analogue and digital systems.
Please note, when racing in digital modi (D132/124) none of the components such as the hand-held control sets, connection tracks or the transformers may be integrated from the analogue systems Evolution, Exclusiv or Racing Management.
The non-technical GO!!! tracks can be used with Digital 143.
Evolution, Exclusiv and DIGITAL 132 (Track scale 1:24) are also compatible in terms of tracks and accessories. Only the accessory track sections can be used for both analogue and digital systems.
Accessories for DIGITAL 132 such as the lap counter, points and pit stop should not be combined with Evolution and Exclusiv circuits.
To be driven, each car requires its own type of transformer. For DIGITAL 132/124 this also means the need for a special connetor unit (Black Box) and hand-held control set.
No Evolution cars should be driven with the Exclusiv transformer as engine damage can occur and hand-held controls can overheat for which we can not provide guarantee coverage. Similarly, Exclusiv cars must not be driven with the Evolution transformer as it is too weak for Exclusiv cars.
Only the accessory track sections can be used for both analogue and digital systems.
Please note, when racing in digital modi (D132/124) none of the components such as the hand-held control sets, connection tracks or the transformers may be integrated from the analogue systems Evolution, Exclusiv or Racing Management.
15. What should I do if my car stutters around the circuit?
Drag contacts must always be set correctly to ensure the car drives well and constantly. Please make sure the end of the drag contact is bent towards the track. Only the end of the drag contact should touch the track, not the entire contact. This helps to avoid the contact wearing out too quickly and improves the quality of the track contact. If necessary, the worn drag contact can be cut a little at the end. From time to time a fingernail can be used to split the end of the drag contact and remove dust.
Furthermore, the track parts on the circuit be cleaned of dust before every use as they attract dust due to the static charge. Dust particles wear drag contacts down at a great rate and break the contact to the track.
Furthermore, the track parts on the circuit be cleaned of dust before every use as they attract dust due to the static charge. Dust particles wear drag contacts down at a great rate and break the contact to the track.
16. Where can I source spares and small components?
In our Carrera Online Shop spares and individual parts can be ordered. Alternatively you can visit a well stocked dealer!
17. Are there edging strips for all track systems?
Yes; since 2005 there have been edging elements for all 1:24 tracks for the Exclusiv, Evolution and Pro-X racetrack systems.
The exception is the old crossover section (up to 2004).
The exception is the old crossover section (up to 2004).
18. How broad are the Carrera tracks?
Scale 1:24, the previous 124 components, the Exclusiv / Evolution tracks and DIGITAL 132 are all 198mm wide.
Scale 1:43, GO!!! & DIGITAL 143, have a track width of 113 mm.
(Scale1:40, Profi, has a track width of 178 mm.)
Scale 1:43, GO!!! & DIGITAL 143, have a track width of 113 mm.
(Scale1:40, Profi, has a track width of 178 mm.)
19. Are the old Carrera 124 tracks compatible with the new 1:24 tracks?
Yes, in principle. The old 124 tracks have a slightly different surface structure. The crossover sections of the old 124 tracks to the new Exclusiv/Evolution tracks may exhibit slight but sharp edges. However, the difference in height is less than 1mm and is unlikely to lead to problems.
20. How long is the Carrera product guarantee period?
A 2 years guarantee is issued on all Carrera technical products starting on the day of purchase. Within the guarantee period you shall have the right to send in defective parts with a copy of the receipt.
Please contact your distributor for further information!
Please contact your distributor for further information!
21. Can I set up my Carrera racetrack outdoors?
The conduction material in Carrera1:24 tracks is made of non-rust steel. The plastic is UV light resistant. This allows the set to be used outdoors without any problems. Please ensure only insulated transformers are used or there is a trip switch (RCD) for the outdoor socket! This enables the system to be used outdoors without any problems.
Owners are recommended to avoid storage of systems and components in rooms which can become extremely hot (i.e. uninsulated attics, conservatories etc.) as this can lead to damage to the track material.
Some elements of Pro-X circuits can suffer from the effects of direct sunlight such as the lap counter (IR light beam) and to points malfuntioning.
The Profi and GO racing circuit systems should not be set up outdoors.
Owners are recommended to avoid storage of systems and components in rooms which can become extremely hot (i.e. uninsulated attics, conservatories etc.) as this can lead to damage to the track material.
Some elements of Pro-X circuits can suffer from the effects of direct sunlight such as the lap counter (IR light beam) and to points malfuntioning.
The Profi and GO racing circuit systems should not be set up outdoors.
22. Can I order the full Carrera catalogue?
We hope you understand we can't send out our full catalogue to every potential customer as these are only intended for our dealers. However, any registered dealer can order the full catalogue to enable you to view the catalogue. Inquiries to Contact can also be provided by us directly on receipt of a protection fee.
23. My spoiler has broken. What can I do?
As we have been granted license to replicate vehicles they are accurate and extremely detailed licensed scale models. This is done in response to the wishes of our customers.
Small components such as mirrors, spoilers and aerials are only pushed into position.
To avoid losing small items such as spoilers, aerials and mirrors do not fall off or break during use we recommend removing such items before use. Unfortunately, apart from these items, breakage and loss of bodywork is unavoidable - just like in real racing.
This is also recommended in the operation instructions!
These parts have no effect on the operating performance characteristics of the cars.
Such small parts can be bought in sets via licensed dealers or in our Online Spare Parts Shop!
Small components such as mirrors, spoilers and aerials are only pushed into position.
To avoid losing small items such as spoilers, aerials and mirrors do not fall off or break during use we recommend removing such items before use. Unfortunately, apart from these items, breakage and loss of bodywork is unavoidable - just like in real racing.
This is also recommended in the operation instructions!
These parts have no effect on the operating performance characteristics of the cars.
Such small parts can be bought in sets via licensed dealers or in our Online Spare Parts Shop!
24. Does Carrera supply track layout proposals?
You can find a number of track proposals on the packaging (except GO!!!).
Go to our new website and chaeck out the "Product portfolio" - "Track proposals" for various solutions. For GO!!! the "Support" section of our website - "operating instructions" provides more ideas.
Go to our new website and chaeck out the "Product portfolio" - "Track proposals" for various solutions. For GO!!! the "Support" section of our website - "operating instructions" provides more ideas.
25. What are multiple decal prints?
Multiple decal printing is a special technique in which each colour of each individual Logo is printed separately.
26. What is an additional power feed and what function does it serve?
There can be a loss in power and current on a track of over 15 m and this can be recommended by installing an additional powed feed. An additional power feed greatly shortens the gaps between the plugged contacts providing the slotcars with a sufficient supply of power.
Contact your local licensed dealer for lead Art.-No. 20584 (5m) or lead Art.-No. 20585 (10m). Additional power feeds should be integrated every 5-10 m from the connecting track section.
It is not possible to integrate a second connecting track element.
Contact your local licensed dealer for lead Art.-No. 20584 (5m) or lead Art.-No. 20585 (10m). Additional power feeds should be integrated every 5-10 m from the connecting track section.
It is not possible to integrate a second connecting track element.
