![\"Carrera](\"https:\/\/blog.jadlamracingmodels.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/10\/Pic7.1.jpg\")
\n\t\t\t<\/div><\/figure>![\"Inside](\"https:\/\/blog.jadlamracingmodels.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/10\/Pic7.2.jpg\")
\n\t\t\t<\/div><\/figure>![\"The](\"https:\/\/blog.jadlamracingmodels.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/10\/Pic7.3.jpg\")
\n\t\t\t<\/div><\/figure>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\nTrack<\/h4>\n
It doesn’t take long to unpack the box \u2013 and you can use the instruction sheet to identify all the contents. Use the layout diagram to lay out the track pieces. Don\u2019t connect them up yet \u2013 it is safer and easier to move the track pieces before they are connected together. Half the fun of building a slot car track is to design and build your own circuits, but it\u2019s best to follow the plans in the set instructions for this first test.<\/p>\n
When you have the pieces laid out and you are happy that everything fits into the space you have, start connecting up the track. The Carrera Go! track needs to be treated with some care at this point. As you line the ends up, keep the pieces flat on the floor and gently push the tabs into the slots. These tabs are a little fragile if treated roughly or pushed into the slots at an angle. The two pieces should then be pushed together firmly, straight and flat \u2013 with just a very slight sideways wiggle as they push into place. After a few connections, you will get the knack. Smaller children should be helped with this \u2013 and supervised at all times.<\/p>\n
It\u2019s always a good idea to build any loop-the-loop sections first and connect them into the layout as a complete unit. The final connection of any circuit is always the trickiest \u2013 keep the pieces as flat and as straight as possible. Once the entire track is connected up, you can add any bridge and banking supports, barriers and cardboard scenery that might be included in your set. Fixing the barriers to the track can be hard work, but you will soon get the knack and the tabs will loosen up with use.<\/p>\n
![\"The](\"https:\/\/blog.jadlamracingmodels.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/10\/Pic7.4.jpg\")
\n\t\t\t<\/div><\/figure>![\"Carrera](\"https:\/\/blog.jadlamracingmodels.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/10\/Pic7.5.jpg\")
\n\t\t\t<\/div><\/figure>![\"Connecting](\"https:\/\/blog.jadlamracingmodels.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/10\/Pic7.6.jpg\")
\n\t\t\t<\/div><\/figure>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\nControllers<\/h4>\n
Most of the Carrera Go! controllers plug into the powerbase straight \u2013 although a few high-end sets have wireless controllers powered by built-in rechargeable battery packs. All the controllers are operated by pressing down the big \u2018plunger\u2019 button with your thumb. There\u2019s also a smaller button on the front of the controller. This is a \u2018Turbo\u2019 button that gives an extra boost \u2013 especially useful if you have a loop-the-loop in your layout. As with any slot car system, drivers must learn to accelerate on the straights (and round the loops) and slow down for the corners by lifting their thumb off the plunger.<\/p>\n
Cars<\/h4>\n
The Carrera Go! cars are all very robust with breakable parts kept to a minimum. They are fitted with magnets that help them stick to the track \u2013 meaning they will grip quite well round the corners, but at some point they will fly off the track. This isn\u2019t a fault with the cars \u2013 it means you are driving too fast!<\/p>\n
An important part of the car to keep an eye on is the pair of pick-up braids at the front. These connect the car to the electrical power in the track. Diagrams on the instruction sheet show how the braids should look. Both ends of each braid should be pointing straight back towards the rear of the car at all times. The braids can get crooked after a crash \u2013 it\u2019s always a good idea to check they are nice and straight. Scrunching out the ends a little does help with connectivity and smooth running.<\/p>\n
Spare braids are included with the set \u2013 and available separately (part number CA61510 here<\/a>) \u2013 if the original ones get damaged or worn beyond just needing to be straightened-out. There are also spare \u2018guide pins\u2019 included that fit into the slot and keep the car on the road. The guide pins are tough, but can get damaged or \u2013 after very many hours of hard racing \u2013 may wear out.<\/p>\n With care taken in preparation and use, you shouldn\u2019t experience many problems with a Carrera Go! set. If a car gets slow or the motor feels hot, it is worth checking for hairs and carpet fibres wrapped around the rear axle \u2013 and remove any you find with a pair of tweezers. With most cars, you will need to remove the car body \u2013 this is held in place by one, two or three small cross-head screws on the underside of the car. Very occasionally, put a small drop of oil on the gears and where the axle passes through the car under-tray \u2013 this will help keep everything running well. An ideal time to do this is when the body is off.<\/p>\n The track is robust, but it should never be trodden on. A small track can be left set up on a table or pushed under a bed. If you do leave the track assembled, it will need a quick dust once in a while \u2013 and you should always unplug the powerbase when not in use. If space is more limited, it is best to pack the track away, rather than risk anything getting stepped on and damaged. It is a good idea to store the set in the original box, using the picture you took earlier to make sure everything fits.<\/p>\n Great care should be taken when pulling the track pieces apart. They will be very tight when new and require a strong pull apart. It\u2019s the same as assembling the track \u2013 firm, flat and straight. If you pull at an angle, the tabs will snap off. You do want to avoid that, but the track will still work with a few tabs missing. Every Carrera Go! owner has experienced the dreaded sound of tabs snapping, so don\u2019t worry if it happens to you!<\/p>\n A Carrera Go! set is an ideal way to get started with slot cars, especially if space is limited. However, the wide range of cars, track pieces and accessories means there is plenty of scope to develop a fantastic layout and enjoy Carrera Go! for many years. Check out the Carrera Go! products here<\/a> on the Jadlam site to see what is available. Please note that the Carrera Evolution, Digital132 and Digital124 cars, track and accessories are not compatible with Carrera Go!<\/p>\n![\"Carrera](\"https:\/\/blog.jadlamracingmodels.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/10\/Pic7.7.jpg\")
\n\t\t\t<\/div><\/figure>![\"Underside](\"https:\/\/blog.jadlamracingmodels.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/10\/Pic7.8.jpg\")
\n\t\t\t<\/div><\/figure>![\"Inside](\"https:\/\/blog.jadlamracingmodels.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/10\/Pic7.9.jpg\")
\n\t\t\t<\/div><\/figure>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\nMaintenance and problems<\/h4>\n
What next?<\/h4>\n
Help and advice<\/h4>\n