TEMPLE OF DOOM!

We really have no idea what the organisers have dreamt up for the day, but we have had a look at past pi wars competitions for inspiration.  The things that feature regularly include narrow chicanes to test manoeuvrability, ramps to test ability to climb steep gradients, loose materials to test traction.  There's usually something 'moving' that must be avoided too.

We've tried to incorporate a few of these ideas in our own 'Temple of Doom' practise challenge.  Almost immediately, we had a problem with the ramps and lack of grip!  Admittedly our ramps are quite challenging...  The first ramp has a gradient of 1 in 2.3 (23 degrees), the 2nd has a gradient of 1 in 4.2 (about 13 degrees)!

In the initial run using Dan-ED's regular tracks, Dan-ED kept 'wheel spinning' on the first ramp.  There just wasn't enough grip.  The second shallower ramp was better.  Dan-ED was just about able to ascend it.  Changing the tank tracks for more 'grippy' knobbly ones allowed Dan-ED to ascend both ramps, but only with Dan-ED's head removed.

Attaching his head made Dan-ED far too 'top heavy' causing it to topple backwards.

We solved the problem by very slightly extending the wheel base by about 16 mm.  This provided a lot more stability and meant Dan-ED could ascend the ramp even with its head attached.  

Here you can see Danny driving Dan-ED to complete our 'mock' Temple of Doom course with Jerry commenting on the action.  There were a few hairy moments particularly descending the steep ramp!  Danny has become quite adept at driving.  He will be in charge of Team Dan-ED's attempt at the 'real' Temple of Doom.