Subscribe to download
ECy 55780 MK3 Hover Racer (Formula Pure)

This vehicle is not intended for drivers unfamiliar with the ECy 55680 series! Experience with the 55780 MK1 and MK2 are very helpful in understanding the characteristics of the MK3 (see bottom for more details).

(Newcomers: Start here and make your way back from there, links provided. Go down all the way to the first 55680 model and start getting used to the handling, then move up the chain as you gain experience.)

The 55780 is our new prototype for the upcoming 'Formula P' ('Pure', glitch-free) Hover Racing, where no glitches are allowed at all - no stabilizers, no suspension steering etc. While it may look like the steering uses a glitch, it does not (you can test that by taking of the side thrusters). This is the best I could figure out to reduce steering lag (travel time of bearing-connected blocks).

Balancing a lightweight racer proves extremely difficult, so expect a lot of changes during the prototyping phase.

The first problem is, of course, speed. The faster you get, the faster things get out of control. Plus, you're reaching the limits of what the game engine can do (reaction times, collision detection etc.) That's why the original ECy 55680 is so pleasant to drive and the newer GT models behave like wild horses in a rodeo. High speed also means that if the vehicle's nose points only slightly up, the forward boosters are going to shoot you into space. Since gravity won't cut it, you need some artificial downforce - which, with little control, leads to the problem of slamming the nose down into the ground. In the best scenario, that just slows you down. Worst case: you roll over the nose.

The second problem is mass. Balancing gets easier as you add more mass. But you don't really *want* mass. You want agility. Those two are enemies :P Nevertheless, we had to rebuild the frame core to compensate for all the nice stuff we lose by going glitch-free, thereby adding a lot of mass.

The body structure was inherited from the 55680 series, but has been rebuilt with different materials. The arms are thinner, reducing weight on the outside.

The 55780 operates at the limit of SM's physics. If you crash into something chances are you'll be welded into it. Also, bearings can't deal with the forces present and may give way on impact, so you end up with a twisted thruster 'hand' or booster.

Controls are similar to the newer 55680 GT vehicles. Launch sequence is [1]->[2]->[3]->[5], to land use [5]->[3]->[2]->[1].

[3] is auto downforce (think ESP :-).
[4] to brake/reverse. Steering is now assisted by conventional side thrusters to help with taxiing/low speed cruising.
[6] for horn.

The MK3 reuses the body of the MK1 and features tech from various other models. It's currently set up as a 'highrider' that is allowed some leeway to the ground. This characteristic makes it very dangerous. Remember: the vehicle is still a test bed for the upcoming 55780 GT 'Formula Pure' series. ADVANCED DRIVERS ONLY!

If you turn down the forward thrusters, the MK3 actually makes a nice ride for a leisurely stroll :) You can calm it down until it becomes a viable alternative to the 55680 or 55680 GT2.

If you'd like anything changed or have suggestions, let us know in the comments!