GETTING STARTEDBack to the Marlins in Trials introduction page.ExpertsIf you already know everything there is to know about classic trialling, but are thinking of changing cars to a Marlin, go straight to the Technical Topics pages. NovicesThe MCC and ACTC now produce excellent guides, available from these links: If you're considering competing in classic trials in a Marlin there are two essential tasks:
If you wish to become more involved, and widen the number of events that you can enter, there are two more tasks:
A word of caution ...Novices thinking of starting classic trialling in a Marlin should remember that Marlins run in Class 7. This will mean lots of restarts and tyre pressure restrictions which can be a bit demoralising to the absolute beginner. Pick your first event carefully noting that, overall, MCC events are generally less technically challenging than ACTC Championship events and you should see the top of a good proportion of the sections if the car is properly prepared. Some of the 'non-damaging' ACTC events, like the Clee Hills and the Allen, actually have quite a lot of restarts for Class 7 and you should definitely avoid starting with events like the Kyrle, Tamar, or Camel Classic which are extremely challenging, even to the experts with totally-sorted cars. Or, of course, you can consider Class 0. Class 0Starting with the 2002 Exeter the MCC introduced Class 0, intended for novices and those with 'less suitable' cars. Class 0 is now firmly-established in all three MCC events, with numbers rising steadily each year, and is an ideal introduction to classic trials. This class takes a more relaxed route which avoids the rougher sections and includes some of the easiest hills which are by-passed by the other classes. The MCC Clerks of the Course try to ensure that Class 0 competitors tackle the historic hills wherever practical. Novices in a trials-prepared Marlin should have little difficulty with the sections, indeed might find them a little tame even for a first event, but winning a Class 0 Award is not that easy and winning a Tri0 Award even more difficult. Novices should also be aware that the MAC run a Class 0 on the mid-January Clee Hills Trial and, indeed, they were doing so some years before the MCC took up the idea. Class 0 is now beginning to appear in other ACTC events and even the Kyrle Trial, traditionally an event for the "hard men", ran a Class 0 in 2007. ACTC events which include a Class 0 are often run as dual-permit events, allowing members of invited clubs (which will generally include the MCC) to compete in the event without an MSA Competition Licence. It is not necessary to carry out all the modifications described in Technical Topic No.2 to compete in Class 0 but a "standard build" road car on 13" wheels and 185/70x13 tyres is unlikely to have adequate ground clearance. Adding a sumpguard, removing the rear axle lowering blocks, and ensuring that the exhaust is sensibly routed, should be considered as the minimum essential preparation. Raising the front suspension and fitting 14" wheels (on the existing hubs) are both highly desirable, and easily-reversible, modifications. You will also have to accept that the car might suffer some minor damage to the bodywork or paintwork - even Class 0 sections can be narrow and comparatively rough - so don't enter a trial and expect to finish in concours condition. This page updated 12 February 2008 |