18 replies to this topic

[Larry Horner]

In a previous post, I built a sidewinder motor pod to accommodate a modern minican motor with the smallest rear tires possible (http://slotblog.net/...-to-the-future/). It took a couple of attempts and some machining help from Martin but I finally arrived at a very compact design that can work with tires as small as 7/8" while yielding .048" of gear clearance. Here is a shot of the final product.

 

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[Larry Horner]

Now it was time to drop this puppy into a chassis and since I wanted direct comparisons against my tuning fork anglewinder (http://slotblog.net/...a-tanglewinder/), I would be using the same RGEO Razzo kit as the basis. Below is a shot of the motor pod, tuning forks and rear pan supports which again use the same "buttresses" I used previously. And with the shorter pod assembly, I was able to push the tuning fork tines further back on the chassis which in theory should give it bit more rotational flex.

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[Larry Horner]

Other chassis details are the same front pan support design that I had copied from Jim Flowler (http://slotblog.net/...g-fork-version/). I also "persuaded" the guide tongue to a 2 degree angle as is the norm in contemporary retro racing and may be making this same mod to my tuning fork angle winder. The end result has the same 4" wheelbase and 7/8" guide length but this chassis ended up a few grams lighter at 48 grams. Below is the finished chassis.

 

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[Larry Horner]

Here is the roller albeit not wired as yet. This is using the same JK Hawk neo setup with double ball bearings and American Hawk arm. Front wheels are 3/4" JKs and rears shown are 7/8" Pro Track although I will be using a full width hub with fish rubber tires when I do my track testing. Next step is to fit a Ti22 body and get this mashup on a track!

 

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[Bill from NH]

Looks good Larry! Let us know if it runs as good as it looks. Anyone out that way know how Jim Fowler's health is? He was a special type of builder.

[Larry Horner]

Thanks Bill! Last time I conversed with Jim was when I built my tuning fork angle winder which was a couple of years ago. But I too hope he is doing well. What I do know is that Truckee has been getting hammered with snow this year.

[Greg VanPeenen]

Very Nice work Mr Horner, Let use know how it handles.

 

Regards,

Greg VanPeenen

[Dominator]

Beautiful work Larry

[Martin]

Interesting experiment Larry.

So the main difference is the weight moved slightly forward on the AW has smaller rear tires, are there any other difference?

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[Pablo]

Ultra-SANO       

[Larry Horner]

Thanks guys! Martin, the shorter motor box of the sidewinder means the tuning fork is a little longer hence should have more torsional flex but it's got to be negligible. Also sidewinders have about perfect gear mesh but I imagine this difference is pretty negligible as well. There is also an argument that the larger tires have more contact area. But I'm pretty sure all these advantages will be dwarfed by the anglewinder being able to spin up and slow down its smaller tires quicker. At the end of the day, anglewinders like gravity just make good sense!

[team burrito]

the mini motor is the best thing ever invented for slot car racing. it works best in an anglewinder configuration for the fact you can run smaller tires. i did a sidewinder already & it wasn't worth the extra work. this is my concept of a retro chassis with a x12 mini motor & it works great on the flat track.

[Larry Horner]

Love the design Russ ... very clean and elegant! I also see that you're in the SF Bay area. What track are you using these days?

[team burrito]

thank you. my home track is 95 miles away in modesto, fast track in rocklin is the 2nd closest track to me - only 118 miles. my friend dave bunn & i've been to bakersfield & whittier a couple of times, but i would like to visit santa maria, PCH & electric dreams.

[Kdog]

Super nice builds! Do you use a vibratory tumbler on your chassis to make the finish so beautiful? If so, what media do you use?

I've been wanting to get one, but I don't know what media to use in it. Thanks!

[dc-65x]

Beautiful workmanship Larry.  

[Alchemist]

Belated Happy New Year Larry!

 

Absolutely stunning work and a great looking chassis!

 

Thanks for sharing.

 

Ernie

[Larry Horner]

Thanks guys! And for some weird reason, these last three post just arrived ... flux capacitor issue?

 

Kevin, the finish on this chassis is from having Dennis Samson soda blast it but he no longer offers this service. Luckily Martin has been thinking about buying one as I just don't have room in my small apartment. Martin, think about it harder! 

 

I myself don't have a tumbler either but there is a lot of discussions on the subject if you do a site query. I like the shiny look of a tumbled chassis as well but I will say that in my personal experience, the mat finish of a blasted chassis seems to age a bit better. Rick, no comments regarding personal hygiene please. 

[Bill from NH]

Larry, Mother's mag & aluminum polish in a can will give a great shine. I've seen it give mirror shines on brass & spring steel, but I don't usually polish to that degree.  For matt finishes, I use scouring powder & an old SS braid brush. Toothbrushes would also work.