12 replies to this topic

[James Wendel]

For anyone interested in Oregon hardbody racing.

Race Results

The yellow/white #54 car was mine... built and painted just days before the race.

[idare2bdul]

Pretty nice paint jobs to be called Jalopies! Looks like you guys know how to have fun.

[Bill from NH]

James, nice-looking race cars!

At a future race, could you also take a few chassis photos? I'd like to see what you're currently running.

[dc-65x]

Hi James,

I'll be visiting Roseburg next month in the hopes of retiring there. It looks like a beautiful area. I wasn't aware that there was any slot car activity in Roseburg. Please tell me about it .

Thanks in advance,

Rick

[James Wendel]

Rick - Unless you are a "big city guy", southern Oregon is a great place to retire. But let's keep that our little secret. Part of the charm of the area is the lack of population.

There are no commercial slot-tracks in Oregon, but it has an active club racing program. Bob Hanna in Roseburg owns "Sparetime Raceway" where I race (nearly) every Monday night, all year round. Two of our local racers also have their own tracks and occasionally host races. Other club tracks are located in Eugene, Wilsonville, and Bend. The club tracks are joined together in "OSCAR", Oregon Slot Car Association.

OSCAR website

The OSCAR site has links to the tracks and rules. Generally, 1:24 or 1:25 Hardbody, inline, sealed Deathstar (sometimes Supers). Chassis design is otherwise pretty unlimited.
Chassis are scratch built, brass plate. Complete cars weigh 6 to 9 oz. depending on class.

This is a "Hanna" Chassis. Bob Hanna built hundreds similar to this and sold them at near-cost, to promote the sport. He no longer builds for sale, so his chassis are prized on the "resale market". They are also widely copied.



That brass is 3/32 thick

Here's another link to a race held a Bob's track that shows the track better. Note the hump in the short straight and the extremely tight radius corners. Also, the drivers stations are located in four different corners of the room, so each has a unique perspective of the track.

Econo race

Rick, if you have the time and inclination to stop by and see the track and meet the guys, let me know prior to your visit. We can arrange that.

James

[dc-65x]

Hi James, thanks for the reply.

Rick - Unless you are a "big city guy", southern Oregon is a great place to retire. But let's keep that our little secret. Part of the charm of the area is the lack of population.

No "big city guys" here, we can't wait to get out. When we were puppies my wife and I were lucky enough to live in a small town of 7000 in the Pacific Northwest for 10 years. We embraced the local culture and blended into it. We loved it.

You know there is at least one murder in the SF Bay Area every day....and I do mean DAY. It is so common that it takes place in broad daylight, not just at night. What really bad is the gang bangers are such bad shots they miss their target and end up killing innocent people, women and children. Yes, we want out!

OOPS, I'm babbling.... . Back to slot cars

Rick, if you have the time and inclination to stop by and see the track and meet the guys, let me know prior to your visit. We can arrange that.

That would be great, thank you. Can I PM you when our dates are set?

Rick

[Jairus]

Rick,
If you join that club... I might have to drive down a time or two on race day.






But, we have to agree to use a minimum of 1" dia wheels with inserts. Gotta teach these guys something about scale!

[dc-65x]

I think the cars look great and I hope I get to see the track soon. Hmmmm…..I wonder how my big heavy Kemtron would handle that hump .

[James Wendel]

Rick - PM me when you know specifics on your visit. If you could arrange a Monday, that would be fantastic since you could see an actual race. In fact, I would bet that we could scare up a loaner car so that you could participate. Bring your controller and your Kemtron as well.

Jarius - I have often admired the examples of your work that you have posted here. Come on down!!! You would be most welcome.
We do have a couple of "big wheel' classes, although wheel inserts are the exception, rather than the rule.

[Roger U]

James, You guys have some nice looking Jalopies. I'm wondering if cars 7, 14, 26, and 47 (I think they're late 1940s Chevys) are styrene or resin bodies? Seems like I've seen a resin body like that somewhere but wonder how well resin bodies would hold up under racing conditions. If they're styrene do you know who makes the models? Thanks for any info you can give. Those are all real nice looking cars.

[James Wendel]

(I think they're late 1940s Chevys)



You are exactly right, those are 1948 Chevy Aerosedans, which are very popular with local racers because they are a direct-fit on a Trans-Am chassis. They are a conventional, if obscure, styrene kit by "Galaxy".

They occasional show up on Ebay, or can (apparently) be purchased directly from the manufacturer here:
Galaxy Models

[Jairus]

Roger, I can help you with that.
All numbers you cite are Chevrolet Aerosedans 1946 and 47. There is a couple resin casters who make that body, Jimmy Flintstone being one. But Galaxie LTD has had a beautiful model kit on the market for more than 11 years.

Styrene in my opinion holds up much better than resin as it tends to give a little and is lighter besides. One can always fiberglass the inside of a styrene body if need be. But resin is a very brittle material unless the resin is mixed specifically for slot use.

[Roger U]

James and Jairus, Thank you for the information. I'll have to check with Galaxie.