523 replies to this topic

[Lowrider]

Thanks for all the interest guys.
I thought I'd be doing well to make the minimum entry of racers but I think we're up around 20 already including the Facebook people. I'm happy to accept all stated entries up to this point even if that takes us over 20 but anyone from here on should regard their entry as conditional until I've added everyone up.

Questions:
Lucky 13 stickers would be great but I don't have the facility to manufacture them. If anyone wants to use the Darryl Vance artwork above (thanks again, Durl) and make some up, I'd be okay with that.

Choti bodies are fine, and there are plenty of other high downforce options available too. No added spoilers or wings though, please.

Steel guide tongues are fine, Pablo.

3.125" is the maximum chassis and wheel width. If a body overlaps this slightly, I don't mind. Too much and you'll be hindered on track. Way too much and I'll be reaching for the scissors. It may not be pretty ...

I've been thinking about chassis designs and one aspect of the Retro regulations I'd like to keep is the need for the front and rear of the chassis to be solidly connected via main rails on each side of the motor rather than a central hinge.

Regards,

[One27ray]

Thanks for all the interest guys.
I thought I'd be doing well to make the minimum entry of racers but I think we're up around 20 already including the Facebook people. I'm happy to accept all stated entries up to this point even if that takes us over 20 but anyone from here on should regard their entry as conditional until I've added everyone up.

Questions:
Lucky 13 stickers would be great but I don't have the facility to manufacture them. If anyone wants to use the Darryl Vance artwork above (thanks again, Durl) and make some up, I'd be okay with that. Durl is the man !!

Choti bodies are fine, and there are plenty of other high downforce options available too. No added spoilers or wings though, please.
Does not exclude molded in spoilers & Wings then ??? just asking.
Steel guide tongues are fine, Pablo.

3.125" is the maximum chassis and wheel width. If a body overlaps this slightly, I don't mind. Too much and you'll be hindered on track. Way too much and I'll be reaching for the scissors. It may not be pretty ...Will keep them just a little bit wider then

I've been thinking about chassis designs and one aspect of the Retro regulations I'd like to keep is the need for the front and rear of the chassis to be solidly connected via main rails on each side of the motor rather than a central hinge.

Regards,

[

[Foamy]

Thanks for all the interest guys.
I thought I'd be doing well to make the minimum entry of racers but I think we're up around 20 already including the Facebook people. I'm happy to accept all stated entries up to this point even if that takes us over 20 but anyone from here on should regard their entry as conditional until I've added everyone up.

Why only 20? You have that many in a day after announcing the race. This is something I have layin' around as a play car that could be sent. Just need a new Evil Motor.

[Jairus]

Dennis, Probably because we learned that it's very expensive to move a huge bunch of cars from track to track through the course of a series.
But... I have a solution for Steve.
Hold a qualification run at the first race. Then only the top 20 cars move onto the next race.

I know for a fact that if my car does poorly, I would rather NOT watch it do poorly race after race anyway! (speaking from experience here.)

[chief32s]

So no centre line hinge then... thanks for stating that early on Steve. As my mind was whirling already on a pointless journey. So, design idea #2 to the fore. Onwards.

ATB
Al.

[Pablo]

I have no clue what a "center hinge" is ?????
Been building IRRA chassis for several years and I know IRRA does not permit them.
??
Thanks

[Mike K]

.I've been thinking about chassis designs and one aspect of the Retro regulations I'd like to keep is the need for the front and rear of the chassis to be solidly connected via main rails on each side of the motor rather than a central hinge.

You have used the "retro" term several times here. Are these chassis to be Retro in the style of what is being raced in IRRA Can Am events? Are they "retro" chassis with thingie bodies? Other than one main rail on each side of the motor and no center hinge, what are the limitations? What is specifically allowed?

[gascarnut]

I have no clue what a "center hinge" is ?????
Been building IRRA chassis for several years and I know IRRA does not permit them.
??
Thanks

Pablo,

Try this :



Right in front of the motor box is the much-feared "centerline hinge". It is a way of making a very flexible chassis that does not hop an dbounce under acceleration. The hinge allows the frame to flex in torsion along the longitudinal centerline but does not allow it to bow across the middle when the power is applied. Especially useful in Eurosport cars.

I hope this helps.

(And thanks to Brian Saunders for the photo)

[MantaRay]

Ok..............I see the no Center Hinge...................I do Not see one rail on each side........I would think multiple rails would be ok.......We have a lot of time..................just want to start off on the correct path

[Pablo]

Thanks Dennis

[Lowrider]

Thanks for the centre hinge explanation, Dennis. Clearer and more succinct than I could have managed.

Minimum of one rail per side I should have said, Ray.

To Mike K. - I've used the term 'Retro' to encompass the cars raced in the IRRA ™, SCRRA, etcetera, Retro Can-Am classes. The differences I'm allowing beyond a regular Can-Am chassis are: hinges in more than one direction (with the no central hinge proviso mentioned above), O-ring front wheels (a long standing Thingie tradition) and the freedom to use drop front axles or stub front axles if you choose. The motors are limited to the Evil 9 and Demon FK motors, which to the best of my knowledge are only permitted in our UKRRA Can-Am class at present. Motors mounted with screws only, .800"w x .820"d tires, 3/32" rear axles and 48 pitch gears are also specified. The latter are to allow easier maintenance on the car's journey. Rear ground clearance is set at .062" at the first race rather than the .050" Can-Am norm.

The 20 car maximum figure was chosen, as Jairus correctly stated, to make transport around the world easier to manage. I'll come back tomorrow with a full list of accepted entrants from both here and Facebook and we can go forward from there.

Thanks for all the interest. Much appreciated.

[Pablo]

I'm totally stoked out of my mind.

Now, where did I put those doggone Parma flame masks ?

[endbelldrive]

Now, where did I put those doggone Parma flame masks ?

They're under the filing cabinet. They should still be good after 15 years.

[endbelldrive]

Dennis, are you participating in some shape or form?

[Lowrider]

Sums are done.
We have 21 confirmed entries, plus Barney Poyner who expressed an interest before the deadline but hasn't said whether or not he's building a car yet. If you want in, Barney, you'd be very welcome.

Confirmed Entries:

Al Bond
Bob Suzuki
Brian McPherson
Darryl Vance
David 'Maximo' Siller
Jaak Beentjes
Jairus Watson
Jim Struckel
John Austin
Kevin Cosgrove
Mark Patterson
Mike Zimmerman
Pablo Wolcott
Ray Fellows
Ray Price
Rod Morrison
Sam Weldon
Steve Kempson
Steve King
Steve Ploskunak
Team Evil Minnows (Duffy, Marty Stanley and Rick Moore)

In light of the higher than expected numbers, Kathryn has elected to withdraw her entry and will be assisting me with mine.

We also have a post-deadline 'reserve list', in no particular order:

Dennis 'Foamy' Hill
Gary Vogeler
Andy Brown-Searle
Graham Walker
Tony 'Bigtone'

Graham may be forming a team with his fellow Bolton racer Sam Weldon if Sam agrees.
'Bigtone' is the builder of the very fine Deltawing slot car that was featured here a few days ago, by the way. An obviously talented solderer.

I'm sad to be turning people away from the series but next April is a long way away and people have been known to drop out from these series in the past, even with the best of intentions.

In other news, Steve Ploskunak will be holding a round of the series on the UK Black track of Washington Slotcar Raceway in Canonsburg, PA. Great looking track and many thanks to Steve for volunteering.

Regards,

[Pablo]

Technical question:
My measurements and math tell me a JK non-hypoid (straight mesh) bracket needs a tire of approx. .850 OD
to make the bottom of the bracket and motor clear .062
Please, can somebody double check this.

Ain't complainin'.......Just checkin' ........

[chief32s]

Steve,

It is wonderful that this proxy is over subscribed. It is also great that there is a reserve list. I think considering how many want to be a part of this series it is only fair that if (heaven forbid) any of the confirmed entrants are in any doubt that they will turn up then they let you know asap so you can allow a reserve builder to take their place, and should (between now and let's say end of Feb) circumstances change for any of the confirmed entrants such that they will not be able to build a flame belching hot-rodded monster thingie, then they do likewise. (I am of course including myself).

It would be fantastic to have a full grid come lights-out without any last minute drop-outs too late in the day for a reserve to be entered. So, maybe to help us acheive this, we should have an early build-completion deadline/entry confirmation date. Giving time for reserves to be brought in if needed.

Just thinking out loud...

As far as I am concerned, I will be purchasing some parts this weekend, I have already begun sketching a few body ideas, and will be laying down a few chassis plans shortly. I don't want to end up rushing this one like I did the last. I want my bearings in the correct way around, I want my tyres firmly glued to the hub and I want time to produce a fine livery (that remains adhered to the body). Also, I'd like my car to have had some track time before battle commences.

ATB
Al.

[HarV Wallbanger III]

I'm in!

[tinshak]

just to let every one know me and Graham Walker have now teamed up for this event

​ Sam. Weldon.

[Jaak]

Steve,

Good thing we have about 4 months before it starts which means i can start saving
when one has acquired a proper amount of funds where could we get these motors?

I would love to ride under the number 77 again and will cal my entry Blaze.

[macman]

Put me on the reserve list... Think I already have a chassis for this built, just have to get Ray to dust off one of his old molds.

[slotbaker]

... where could we get these motors?

If you can't get them locally, then PCH is one place where you can get both.

[HarV Wallbanger III]

I may team up with Ralph Klose I'll check back soon as we talk.

[Jaak]

Say hi to Ralph from me.

Been a long time since i have seen any of him around, he was one of the people who helped me on my feet in Thingieland when i just started.


Thanks for the link Steve,
I just found out AB Slotsport stocks them so that is where i will get mine.

[Maximo]

Steve,

Jairus "Arteest" Watson and David "Maximo" Siller are officially teaming up to allow and enable more entries!
More details to follow...!

-MaX