2 replies to this topic

[Robert11]

Hello,

 

First time Poster.

 

If anyone could help me out with this, would be most appreciative.

Know nothing about "slot cars, but an interesting subject.

Will enjoy learning about hobby.

 

Grandson has a two car slot racing setup received as a gift.

 

The hand Controller says:

   Midwood Brands

   Kidztech Toys

   Made in China

 

And, on the battery pack it says:

  Gear G Maxx

  Slot Racing

  1:43 Track

 

Have the following two questions, please:

 

 a. The cars do work, and run around the track.

But, the headlights on one of the cars do not work. Other car's work fine.

Grandson is very disappointed, and am trying to help him out.

 

The lights are LED's which I've discovered after opening the car up.

All the wiring looks fine. Nothing obviously wrong.

When car is reversed in the slot, and the Controller activated, there is a momentary

blink of the lights.  So, I guess it's reasonable to infer that the LED's

are probably O.K. (Cars are apparently designed to only run in one direction, I think; no reverse on Controller)

 

Any thoughts as to what might be the problem ? What should I check ?

What usually goes in this kind of setup:  the diodes in the car, or...?

 

LED's in these type of cars only have two leads; correct ?

 

b. And, the conductive very fine wire "fuzz" that is mounted

on the car's bottom for electrically contacting the rails:

It's in bad shape, and I would like to replace.

Any idea where to get a few pieces of this "stuff" ?

Can't find anything suitable, anywhere.

 

Much thanks, appreciate any thoughts or help,

Bob

[MG Brown]

I have no knowledge or experience with the brands that you mention. Having said that I will try to 'wing' some advice.

 

Generally speaking- slot car sets that aren't made by one of the 3 major brands (Scalextric, SCX or Carrera) do not have spare parts available. Usually sets sold by other than these three companies are considered 'disposable' by the manufacturer. When it stops working, the consumer throws it away. This is especially true of 'battery powered' sets- I am assuming that yours is battery powered.

 

I would bet that the problem with the lights on one of your cars is a loose or broken wire. Probably easily fixed if it is possible to take the car apart.

 

There are probably 2 ways to go for replacing the contact brushes on the cars:

• Check with the manufacturer to see if they offer service parts.
• You may be able to fashion replacements out of solder wick which is usually made of braided copper.

Hope this has been of some help to you.

[Rob Voska]

Because one works and one doesn't, a continuity light comparing the good car to the bad car will probably narrow down the weak link in short order.