28 replies to this topic

[Phil Smith]

This is interesting.
 
Slot Car - Propeller-Driven

[Phil Smith]

What happened to this thread? I had posts in it, including Jairus's car which I wanted to comment on.

[Phil Smith]

And this thread isn't listed anywhere but in the "recent post" list.

 

It seems my writings aren't given the respect they deserve. 

[Jairus]

This car?

Comment away.


 

[Phil Smith]

Yes! That's awesome. You should finish it. 

[Jairus]

I hope to. Been busy.

Working on a braking system.
Key ingredients are low center of gravity and good brakes.   
Losing the front wheels, too.

[Cheater]

It seems my writings aren't given the respect they deserve. 

Phil,

To keep from overwhelming the Recent Topics 'repeater,' the RSS eBay feeds are set not to appear in that list.

I'll move your thread to where it will appear in Recent Topics.

[gotboostedvr6]

That APC prop is not the best choice for this project. The root thickness and airfoil were designed to be used over 30,000 rpm and need 400 to 800 watts and sufficient airspeed be efficient. Using them in a slot car would put them in a full stall; this condition will produce insufficient thrust.

There are several GWS props that would serve you better. I'll work on a list and post later.

You're not gonna want to have to use a propeller adapter. Best to use a prop with a 1.5mm hole and drill it to 2mm for a direct fit. You can add a set screw to keep it in place.

[Phil Hackett]

Think gyroscope if you're going to run that on a "road" track. It'll make turns one way **really** well.... the opposite turns... not so good... but it'll be fun to build. Another thing: it'll tend to run up on two wheels while accelerating and firmly plant down as soon as you brake.

 

Ask Dennis Hill about his "Air Car" from the 1980s. It was a fun thing to watch. I think he used a 3-bladed 6" prop on that car.

 

(edit-- I was informed it was a 3" 3blade prop)

[MSwiss]

I thought a Slots of Fun racer posted a video, here, of a propeller driven drag car.

I thought it looked pretty speedy.

[Jairus]

Well, the other option was a couple of turbine fans under the body running counter to one another.  This would create a huge suction effect keeping the car on the track.
The reason it never got finished, was because I had NOT figured out all the problems.

[MSwiss]

[Jairus]

How about something like this?
https://www.towerhob...p?&I=LXBWMA&P=M

 

[Jairus]

Or this with a nice high rev motor by Havlicek?
https://www.towerhob...p?&I=LXLXA2&P=7

[Foamy]

The drag strip at Valley Raceway in Rosemead, CA, had no timing equipment and crappy no-traction paint. The locals were making fan-powered dragsters using motors from electric drills. I made one using an off-road R/C motor from the late Big Jim. An Astro Flight prop adapter held a Cox three-blade prop. It was unbeaten for about a year until... Guy Spaulding made one with two Group 20 motors and he carved a couple 1-1/2" props for it.
 


This one is 1.9" diameter and flow a lot of air.

[Jairus]

I like it Dennis!

(Can I have it?)

[Foamy]

Send me your address. You will need to drill a hole for the shaft.

[Jairus]

Seriously?
PM coming. Thank you, Dennis.
 

[Cheater]

It was unbeaten for about a year until... Guy Spaulding made one with two Group 20 motors and he carved a couple 1-1/2" props for it.

Dennis,

Is this the dragster to which you refer?

 

 

 

 

I've been waiting years to post these pics, which I took when I visited Guy and his lovely wife at their home in Winston-Salem...

[gotboostedvr6]

Wait, Guy made something cool?

 

Greg, you must have him mixed up with another blogger!

[gotboostedvr6]

Using this propeller with estimated 30% slip, 30,000 RPM, will produce 20 MPH.
 
GWS EP Propeller (DD-2510 65x25mm)

[gotboostedvr6]

Using this propeller with estimated 40% slip, 30,000 RPM, will produce 34 MPH.
 
GWS EP Propeller (DD-3020 82x50mm)

[Foamy]

That's it! Or something like it. I remember wood props though...

[Guy Spaulding]

This is interesting.
 
Slot Car - Propeller-Driven

I think this is the link you're talking about. 

[Guy Spaulding]

The recent car worked ok on straight battery power, but torqued over too much with 14v.

 

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