7 replies to this topic

[anarot]

If going from plastic to wooden what needs to be changed for the cars to work. Mainly what tyres do I need. Was thinking of starting with something like this

https://www.trademe....x?id=2255383649

I understand the motor pod is soft and has to be changed to a harder one? also no magnets in the car or glue on the track so some weight needs to be added.

thx

[SpeedyNH]

we use silicones, hard chassis and motor pods, with the pod tightened down almost all the way with some body float. and a little lead for balance/ traction.

I'm sure that others can tell you more.

[Pappy]

We go from plastic track to wood tracks all the time with no changes. We do use silicone tires, glued and trued. You might also want to change to a Slot It deep wood guide but you don't have to. I wouldn't recommend using plated braid. I also tighten down the motor pod and just use body float.

[anarot]

Hey thanks guys. much helpful. Just realized that there was a couple of vids on here about it as well lol. 

 

         

[Ramcatlarry]

MOST wooden tracks do not have magnetic braid in the track - it is copper and nonmagnetic.    Magnetic braid does exist and some track owner will install it.  It lasts longer and has a blend of plated steel and copper strands to make it about as magnetic as Carrera stainless steel track - as long as the braid is installed as flush to the racing surface as possible.   Magnets in a car are basically artificial gravity and a test scale does exist to relate gravity to magnetic downforce (Magnet Marshall).  Sticky back lead is widely available and bare sheet lead can be glued down with silicone, hot melt, or "E-6000' glue.  If you add it to the car bottom, make sure it does NOT drag on the braid or you will damage the track systems and your controller.

 

Our Great Lakes Slot Car Club does not use magnets, but do use silicone tires and ballast to make all 1/32 cars drive much better. We can mix many brands and models together to race car ERA or series.

 

Slot Car Corner has a lot of good U-tube videos for 1/32 plastic cars.

[munter]

Hello Trevor from a fellow kiwi.

 

I am not sure where you are located but most wood track racing in NZ is done on tracks with a gloss finish and most racers use NSR or Slotit rubber tires.

Silicones came and went(sorry North America) The rubber tires give a smoother ride compared to the silicones and grip as well or better.

 

One thing you will find is the importance of glued and trued wheels/rims/tires.....body float(just loosen the body screws).....soft braid.....flat chassis (where the front wheels actually stabilise the car in turns)

 

Where abouts are you located?

 

Regards

John

[anarot]

^^. thanks everyone. I'm in Tauranga. We mainly run 1/24th steel chassis but that seems to have died over the last 6 odd months for various reasons. Thought I would build myself a 1/32 car and see how they go. If there is any interest  from other people around here I will take it further, if not I'm happy just painting up a model car.

[munter]

I hate to say it Trevor but go on the Facebook page "New Zealand slot racers" and make some noise.

I am pretty sure there are some enthusiasts in your part of the world...There is a small RTR group in Whakatane but Tauranga itself, I am unsure.

 

Good luck.