Randy, thanks for wading in! Your input was needed on this topic. After many emails back and forth it seems we have some areas of disagreement, and that's OK. The way I see it some of the new technology in slot racing is taking it to a place somewhere between video games or board games and the "old style" slot racing. Personally I don't find many flaws with the "old style" of slot racing (why do you think it's survived for over 50 years?). But what I have seen in my years of slot car involvement is various sorts of "new" technology come and go. Granted, now some of the technology is more refined, but a lot of it is not actually new. Various manufacturers have experimented with lane changing technology (Eldon had it in the late 60's and called it Select-Tronic). Aurora had a couple of different lane changing race sets in HO. Oh, and fuel management, both Aurora and Tyco had systems with those features in the early eighties in HO scale race sets. And both actually worked very well! There has always been "new" technology on the market for "HOME RACE SETS" like Scalextric, Carrera, Ninco and all the others to try and "enhance" the racing experience. The fact is they have never really survived the test of time. I expect that is partially to do to the fact they didn't really work all that well. I admit the newest technologies seem to perform much better. But still you have to remember, although this stuff is marketed towards slot car enthusiasts the quality is still somewhat "toy like". The slot car products being produced for "HOME SETS" is NOT high quality. The emphasis on the production of the newest "SET CARS" is on the body. Body detail and appearance are the highest priority, that is obvious! There is as much or more consideration given to collectors as racers! I would bet that sales to collectors is even higher! The focus on manufacturing to meet "slot racer's" interest is on speed. Faster motors and bigger or more traction magnets. The way I see it, they're toys until a slot racer makes them into "race cars". As far as the "technology", I can take it or leave it! -------------------------Bill
5,877 August 8, 2008 4:34 am
Re: Racing at BSCC with "Fuel Management" (20 replies, posted in BSCC)
Hmmmmmmmmm, evidently I did not catch that rule. Where is that one written, or was it just a verbal? Like you, I was trying to inform racers they were running low on fuel. Sounds kinda like that turn marshalling rule where you hold the offending car in the air until you reslot the "victim" car.............. I didn't notice that rule being practiced either.......Thank god!!! Bill
5,878 August 7, 2008 8:37 pm
Re: Racing at BSCC with "Fuel Management" (20 replies, posted in BSCC)
So it's looking like this must be a forbidden topic or something? I heard a lot more talking and complaining than I'm seeing in type here! Come on, let's hear from someone who is pro-fuel management! -----------------------Bill
5,879 August 7, 2008 5:04 pm
Re: Model kits (3 replies, posted in Modifications)
Uhhhhhhhhhh, Mr. Flyin'.........my hand is in the air!!!
5,880 August 7, 2008 4:36 pm
Re: BSCC Poll (11 replies, posted in BSCC)
I like that AJ. ------------Bill
5,881 August 7, 2008 12:48 pm
Re: BSCC Poll (11 replies, posted in BSCC)
Here's my two cents; if a magnetic class is chosen, limit it to one tracion magnet - no dumbell magnets. I like the non-magnetic class idea, but Rico has a good point about traction on plastic track. The other factor would be Randy's present track has some severe visibility issues. Poor visibility is a bigger issue for non-magnetic clases than magnetic. Years ago we raced a class of HO cars (Aurora Magna-Tractions) that were slightly modified and pretty fast, with light magnetic traction. They were a blast, and one of the groups favorite classes. --------------------------Bill
5,882 August 7, 2008 7:09 am
Re: Track Design Contest (39 replies, posted in Track)
I know that scenerio Rico! Hey that big track looks a lot like PIR!!! ----------------Bill
5,884 August 6, 2008 5:38 pm
Re: Track Design Contest (39 replies, posted in Track)
Thanks Rico, I'll check it out! Hey, I think you need to buy AJ some more track. He's got some great track plan ideas!!!! ---------------Bill
5,885 August 6, 2008 3:14 pm
Re: Track Design Contest (39 replies, posted in Track)
Yes, good guess! On your track design I'd use four 4' x 8' sheets of plywood or mdf to make a 6' x 16' table. That would give the extra 5 foot on those straights! Now all I need is an addition to my garage!!! Nice job AJ!!! -------------------Bill
5,886 August 6, 2008 2:12 pm
Re: Track Design Contest (39 replies, posted in Track)
AJ, What are the table dimensions for that layout? I like the looks of it. If I built it I would try to lengthen out the four straights so the shortest one was at least 5 foot. But I like your overall layout. ---------------------Bill
5,887 August 6, 2008 8:08 am
Topic: Racing at BSCC with "Fuel Management" (20 replies, posted in BSCC)
Last night I participated in a Slot.It class race at Beaverton Slot Car Club's Marshall Field. The race was for the Slot.It class cars. Man, these guys are FAST!!! There was lots of action with some extremely fast cars and great drivers. It was a fun night of racing!
At Marshall Field a computerized lap counting system is used to run the races. The races consist of four heat races, one in each lane, each heat race lasting under 3 minutes. A "fuel management system" is used which basically simulates fuel usage of your car as you race. At some point you run out of fuel and you must pit to re-fuel. I've raced with this type of fuel management system before, in a team enduro type of race. Some will say it adds realism to the slot racing. In my opinion the fuel management system has no place in short "sprint" type heat races. Heat races of 3 minutes or less are not long enough for pit stops to be of any value to the racing. As far as adding realism I disagree. In real racing the driver does nothing but DRIVE. Someone on his pit crew TELLS him when it's time to pit. The driver does not monitor fuel. If the car starts to run out of fuel, he pits. If someone tells him to, he pits. A slot car racer can not effectively monitor anything but his car during a race (especially cars like the Sloi.It high magnetic force cars, things happen WAY TOO FAST!). It's not like you're sitting in the car and you can glance at a fuel gauge without taking your eyes off the road. It doesn't matter how many monitors you have located around the track, its just not practical. In a team enduro type race, a teammate monitors the cars fuel level and tells you when its time to pit. It works well in TEAM strategy and driver changes. In the race I attended last night I saw at least 3 racers lose laps because they needed to pit and didn't realize it (Bryan, Tim, and Rico). My feeling is it doesn't make the slot racing any more realistic. All it does is move slot car racing closer to a board game activity.....................Ever play the board game "Sorry"? ------------------Bill
5,888 August 3, 2008 3:14 pm
Topic: New Slot.It HRS Porsche (0 replies, posted in Cars)
I've almost completed my latest Slot.It car. I'm using a Porsche Carrera 908 body by Eldon. Like the Ford J I built its a short wheelbase car with a sidewinder motor configuration. Anything radically different? No, other than being legal! Just some minor refinement of a proven platform, this time. We'll see how she works........ -------------Bill
5,889 July 31, 2008 4:33 pm
Re: Wheels & Tires (23 replies, posted in Cars)
So I hear there's a change to the wheel rules at BSCC. BWA wheels are now legal. We can now use hubless wheels. That's going to help me out a lot! So, if we can run BWA wheels, why not open it up to any manufacturer's wheels, (excluding "O" ring fronts of course!)? -----------------Bill
5,890 July 26, 2008 9:45 am
Re: Track Design Contest (39 replies, posted in Track)
Looking forward to your entry Racer! I need some choices!!!! I'm with you regarding Carrera track. I really liked the Carrera track I had, but the room I have available was not well suited to Carrera's wider turns. I wish I had a nice basement like yours!!! ------------------------Bill
5,891 July 24, 2008 2:20 pm
Re: Professor's 4-hour Enduro - Round 3 Scheduled (7 replies, posted in Events)
Racers, This is a great event! A REAL enduro not just a bunch of sprint heats linked together. The track is on with the cars racing continuosly for ONE HOUR at a time! That's 4 ONE HOUR heats! If you can find the time this is an excellent event to attend! And as Monte said, we carpool!!! --------------------------Bill
5,892 July 20, 2008 9:04 am
Topic: Cape Horn Speedway (7 replies, posted in Track)
Yesterday I had the opportunity to meet Rick Branum, and some of the racers that frequent Cape Horn Speedway. Monte, Terry, and I ventured up the Columbia River to Washougal To check out the track and racing action. From my house in Fairview it's only about a 30 minute trip, max. Rick has an excellent race program and the Cape Horn racers are a great bunch of guys! I had a chance to run a few laps, and although I wasn't very fast the Cape Horn guys get around the tight track very quickly! Cape Horn is a 1/24 scale 6 lane track with approximately a 60 to 65 foot lap length. The lanes are spaced at 4 1/2". The lap counting timing is handled by a SRT system using a dead stip trigger. Cape Horn car classes are based on "flexi" type chassis using lexan bodies. The track is in Rick's basement and Rick has very nice spacious pit areas set up. Cape Horn is an excellent place to race and have a great time! I'd like to thank Rick and all the guys for their hospitallity! I'm looking forward to my next trip to Cape Horn and get in some racing! Also on my next trip to Cape Horn I'll take along some of the cars NASTE uses for IROC races. Rick will be hosting a NASTE race for the 2009 season. Thanks Rick! ---------------------------Bill
5,893 July 17, 2008 9:10 pm
Re: Naste jelopy class (10 replies, posted in Cars)
Hello Todd M, Glad to see you stop in! Man I love those cars of yours! Good news for us, exchanged emails with Doug and he's going to host a NASTE race at Pelican Park this coming season! I'm really looking forward to getting down there and racing with you guys! ----------------------Bill
5,894 July 15, 2008 8:02 pm
Re: Track Design Contest (39 replies, posted in Track)
Looks like Monte is still in the lead....................NO CHALLENGERS?????? Am I going to have to announce the prizes to generate interest?????? --------------Bill
5,895 July 14, 2008 8:02 am
Re: New track for NASTE 2009 race schedule. (5 replies, posted in Track)
Hello Rick, I think either one of our other members or I talked with you some time back. Anyway, I remember hearing about your track, I just failed to contact you. We would love to schedule a race on your track for our 2009 racing season. We usually start up sometime in September. I will plan on coming up for your race on the 20th and we can discuss it further. Would you mind emailing me your address and directions? My email address is; wb0s@hotmail.com Thanks! ---------------Bill
5,896 July 12, 2008 8:37 am
Re: Track Design Contest (39 replies, posted in Track)
I did notice that! 4 ft. wide is tough!!! I still can't get the hang of that track builder program. I can actually put the pieces of track together faster!!!!
5,897 July 12, 2008 7:49 am
Re: Track Design Contest (39 replies, posted in Track)
Looks like you're still in the lead Monte! Not too hard to win with no competition! How many hairpin turns are in that design? I think I see at least 6?
5,898 July 11, 2008 2:16 pm
Re: Truths of Slot Car RACERS (11 replies, posted in Cars)
7. Slot car RACERS think even their fastest car could be just a little faster.
5,899 July 11, 2008 2:16 pm
Re: Slot Car RACER Truths (4 replies, posted in Cars)
7. Slot car RACERS think even their fastest car could be just a little faster.
5,900 July 11, 2008 2:12 pm
Re: Ferrari 312 Roll bar (1 replies, posted in Cars)
Hey Rico, It's too bad those things are so brittle. To mount the one I made out of brass I drilled out the holes through the body. The brass extends below the top of the body and I used JB Weld epoxy to secure it from underneath. I haven't really had a chance to test it under actual race conditions, but I figure worst case scenerio it might break loose from the body, but still be in one piece.