Hey there Rick. Welcome to our site. If you click on the [img]tag link below it will show you how to add an image. If you do not have external web space somewhere to post the pictures, contact me directly and we'll get you all fixed up. What sort of cars will you be running on the 20th?
1,701 July 14, 2008 9:08 am
Re: New track for NASTE 2009 race schedule. (5 replies, posted in Track)
1,702 July 12, 2008 8:08 am
Re: Track Design Contest (39 replies, posted in Track)
At least, maybe more. Get's a little tricky with a 4 ft. width unless you like NASCAR. In fact, there is quite a variety of curve pieces used on some of those turns.
1,703 July 11, 2008 4:30 pm
Re: Slot Car RACER Truths (2 replies, posted in Cars)
8. Slot Car RACERS keep trying to go faster despite the results. They call it experience.
1,704 July 11, 2008 4:30 pm
Re: Truths of Slot Car RACERS (11 replies, posted in Cars)
8. Slot Car RACERS keep trying to go faster despite the results. They call it experience.
1,705 July 3, 2008 9:15 am
Re: Wheels & Tires (23 replies, posted in Cars)
I agree. I think wings are an integral part of the look. I've gotten replacements to fix mine when it broke off on one end even though it was still usable. However, what should you do with a wing that actually does break off during the race? Should they be allowed to continue without it for the remainder of the event if it can't be fixed? That wouldn't be out of line with real racing. I'd like to think that by the next race they could have a replacement which would also be in line with real racing. I recommend the TEAR-PROOF parts. Or those cars with a less likely to be removed wing. The Alfa, Ferrari and Porsches are excellent examples. The McLaren, Audi and Nissan are examples that increase the risk of removing a wing. Especially at these speeds.
1,706 July 2, 2008 5:39 pm
Re: Wheels & Tires (23 replies, posted in Cars)
Yes! At tech... They particularly seem to notice when they aren't spec.
1,707 July 2, 2008 11:51 am
Re: Track Design Contest (39 replies, posted in Track)
Ok, let's get this party started. Here's my entry for the contest. It's an 80-foot two lane track with a 20 foot long straight in the back against the wall where it's hard to reach the cars, a couple of short straights so Bill can make sure those cars are quick out of a tight turn and a wide variety of turn styles out front where the cars will be a little easier to reach. Turns range from gentle sweepers to tight 90's. The car that masters this track will be a mean machine.
1,708 July 2, 2008 9:57 am
Re: Wheels & Tires (23 replies, posted in Cars)
I think modern times show us that with the advent of the extremely low-profile tire, they don't look all that much different from an o-ring. Different strokes... Besides if I ever determine that I am losing only because of not running o-rings, I know what to do. And it's not change the rules to eliminate 'em. 
1,709 July 1, 2008 8:28 pm
Re: Wheels & Tires (23 replies, posted in Cars)
I agree with Bill's comment - there should at least be a hard and fast spec for motors since it's the one spot where you can get the greatest gain with the least effort. And I'm as guilty as anyone since I've used the orange, yellow and red end bell motors so far this season. Lessee, that's 3 motors in 4 races. Yes, that seems unreasonable. But when the rules allow any parts and they come out with new motors, you either join up or trail behind.
Doesn't really matter what wheels and tires but I'm the guy with a whole box full of BWA wheels. O-rings don't look right to me but that's just a style thing and no reason not to allow them to be used. I can't see how those can be much different than Zero-Grips. However, in the hands of master Billy...
And as we see once again in Auburn, it doesn't take speed to make a good race, but it does take even competition to make a race good.
1,710 July 1, 2008 7:32 pm
Re: Wheels & Tires (23 replies, posted in Cars)
I have quite a collection of BWA wheels if you need some. Have quite a few of the 001's that are great for front tires.
1,711 June 29, 2008 8:52 am
Re: Professor's 4-hour Enduro (9 replies, posted in Events)
I couldn't agree more. They have a fun track to run on and the situation with the lowered voltage and no magnets makes for a driving experience unlike what happens with our heavy magnet cars. And for Tony to put four of those extremely nice and not inexpensive Racer Ferrari's on the track for our enjoyment was a real plus. We had a group of 7 of us from the local area. And as always, Victoria was on the winning team. She seems to have the touch. She's undefeated in Enduro's. It sounds like they will be having the next one in September. Make your plans to be at the next one.
1,712 June 27, 2008 9:52 am
Topic: Track Design Contest (39 replies, posted in Track)
Martin Mull said it best:
Once I went crazy and boy did I go
fell for a girl who could only say no
why did I waste all my time on that dunce
I wish I could say that it only was once...
But again I went crazy
then again and again...
Meet my friend Bill. He's an addict. His problem is slot cars. His biggest problem is they keep saying "Yes"! So he now finds himself with a very large box of Scalextric Sport track featuring probably every type of track Scalextric offers - in fact much more track than will fit in his space. That means it's time for a track design contest. So grab your favorite track design program and have a go.
Here's the specs:
1. The table area is 24' x 4'.
2. Create your design using one of the track designer programs that are available and submit your entry prior to August 1, 2008.
3. Only one entry per person however you can submit new entries to replace previous ones.
3. All entries will be the property of NASTE.org. (That's right, you can't sue us if we actually use your design.)
4. Two winners will be selected. One by popular vote on teh web site and the other by Mr. Bill himself.
5. Bill is under no obligation to actually use one of the winning entries.
6. There will be prizes.
Post the track design images to this thread. If you don't have a place on the internet to store your images, contact me and we'll arrange to get them hosted and posted for you.
Contest entries must be submitted prior to 7pm PDT, July 31, 2008. All decisions of the judge are final.
1,713 June 26, 2008 12:12 pm
Topic: Speed Secrets of the Insanely Fast (5 replies, posted in Cars)
Since we've been running the summer Slot.It class at the Beaverton Slot Car Club I've been mildly successful with a certain red car - the Slot.It Ferrari 312 PB. It was generally available as a kit and well worth the money as it has a characteristic that allows it to best the McLaren's, Audi's, Nissan's and Porsches: the shorter wheelbase.
Bill Bostic put it to me as probably the best car to run because the shorter wheelbase would be an advantage in the corners and he was quite right. With pretty much the same setup in either car I found that my McLaren felt like it was always running on the edge and needing my constant attention where the Ferrari is just a dream to drive.
So let's keep an even playing field. Here's all my "speed secrets" for getting the Ferrari slicin' and dicin' including the list of parts that were replaced or added:
Motor
The stock motor is the SIMF06, better known as the orange end bell. This was changed after one race to the yellow end bell (SIMF07) for two races followed by the NEW red end bell (SIMF10) just prior to the last race. Both the yellow and red motors are considerable upgrades over the stock orange. The key issue being the Wattage rating which allows each to have more pure power. Where this really matters is in keeping the car moving against the pull of the magnets.
I also oil the motor, gears and bushings after 4 heats if possible, and after every race just for good measures. I also clean my braids after each race event. No sense not getting a good electrical connection. The Parma Braid Cleaner works great for this.
Motor Pod
The original sidewinder pod was swapped out for the offset version (SICH25). This lowers the car fractionally which improves the handling. I also think the sidewinder is a better driving car then an inline version. The gears operate more efficiently but there are fewer ratio choices. The pod was scraped a little to remove the edge and give it just a tad of extra free play in the "socket".
Gears
The stock gears are 10:34 I think. I have moved mine to 11:32 and find it quite favorable. The car is exceptionally quick this way. The experiment with a 13T pinion was dismal regardless of the spur gear.
Magnetic Rear Suspension
I may be crazy here but I credit this bit (SICH09) with really settling the car down. I have it set to the maximum that will still get both nuts on and my front pod screws are probably looser than yours. Also, you'll want to take a drill and just slightly increase the size of the rear pod holes so the screws for the suspension won't bind on the threads while trying to slide up and down.
Magnets
Heavy magnet racing requires heavy magnets but what is best to do with them and how many? I have the barbell race magnet (SICN04) located in the rear position and a standard magnet in the front position. Both are placed upside down from normal. Hopefully, not too much down force, rather just enough. Weight was initially added to the front corners to increase stability but has since been removed.
The result of all this has been that my car is not only faster than yours, it's also easier to drive. And THAT is a powerful combination.
Oh, I forgot to mention it also had the mysterious "silver sharpie" treatment prior to the last race. That probably added at least another lap or two.
--
the Big Smooth
1,714 June 25, 2008 6:38 am
Re: Professor's 4-hour Enduro (9 replies, posted in Events)
Let's plan to meet at 8am. It's Exit 39 on I-5 North. It's just about to the Longview/Kelso exits but not quite. See you there!
1,715 June 18, 2008 9:36 pm
Topic: HRS-based Cars (0 replies, posted in Cars)
Howdy all. I've been working on my cars for the Tuesday night slot.it races and thought I'd post a picture of my latest rocket.
I've named this one the Bostic Bullet in honor of Billy and his inspiring essay on body mounting. "I'm a Bullet, hear me Rohr!"
I'm pretty sure this one will make it all the way around the track.
1,716 June 18, 2008 9:26 pm
Topic: Professor's 4-hour Enduro (9 replies, posted in Events)
We're planning to take a group up to the Auburn Enduro on the 28th - 10 days away. It should be a fun day - let us know if you want to come along. We'll gather in Washington early Saturday morning for breakfast and caravan from there to the start. Entry fee is a 6-pack of your favorite beverage. Here's a link to their site: