101 Reply by KuifjePDX

(34 replies, posted in BSCC)

I can't claim I know a lot about the slot car hobby and what makes drivers tick. I can only share my feelings and opinions about the hobby.

Personally, I have always enjoyed racing in any format whether it be IROC, my own box stock or build my own from parts. As my current season standings show I'm not very good at building my own (nor a fast driver but that's beside the point). So to be competitive I see box stock or IROC as the cheaper alternative. since we are all on a budget, either large or small, the IROC option is the most cost-effective and fair system to determine the best driver. Especially when the controllers are IROC as well.

I do agree that a flat fee for the occasional driver is pretty steep and I would like to propose that those members pay a per night fee (say $5) for the use of the car each night they race. This would also allow newcomers to try out the club for a modest contribution. If it turns out that one can attend more races than previously anticipated we could cap the fee at a certain point (say $30) after which you are considered to be caught up with the people who paid the proposed $25 in advance to cover the cost of development of the cars. I think there are enough hardcore members that know they can attend pretty much every race that getting the initial development capital is not a problem.

Since most of us have either RTR cars or like to bring newly developed cars to run we COULD race those as a secondary race after the club IROC race. Since most cars will not be comparable we would need to figure out a handicapping system based on a number of parameters (magnet, motor, tires, weight, speed, body style, size?) to adjust the lap counts so they can be meaningfully compared to one another to determine a winner.

Just some thoughts I'd like to share.

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102 Reply by KuifjePDX

(10 replies, posted in Cars)

I have four SCX Compact NASCARS and purchased two pullback NASCARS in a discount toy store that I plan to mount on the chassis to create four different race cars for some IROC fun (not that I have a track out but still). I ran two of them at Randy's a while back and they are quite squirly but still fun to drive.

On a recent trip to Target I saw that they now have more models out. F1, DTM, and one other class that I already forgot. I have a figure eight set with level crossing with two of those tuner cars also. Fun for a little while but I'm not going to invest in more track. My kids will grow up on 1/32 and HO!

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103 Reply by KuifjePDX

(28 replies, posted in Cars)

Rico, yours are on order. I have been bidding on more from this seller (probably way more than I should have). I'll cut myself off by this weekend. Shipping is free by now as I've crossed the magic threshold... You can pay me $10 next time at Randy's.

Anybody else who is interested better get their orders to me before the weekend.

Go to forum: Cars

104 Reply by KuifjePDX

(28 replies, posted in Cars)

Oh, since it goes SO without saying, I forgot to mention that if you want to get a couple of those motors you can let me know and I'll add some for you so you can save on shipping.

Go to forum: Cars

105 Reply by KuifjePDX

(28 replies, posted in Cars)

Rico (and everybody else),

I'm placing an order for a couple of these cheap motors to have as spares for my Carrera Vintage Stock Cars (Carrera spares are pretty hard to get I found) and a couple of Fly cars I have. It appears that these motors will fit the Slot-It cars as well. I know this violates the rules of the Slot-It class but if you switch your Slot-It motors around for the remaining races you can use these ones for when the Slot-It class is all over and done with.

http://cgi.ebay.com/SCALEXTRIC-FLY-CARR … 18Q2el1247

Also, for those frequenting in the Hillsboro area, Gizmo Surplus on Cornelius Pass Road (north of Hwy 26) has some 12v toy motors that seem to be standard Mabuchi size. I have no idea of their speed and torque though. They could be dogs for all I know.

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106 Topic by KuifjePDX

(0 replies, posted in Track)

Just now I read at their website (http://www.oldslotracer.com) that Luf Linkert, the owner of Archer Raceways in Vancouver BC and master builder of routed tracks, is retiring. As such, Archer Raceways will close its doors on September 21st. All three tracks have been sold but Luf writes that he will build a new Targa Florio track once he sets up his new shop at home. He will continue selling his track routing kits and instructional DVD. We will also continue to operate his website showcasing tracks from slot car fans around the world.

I have been fortunate enough to meet Luf on two occasions in the past year and was able to race on the Targa Florio and the Nurnburgring tracks he made. For us slot car enthusiasts the closing of Archer Raceways will be a great loss, but I'm sure Luf will enjoy the well deserved rest after years of hard work.

Let's wish him the best and many happy years of slot car racing.

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107 Reply by KuifjePDX

(4 replies, posted in Track)

Congratulations, AJ!

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108 Topic by KuifjePDX

(0 replies, posted in Events)

Now, until Monday, FantasyWorldHobbies is offering 15% off on all in-stock race sets, cars, accessories, and track. It appears that parts are excluded from this promotion. Looks like they are back at their $75 minimum order amount to qualify for free shipping.

http://www.fantasyworldhobbies.com/catalog/images/fw_custom/frontpageads/presidentsale.gif

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109 Reply by KuifjePDX

(27 replies, posted in Cars)

Bryan,

Regarding that AFX track. I am working on a small (4x8) AFX layout and have one 'bus stop' chicane track but not the complementary one. I'll have to dig to see which one I have, but would you happen to have the other one?

Go to forum: Cars

110 Topic by KuifjePDX

(1 replies, posted in Modifications)

Yay! First post in the 1/43 section of this forum.....

I am not sure if this should be here or under Tracks.

I have a mint Road Champs Collectibles Classic Scenes Gas Pump available for the first 1/43 track owner who is interested in this piece of scenery. It's a 1956 Ford F-100 pickup truck with a six-pack of motor oil drums and an old-fashioned gas pump. Free of charge but you'll have to come pick it up on a Tuesday night Race Night at Randy's. Or you can trade me something slot car related for it if you feel guilty getting freebies. ;-)

Just let me know...

Go to forum: Modifications

111 Reply by KuifjePDX

(18 replies, posted in BSCC)

I think the problem is with the test block that is used for the ground clearance. It is made out of wood with a plastic laminate. Sturdy (non-flexing), non-magnetic AND very flat. The actual track is pretty flexible plastic with magnetic rails with bulges here and there. It's quite possible that the strong magnets pull the track up to the car, or the car down to the track. At the crest of the bulges the car may rub the bottom. Perhaps we should either increase the ground clearance rule, or test on a piece of track to see how close the car bottom will get to the track surface. It won't take into account the bulges but it will be a more realistic with regards to the racing conditions.

I was worried that my magnet (racing magnet with the thick side down) was rubbing the track, shorting my lane and robbing me of essential power. To test this theory I covered the magnet with a white lane sticker. After one heat the sticker was in one piece still (it lasted the whole race) but the sections were the magnet sat were totally black from rubbing the track. And I still had power issues at the same spot so the magnet did not seem to short out the track.

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112 Reply by KuifjePDX

(7 replies, posted in Track)

As much as I would like to I won't be able to make it tomorrow.

Have fun, guys!

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113 Reply by KuifjePDX

(7 replies, posted in Cars)

Hi Jack,

I don't think I'll change things on my Slot-It class car for just the couple of races that are left. Other than that I run pretty much box stock so I am no great need for Slot-It parts right now. But you can tell the guy that I would be buying stuff from him if he stocks it and I need it. His store is a lot closer to my work than Bridgetown.

Go to forum: Cars

114 Reply by KuifjePDX

(34 replies, posted in BSCC)

Scalextric makes a series of JGTC cars, some of which can even be purchased around town.

http://www.scalextric.com/search.html?q … sion-L-293

There's even a yellow Skyline available at FWH.

http://www.fantasyworldhobbies.com/cata … ts_id=4347

As far as I know all of these feature sidewinder drive and Scalectrix Magnatraction. Some even have head and tail lights, some don't.

I picked up the blue Nissan Skyline at the Wilsonville Hobbytown USA for $34.99. They also had the red one on the shelf.


[clarification] I am NOT opposed to Frank's IROC cars (I gave my Artin Saleen body to him last night), I am just providing more info/options with this post.

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115 Reply by KuifjePDX

(3 replies, posted in Track)

Thanks for hosting, Bill.

Sean and I had a good time.

Thanks to you and your family!

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116 Reply by KuifjePDX

(4 replies, posted in Track)

Come to think of it...that will only allow for 1/4" between the cars...I'd better go for the compromise of 3-3/4" spacing then.

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117 Reply by KuifjePDX

(4 replies, posted in Track)

Carrera is said to be 3 7/8" (98 mm) spacing. I read on an Aussie forum to use at least 100mm with 150~200mm apron in the outside turn for sliding. The problem would be that for 1/32 it would be quite far apart. I'll probably stick with the Carrera spacing at max. then. The 1/24 plastic model kits I have are all under 3 1/4" wide. Since I will mostly run 1/32 scale cars I may stick to the Ninco spacing of 3 17/32" and adapt my 1/24 chassis to fit this width.

We'll talk more on Saturday.

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118 Topic by KuifjePDX

(4 replies, posted in Track)

I'm working on a design for a small routed track. If possible I would like to make the lanes wide enough to run both 1/24 and 1/32 scale cars on it. What would be the minimum lane spacing to allow two 1/24 cars to pass each other?

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119 Reply by KuifjePDX

(34 replies, posted in BSCC)

Any car that moves well along the track would make a good class in my opinion. We could even do a Classic F1 class. Would be hard to keep those on the track since most of us are magnet boys though....

Still I wouldn't write off the Japanese GT cars. I've seen some great looking cars there.

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120 Reply by KuifjePDX

(18 replies, posted in BSCC)

Eventually.....


Sorry Monte, you opened that door. ;-)

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121 Reply by KuifjePDX

(34 replies, posted in BSCC)

AJ,

The TransAm is fine with me, ONLY if this Mustang is allowed in the class.

http://www.scalextric-usa.com/index.php … ENT_ID=911

And I have first dibbs on this one, I don't want us all racing the same car.... ;-)

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122 Reply by KuifjePDX

(18 replies, posted in BSCC)

Hear, hear!

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123 Reply by KuifjePDX

(34 replies, posted in BSCC)

Yes, they have front mounted motors. I thought about the Lister Storm and Marcos (does the Fly Corvette have the motor in front?) but I thought the Fly cars were WAY too fast in comparison. Randy now has a nifty speed checker so if we can come up with a workable plan we may be able to set gear ratio and magnet limits for the two brands of cars to make them more or less equal.

Another difference between the Fly and Scalextric cars is that the Scalextric cars all come with lights which could open up another bucket of fun for dawn/dusk racing...

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124 Reply by KuifjePDX

(34 replies, posted in BSCC)

I do like the Japanese GT series idea, either personal cars or IROC. I also would like to see what Frank will come up with. I just finished detailing the interior of my Saleen body that I will provide for this home-built class. I also would like a Scalextric Dodge Viper / TVR Tuscan class. There's quite a few different liveries available in those and if mixed and matched those cars seem quite comparable. Even at 12V they should run well.

The good thing about IROC is that you will know it's not the car that prevented you from winning....

On the other hand, if you run IROC every club night you must have a number of backup cars available in case a car crashes and breaks. I suppose we would need to start collecting dues to pay for a full set of cars, backup cars, and parts. I don't know if I just opened the proverbial can (or would van be more appropriate since we're talking cars) of worms. If we ALL have to pay, say $20 for the cars for one season, how would people that show up infrequently feel about this? I would probably pay it, but others may not see it that way. Would you charge the infrequent racers $5 per night (perhaps to a $30 maximum) they show up for the use of the cars?

Just some thoughts...

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125 Reply by KuifjePDX

(39 replies, posted in Track)

The base layout was done in about 30 minutes, but then I spend some time here and there over the course of a couple days to make adjustments. I think... I did these a while back and once you start clicking away with these programs time seems to stop. Or fly by, whatever....

I also did a four lane version, not with equal lane length but pretty close. Each lane about 18" to 20" shorter than the next: 129.8', 131.3', 133.0', 134.6' in a 44.8' by 22.8' space. So if we ever get an old warehouse space we can set it up.... ;-)

http://www.freeimagehosting.net/uploads/e8b8702945.jpg

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