This 3D application allows you to design a Scalextric track using all analogue and digital track pieces available. All four types of track are NOT compatible with each other. | Sport track has one curved end connector and one square locator. Release the trigger as the car approaches the curves and squeeze the trigger gently when the car is on the straights. Lighter Fluid (naptha) available in 100ml tins from most pound shops. You might still be able to pick these up if you do some searching. In this blog, I'll take a look at how the Mustang GT4 is holding up, give it a clean, lubricate the moving parts and consider some common repairs for Scalextric cars. Tom. Im wanting to create a circuit approx 2.5m x 3.5m, this one to be exact. In this guide we have used the Scalextric Audi R8 model but the basic principles applies to all slot cars. and our Check the rear axle is sat in the chassis mounts. 6mm MDF, with a 2 x 1 frame underneath, will make it strong and MDF is super smooth and doesnt have sharp splinters like plywood. ARC App RacingA whole new level of slot racing fun. Packet of cotton buds (Q-Tips). There are loads of suitable options including the pro-race Slot.it and NSR ranges in the Jadlam Scalextric & Slot Car shop, plus some of the model railway products too. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission, which supports our community. This latest MK2 version Shimano SPD Cleats SH51 MTB SPD - Single Release, Shimano SPD Cleats SM-SH56 - Multi Release, Cheaper Things Tuesday: Discounted E-Bikes Edition, This topic has 12 replies, 11 voices, and was last updated. A while back, some of the track in my SL6 layout was used on top of scenic grass mats. Repeat this for the inside of the bodyshell youll find that gets pretty dirty too. Ensure lane 1 and lane 2 of the powerbase are not linked together by configuration of the circuit layout. As mentioned the plastic expanding/contracting problem on classic track is the any dimensions anywhere as to how much it expands/contracts. Check that the guide blade can rotate freely. If your Scalextric track layout is permanent then you'll be best advised to make an electrical connection to every track piece with the Scalextric track power booster cable. Carrera also offer an extra large 1:24 Scale . The board will need to be thick enough not to bend when its raised up on whatever I use to support it. Could put a softwood frame around it to avoid the edges. The rear tyres are stuck and the car won't move? Although Scalextric dont produce spare wings and mirrors for recent cars, some enthusiasts are producing 3D printed spares. For circuits with bumps or only short straights a heavier car is recommended because the extra weight is required to keep the car in the slot and not so much time is wasted accelerating along short straight lengths of track. A track, 2 lanes, 2 cars and one person drives each car on a single lane. Both Analogue/Standard and Digital sets use Sport track. For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. Many years ago I built a track along one wall of my garage. A pair of tweezers are included in the excellent Model Railway Screwdriver Set, although these curved tweezers are what I use and are great for getting into tight spaces. Come join the discussion about collections, racing, displays, models, track layouts, styles, reviews, accessories, classifieds, and more! Andy has been a big Scalextric fan from a very early age. The Mustang wing is very tight, so I lightly sanded the tabs to allow it to fall out. These were cut to fit the profile of the curves and when laid, created a well for the track to sit flush in. Currently there is the modern Sport track with it's straight clips and the Start track. This car is now programmed with the specified ID.Repeat this operation for any other cars that need an ID set and, of course, use the appropriate ID number for each car. We have various options available which are ideal for powering small, medium or large slot racing tracks for . This is a case of dissolving the glue, using a cotton bud (Q-Tip) soaked in lighter fluid applied to the tabs on the underside of the body shell. By the end, we'll also have added to our basic tool kit. In a Digital circuit this is fine and, in fact, desirable.It is important to ensure the following track configuration rules are applied when using C7042 6-car Advanced Powerbase in ANALOGUE mode: The normal procedure for programming is to remove all cars from the track. Putting together lots of Scalextric track pieces is a good way to build a temporary or a semi permanent track layout. If you have a car that sticks to the track too much check the underpan to see if the magnet can be moved to a different position. A good lung-full of air works wonders too. The reason for this is that plastic and metal, the two ingredients of Scalextric track, expand and contract at different rates. Digital lane changer not working correctly? Designing a track is simple if you have a Windows computer as you can download the Free Scalextric Track Designer. Physics tells us that the amount of friction is proportional to the amount of force pushing the surfaces together and the friction between those surfaces. This page was generated at 08:42 AM. The powerbase needs to be digital specific, so you will need a 4 Car powerbase C4PBD, 6 Car powerbase C7042 or C8435 ARC Pro. Nice thing was, they don't have much of a surface height, and they weren't all that big that they hung over too much of the track. It is necessary to avoid track configurations whereby lane 1 is linked to lane 2 to create an electrical short circuit. Well, the first option is of course you dont! Soldering can be hazardous, so take your time and follow all the safety instructions. The most common place for this to happen is where the yellow and green wires attach to the guide plate there is a lot of movement here, putting stress on the crimped join between wire and connector. My Mustang GT4 is in good shape. In this scenario the track can be accidentally kicked or knocked out of place, so it is best if it is fixed to the board somehow. For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. Could put a softwood frame around it to avoid the edges getting crushed, and add to the strength. I find that using a wipe-board to design your track is better than pen and paper. These stick really strongly and the added flexibility allows just a little give in future impacts. Make sure both the base and the track is clean before bonding. Sets - this are an alternative to Scalextric Micro Sets and in our opinion are better value. In theory, it will now fall off in a crash, rather than snap. Also I need to be able to test the cars that I have acquired that need work. Over the years there have been several different types of Scalextric track systems used. Second from the bottom is CALIBRATE CAR. My mantra for slot car maintenance is Clean & Smooth. Most beginner sets come with a simple figure of eight or an oval circuit. Use a stout screwdriver or similar to push them tight. https://letsfixit.co.uk/17578/scalextric-how-to-repair-the-track/?utm_campaign=twitter&utm_medium=twitter&utm_source=twitter. I use a foundation make-up brush for the areas with no greasy spots. Thats it for this weeks blog. Replacing the Digital track pieces and/or cross-over track pieces with regular track pieces is the preferred solution to avoid damage or warranty issues. Not much but the do bend. This will allow you to change the layout from time to time. Racing can commence. Alternatively power booster cables can be used on 'analogue' or Digital track circuits. A forum community dedicated to slot car owners and enthusiasts. If you want to learn how to solder and its a useful skill to have there are plenty of great guides online. You can hardly notice and it pulls up easily if you use the right length. Everyone has some experience in fixing things around the home, garden, buildings, vehicles, boats and on and on. Up to twenty-five combinations are possible.The performance of an older car from past years can be restored to its former glory or at least improved in most cases. get a price match! They want to be reasonably straight and dont want to be too flat against the guide. This downforce is measured with the magnet fitted to the car. Thebraidis fitted to the guide blade assembly. Just remember to use an even number of crossovers , Just remember to use an even number of crossovers. Search Tips. With the latter, make sure you dont use too much and maybe only on every other piece of track so that it is possible for it to be removed if a change of layout is desired. I have 1/4" ply (luan) under much of my track and all the elevated sections. Attention should be given to the type of track pieces used when using the C7042 Advanced Powerbase in Analogue mode. Scalextric track is made of a different plastic than Carrera. One option is the metal clips that hold the track and are then pinned to the board. Scalextric track is made of a different plastic than Carrera. On sport track there are slots in the edge of the track where these clips go in. If you have a soldering iron and some basic skills, it is an easy job just remember to remove the metal braid contact from the plastic guide plate. We would recommend Carrera Go over Micro Scalextric every time! Remember not to over-lubricate thats a magnet for dirt, creating a horrible gunky slime in the car as well as an oil-slick on the track! In this article we are looking into Scalextric track and track maintenance. Its just a very basic small track so the kids can easily get it out with out the hassle of putting it together. If you do want a permanent solution to fixing the track down, I have in the past had much success with using products like 'No More Nails', although this is a very permanent solution. So, how do you keep your track dust free? Micro Scalextric is 1/64 scale and is not compatible with Carrera Go! It is very similar its just slightly smaller and thinner. Long term Im thing of building a cover over it, maybe in 3 or 4 sections so that things could be stored on top of it, such as bikes in a rack. The magnet being twice as close to the track doesn't mean it's effect is two-fold - it could be ten times stronger! Lane changers are not essential, but add another dimension to racing, C7036. Despite cleaning the track afterwards and wiping it down before every session since there are still some bits of the flock lurking somewhere and the cars pick it up with their tyres. You may find that a single piece of track is causing all of your issues and by creating a small loop you can eliminate and eventually identify this piece. Finally, the best benefit of this type of layout the magnatraction magnet doesn't work!! Couple of thin sheets of plywood (you can get away with very thin) with a cell structure inside. Manually move the flipper into the position which would cause the car to change lane. Gently remove any excess oil from the tyre surface. In the future, if you are thinking of changing your layout then a semi-permanent way of fixing the track to a board is to use heavy duty double-sided carpet tape, or Silicon Sealant. We also found that the digital track is slightly thicker than a standard piece of track, so it was necessary to use packing under the clip (see below) on these sections. Reconnect the last track piece to the powerbase. After that, you can design what ever shape circuit you like. How do you clean a Micro Scalextric track? Although I have been careful with the car and the track is set up on a clean floor the Mustang is starting to get dirty, inside and out. I could possibly use Velcro strips that are screwed to under board then wrap around the track for transport the pealing them back when track is being used. With the calibration of the car, you click onto the car you wish to calibrate within CHOOSE DRIVER. Inside looks fairly clean, although on closer inspection there are quite a few hairs wrapped around the rear axle I share my house with a cat and a long-haired human, so thats to be expected. How to repair and fix track problems that cause poor running, slow, shuddering or stopping Scalextric slot cars. Scalextric used to supply them under reference C8232, but these are getting hard to find these days. Ask The Mechanic Ltd2 Lapwing Drive Lower HalstowKent ME9 7DZEngland. If stood on or badly crashed the axle can pop out and prevent the wheels turning smoothly. As it becomes freer, you can rock the wing more firmly but never force it, otherwise the tabs will snap! If the track design is fixed then soldering little jumper wires underneath is tedious but well worth the effort. Ensure that the track piece hasn't been bent (stood on, for instance) which will also cause the flipper to jam. A. Ensure that the metal rail tabs at the ends of the rails (there are 8 of them on every track piece) are fully pressed and clamped down to the plastic. Note, though, that power booster cables only hide a bad track connection and, ultimately, it is better to fix the track problem than add power booster cables. Cheers all. The second is to run a Scalextric track power booster cable around the track and make connections to the track every couple of meters or so. If this is a part that holds the rear axle, motor or guide, you will almost certainly require a replacement. Carefully unclip the rear axle and motor from chassis being careful not to crack the chassis around the motor or axle mounting points. Your email address will not be published. Disconnect the lane change track piece and check that the rail connections are all good. Please dont over-oil the motor as any lubrication that gets inside risks gunking up the motor and ruining performance. To identify a DPR car look for a rectangular hatch on the bottom of the car (just behind the front axle) with 1 screw. What to expect in a professional house cleaning service. Step Three. However, there are also a few wear and tear issues to look out for. When you are ready for more of a challenge, try removing the magnet completely. Only use a precision oiler to do this. The answer is to shape the Scalextric track pieces back to level. Unfortunately in my case I use a Mac and the software is only compatible with Windows. A lightweight super-resistant car is superior on smooth track and/or long straights since it wont be inclined to de-slot and can accelerate to top speed far quicker than a heavier fully detailed car. So, on hot days the plastic will expand larger than the rail. If the track is not allowed to move freely (i.e. I wanted the track surface to be level with the surrounding grass. It should be noted that the quality and performance of the more recently produced cars tends to improve over the years. However please note that these cars havent necessarily been designed solely for Scalextric, so its possible that they wont run completely smooth. Check that there are no obstructions in the slot preventing the flipper from physically moving. A track, 2 lanes, 2 cars and one person drives each car on a single lane. Inspect all metal connectors on the track to make sure they properly locate and contact the next piece of track. If you find the wing is very loose and it falls out on its own, add some Blu Tak under the body to hold the tabs more securely. I have had success with using products like these in the past. Would cause the car, you click onto the car these days to change the layout from time to.. That I have had success with using products like these in the mounts... 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