Indy 500 on a Tabletop

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Digital Conversion for 1969 Trans-Am Camaro Z/28

78 November/December 2014 $6.95 Indy 500 On A Tabletop

Road Racing in a Stadium Track Plan Formula 1 Racing : USA $6.95 - 2013 Red Bull Vs. Ferrari - ‘80S Lotus Vs. Tyrrell - ‘70S Williams

www.modelcarracingmag.com - ‘50S Talbot-Lago

Masten Gregory and Jochen Rindt in their Ferrari 275LM, entered by the North American Racing Team (NART), on its way to win LeMans overall in 1965. ---LAT Photo

78 78 CONTENTS

24 Formula 1 Scalextric 1972 Tyrrell 003/004 by Albin Burroughs

ON THE COVER: Carrera’s 1/32 scale replica of Sebastian Vettel’s 2013 For- 27 Formula 1 mula 1 World Championship Red Bull RB9 on the full-size 2013 Bahrain Grand Scalextric 1973 Lotus 72E Prix circuit. — LAT Photographic by Albin Burroughs 1/32 SCALE MODEL CAR RACING: 7 Formula 1 Carrera 2013 Red Bull RB9 by Bill Wright 10 Formula 1 Scalextric 1971 Tyrrell 003 by Albin Burroughs 32 LeMans Flyslot 1965 Ferrari 275LM 12 Historic Racing by Bill Wright 70s-80s’ Formula 1 In 1/32 Scale 36 LeMans 13 Digital Real Race Track Plans Carrera 1965 Porsche 904GTS 4-Lane Bangkok’s Rajamangala Stadium Track for by Bill Wright Scalextric Sport, Classic, SCX, Ninco, Carrera (with optional lane-changing) on a 9 x 15-foot tabletop. by Robert Schleicher 16 Race Tracks on a Tabletop 2-Lane Bangkok’s Rajamangala Stadium Track Plan for Scalextric Sport, Classic, SCX, Ninco or Carrera (with optional lane-changing) on a 5 x 13 1/2-foot ping-pong tabletop. by Robert Schleicher 17 Start Here 38 Formula 1 Replace Magnets With Weight Flyslot 1983 Williams FE08C by Robert Schleicher by Albin Burroughs 18 Digital Racing 40 LeMans Scalextric Easyfit Digital Chip Installation Scalextric 2013 Lotus Exige Cup-R by Robert Schleicher by Bill Wright 20 Track Test DIGEST: 42 LeMans Summary of Full Race Track Test Reports on Supertuned Racers, Part 114: 9 Model Racing Cars Magnet-Free: Policar 1972 Ferrari 312PB by Marc Purdham by Marc Purdham

4 Model Car Racing 44 Formula 1 Supertuned Racers, Part 115: Magnet-Free: Cartrix 1950 Talbot-Lago T26C HO Model Car Racing: by Marc Purdham 36 IndyCar Racing 47 Formula 1 Auto World 2013 Dallara IndyCars TRACK TEST: by Robert Schleicher Supertuned Racers, Part 116: Magnet-Free: Cartrix 1959 Lotus 16 49 Track Plans by Marc Purdham 4-Lane Bangkok’s Rajamangala Stadium Track in 5 x 13 1/2-Feet by Robert Schleicher Departments: 6 Editorial: The Risk of Model Car Racing 22 Index, issues number 73 through 78 46 Pit Board 48 Club Directory 54 New Stuff 50 Your Track On Your Tablet: Vintage Racing Model Car Racing is now available for iPad or Kindle. Just click on the Charlie Cressi’s 20 x 20-foot 4-Lane Wood Apple iTunes icon and search for Model Car Racing to order individual Glen Cove Raceway issues, subscriptions or a limited number of back issues. There’s more information on page 55 of this issue.

Where To Buy Model Car Racing Products: Dealers: A listing of the addresses, phone numbers, email addresses, and websites of all the dealers that carry Model Car Racing magazine appears on our website at www.modelcarracingmag.com Manufacturers: A listing of the addresses and websites of firms that manufacture model car racing products appears on our website at www.modelcarracingmag.com:

MORE INFORMATION: There is an Index of all of the past issues, a Digest of the results of the first 257 cars in our Race Track Test series, Pros and Cons of plastic track by brand, the Pros and Cons of the four digital systems, Pros and Cons of 1/43 scale and an index of the 157 previously published track 56 LeMans plans, by size, on our website at www.modelcarracingmag.com. Flyslot 1972 Chevron B21 by Albin Burroughs

Model Car Racing 5 Track Tests The Risk of Model Car Racing with Scalextric Classic (the older rougher-surface track to the car and the driver already knows the track in- with loops over the pegs to hold the sections together) timately. There is, then, a reasonable chance that that Honestly, the only risk a model car racer takes is the or the similar-surface SCX Original track, or the much fastest lap is about the best that car could do on that danger of damaging his or her ego. There is the off rougher-surfaced Ninco track, the smoother-surface particular day. chance that a car might fly off track and hit you in some Scalextric track (once called “Sport” with a different vulnerable part but that is something I have only heard So, given the same driver, the same preparation and size briefly called “Start”), SCX Universal (the newer of as a rumor. What you risk when you race is the pub- the same track, you can expect that the performance grey track that is also standard with SCX Digital), Car- lic display that someone else is quicker than you or can figures in issue number 1 in 2002 will be comparable to rera and, of course, the same race track configuration build a better car or both. those in this issue. You can compare older cars to newer routed into a MDF board surface. We would, then, run ones. When a significant change takes place in a model There is only one way---only one---to learn to drive a tests on all of six of these tracks. It was just not practi- (like Policar producing the Ferrari 312PB models that model car race car near the limits of that car’s perfor- cal so we compromised by using just two tracks; one were once offered by Slot.it on pages 42-43), we tested mance. Practice. One of the many aspects of model car assembled from Scalextric Classic (and SCX Original) the newer car to see how it compares. racing that is common to racing full-size cars is that that would give results that were somewhat similar to need to learn how to drive each particular car on that what you expect from Ninco and a second track assem- Our goal is to provide the information and raw data you particular track and on that particular day to produce bled with Carrera track whose smoother surface that need to either improve the performance of lower-speed quickest possible lap times. The concept of “possible “ was more like Scalextric Sport or SCX Universal. The cars or to slightly reduce the performance of quicker is critical, here, because there may be others that can smooth surface would be similar to that of a track rout- cars. These tests will give you the raw data you need to drive that same car on that same track with lower lap ed from MDF board but the paint used on the wood help decide what you and your racing friends want as the times. A realistic goal, then, is to learn how to drive that tracks provides a significantly different coefficient of Performance Standard for any given class of racing. You car as quickly as your own reflexes, eye-hand coordi- friction so, really, we can only get close to how these can then use your own Performance Standard for each nation and depth perception will allow. It is true that cars run on a painted wood track. racing class to either tune up or tune down the cars so all some folks just happened to fall into a lucky gene pool the cars that represent a given class of real-world racing Nearly all of 1/32 scale model race cars are fitted with to possess better physical and mental abilities. But ya are as equal as their real-world counterparts. downforce magnets. Some prefer race cars with mag- gotta live with what ya got. nets in place so it is important to test them out-of-the- Volume 13, Number 6 (issue number 78) Pure Performance box. The pickup strips on Scalextric and SCX track November/December 2014 have about three times the magnetic attraction of the Most of the cars that we buy are purchased so we can pickup strips on Carrera track so most cars are slightly Publisher: Technical Editor: actually race them. Given that, you have to be curious quicker around a lap of the Scalextric Classic Indy F1 Robert Schleicher Chris Walker about how fast a particular car might be. Hence, we try track than on the Carrera Indy F1 track . to include information in most of the articles about Editor: Track Test Editor: new model race cars that provide some idea of how fast For the two race track tests, we use a “pure” 12-volt Robert Schleicher Marc Purdham the car can be. Full Race Car Track Tests have been a DC power supply from Radio Shack. The power sup- Layout & Design: Agency Graphics, Ltd. regular feature of Model Car Racing magazine since the ply is more critical than you might think; you will not first issue in 2002. We were curious then about how fast achieve the same results with any of the power supplies Contributing Editors: a car might be and we are still just as curious. furnished by the model car makers, because some of- Mark Gussin Jeremy Dunning Jason Boye fer more power and others offer less, which is precisely Dan Wilson Alan Schwartz Dan Esposito You can modify the slowest out-of-the box car (with the why we settled on a “generic” power supply. Brad Bowman Bernard Sampson Pat Dennis super-strength magnets and the $100 motors ) to com- pletely outrun the best production car. The question is, For the first 50 issues or so we also had five “skid pads”, Editors Emeritus: why? Most 1/32 scale racers are just not interested in full circles of outer curves (we tested on the inner lane Rocky Russo Bill Sipple Albin Adams Jose Rodriguez Jim Russell having their cars zip around the track like humming of each) of Scalextric Sport, Scalextric Classic, Carrera, Bob Braverman Ron Klein birds. It’s far more fun to be able to see the car slide soon SCX, and Ninco track to test for ultimate cornering enough so you can actually do something about it be- power on these brands. Few readers felt the informa- Circulation & Dealer Contact: fore the car launches itself into orbit. And racing is far tion was really useful. For a few issues, we also recorded email: [email protected] more fun if all of the cars have more-or-less equal perfor- top speed and acceleration but again, it was judged to Model Car Racing Publications, Inc. mance, regardless of what that level of performance may be not useful enough to continue, so we limited the 6525 Gunpark Drive, Suite 370-142 be. Most racers establish racing classes to group similar tests to just lap times. Boulder, CO 80301-3346 website: www.modelcarracingmag.com cars so all have more-or-less similar performance. If not, We test each car twice (running 50 or more laps for each the races become events for one-make-one-model of car. test); first out-of-the-box (after we have gently sanded Model Car Racing (USPS 020-443, ISSN 1538-9170) is published bi- How Fast? the tires round and run it for a few dozen laps to break monthly by Model Car Racing Publications, Inc., 6525 Gunpark Drive, it in). Next we test the car with the downforce magnets Suite 370-142, Boulder, CO 80301-3346. © Copyright 2014, Model Car Racing Publications, Inc. The question, however, is not just how fast? But on what removed and silicone rear tires. There are sometimes track? We established a series of track tests and created some other urethane tires that will produce quicker Individual issue price $6.95. No current issues or back issues are avail- a race track that the majority of you could assemble. able from the publisher but a list of dealers who carry the magazine is on laps for that particular car on that particular track but, the website at www.modelcarracingmag.com. All sales and subscriptions The most interesting track we could devise that would to provide a consistent data base, we use silicone tires are not returnable. fit on a 5 x 9-foot ping-pong table (or an equivalent for these tests. We add a quarter-ounce of weight at the SUBSCRIPTION RATE: United States: 1 year (6 issues) $35.00. We can space on the floor) is a classic model race car track de- front of the chassis to compensate for the imbalance in only accept Canadian or foreign subscriptions for the digital version of the sign that provides smooth and challenging action with effective weight distribution that often results from -re magazine, which is $19.95 for six issues. We cannot accept subscription a 36-foot lap length. We called it the “Indy F1” track orders for the paper version of the magazine from countries other than moving the magnet. the United States. because its serpentine shape somewhat mimicked the infield track that Indianapolis used for a few Formula Qualifying Laps EXPEDITED SHIPPING SERVICE: Not available. 1 races and, more recently, for Moto GP motorcycle POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Model Car Racing Publications, Only one person drives the cars for each test. Dan races. The most recent plans for the Indy F1 track are in Inc., 6525 Gunpark Drive, Suite 370-142, Boulder, CO 80301-3346. Wilson performed the tests through the first ten issues Periodicals Postage is paid at Boulder, Colorado and at additional mail- the September/October 2013 number 71 issue (also on (July/August 2003), then Tom Dolan took over for is- ing offices. www.modelcarracingmag.com under “Sample Issues”). sues 11 through 23 (September/October 2005) and Model Car Racing assumes that all letters, new product information, photographs of any kind, and other unsolicited materials are contributed However, there are several brands of plastic model race Marc Purdham has been performing the Race rack gratis whether mailed or sent electronically. Model Car Racing assumes car track for 1/32 scale cars that are currently avail- Tests since the November/December 2005 number no responsibility for the return of unsolicited material. Solicited articles able and some enthusiasts build their own track with 24 issue. Marc runs about 50 laps on each track and and photographs are paid for within 45 days after publication, at which time Model Car Racing obtains full publication rights. Unsolicited materi- the slots routed in ½-inch thick sheets of MDF board. records the fastest time on each track. Those 50 laps als can be returned if adequate postage is included. Really, we should have Indy F1 race tracks assembled are enough to allow the driver to become accustomed

6 Model Car Racing Race Tracks On a Tabletop: For 2-Lane ROC Track in Bangkok’s Rajamangala Stadium on a 5 x 13 1/2- List of Scalextric Classic, Sport, SCX or Ninco Track Foot Tabletop (One and One-Half Ping- Required for 2-Lane ROC Track in Bangkok’s Rajamangala Stadium on a 5 x 13 1/2-Foot Ping-Pong Tabletop: Pong Tables) for Scalextric Classic, Key Quantity Description Sport, SCX or Ninco, and for Carrera with H 2 1/2 Standard Curve (Optional) Digital Lane-Changing S 8 Standard Curve SC 2 Optional: replace two Scalextric or SCX curves with crossover tracks The Bangkok’s Rajamangala Stadium plan on pages O 8 Outer Curve 13-15 of this issue can be adapted to a smaller table- OO 20 Outer-Outer Curve top. We expanded the plan from the January/February F 2 “Short” Straight 2014 number 73 issue from just one 5 x 9-feet to 5 x 13 E 1 1/4-Straight ½-feet by adding another half of a ping-pong tabletop. D 3 1/2-Straight There’s an index, by size, of all the previously published B 22 Full-Straight track plans from Model Car Racing magazine and the BC 2 Optional: replace two Ninco straights with crossover tracks four books by Robert Schleicher on our website www. A 2 Connector Track modelcarracingmag.com. L Track can be expanded in length by adding matched pairs of straight track sections here. Robert Schleicher T Turns on the model versions of the track Each of the race track plans in Model Car Racing magazine is marked with X If you are assembling the track with Scalextric Digital, 1 1/2 straights at this point can be pairs of the letter “L” to indicate where the track can be expanded in length. replaced with the C7036 double-crossover straight lane-changer plus a half straight. That is just what we did with the plans for the Bangkok’s Rajamangala Stadium If you are using NINCO N-Digital, the 40207 double Lane-changers can be substi- track from the January/February 2014 number 73 issue. We added another tuted for any standard straight. half of a ping-pong table (they are only sold in 5 x 4 ½-foot pieces) to lengthen To build the plan with NINCO track you will need about 10-percent more space and the tabletop from 9-feet to 13 ½-feet. We were able to insert four Standard you may need some additional short straights to get everything to line up properly. Straight (S) track sections in each of the four straights on the smaller race track plan. If you have more room, you can lengthen these plans by adding even more pairs of straight track sections at places marked “L” on the plans.

Since there are four straights, the total lap length has been increased by about 16-feet. Even better, the main straight on the Scalextric, SCX or Ninco version is now about 10-feet long. The straight on the Carrera version is 7-feet long but it ends in the broad Carrera outer-outer-outer (R4) curve so the cars can maintain their speed as well as on the Scalextric, SCX or Ninco version.

The plan is an inverted figure 8, which does make one of the lanes much longer than the other because the cars in that lane are on the outside of any curve for about 720-degrees more than the car on the inner lane. You can List of Carrera Track Required for 2-Lane ROC Track make the lane lengths almost equal by replacing two of the track sections in Bangkok’s Rajamangala Stadium on a 5 x 13 1/2- with crossover track sections: two of the Standard Curves (S on the plans) can be replaced with, for Scalextric the C8203 “Racing Crossover” or, for SCX, Foot Ping-Pong Tabletop: the number 88440 “Changeover Curve” track, at the places marked “SC” or, Key Quantity Description for Ninco, two of the Standard Straight track sections would be replaced with H 2 20577 1/2 Inner Curve R1 two of the number 10111 crossovers at the places marked “BC” on the plans. S 11 20571 Inner Curve R1 On the Carrera plan two of the Standard Straights at “BC” on the plan can be O 3 20572 Middle Curve R2 replaced with two of the number 20517 “Lane Change Sections”. The crossovers will force the outer lane on both inner and outer ovals to inner lane for OO 3 20573 Outer Curve R3 half of a lap. The crossovers would not be needed, of course, if you are racing OOO 3 pr. (6) 20578 Outer-Outer Curve R4 with digital because any car can take the inside lane. E 2 20612 1/4-Straight D 1 20611 1/3-Straight Digital Racing Systems B 22 20509 Full-Straight BC 2 Optional: replace two straights with 20517 “Lane Change Sections” There is room on the plans from Scalextric, SCX and Ninco for two of the double lane-change track sections at “”X” on the plan. The Carrera plan A 2 20583 Connector Track (analog) indicates two locations for the Digital 132 single-lane changers but these L Track can be expanded in length by adding matched pairs of straight track sections here. would be better replaced with the number 30347 double lane-changers. T Turns on the model versions of the track

16 Model Car Racing Start Here: Replace Magnets With Weight Bill Deuroen

Out-of-the-box model race cars have magnets to help hold the cars on the track through the turns. For many racers, that’s great. In time, however, you may want to try racing your cars without downforce magnets. Run- ning magnet-free is similar to turning-off the traction control in a mod- ern sedan on icy roads---it’s more of a challenge to control the car and, to many, much more fun. Like running through snow with traction control off, however, it takes some experience to turn terror into fun. On a full-size car, snow tires are essential for running traction control-free through snow and ice. With a model race car, it is also necessary to replace the tires (but only the rear tires) with something that has more grip than the stock tires. Some model car racers use one of the brands of silicone tires like Maxx- Cut wheel balance weights with diagonal cutters. The weights have an adhesive but it is not really Trac, Indy Grips, Ortmann, Super Tires or (for the cars they fit) Slot.it P6 secure enough once weight has been cut. Keep weight in place with either hot glue or a dab of Shoe tires but the urethane tires from Yellow Dogs, Ortmann and others often Goo cement. provide somewhat better traction on plastic tracks.

The urethane or silicone tires will provide more predictable power slides through the corners without the downforce magnet but the magnet also affects the pickup braid’s contact with the track and how well the guide shoe holds into the slot. Surprisingly, adding about a quarter-ounce of weight near the front of the car is enough to allow near magnet-stuck cornering speeds. Most modelers use the lead weights that automobile tire shops use to balance automobile tires but it may take some convincing to buy them from the tire shop. If you have to buy them yourself, they come in 50-pound boxes. The weights are also available to hobby dealers that carry flying model aircraft and from A-Line as number 13002 (www.ppw-aline.com/). Cardboard-thin self-adhesive lead is available from golf shops for use in weighting golf clubs.

The necessary word of warning: lead is poisonous so handle it with rubber gloves and, even then, wash your hands thoroughly after work- ing with it. It’s that danger factor that prevents model car manufacturers from including lead with their models. Stick the quarter-ounce of weight as close to the front axle as possible. Be sure the weight does not interfere with the interior of model. On some cars, the weight can be cut into two 1/8-ounce pieces and placed closer to the front axle.

You can use self-adhesive golf club lead on the bottom of the chassis. It can be useful in determining Use wheel balance weights (left) or self-stick lead sheet for golf clubs (right) to add a quarter-ounce how much weight is needed because you can add or remove it easily---once you determine the or less to replace some of magnetic downforce effect on cars that you race without traction magnets. necessary weight, you can use wheel balance weights mounted inside the car.

Model Car Racing 17 Digital Racing: Scalextric Easyfit Chips

Most of the Scalextric cars now have a chassis with a trap door in the bottom that is retained with a single screw. Inside are a plug and socket. The previous 1969 Scalextric Trans-Am Camaros, however, retained the original chassis that required the installation of the Scalextric C7005 “Retro-Fit” chip with soldered wire connections. The newer versions of the 1969 Camaro like the car on these pages are designed for plug-in installation using the Scalextric C8515 Digital Plug (DPR). To install the Scalextric Digital “Easy-Fit” chip in these cars, just remove the trap door, unplug the wires, plug-in the Easy-Fit plug in place of the trap door and attach the new chip with that single screw. Test-run the car. It should run nicely on Scalextric Digital or on any brand of analog track. There’s much more information on digital racing (including “Pros and Cons” of the basic systems) on the www.modelcarracingmag.com website under “Digital Car Racing Tips”.

Robert Schleicher

To be sure you do not break any of the wires, use a small screwdriver to gently lever the plug from the socket.

All of the previous Scalextric 1969 Camaros had a one-piece chassis (top). The newest 1969 Cama- ros, however, have a trap door just behind pickup to allow plug-in installation of Scalextric Digital.

Remove the single screw and gently pull the trap door from the chassis. The Scalextric Digital C8515 Digital Plug (DPR) chip (left) replaces the plastic “trap door” (right).

18 Model Car Racing Plug-in the Scalextric Digital C8515 Digital Plug (DPR and tuck the wires inside the car.

The earlier 1969 Camaros, most of Scalextric “Classic” cars (and all other brands) can be converted to Scalextric Digital with this C7005 “Retro-Fit” chip. On most Scalextric cars, the wires the pickup plug-in but, on all of installations, the wires to motor must be unsoldered and two new wires from the digital chip soldered to the motor in their place.

Press the Scalextric Digital C8515 Digital Plug (DP) into the chassis and install the mounting screw.

Previous articles on installing Scalextric Digital:

(All are on www.modelcarracingmag.com under “Sample Issues”). • Installed in Carrera NASCAR cars, Issue #57 • Scalextric Sport Digital in any brand (including the SCX • Installed in Carrera Formula 1 cars, Issue #60 BMW Formula 1 and LeMans cars), Issue #48 • Installed in MRRC Cars (Cobra, Ford GT40 Mk.IV, Cheetah, • Scalextric Plug-Ready Sport Digital in SCX Formula 1 cars, Chaparral 2F and others, Issue #66 Issue #51

Model Car Racing 19 2014 Track Test Digest 18 Full Race Track Test Reports on 9 Model Racing Cars

Model Car Racing Model Car Racing Track Test Results Track Test Results Summary, With Downforce Magnets Issues 73 Through 78 (By Brand):

This is a digest or summary of all the track tests • Arrow Slot 1999 BMW V12LMR LeMans, Issue #75 on 1/32 scale race cars we have performed in • Carrera 1968 Mustang Trans-Am, Issue #74 the 72nd though 78th issues of Model Car Rac- • Cartrix 1959 Lotus 16 Formula 1, Issue #77 ing magazine. Most of the test results over all of • Cartrix 1950 Talbot-Lago T26C Formula 1, Issue #66 the past thirteen years would be them same to- • NSR 2012 Aston Martin V12 Vantage GT3 LeMans, Issue #75 day because the majority of the 1/32 scale model cars are using identical motors, gear ratios tires • Pioneer 1968 Mustang Fastback Trans-Am, Issue #74 and they weigh about the same. Thus, a Scalextric • Policar1972 Ferrari 312PB LeMans, Issue #77 sidewinder 1969 Trans-Am Mustang with a side- • Scalextric 1970 Dodge Challenger Trans-Am, Issue #74 winder chassis from 2002 should perform almost • Slotwings 1982 Ferrari 512BB LM LeMans, Issue #75 exactly like a Scalextric sidewinder 1969 Trans-Am Mustang with a sidewinder chassis from 2013 with Track Tests of “Supertuned” many other brands and models offering similar Cars Magnet-Free comparative performance. There were 21 Model (No Traction Magnets) Car Racing Track Tests in the first six issues, 27 in With Silicone Tires (By Brand): the second set of six, 20 in the third set of six, 21 in the fourth set of six, 27 tests in the fifth set of six , • Arrow Slot 1999 BMW V12LMR LeMans, Issue #76 23 tests in the sixth set, 21 tests in the seventh, 28 • Carrera 1968 Mustang Trans-Am, Issue #75 tests in the eighth, 24 tests in this ninth, 17 in the • Cartrix 1950 Talbot-Lago T26C Formula 1, Issue #78 tenth, 16 in the eleventh, and 12 in the twelfth and • Cartrix 1959 Lotus 16 Formula 1, Issue #78 18 in the thirteenth set of issues so the total now • NSR 2012 Aston Martin V12 Vantage GT3 LeMans, Issue #76 stands at 269. In some tests, there were errors or omissions in the numbers, which we have tried to • Pioneer 1968 Mustang Fastback Trans-Am, Issue #75 correct for this compilation. Individual back issues • Policar1972 Ferrari 312PB LeMans, Issue #78 are not available. The results of all 269 tests are • Scalextric 1970 Dodge Challenger Trans-Am, Issue #75 also on www.modelcarracingmag.com • Slot.it 1998 Porsche 911 GT1/98 LeMans, Issue #73

20 Model Car Racing Track Tests of Cars with Traction Magnets (Stock Tires): Race Car: Lap Time, 36-foot Scalextric Indy F1 Course: Lap Time, 36-foot Carrera Indy F1 Course: ISSUE #74 Scalextric 1970 Dodge Challenger Trans-Am PERFORMANCE: 4.02 sec. 4.26 sec. ISSUE #74 Pioneer 1968 Mustang Fastback Trans-Am PERFORMANCE: 3.53 sec. 3.68 sec. ISSUE #74 Carrera 1968 Mustang Trans-Am PERFORMANCE: 3.80 sec. 4.64 sec. ISSUE #75 Slotwings 1982 Ferrari 512BB LM LeMans PERFORMANCE: 4.42 sec. 4.35 sec. ISSUE #75 NSR 2012 Aston Martin V12 Vantage GT3 LeMans PERFORMANCE: 4.04 sec. 3.83 sec. ISSUE #75 Arrow Slot 1999 BMW V12LMR LeMans PERFORMANCE: 4.15 sec. 3.87 sec. ISSUE #77 Policar1972 Ferrari 312PB LeMans PERFORMANCE: 3.99 sec. 3.78 sec. ISSUE #77 Cartrix 1959 Lotus 16 Formula 1 PERFORMANCE: 4.84 sec. 5.52 sec. ISSUE #77 Cartrix 1950 Talbot-Lago T26C Formula 1 PERFORMANCE: 4.74 sec. 5.05 sec.

TRACK TESTS OF “SUPERTUNED” CARS MAGNET-FREE (NO TRACTION MAGNETS) with silicone tires: Race Car: Lap Time, 36-foot Scalextric Indy F1 Course: Lap Time, 36-foot Carrera Indy F1 Course: Issue #73 Slot.it 1998 Porsche 911 GT1/98 LeMans PERFORMANCE: 4.52 sec. 4.26 sec. ISSUE #75 Scalextric 1970 Dodge Challenger Trans-Am PERFORMANCE: 4.48 sec. 5.61 sec. ISSUE #75 Pioneer 1968 Mustang Fastback Trans-Am PERFORMANCE: 4.87 sec. 5.09 sec. ISSUE #75 Carrera 1968 Mustang Trans-Am PERFORMANCE: 5.57 sec. 5.24 sec. ISSUE #76 Slotwings 1982 Ferrari 512BB LM LeMans PERFORMANCE: 4.89 sec. 4.77 sec. ISSUE #76 NSR 2012 Aston Martin V12 Vantage GT3 LeMans PERFORMANCE: 4.78 sec. 4.30 sec. ISSUE #76 Arrow Slot 1999 BMW V12LMR LeMans PERFORMANCE: 4.84 sec. 4.68 sec. ISSUE #78 Policar1972 Ferrari 312PB LeMans PERFORMANCE: 4.40 sec. 5.14 sec. ISSUE #78 Cartrix 1959 Lotus 16 Formula 1 PERFORMANCE: 5.68 sec. 5.89 sec. ISSUE #78 Cartrix 1950 Talbot-Lago T26C Formula 1 PERFORMANCE: 5.55 sec. 5.91 sec.

2014 ISSUES:

• #73 January/February 2014 • #76 July/August 2014 • #74 March/April 2014 • #77 September/October 2014 • #75 May/June 2014 • #78 November/December 2014

Model Car Racing 21 AARON USE REVISED #78 COVER

Model Car Racing Magazine 2014 Volume 13 - Issues 73 through 78 Index 1/32 Scale • Vintage Racing, Issue #74 Flyslot, Part 2, Issue #76 Track Test, Issue #77 • No Coincidences, Issue #75 • Laguna Seca Raceway On a 5 x • Scalextric GT Lightning, Issue #77 Model Car • Bring A Friend, Issue #76 9-foot Ping-Pong Tabletop Plus 3 • Flyslot 1965 Ferrari 275LM, Issue #78 x 3- and 3 x 6-foot Portable Tables • The Whole Picture, Issue #77 • Carrera 1965 Porsche Racing: With Carrera, Scalextric, Ninco or SCX 904GTS, Issue #78 • The Risk of Model Car Racing Track And Digital Options, Issue #76 Body Shop: (Track Tests), Issue #78 • Policar1972 Ferrari 312PB, Track • Photomural Backdrops For Laguna Test, Magnet-Free: Issue #78 (also see Paint Shop) Formula 1: Seca Raceway, Issue #77 • Dave Jones 1964 BM P261 • Flyslot 1972 Chevron B21, Issue #78 • Scalextric 1968 Lotus 49B, Issue #73 Le Mans Racers: Formula 1, Issue #74 NASCAR: • Dave Jones 1964 BM P261, • Carrera 2012 Aston Martin V12 Can-Am: Race Car Shop, Issue #74 Vantage GT3, Issue #73 • Scalextric 1970 Dodge Charger Daytona, Issue #75 • Slot.it 1970 McLaren M8D, Issue #73 • Dave Jones 1950 Alfa Romeo 158 with • Slot.it 1998 Porsche 911 GT1/98, Track Penelope Pitlane Chassis, Issue #75 Club Racing: Test, Supertuned Racers, Part 105: Production Sports Cars: • Cartrix 1962 Porsche 804, Issue #77 • Magnet-Free, Issue #73 • Pendle 1998 Miata, Series 1, • IROC Spec Classes Part 2, Issue #73 • Cartrix 1959 Lotus 16, • Racer “Sideways” 1977 Schnitzer step-by-step, Issue #77 • Proxy Racing Part 1, Issue #74 Track Test, Issue #77 BMW M1 Turbo Group 5, Issue #73 • Trofeo Racing, Issue #75 • Cartrix 1950 Talbot-Lago T26C, • Scalextric 1958 Cunningham Race Car Shop: Track Test, Issue #77 • Builder’s Class, Part 2, Proxy D-Type Jaguar. Issue #73 • Dave Jones 1964 BM P261, Issue #74 Racing, Issue #76 • Carrera 2013 Red Bull RB9, Issue #78 • Slot.it 1987 Porsche 962C LH • Dave Jones 1950 Alfa Romeo 158 with • Rules For Growth , Issue #77 • Scalextric 1971 Tyrrell 003, Issue #78 (with Sidewinder Motor Pod), The Penelope Pitlane Chassis, Issue #75 6-Screw Hop-Up, Part 5, Issue #73 • The Constructor (see Race Car Shop): • 70s-80s’ Formula 1 In 1/32 Scale, • TDR Innovations 3D Printed 1949 Historic Racing Classes, Issue #78 • Flyslot Porsche 997 GT3 Digital Racing: Ferrari 166MM with Slot Classics • Scalextric 1972 Tyrrell RSR , Issue #75 or PCS-1 Chassis, Issue #76 • (Note: every issue also has track plans 003/004, Issue #78 • Slotwings 1982 Ferrari 512BB • Small Cars, Issue #77 that include locations for lane-changers LM, Track Test, Issue #75 • Scalextric 1973 Lotus 72E, Issue #78 • Pendle 1998 Miata, Series 1, for Scalextric Sport Digital and Carrera • Cartrix 1959 Lotus 16, • NSR 2012 Aston Martin V12 Vantage step-by-step, Issue #77 Pro-X track---see “Race Tracks on a Magnet-Free, Issue #78 GT3, Track Test, Issue #75 Tabletop” and “Real Race Track Plans”) • Cartrix 1950 Talbot-Lago T26C, • Scaleauto 1975 De Tomaso Race Tracks on a • Live-Action Pit Stops with Pit Walls Pantera Group 5, Issue #75 for Carrera Digital 132, Issue #73 Magnet-Free, Issue #78 Tabletop Plans: • Arrow Slot 1999 BMW V12 • For Carrera, Sport, Scalextric, • Ankidrive Slotless Racing GT Cars LMR, Track Test Issue #75 System for iPads, Issue #73 SCX or NINCO Track (with (also see Sports-Racers and Supercars): • Slot.it 1968 Ford GT40, Issue #75 • Live-Action Pit Stops with Pit Walls optional lane-changing): • TDR Innovations 3D Printed 1949 Ferrari for SCX & Ninco N-Digital, Issue #74 • Scalextric 2012 Maserati • 2-Lane Bangkok’s Rajamangala GranTurismo MC Trofeo, Issue #75 166MM with Slot Classics or PCS-1 Stadium Race Of Champions (ROC) on a • Slot.it oXigen Digital Chips for Chassis Race Car Shop, Issue #76 Formula 1 cars, Issue #75 5 x 9-foot ping-pong tabletop, Issue #73 Historic Racing Classes: • Slot.it 1986 Porsche 962C • Carrera Digital 132 single curved • 2-Lane Suzuka F1 Grand Prix Track on a • Vintage Trans-Am in 1/32 KH, Issue #76 lane changers , Issue #76 5 x 9-foot ping-pong tabletop, Issue #74 Scale, Issue #74 • Slot.it 1974 Matra MS670B, Issue #76 • 2-Lane Thompson Speedway for • 2-Lane Unicorn Raceway (Vintage) on a • Racer “Sideways” 1982 Sauber Digital Scalextric Sport, Classic, • 70s-80s’ Formula 1 In 1/32 5 x 9-foot ping-pong tabletop, Issue #75 BMW M1 Turbo, Issue #76 SCX, Ninco, Carrera on a 12 x Scale, Issue #78 • 2-Lane Twisted Pines Raceway on a 5 20-foot tabletop, Issue #77 • Racer “Sideways” 1980 Ferrari x 9-foot ping-pong tabletop, Issue #76 Home Racing: 512BB/LM, Issue #76 • Action Pit Lanes for Scalextric Sport, • 2-Lane Thompson Oval Speedway Classic, SCX, Ninco or Carrera • Trackside Scenery: Pit Timing • NSR 2012 Aston Martin V12 Vantage for Digital on a 5 x 9-foot ping- Digital Systems, Issue #77 Stands, Issue #73 GT3, Track Test, Magnet-Free, Issue #76 pong tabletop, Issue #77 • Scalextric Easyfit Digital Chip • Trackside Scenery: Safety • Slotwings 1982 Ferrari 512BB LM, • 4-Lane Thompson Oval Speedway on a Installation, Issue #78 Fences, Issue #74 Track Test, Magnet-Free, Issue #76 5 x 9-foot ping-pong tabletop. Issue #77 • Onboard Race car sound from • Arrow Slot 1999 BMW V12 LMR, • 2-Lane Bangkok’s Rajamangala Editorials: Flyslot, Part 1, Issue #75 Track Test, Magnet-Free, Issue #76 Stadium Track on a 5 x 13 1/2-foot • The Unfair Advantage, Issue #73 • Onboard Race car sound from • Policar1972 Ferrari 312PB, ping-pong tabletop, Issue #78

22 Model Car Racing AARON USE REVISED #78 COVER

Race-Tune Your Race Car • NSR 2012 Aston Martin V12 Reports on 9 Model Racing Cars x 20-foot 4-Lane Wood Glen Vantage GT3, Track Test, Magnet- Tested in 2014, Issue #78 Cove Raceway, Issue #78 (See Super-Tuned Racers) Free, Supertuned Racers, Part • The Risk of Model Car Racing (How HO Scale Model Rally Cars: 108B/111, Issue #76 & Why of Track Tests), Issue #78 • Slotwings 1982 Ferrari 512BB LM, Car Racing: • Scalextric 1985 Audi Sport Track Test, Magnet-Free, Supertuned Trackside Scenery: Quattro E2, Issue #75 Racers, Part 109B/112, Issue #76 • Pit Timing Stands, Issue #73 Drag Racing: Real Race Track Plans: • Arrow Slot 1999 BMW V12 LMR, • Safety Fences, Issue #74 Track Test, Magnet-Free, Supertuned • Auto World NHRA Funny cars, Issue #73 • Photomural Backdrops For Laguna • All plans are designed for Scalextric Racers, Part 110B/113, Issue #76 • Auto World Start Line Seca Raceway, Issue #77 Sport, Classic, SCX, NINCO or Carrera • Policar1972 Ferrari 312PB, Track Christmas Tree, Issue #74 track (with optional lane-changing). Test, Supertuned Racers, Part Trans-Am: Home Racing: • 4-Lane Bangkok’s Rajamangala 114, Magnet-Free: Issue #78 Stadium Race Of Champions (ROC) • Scalextric 1970 Dodge Challenger, • AFX Lap Counters, Issue #73 • Cartrix 1950 Talbot-Lago T26C, Track Test, Issue #74 on two 5 x 9-foot Ping-Pong tables Track Test, Supertuned Racers, Part placed side-by-side to form a 9 115, Magnet-Free: Issue #78 • Scalextric vs. Carrera vs. Pioneer IndyCar Racing: x 10-foot tabletop, Issue #73 vs. SCX, Track Test, Issue #74 • Cartrix 1959 Lotus 16, Track • Auto World 2013 Dallara • 4-Lane Suzuka F1 Grand Prix Track Test, Supertuned Racers, Part • Vintage Trans-Am in 1/32 IndyCars, Issue #78 on a 12 x 21-foot tabletop, Issue #74 116, Magnet-Free: Issue #78 Scale, Issue #74 • 2-Lane Unicorn Raceway (Vintage) • Scalextric 1968 Mercury NASCAR: on a 9 x 17-foot tabletop, Issue #75 Track Tests: Cougar, Issue #74 • AFX 2013 Chevrolet SS and • 2-Lane Buddh International • (There’s an index and the test result • Pioneer 1968 Mustang Fastback, Ford Fusion, Issue #73 India Formula 1 Circuit on a 9 x times for all previous Track Tests from Track Test, Issue #74 17-foot tabletop, Issue #76 the paper and paid Internet issues • Carrera 1968 Mustang Fastback, Track Plans: • 2-Lane Thompson Speedway for under the top bar “More Information” Track Test, Issue #74 • 4-Lane Bangkok’s Rajamangala Digital (with optional lane-changing) then click on “Race Car Tests”): • Scalextric 1970 Dodge Challenger, Stadium Race Of Champions on a 12 x 20-foot tabletop, Issue #77 • Slot.it 1998 Porsche 911 GT1/98, Track Track Test, Supertuned Racers, Part (ROC) on a 5 x 9-foot Ping- • 4-Lane Bangkok’s Rajamangala Test, Supertuned Racers, Part 105: 107, Magnet-Free: Issue #75 Pong Tabletop, Issue #73 Stadium Track on a 9 x 15- • Magnet-Free, Issue #73 • Pioneer 1968 Mustang Fastback, • 4-Lane Suzuka F1 Grand Prix foot tabletop, Issue #78 • Scalextric 1970 Dodge Track Test, Supertuned Racers, Part Track on a 5 x 9-foot Ping- Sedan Racing: Challenger, Issue #74 108, Magnet-Free: Issue #75 Pong Tabletop, Issue #74 • Scalextric vs. Carrera vs. • Carrera 1968 Mustang Fastback, • 4-Lane Paramount Ranch Track on • Carrera 2012 DTM BMW M3, Audi Pioneer vs. SCX, Issue #74 Track Test, Supertuned Racers, Part a 5 x 9-foot Ping-Pong Tabletop RS5 & Mercedes C Coupe, Issue #73 • Pioneer 1968 Mustang 109, Magnet-Free: Issue #75 with a 4 x 4-foot table to create a Shoot-Outs Fastback, Issue #74 • All-Time Shoot-Out, Scalextric vs. 5 x 13-foot tabletop, Issue #75 • Carrera 1968 Mustang Carrera vs. Pioneer vs. SCX, Track Test, • 4-Lane Buddh International (see Track Tests): Fastback, Issue #74 Supertuned Racers, Part 110, Issue #75 India Formula 1 Circuit in Sports-Racers • Scalextric 1970 Dodge Challenger, Vintage Racing: 4 x 8-Feet, Issue #76 Supertuned Racers, Part 107, • 4-Lane Thompson Speedway (see also “Production Sports Cars”): Magnet-Free: Issue #75 • Heinz Rengel’s 1/24 scale in 4 x 8-Feet, Issue #77 Lindberg Cobra Daytona on a • Pioneer 1968 Mustang Fastback, • 4-Lane Bangkok’s Rajamangala Start Here: Monogram Chassis, Issue #74 Supertuned Racers, Part 108, Stadium Track in 5 x 13 • Chassis Setup, Part 1: Magnet-Free: Issue #75 • Editorial, Vintage Racing, Issue #74 1/2-Feet, Issue #78 Alignment, Issue #75 • 2-Lane Unicorn Raceway Track Plan for • Carrera 1968 Mustang Fastback, Trans-Am: • Maximizing Pickup Braid Depth Supertuned Racers, Part 109, Scalextric Sport, Classic, SCX, Ninco, ”Ride Height”, Issue #77 Magnet-Free: Issue #75 Carrera (with optional lane-changing) • AFX 1969 Camaro Z28 and on a 9 x 17-foot tabletop, Issue #75 • Replace Magnets With • All-Time Shoot-Out, Scalextric vs. Mustang Boss 427, Issue #73 Weight, Issue #78 Carrera vs. Pioneer vs. SCX, Supertuned • 2-Lane Unicorn Raceway rack Plan Racers, Part 110, Issue #75 for Scalextric Sport, Classic, SCX, Your Cars: Supercars: Ninco or Carrera (with optional • Slotwings 1982 Ferrari • Randy Pepprock’s AFX LeMans lane-changing) on a 5 x 9-foot • Scalextric Lamborghini 512BB LM, Issue #75 Racers, Issue #74 Aventador, Issue #75 ping-pong tabletop, Issue #75 • NSR 2012 Aston Martin V12 • Robert Schleicher’s Three-Lane Vantage GT3, Issue #75 1/43 Scale The Supertuned Racers Wood 16 x 18-foot Unicorn • Arrow Slot 1999 BMW Raceway, Issue #75 Model Car (most are magnet-free): V12 LMR, Issue #75 • Rick Thigpen’s Strombecker 1960 • Slot.it 1998 Porsche 911 Racing: • NSR 2012 Aston Martin V12 Vantage Porsche RS60, Issue #76 GT1/98, Track Test, Supertuned GT3, Magnet-Free, Issue #76 Racers, Part 105, Issue #73 • Charlie Cressi’s 20 x 20-foot 4-Lane Track Plans: • Slotwings 1982 Ferrari 512BB Wood Glen Cove Raceway, Issue #78 • The 6-Screw Hop-Up, Part 5: Slot. LM, Magnet-Free, Issue #76 • Carrera Go!!! vs. SCX Compact, Issue #74 it 1987 Porsche 962C LH (with • Arrow Slot 1999 BMW V12 LMR, Your Tracks: Sidewinder Motor Pod)Supertuned Magnet-Free, Issue #76 Racers, Part 106, Issue #73 • Loors Svensson’ Three-Lane Wood 1/24 Scale • Policar1972 Ferrari 312PB, Issue #77 7 x 21-foot ACME Raceway • Scalextric 1970 Dodge Challenger, Model Car Track Test, Supertuned Racers, • Cartrix 1959 Lotus 16, Issue #77 • Dave Wisdom’s Three-Lane Wood 12 x Part 107, Issue #75 • Cartrix 1950 Talbot-Lago 18-foot Forest Hall Circuit, Issue #74 Racing: • Pioneer 1968 Mustang Fastback, Track T26C, Issue #77 • Robert Schleicher’s Vintage Test, Supertuned Racers, Part 108, #75 • Cartrix 1959 Lotus 16, Three-Lane Wood 16 x 18-foot Race Car Shop: Free-Free, Issue #78 Unicorn Raceway, Issue #75 • Carrera 1968 Mustang Fastback, • Adjusting Inline Motor Gear Mesh On Track Test, Supertuned Racers, • Cartrix 1950 Talbot-Lago T26C, • Pete Shepherd’s Cuckoo Pines 4 ½ x AMT 1/25 Scale Muscle Cars, Issue #73 Part 109, Issue #75 Magnet-Free, Issue #78 13-foot two-lane Carrera, Issue #76 Vintage Racing, Your Cars: • All-Time Shoot-Out, Scalextric vs. • Policar1972 Ferrari 312PB, • Jon Sanders 16 x 40-foot 4-Lane Carrera vs. Pioneer vs. SCX, Track Test, Magnet-Free: Issue #78 Carrera Razor Raceway, Issue #77 • Heinz Rengel’s Lindberg Cobra Daytona Supertuned Racers, Part 110, Issue #75 • Summary of Full Race Track Test • Charlie Cressi’s Vintage 20 on a Monogram Chassis, Issue #74

Model Car Racing 23 Emerson Fittipaldi (Lotus 72E Ford) leading the 1973 Spanish Grand Prix at Monjuich Park, Barcelona, Spain. Note the John Player Special markings on the front wing, the sides and the rear wing and the JPS logos. — LAT Photographic

30 Model Car Racing Model Car Racing 31 Pit Board #78 Four Lanes Super Size Me

There are few articles in Model Car Racing about four-lane tracks but Model Car Racing magazine seems have a fetish about scale. Every issue most of the clubs in our area have four-lanes. I understand that it is a has articles that give all the dimensions of the real car and the model. I un- lot harder to fit four-lanes in any given space than two but that is why I derstand that 1/43 scale SCX Compact and Carrera Go!!! cars look like toys would like see more plans for four-lane tracks. place beside the 1/32 scale models. If the model looks right, what difference Thank you, Josh Gilbert does it make if it’s a half-inch too short or wide? Regards, Frank Carstens Yes, it is more difficult to squeeze four-lanes into any given space but it can be done. There’s a four-lane track on a 5 x 9-foot ping-pong table in One of the joys of a hobby is that it is very personal endeavor; you can the September/October 2014 number 77 issue. There are also four-lane do whatever you like as you participate in that hobby with only yourself race track plans for a 12 x 21-foot version of Suzuka in the March/April to please. There are many ways of enjoying a model of any full-size car 2014 issue and 9 x 10-foot Bangkok Stadium track in the January/Feb- including just appreciating the shape. In addition to that, you can appre- ruary 2014 number 73 issue. However, unless the track has a lap length ciate model’s proportions with a length and width that seems to recreate longer than about 90-feet a four-lane track does not offer equal racing in the full-size car. Those proportions, however, are also significant when all of the lanes. Because the outer lanes have all the tight curves (where the two models of different cars are sitting side by side. A Carrera Go!!! NAS- cars go slower) and all largest curves (which are longer around) the two CAR car, for example, is about the size of a 1/32 scale Scalextric MGB but outer lanes will usually produce significantly longer lap times, regardless the two models placed side by side look very strange. For larger models, of the car or the driver. Conversely, the two inner lanes of a four-lane track 1/32 scale has become the standard size. It was not always so; in the early provide excellent racing and are often nearly equal in lap times. The extra sixties the Scalextric and Strombecker cars were about 1/29 scale. By the width of four-lanes consumes table space so a two-lane track can often end of the sixties, however, all of the new Scalextric and Strombecker cars have as much as four-feet or more of extra lap length. Finally, four-lanes were 1/32 scale. in a small space looks more like a parking lot slalom than a race track because the track and the skid aprons cover nearly all the tabletop with Today, Racer produces some incredibly realistic model race cars with only small islands of open space for scenery. etched window frames and near-perfect shapes and proportions but, for whatever reason, they are 1/30 scale. Some model car racers have There is an upside to four lanes if you are running classes for cars with no qualms about mixing those Racer cars (or original Strombecker or magnets and other classes for cars without magnets. The magnet-stuck Scalextric cars) with today’s models. There is, though, a performance is- cars do not need skid aprons so you can leave them off of the four-lane sue in that a wider 1/32 scale car is likely to corner quicker than a nar- track and race in all four lanes. When you are running cars that have rower one. So some models, like most of the Ninco Classics, have been no downforce magnets limit the races to the two inner lanes and use the produced deliberately wider than 1/32 scale in an effort to make what outer lanes as the “skid apron” areas. should be narrower cars handle as well as wider ones. Again, most model car racer don’t care but, with Ninco’s Classic cars, the proportions are just The “ideal” model car racing track for many of us would have three lanes, not quite right---given that, if you had not been told they these cars were which only requires a bit more space than two and minimizes the lap proportionally wider than they are long would you have noticed? Our time differences between the inner and outer lanes. Strombecker pro- “Spec Sheets” show the dimensions of the full-size car and the size the duced three-lane plastic track in the sixties but only with one curve size. model “should” be in 1/32 scale, then the size of the actual model. It’s If you are considering building a wood track with the slots routed into the your choice whether the model’s actual size (as well as its shape and pro- surface of MDF panels, three-lanes might be the best choice. portions) are close enough to the full-size car to please you. This is your hobby. Enjoy it. Testing For Digital New To The Hobby? How can you test a digital car to see if it works without a digital track? Thanks, Frank York There’s more information on page 17 of this issue. There are some -ba sic tune-up tips that are needed for every model race car on www.mod- There is no two-wire method of determining if a digital car will operate elcarracingmag.com under the “New to the hobby?” link. There are 13 on digital because the digital systems rely on electronic signals not just tips including: How To Get Started in Model Car Racing, Two Driving power to the rails. If you are checking to see if it operates properly on Techniques, Perfect Pickup Braid, Tire Mounting, Cleaning Track Rails, digital, you will need at least the controller/connector track, power supply Cleaning Track, Avoiding Disaster: Oil & Grease, Controllers, Race Pro- and controllers for that brand. gram Set Up: Color Coding & Racing classes, Reliable Wires, Chassis Set Up, Carrera Guide Shoe Mods. There’s lots more you can do, including If you simply want to know if a digital car will run on analog you can test changing to silicone rear tires with better grip, loosening the body-to- it with just two wires and 12 volts of DC current with the wires touching chassis screws and more. the pickup braid. Only Scalextric Digital and Carrera Digital 132 (and the older Carrera Pro-X) digital cars will run on analog. The Carrera cars require moving a small switch on the bottom of the car (and, with some, blipping the throttle on and off (touching and retouching the wires). None of the SCX Digital or Ninco N-Digital cars will run on analog without removing the digital chip.

46 Model Car Racing Club Directory Most model car racers prefer to race at home on their own tracks with a few friends. There or different bodies. We try to NOT list the clubs that primarily race cars with hand-made metal are hundreds of model car racing clubs in the world but some of them are groups who race chassis and clear plastic bodies---those clubs are listed on various internet sites or you can find very highly modified cars on tracks routed from wood or PVC. The model racing cars you most of them through the Old Weird Harold site at http://www.oldweirdherald.com. see on the pages of this magazine are all designed to be raced on plastic tracks (although There are hundreds of dealers in the country that have operating tracks in the store. We they can be raced on most wood or PVC tracks) from Scalextric, Sport, Carrera, NINCO, cannot list them all, but you can contact the ones in your area from the list of dealers that SCX, Riggen or Artin or the older Strombecker, Revell or Monogram tracks 1/32 scale carry Model Car Racing magazine www.modelcarracingmag.com. tracks or Tomy AFX or Mattel/Tyco HO tracks. If your group races out-of-the-box 1/32 scale or HO scale cars, with only occasionally The clubs that are listed here are groups whose main interest is to race out-of-the box cars events for modified cars) send us the information at www.modelcarracingmag.com and and mostly on plastic tracks (although the club may also race on one or two hand-routed we’ll try to include your club in the next issue. wood or PVC tracks). The group may have a modified class where extra magnets are allowed

California, Los Angeles (Glendale): OTHG – Farrout Slot Car Club. Contact Indiana, Indianapolis area: (Jeremy Dunning) Pennsylvania, Manheim area: Stephen Farr-Jones (818) 260 9192, www.farroutslotcars.com/ [email protected] D & B Raceways, Don Noll [email protected] California, Fresno area: Insane SCRC, Indiana, Terre Haute area: Otter Creek Slot Racing Association, Pennsylvania, Philadelphia area: Mt. Airy Racing Association, Herbert Joe Cabral [email protected] Bob Redman [email protected] Bigelow (215) 868-4464, [email protected] California, North San Diego County: Nomad Slot Racing Club, Jim Iowa, Cedar Rapids area: Iowa Model Area Racers, http://imar.us/ Pennsylvania, Wilkes Barre Area: NEPA Slot Car Club, Cunningham (760)492-4619 [email protected] www. Indiana, Fort Wayne area: Wallace Dale Monroe, [email protected] 570-903-9182, nepaslotcars.com NomadSlotRacing.com Iowa, Cedar Rapids area: ERASR (Ecurie Road America Scale Racers) Pennsylvania, Wyoming Valley Area: Wyoming Valley Slot Car Associa- California, North San Diego County, Escondido - “The Slot Outlaws” Art (319)626-6374 tion, Nanticoke, Pennsylvania, wvsca.blogspot.com 760-747-4511 or email: [email protected] Iowa, Swisher area: IMAR (Iowa Model Auto Racing), Texas, Eastern area: East Texas Slot Car Association, Tyler , TX 75771, California, San Jose area: Devin Mauldin [email protected] Jerry Hightshoe [email protected] (903)882 0965 [email protected] California, South Bay (Los Angeles): Stan Smith (310)812-1866 Kentucky, Louisville area: Derby City Slot Car Club, www.derbycityslot- Texas, Houston (Northwest Harris County): Houston Scale Auto Racing [email protected] carclub.proboards.com/ [email protected] Club (HSARC), www.hsarc.net, (281)807-4026. California, South Bay (Los Angeles): ITG - In The Groove Slot Car racing, Louisiana, Lake Charles area: Lake Area Slot Car Auto Racing, Julian Northern Virginia-Metro DC area: Northern Virginia Digital Slot Racers, 324 W. Florence Ave., Inglewood, CA 90301. Contact: Marc Natividad Guillory, http://groups.yahoo.com/group/LASCAR contact: Hayes Lewis, [email protected] (310) 200-6300. [email protected] Maryland, Baltimore area: (Allan Schwartz) [email protected] Vermont, Burlington area: Burlington Slot Dorks, Colorado, Denver area: Rocky Mountain Slot Car Club (RMSSC) Daniel, [email protected] http://rmscclub.proboards.com/index.cgi Michigan, Grand Rapids area: Rivershore International Raceway, Alto, Michigan, Stephen Thomas, Williamsburg Virginia area: The Barn Burners” Colorado, Denver Area, Colorado Slot car Club, contact: (616) 891-1632. email: [email protected] Contact: Joseph Brimer [email protected] http://coslotcarclub.proboards.com/ Michigan, Kalamazoo area: West Michigan Slot Car Group, John Washington, Auburn area: Rainier Raceways, Colorado, Denver area: Front Range Vintage Slotcar and Historical Rac- Lacko (269) 344-5588, [email protected] https://www.facebook.com/ Greg Gaub [email protected] ing Club, http://monovell.proboards.com/index.cgi groups/205657316120426/ Washington, Seattle/Tacoma area: PSSRA (Puget Sound Slot Car Rac- D.C., Washington area: The Capital Racing League, Missouri, St. Louis area: (Carl Shorle) [email protected] ing Association) http://pssra.webhop.net/ or Tony Kuljis, http://groups.yahoo.com/group/tcrl, contact: [email protected] [email protected] Missouri, St. Louis area: Monaco Grand Prix Miniature Racing Club, D.C., Washington area (Alexandria): Classic Slot Car Association (CSSA), www.mgpmrc.org, email: [email protected] Washington, Seattle/Tacoma area: NMRL (Northwest Model Racing John Roberts, (703) 582-5504, [email protected] League). John MacKenzie (206)295-9980, [email protected] New York, Watkins Glen area: The Slot Car Club Of The Twin Tiers, D.C., Washington Metro area: Old Dominion Slot Car Club, 5322 Gray- Contact: Frank Spena, Jr., [email protected] Toronto, Canada area: Scale Sloters 1/32, [email protected] stone Rd., Warrenton, VA 20187, contact: Chris Bowles (540)341-1405 or, [email protected] , North Carolina, Winston-Salem area: Road America Racers, King City, Vancouver, Canada area: (Luf Linkert) [email protected] www.nascarslots.com or www.metalracer.com North Carolina, Tom Brooks, (336) 985-3867 or [email protected] Illinois, Central area: Hotslots 1/32 Slot Car Shop, 1809 A. Philo Road, Ohio, Columbus area: 1/32 Slot Car Racers of Central Ohio, Randy Hor- Urbana, IL 61802 (217) 355-2277, [email protected] ton, http://groups.yahoo.com/group/1-32SlotCarRacersOfCentralOhio 1/24 scale racing clubs: Oregon, Eugene area: Pelican Park Speedway Illinois, Chicago area: Bolingbrook Speedway, Karl Staehlin, karlstaeh- Oregon, Portland area: Beaverton Area Slot Car Club (B.A.S.C.C.),15430 (541)349-0917 htm210@comcast. [email protected] SW Gull Ct., Beaverton, Oregon 97007, 503-330-6907 Illinois, Chicago area: Great Lakes Slot Car Club, contact: Pennsylvania, Allentown-Reading area: Allen & Allen Motor Speedway www.greatlakesscc.com Racing, (610) 520-7247, [email protected] Digital Racing Clubs: Ohio, Mansfield area: Mid-Ohio 1/32 Scale Racing Club, chorp@ohio. Illinois, Chicago Area: JYD Racing, contact www.toys4slots.com Pennsylvania, Chambersburg area. net, John Chorpening (419) 289-6563 Sherman Collings [email protected] (717) 377-1435 Illinois, Peoria/ Metamora area: Peoria Model Car Raceway, Northern Virginia-Metro DC area: Northern Virginia Digital Slot Racers, (309)573-1027, [email protected], Pennsylvania, Harrisburg area: Homestead Speedway, Landisville, contact: Hayes Lewis, [email protected] (309)712-3299 [email protected] Pennsylvania. Ken Falco at [email protected]

HO Clubs: The majority of HO racing on a club level in the US is home sectional tracks, There are some excellent clubs across the US racing basically stock hardshell T-Jet cars for the using hard bodies and largely stock equipment. The majority are Thunderjet focused, although most part on sectional home tracks. This is only a partial listing. If you have an active group many do run the Life-Like, Auto World, Playing Mantis, G-Plus and Mattel/Tyco cars, these racing hard-bodied T-Jet-style cars, let us know. mass produced magnet cars tend to be utilized by small round robin groups by invitation or as groups of friends.

Arizona, Phoenix area: http://ahora.homestead.com/ahora.html Illinois, Chicago area: http: nitro-racing.4t.com/ Pennsylvania, Philadelphia area: http://vintagehoracing.mr-bigstuff.com/ California, Bay area: San Francisco HO Racing Association, www. Indiana, Fort Wayne area: Wallace Monroe, sfhora.org/home.html [email protected] Pennsylvania, Philadelphia area: Mt. Airy Racing Association, Herbert Bigelow (215) 868-4464, [email protected] California, Bay area: M.S.C.R.C. - Model Slot Car Racing Club www. Kentucky / Virginia area: http://www.thunderjetracing.com/ mscrc.orgemail: [email protected] Pennsylvania, Wilkes Barre Area: NEPA Slot Car Club, Michigan, Lansing area: NASAR, Richard Leeper (517) 290-9952 or 570-903-9182, nepaslotcars.com California, Bay area: Shaunadega Racing www.shaunadega.com [email protected] Winston-Salem/Greenville, South Carolina area: Upstate HO Slot Car California, South Bay (Los Angeles): ITG - In The Groove Slot Car racing, Missouri, Kansas City area: Club, 403 Hill Lane, Mauldin, SC 29662 324 W. Florence Ave. http://home.kc.rr.com/jhabernal/mahor/ (864)967-7865 Richard Tabb at [email protected] or Inglewood, CA 90301. Contact: Marc Natividad (310) 200-6300. Missouri, St. Louis area: [email protected] Steve Lorch at [email protected] [email protected] Ohio, Columbus area: United Kingdom, Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire Colorado, Denver area: Front Range HO (FRHO) club. http://www. http://groups.yahoo.com/group/colohhoscc/messages scaleracers.com/FrontRangeHO/default.asp Burning Rubber, www.burningrubber.net

48 Model Car Racing Race Tracks For Your Home: HO 4-Lane 2012 ROC Track In Bangkok’s Rajamangala Stadium on a 5 x13 1/2-Foot Tabletop (One and One-Half Ping-Pong Tables)

The plan for the HO Bangkok’s Rajamangala Stadium Track to fit a 5 x 13 1/2-foot area.

The plans in Model Car Racing magazine for HO scale race tracks are AFX TRACK SECTIONS REQUIRED FOR 4-LANES: usually designed to fill a 4 x 8-foot board. However, every plan includes Quantity: Description: the option of expanding it, with the letter “L indicating where to add 4 3-inch Straight track sections to make the plan longer and the letter “W” indicating where to add track sections to make it wide. Any of these 4 x 8-foot 2 6-inch Straight plans could be expanded to 5 x 9-feet by merely adding two pairs of 4 9-inch Straight 6-inch straights at all of the points marked “L” on any plan in the last 54 15-inch Straight 77 issues. For this race track plan we expanded the plan from the Janu- 0 6-inch 45-degree Curve ary/February 2014 number 73 issue from just one 5 x 9-foot ping-pong tabletop to 5 x 13 ½-feet by adding another half of a ping-pong table- 6 9-inch 45-degree Curve top. Similarly, most plans can be expanded in width by adding pairs of 9 9-inch 90-degree Curve straight track sections at points marked “W” on the plans. 24 12-inch 45-degree Curve 8 15-inch 45-degree Curve There are four parallel four-lane straights on the expanded plan which 8 18-inch 45-degree Curve means that the length of each lane has been expanded by about 16- feet. We could have extended all four straights another 6-inches but left • 2005 “Stade de France Race of Champions” plan for a 7 x 3-inches of bare tabletop on each end to allow space for the controllers 11-foot tabletop in the May/June 2007 number 33 issue. and pits. The long straight at the bottom is now a wonderful 10-feet long with ultra-quick 18-inch curves at the entrance and exit to allow • Race of Champions track for the 2006 event at Stade de early acceleration and late braking. France on an 8 x 15-foot tabletop win the September/Octo- ber 2007 number 35 issue. There’s more on the 2012 Race of Champions track in Bangkok’s Ra- • 2007 and 2008 Race of Champions track at Wembley Sta- jamangala Stadium Track on pages 13-15 of this issue. The inverted dium in England for a 9 x 15-foot tabletop in the September/ figure 8 allows the inner lane to have the shortest way around the track. October 2008 number 41 issue. You could install pairs of the 9-inch Straight “Squeeze Track” (lane- • 2009 Race of Champions track in Beijing Stadium on an 8 x change/crossover) but it would be simpler to just run each race as a 12-foot tabletop in the May/June 2010 number 51 issue. series of four “heats” so everyone gets an equal amount of time in each lane. All of the straights are 15-inch unless marked. • 2010 Race of Champions for 2010 in Germany at Düssel- dorf’s ESPRIT on an 8 x 16-foot tabletop in the July/August Previous Stadium Race Track 2011 number 58 issue. Plans for HO • Two-lane 2011 DTM Series Race at Munich’s Olympic Sta- dium on an 8 x 12-foot tabletop in the November/December (all are 4-lane and for 4 x 8-foot tabletops unless indicated) 2011 number 60 issue. • World Rally Cup’s Super Special Test in the 2005 Acropolis • Race of Champions Bangkok’s Rajamangala Stadium Track Rally in Athens Olympic Stadium for 9 ½ x 12 ½-feet in the on a 5 x 9-foot ping-pong tabletop in the January/February July/August 2006 number 28 issue. 2014 number 73 issue. Model Car Racing 49 Your Track: Vintage Racing Charlie Cressi’s 20 x 20-Foot 4-Lane Glen Cove Raceway Charlie Cressi was one of pioneers in 1/32 scale model car racing in America. His club created this mas- sive four-lane track, with the slots routed into 1/8-inch thick sheets of tempered Masonite hardboard. The club was actively racing on this track in 1961.

A diagonal overpass was used to help equalize lane lengths. There’s a series of ess bends in the far upper left.

Charlie Cressi

My first homemade track was built in 1961. I learned a lot about what the holes in the concrete in my basement floor. The track was T-shaped not to do. It was laid out by first looking at where the best driver position about 20-feet across the top and 20-feet down the vertical leg of the T. would be so all the track was visible and as close to the driver as possible. Then the rest of the track was a hodgepodge of this works and this does Then I sort of said “Let’s go this way, then this way, then let’s make it a not work. The actual base of the track was half inch all-weather plywood. little longer”, and so on. I laid down the outside perimeter of the track Then on top of that was the actual track running surface which was 1/4- by pinning strips of wood to the floor with a Ramset gun. I can still see inch thick tempered Masonite. That had a very hard and smooth surface.

50 Model Car Racing Two of straights an side-by side down the vertical leg of the T-shaped track so that portion of the raceway looked like it was 8–lanes.

Then I penciled-in out the locations of curves and straights. Once the the 55-gallon drum. He must have heard my breathing stop so he asked track was laid out with a pencil, a framework of 1x4s was constructed for my address and that he would have the factory send me 2 gallons. to support the plywood and Masonite sandwich. The framework was el- All I had to do was to send his a letter telling him or 3M how the glue evated about 30-inches above the floor with 2 x 4 legs. worked. I did not use even half of a gallon and it worked just great. On both of my tracks the braid never lifted or came loose. I made arms to use as trammels to guide my router around the curves. A 16-foot piece of straight 1 x 4 guided the router for the straights. Now We did not have a lap counter for this first home built track but we came the problem; I started to route with a 1/8 single fluted carbide bit. did have a master ON and OFF switch. We also used four one-second It lasted about 10 feet. A few more bits and I soon realized that this was time clocks, four manually operated lap counters and a circuit breaker not going to work. I did not want to change the tempered Masonite as for each lane. The corner marshals doubled as visual lap counters lap it made a very good racing surface. The racing surface on most tracks counters with hand-held clicker counters but they were more trouble was not very good and produced problems. In my line of work we used than they were worth. The “system” caused more arguments and fights a lot of carbide bits and diamond bits. Some big some small. They were and all sorts of trouble. The big trouble with visual lap counting was all custom made for us by a man who had a shop near my office. I went that you had to have three people and no less than two to work them to him and told him of my problem. I showed him the bits that I tried and even then there were missed counts as the guys used to talk to one to use and he explained what was going wrong. He made me some 1/8 another and missed a count now and then but all this was resolved by inch double fluted carbide bits and he showed me why my bits were the drivers themselves as who passed who and whatnot. burning up. His bits had the cutting edge as the only part of the bit that was touching the Masonite. The back half of the bits were cut so that Some of hobby’s earliest celebrities were members of the club including they did not touch the Masonite and therefore did not heat up in fact Jose Rodriguez (co-publisher of Car Model magazine, author and the that allowed the cutting edges to stay cool. He also made bits that al- designer of Atlas 1/32 and 1/24 scale cars), Howie Ursaner (one of the lowed me to recess the copper braid. most successful commercial slot car racers) and others. We raced on this track for two years and it was a nice course but hard to learn for The copper braid was ¼-inch wide flattened nickel silver-coated braid. visiting clubs. I decided to make a new track and solve the problems This allowed the braid to lay perfectly flat in the recess that was rout- that this track had. The members helped take the track down at the ed beside the slot to fit it. That flat braid allowed the 3M contact glue end of the season, Got rid of all the scrap. I already had in mind what to work, as it should. The cars did not hop or jerk around when they I wanted to build. Especially an easy track to learn and to make a lap crossed the braid if they were sliding too much in the corners. I called counter that worked every time a car passed the start finish line. (ED. 3M and told them what I wanted and I was told that the king of contact We’ll haves an article on that second track with a scale-mile long lap cement that I should use was only sold to commercial users and only by length in a future issue.) Model Car Racing 51 Two of the largest-radius sets of curves on the track were at the entrance and exit to the diagonal straight.

52 Model Car Racing The two parallel straight ended in this tight hairpin turn on the inside of the bottom of the vertical leg of the “T”.

The ess bend curves were all similar radii so the drivers could traverse that sec- The drivers’ station was at the base of the vertical leg of the T. The bald-head- tion with some rhythm. ed gent is Charlie Cressi

The number 12 in the foreground is a Scalextric Lotus 16, the yellow Maserati is a hand-carved wood body, the red and white Indy car is a Strombecker model and the green number 4 BRM a fiberglass body. All are mounted on brass chassis with open-frame motors like Pittman DC196s.

Model Car Racing 53 New Stuff

Penelope Pitlane

Penelope Pitlane (www.penelopepitlane.co.uk/) is now shipping a cast-resin kit to assemble this 1/32 scale Go-Kart. The model is 1/32 scale, not the 1/18 scale we indicated in the previous issue. The model is a simple two-piece cast-resin molding with the driver the top half and the cast-resin chassis the bottom half. The kit includes the motor, gears, wheels and tires to complete the model. Slot.it TDR Innovations Slot.it is producing a chassis to adapt the Slot.it motor pods, motors, wheels TDR Innovations (tdrmodels.com) and gears to Carrera DTM bodies. The has shipped their 1/32 scale body to chassis are available to fit the Carrera recreate the 1959 Aston Martin DBR1 DTM Audi A5, BMW M3 or Mercedes that won LeMans in 1959 driven by AMG C-Coupé. The chassis are laser Carrol Shelby and Roy Salvadori. TDR printed (http://www.shapeways. producing these bodies by printing com/shops/SlotIt) to keep the costs them using the 3D printing process. The under $27 (plus postage) for the bare bodies are as light as injection-molded chassis. The chassis faithfully recreate bodies but far more flexible. A step-by-step article on how to build a replica of the 1949 the lower body panel shapes that are LeMans-winning Ferrari 166MM is in the July/August 2014 number 76 issue. We’ll unique to each of the three DTM cars. show you how build your own Aston Martin using the TDR body in next issue. The chassis will accept any of Slot.it motor pods but the cars will usually be quickest with anglewinder pods and Flat-6 motors from Slot.it. We’ll have a step-by-step article on the upgraded cars in next issue.

Carrera

Carrera has shipped replicas of Fernando Alnoso’s 2103 Ferrari F138 in both analog and Digital 132.

54 Model Car Racing