How Formula D Racing Started

Many amongst us either ignore or disregard the most critical thing which is the origin of Formula D Racing. If you have recently started to take a liking for this new sport, it is imperative that you recognise, comprehend and understand the history behind this wonderful sport. Unless you know its origin, you would not be able to take pleasure in it.

Formula D Racing is played very professionally. The US is slowly appreciating this wonderful sport. The game has been there since the last thirty years. Though it was not played professionally, it was always there The United States does not encourage street racing as they consider it illegal, similarly drifting has also not been recognised as a state sport.

Though the sport is well known, it is not very safe. These underground events were held on the streets of the city and also at many other places which were not very secure. This was when a drifting association was formed. A safer environment was specifically created for playing this game and many other benefits were also extended.
These advantages comprised of training events etc.

Slipstream Global was the first entity to form a new company known as Formula Drift, Inc and till date it is the only company which holds and operates the drifting series in the US. The professional series came into effect in the year 2003. officially the game gathered momentum and became famous somewhere in the year 2004. Just when the game slowly started to become famous, new tracks were laid. Many new events and new venues were added over the years.

Browne is a wide writer on interest topics.Not only does he write about auto and racing, you can also read about his various publications like finding the best deals on Lowepro camera bag on his latest website http://loweprocamerabagsale.com, where he expresses his view.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Browne_Stille

Wireless Slot Car Accelerator Pedal

AIR for Android Wireless Slot Car Gas Pedal from Grant Skinner on Vimeo.

Finding The Best Slot Car For Your Needs

People who want to buy a slot car always find it difficult to choose between readymade and altered versions. The popularity of slot racing and the technological advancements in this field have considerably increased demand for the commercially available readymade ones. However, the motorized static models are still not completely extinct.

A great majority of these cars are used in slot racing because they have bodies specially designed and built for miniature racing. Generally, they have a low-voltage electric motor within the car and are controlled by a hand-held device that regulates the motor. In this setup, each car runs on a separate line with a dedicated guide slot.

Scalextric Track Designer

Scalextric Track Designer is the ultimate track building tool! This excellent 3D software includes the full Scalextric track inventory and comes complete with a built-in room designer. It offers Scalextric fans the chance to plan workable tracks, including multi-lane layouts, before getting down to actually building them!

Download it now at http://www.scalextric.com/track-designer/

Purchasing A Scalextric Set

When purchasing your first Scalextric set we advise to purchase the largest set for your budget. As this will provide you with the most track for your money. As you can never have enough track
There are two different types of Scalextric available:

1. Scalextric sport the basic standard Scalextric set. The Analogue sets are based on the same principals as the first sets that where made 50 years ago when it all first started
2. Scalextric Digital This type of sets offer up to 6 cars to race on the track at any one time

Scalextric Sport

This type of track is the most simple and is suitable for all ages especially suited for ages 6-9, Prices start from £30 - £150

In 2004 Scalextric brought out there new set layouts to make their layouts simple and easy to expand.

• X-1 this is a small figure of 8 with a 90 degree crossover
• X-2 is an extended figure of 8 with elevated crossover and 2 90 degree racing curves
• X-3 Track is a large figure of 8 with both sides of the loops extended, with elevated crossover and 90 degree curves as per the X-2 track just is slightly larger

All of these tracks can easily be extended by the track extension packs 1,2,3 and the Ultimate Extension, these packs represent good value for money if you are looking to expand your circuit.

If you have the older type track that was made prior to 2002 you will require the Scalextric Sport converter track(C34). These items come in packs of two and are used to connect old sections of track to the new sports track. You simply put one of the half straight converters at either end of the old track then continue with the new type track.

Scalextric Digital

Is the newest way to race, you can race up to 6 cars on the two lane track, This track has selectable lane changes all operated from your digital hand throttle. We would recommend for ages 9-90. Its great fun for all the family. Starter sets are available from £120 - £300. The top of the range set is the Scalextric pro GT C1242, which is well worth a look at as it is great value for money.

Digital racing is simple to set up, all you need to do is plug in the hand throttle and place the car on the track then hold the button on the powerbase for a few seconds to register that car to the hand throttle. Then repeat this for every car you wish to race on the track.

In 2009 Scalextric are re-releasing their 6 car power base (in the 2nd quarter of the year), early models had some technical issues so they was withdrawn, so be careful if you are purchasing one of the older models.

Scalextric have a basic conversion set that contains all you need except the cars so you can decide what Scalextric cars you want. or even convert your own cars, you have you may only need the digital Plug to convert your existing car to digital and these only retail for around £9 or choose from our large range of digital cars that are available. The conversion of a standard car to digital is easy if it is digital plug ready and only a screwdriver is required. However most cars can be converted dating back to 1957 by using the conversion chips these come it two types one for saloon cars and one for F1 cars. A soldering iron will be required to fit this correctly.

If you are converting to digital make sure you have enough of the correct lane change track pieces so they do not direct the cars to one lane and leave the cars on that one lane of track, so are unable to move to the other lane. The most simple was to resolve this is to use the straight lane change as this is the only piece of track that you can change lane from either side.

Scalextric racer and collector

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Lee_Catherine

Items Available To Get The Most Form Your Scalextric Digital Sets

Digital Lap Counter (C7039)

This lap counter is powered by the track so batteries are not required. It is suitable for both 4-car and 6-car digital powerbases. The advantages of using this when racing include the race leader being displayed throughout the race and the number of laps remaining. There is a built-in start sequence and it also displays the race finishing order so as it's set up to 999 laps there is plenty of time for a really great race.

If you are seriously thinking of purchasing a Digital Lap Counter , please keep in mind it is not also a lap timer. The only way to obtain lap times is to purchase the 6 car powerbase which will be available in October 2009. Full details of this item are listed below. The 6 car powerbase will make the lap counter obsolete due to the fact that the powerbase will also count laps, so think carefully about your requirements before ordering either of these products.

The Digital Lap Counter is included in the top of the range Scalextric Digital Pro GT C1242 Set.

Digital Pit Lane Game (C7041)

The Digital Pit Lane Game is powered by the track so batteries are not required. It can add fun to any Digital layout as you can select up to three pit stops per race. Pits open randomly for ten seconds only and as you enter one pit stop light is extinguished. If you enter the closed pits you will receive an additional one pit penalty. The game is for up to six players and the winner is the first to extinguish all pit lights. This Pit Lane Game adds not only excitement to the race, it also requires you to improve your competitive skills to give you that extra edge in the game.

The Digital Pit Lane Game is included in the Scalextric Triple Cup Set.

If you combine the Pit Lane Game with the Lap Counter it offers the very best racing fun. You can set in place rules so only the race leader with the highest number of laps can extinguish their last remaining light on the pit lane game. Only then can the winner be found.

To improve your Scalextric Digital Sets , a Lane Change section of track is a very good buy.

Lane Change and Sensor Track (in to out left hand) C7009
Lane Change and Sensor Track (out to in left hand) C7007
Lane Change and Sensor Track (out to in right hand) C7008
Lane Change and Sensor Track (in to out right hand) C7010

We would recommend spacing all lane change sections of track at about 1 second of racing time around the track to ensure there is always something to think about and to create constant excitement during the race

How To Convert Your Original Track To Digital
 
For this you will need a Digital Conversion Kit (C7040 or the new C7056 which is the same item with just a new code)

The Digital Conversion Kit contains:-
1 x Powerbase
2 x Hand Controllers
1 x Straight Lane Change Track
1 x Straight Track
1 x ½ Straight Track
1 x Transformer

This will give you all you need to convert your track to digital. All you will have to do is convert your cars and you can start racing.

Look out for the 6 Car Powerbase (C7042) expected arrival October 2009.

The new powerbase runs on the current power transformer C7024 that is standard issue with all digital sets that have been sold over the past 3-4 years. If you have not already got a digital layout the transformers can be purchase individually.

Features of the 6 car powerbase are as follows:-

• The unit has a clear user interface with two levels of features to suit both the novice and experienced user
• The Skill Level option allows you to adjust the maximum power levels to individual cars so that 'novice versus expert' races can be run more fairly.

Hand throttles can be calibrated to equalise controller performance for all drivers. Multiple gaming modes including solo rally, timed endurance and total lap format racing. Setting the car ID is easy via a simple, one-button action.

This Powerbase is upgraded to 15v for better car performance.

This item is Scalextric's flagship item for 2009. It is set to be a best seller for a long time because of the high demand for digital sets over the past couple of years as people have found the new type of racing so captivating.

This new Powerbase can be used in Analogue or Digital power modes. This great feature allows the Powerbase to be used with standard 2-lane Scalextric circuits (for 2 cars only) or with Scalextric Digital layouts. The race modes can be used in either power configuration. Scalextric digital cars can be used as analogue cars but non digital cars cannot race on a digital track.

Now the best of both worlds is offered , an all-in-one race control system for Analogue and Digital racing.

Source: Looking for a slot car set for any small child then there are two very popular makes that will offer you something slightly different, it is more a matter of choice and price. Smaller scale slot car sets are suitable for ages 3-7. We are sure that they will get plenty of use from any car fanatic child and are ideal entertainment for a wet day.

New for 2010! Scalextrics Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren 722 GT

The 722 GT is a tuned version of the SLR 722 which is developed for a one-make racing series. The cars are built by Ray Mallock Ltd. with approval from Mercedes-Benz.

The car features new wider bodywork to accommodate 19” OZ racing wheels. The front grill vents are removed and larger, free flowing air extractors sit on the hood and flank the side of the car. The rear now has a racing wing and diffuser. Under the body, the car has shed 398 kg (880 lb) and reduced its dry weight to 1,300 kg (2,900 lb). The engine produces 670 bhp.

Inside, the car is stripped out with only the essential functions being controlled from a carbon fibre binnacle. New carbon fibre door panels and full roll cage complete the transformation.

The 722 GT is a brand new model, not to be confused with our previous model - the popular SLR McLaren. Flared wheel arches, bigger vents, re-profiled front grill area and massive rear wing enhance what is already a very powerful looking car.

This Digital Plug Ready (DPR) car can be converted for use with the Scalextric Digital range in under sixty seconds using the C8515 Digital Plug. The car features Magnatraction™, lights at the front and rear plus easy change pick-ups.

Scalextric Chatsworth Land Speed Record

Scalextric, Guinness Book of Records, 1/32 Land Speed Record, with Gadget Show & Vodka Kick cars. Scale flying 1 Mile track.

How to Service the RX Motor in Your Scalextric Car

Introduction

The RX motor was fitted to most Scalextric cars from the 1960s. In order for your Scalextric car's RX motor to give the best possible performance it has to be in the best possible health. Effectively giving the maximum torque for the electrical power available to it. For any electrical motor to give its best 3 key areas need to be considered; the mechanical condition of the motor, the electrical condition of the motor and the magnetic condition of the motor.

Mechanical

Mechanically the RX motor needs to be in the best condition possible to ensure that no energy is lost and the motor can transfer all of the generated torque to the rear axle. To do this several areas need to be reviewed:

• Firstly check and ensure that all the parts are present and undamaged. All missing or damaged parts must must be replaced.
• Check and ensure the motor armature spins freely with no rubbing or tight spots. This could be caused by missing or damaged bearings or a damaged motor housing.
• Review the motor pinion gear and ensure all the gear teeth are in good condition. Replace the pinion gear if gear teeth damage is found.
• Add a drop of oil to each of the bearing felt pads.
• Ensure the brush spring sleeve is present and in good condition. Replace if necessary.

Electrical

There are many electrical connections and contacts used on the RX motor. Each of these must be in good condition to ensure the best performance of the motor. To do this several areas need to be reviewed:

• Firstly check and ensure that the solder joint between the wire from the pick-up brush and the eyelet that fits over the brush spring sleeve is complete and sound. Replace or remake this joint if any of the wire strands are broken or not making contact.
• Inspect the eyelet for any dirt or metal oxides that may have formed over the years. Clean the brush spring back to clean shiny metal where it contacts the motor brush.
• Inspect the brush spring for any dirt or metal oxides that may have formed over the years. Clean the brush spring back to clean shiny metal where it contacts the motor brush and the screw that secures the magnet.
• Inspect and clean the motor brushes removing any dirt, oil and carbon deposits. Ensure the carbon block is present and securely attached to the brass strip. Clean the motor brushes back to clean shiny metal where they contact the brush spring and eyelet.
• Remove any dirt, oil and carbon deposits from between the commutator segments of the armature.
• Remove any dirt, oil and carbon deposits from the commutator.
• Check the three solder joints that secure the armature windings to the commutator, remake these joints if necessary.

Magnetic

The magnetic field used by the RX motor is provided by a permanent magnet at the rear of the motor. The magnetic field reaches the outside of the armature by the use of steel plates that are also used as the housing for the motor. To ensure the magnetic circuit is maintained the RX motor uses various materials to ensure the magnetic field is not reduced.

• Ensure the magnet is secured by the correct brass screw.
• Ensure both the steel housing plates make good tight contact with the magnet.
• Ensure the aluminum plate adjacent to the magnet is fitted correctly.
• Ensure the brass plate at the commutator end of the motor is fitted correctly.

General   

Through experience we have found that some RX motors still do not perform well even with all of these checks completed. This may be caused by a weak magnet or internally damaged armature windings. These faults are outside the scope of this article. There are many other possible faults with the earlier cars with the open frame motors. This is intended as a simple fault finding guide only. If the information above does not resolve the fault then contact us for further information.

Further help and advice relating to this article or Scalextric slot cars in general can be found at:
http://www.scalextric-car.co.uk

Gary Harding has been working with Scalextric cars for over 30 years and now operates Scalextric Car Restorations in the UK. Scalextric Car Restorations is a Worldwide internet based business that offers for sale high quality Scalextric cars and Scalextric parts from the 1960s to the present day. All the restoration work is carried out to the highest standards with the highest quality parts available. Only the best cars are selected and the final result is a car that is genuinely like new.

Further help and advice relating to this article or Scalextric cars in general can be found at: http://www.scalextric-car.co.uk 

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Gary_Harding

1967 - Slot Cars Go Tech

The year was 1967. Slot car racing had officially abandoned scale appearance in favor of speed. This was a natural progression but one that would have long standing consequences.

The motor of choice until this time was the Mabuchi 16D, a motor popular for its balance of low weight and power. From the factory, these motors were not competitive. To make a competitive motor the internal armature would have to be altered. The easiest way, was to have some of its windings removed to decrease it's resistance which was called de-winding. The best modification, was to remove all the windings, and replace them with thicker gauge wire with less turns. This was called rewinding and it became a cottage industry of it's own. Small companies would rewind the armatures, epoxy it all in place and even balance it. As these armatures utilized lower gauges of wire, the term "hotter" was coined.

Hot arms draw more current through them. More current means more heat. The component of the armature that accepts the electricity into the armature is called the commutator. Mabuchi made theirs out of plastic with 3 copper plates. Yes, plastic melts, so soon the need for a better commutator became necessary. The endbell of the motor that holds the motor brushes that contact the commutator was also plastic. That needed a better replacement also.

Can you see where slot car racing is going next?

With speed becoming the appetite of the slot car racer, manufacturers in America set up shop full time to produce high quality components that could withstand the high power requirements. Motors used high temperature endbells and thick steel motor cans for more reliable magnetic fields. Companies like Mura and Champion of Chamblee made these, as well as armatures designed by real engineers and scientists to reduce heat and increase performance. The research done during 1968-1969 was lost and forgotten about by the mid 70's. Even today, motors being produced costing over $300 are technologically inferior from a science perspective, to the 1969 motors.

The slot car viewed from above, still appeared as a recognizable race car. It was from the side that it was not at all realistic. The wheels were much too small, and the profile much too low. Unrealistic spoilers started to appear. From a drivers standpoint, these cars were really fast and stayed in the slot very well, even for the average participant.

This speed and handing came at a cost. The price of a slot car had escalated, reducing the number of kids who could participate. The loss of detail resulted in a lower appeal for the new prospect seeing slot cars for the first time. Where before everyone could relate, now fewer and fewer were interested.

The writing was on the wall for slot car racing. The fad had ended and this hobby would never reach this level of popularity again.

About the Author:

R. Sharer has owned 2 commercial raceways. Slot car racing has been his primary hobby for 33 years. Once a top California professional, Mr. Sharer is now semi-retired from racing and contributes his technical expertise to the site slot car racing.

Article Source: ArticlesBase.com - 1967 - Slot Cars Go Tech