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Poppa Wheely

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Paul Gage in Canada produces very nice urethane tyres as replacements for almost all Scalextric wheels. Not sure he has any for the Ford MkIV yet.

 

Before replacing the tyres, I think it's worth identifying exactly why the cars are deslotting. Could be the back is stepping out (= oversteer / car is "loose") or it's the guide that is lifting (= understeer / car is "tight").

 

Oversteer is usually improved with more grippy rear tyres. Replacement tyres are one solution or softening the existing tyres with a little oil brushed on to the surface and soaked up. If you're running with magnets, more magnet will help.

 

Understeer can be caused by the guide not getting deep enough into the slot. Grinding down the front tyres will help, as may adding a little weight inside the chassis at the front. I aim for the front tyres to be just touching the track with the guide fully in the slot.

 

Another issue with the Cortina is that it can't be expected to be as quick through the turns as more sleek sports cars etc. The car has a high centre of gravity, a narrow track and thin tyres. That makes it great fun to drive (in my opinion) but best to race against similar cars.

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Cant add weight or extra magnets.  Not allowed where I come from. Only modifications are tires and digital chip.  However, I did some work on the cortina just to see what would happen.  I ended up trying several things and they didnt work.  Extra weight on the chasis, no good.   Cant add magnet in chassis because its the one that lays under the engine and it cant get any bigger without impeeding the motor.  I eventually setteled with super glueing a piece of a magnet on the outside of the chasis right behind the rear axle.  It stays on the track better but you have to apply more throtle which changes the whole behavior of the car and it still isnt very competitive.  

I realy like the look and era of the car. Bathurst 64 and all or even against the 70 ford escort(which runs circles aroun it).  I once ordered tires from Canada and they never came.  I ended up getting a refund and just moved on.  However, they were the only place that advertised having tires for the cortina.  They are so small and thin. Its hard to believe this car actually competed and won in real life being so aerodynamicly challenged.  

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magnet behind rear axle will lift front end , in front it will add usefull downforce

while found less is better with digital

but believe mk4 problem is that bike on and off motor

some people swear by smoother slower versions of it but have never tried since avoid slots now requiring more than tire replacement

 

if Poppa is in new world,  Gage is on ebay too and do recommend him if you want urethanes

 

interesting comments on over and understeer Woodcote

just was reading a 40 year old slot book and the solutions then was exact opposite

guess some theories change in time

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interesting comments on over and understeer Woodcote

just was reading a 40 year old slot book and the solutions then was exact opposite

guess some theories change in time

There are quite a few factors to consider such as what type of track they are racing on, what type of magnets (if any), the controllers, motors, braking etc and of course the cars themselves.

A lot about car handling is like religion.. everyone thinks they get it right...

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  • 8 months later...

Sounds like you are running on plastic digital track. I have had great success with silicone tires. I run on scalextric digital plastic track and I buy my tires either locally or from quick slicks. I have used Paul G's urathane tires with some success as well. Just my opinion, but I would go silicone with the front tire advice from Woodcote.

Marc

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