Micro scalectrix hypercar problem

[Larrylamb]

Recently bought the above set for my son and it has been problematic. Essentially the cars stutter and judder round the track. This worsens when both cars are running and also if controllers are fully depressed. If I put the cars on the powerbase without other pieces of track the inner track displays this phenomenon but outer one doesn't. Please help!  

[woodcote]

Could be car, controller or the powerbase...

 

To tell which, carry on with your diagnostic test by swapping round the cars, then the controllers to try them on each lane. If the problem moves lane when you swap the cars, you know what the problem is. Likewise, if the problem moves with the controllers... If it stays in the lane, then it's the powerbase. Contact Scalextric to replace the faulty part - details on the Returns & Repairs page on this website.

 

Stuttering can sometimes be a problem with the Micro Scalextric cars. Four things to check are braids, wheels, fluff & track...

 

1) The braids do need to be kept in good condition and can benefit from being replaced with softer copper braid (search "Micro Scalextric Copper Braid" on eBay). Keep them straight in line with the rails, but not completely flat to the bottom of the car - you want them bent down a little so there is a bit of 'spring' to make good contact.

 

2) Also check that the rear wheels aren't touching the side of the chassis (a small screwdriver can be used to ease them away) and check the tyres aren't rubbing on the body - sometimes the body can be a bit wonky and you need to click it back into place. If either of these are happening, you'll notice the car's motor will get quite hot.

 

3) Check the rear axle and gears for 'fluff' and hair - all slot cars pick up such stuff. Use tweezers to pull out any debris. This can also cause the motor to run hot.

 

4) Dirty or tarnished track can cause some stuttering. The great thing about the Micro Scalextric system is that it does clean up quite quickly - running for ten or twenty laps will get it better and better, even if you have to push the car occasionally to begin with to get it over dead spots.

 

I hope this helps and you get the set working perfectly again soon... Have fun over Christmas!