The future of our F1 class

[steveaca]

Great. Looking forward to seeing the Paul Gage tyres.

[gordon]

Well my prototype F1 car that's based on my proposed 2018 rules will be ready for its first test today. I wanted to get a weight comparison with my Scalextric F1 McLaren and the difference is quite substantial:

• Scalextric McLaren - 61.5gm
• 2018 F1 Prototype - 79.2gm

That's a difference of 17.7gm, a 28.9% increase!

There are areas where I can reduce weight but not by as much as the current difference. Anyway, let's see how it runs later.

[gordon]

After last night's test of my F1 Prototype at the final FRC event for 2017, we've decided to try the car with an 18K motor and set this as the requirement for non-Scalextric and non-Carrera F1 cars if it basically equalises the cars. I may also want to look at moving the magnet location a bit further forward as a different way to bring the performance in line with the current cars' performance. We have to bear in mind that Arden's qualifying time last night was just 0.23 sec off my prototype's best time, so there isn't that much difference in the performance of the two set-ups. Of course he was driving a very-evolved car using current regulations, whereas mine probably has some more speed in it to come with further development.

In any case, here are the proposed regs, updated based on our discussion on the topic last night:

• Period: 2000 onwards.
• Body: F1 or F1-type body (must be painted - no unpainted bodies allowed. We want this class to have cars that look like real F1 cars). Front spoiler and rear wing must be attached at all times. Wing attachments can be reinforced (no tape is allowed on the top surface of the wing).
• Car Max Width: 63mm (left tyre edge to right tyre edge).
• Chassis: Free
• Interior: At least shelf and driver head required. Must comply with General item 3.
• Digital Chip: Free.
• Motor: Any motor up to 18,000 RPM.
• Gearing: Free.
• Motor Pod: Free (if applicable).
• Magnets: USD rule. Magnets must be positioned at least 5.5mm ahead of rear axle (rear magnet position of inline Slot.It pod).
• Wheels: Max diameter of 14mm without tyres, excluding centre ridge. Wheels must include spokes or spoke inserts must be installed.
• Axles: Free.
• Tyres: Front: Free but must be no less than 18mm diameter. Rear: Free but must be F1 size (no less than 18mm diameter and no less than 11mm wide).
• Guide Flag: Free.

As you read these rules, you'll notice that they still include cars which conform to our current regs, as well as modified versions of them. Let's remember the objectives of these proposals:

1. To introduce cars with stronger components so as to reduce damage when compared to the current cars.
2. To allow for varying, more flexible and robust components and therefore easier tuning and maintenance. These include wheels, gears and mounting structures such as motor pods.
3. At the same time, to keep the speeds similar to the current cars so as to allow them to remain competitive.

The objectives do not include trying to make the F1 cars faster than they currently are.