Novice "Own Car" class suggestion

[gordon]

Guys,

Looking back at FRC's earliest days, I had set up a class to attract interested drivers and make it easy to start racing their own cars on an equal playing field. This class had the following regulations:

• Base Car: Scalextric Ferrari F430 high-impact.
• Digital Chip: Scalextric only (DPR chip was the most popular).
• Motor: Slot.It 21.5K.
• Gearing: Standard or Slot.It 19mm 34T, 36T or 38T sidewinder and Slot.It brass pinion.
• Magnets: Standard.
• Wheels: Front - standard; Rear - standard or Slot.It 17 x 8 aluminium.
• Axles: Front - standard; Rear - standard or Slot.It solid axle.
• Tyres: Front - standard; Rear - Standard or Slot.It P6 (for Slot.It wheels).
• Guide Flag: Standard

This first official FRC class (and only class at the time) provided a lot of excitement and close racing and kept drivers coming back for more. It also attracted newcomers.

Well coming back to the present, while we have a number of IROC classes, new drivers may also be interested in racing their own cars against others in a "novice" category which still allows a little tuning via gear ratio changes (as did our first class described above). To this end I've thought that we could set up a class for them with the following requirements:

• Base Car: Scalextric Ferrari F430 high-impact or Scalextric McLaren MP4-12C high impact (not the Von Ryan model).
• Digital Chip: Scalextric DPR only.
• Motor: Piranha 21.5K.
• Gearing: Standard or Slot.It 19mm 34T, 36T or 38T sidewinder and Slot.It brass pinion.
• Magnets: Car must not be able to magnetically adhere to standard Scalextric track piece in an upside down position. Stacking allowed.
• Wheels: Front - standard; Rear - standard or Slot.It 17 x 8 aluminium.
• Axles: Front - standard; Rear - standard or Slot.It solid axle.
• Tyres: Front - standard; Rear - Standard or silicones (for standard or Slot.It wheels).
• Guide Flag: Standard

Here are links to all the items mentioned above:


Scalextric C3157 McLaren MP4-12C road car, silver [C3157] - $44.99 : Electric Dreams, New and Vintage Slot Cars


Scalextric C3273 McLaren Mp4-12C, green (C) [C3273] - $37.99 : Electric Dreams, New and Vintage Slot Cars


Scalextric C3278 McLaren Mp4-12C road car, yellow [C3278] - $44.99 : Electric Dreams, New and Vintage Slot Cars


Scalextric C2822 Ferrari F430 High Impact, red. (C) [C2822] - $39.95 : Electric Dreams, New and Vintage Slot Cars


Scalextric C2874 Ferrari F430, high impact, silver (C) [C2874] - $29.99 : Electric Dreams, New and Vintage Slot Cars


Scalextric C3067 Ferrari F430, super resistant, blue (C) [C3067] - $39.99 : Electric Dreams, New and Vintage Slot Cars


Scalextric C8515 Plug-in Digital module [C8515] - $19.99 : Electric Dreams, New and Vintage Slot Cars


SIKK15 Axle kit, sidewinder, w/19mm 36t spur gear [SIKK15] - $21.99 : Electric Dreams, New and Vintage Slot Cars


SIPS11 - pinion gear sidewinder 11 tooth X2 [SIPS11] - $3.99 : Electric Dreams, New and Vintage Slot Cars


Piranha Slot Motors 21K - $7.99 from Slot Car Corner


Super Tires 1400RC Silcones for Slot It, rounded sidewall, .704, pr. [1400RC] - $6.69 : Electric Dreams, New and Vintage Slot Cars


PMTR1117 Magnet assortment, 7 magnets [PMTR1117] - $19.99 : Electric Dreams, New and Vintage Slot Cars

The magnet assortment is to fine-tune downforce for the upside-down rule. Drivers can order the cars themselves or can have someone order for them. Price comes up to about of US$125.00 per car (shipping to T&T plus duty and VAT must be added to this).

What do you guys think? Would you new guys go for this? These are cars that you will own and could be the foundation for a standard FRC class (RGT or GT) in the future.

Gordon

[Luke]

This looking terrific GG and all very encouraging, especially with the selection of Scalextric high impact cars plus the low costing racing components to go for new drivers being around the FRC circuit.

So much so - its even making me feel to join (FRC all over again) with this racing group of beginners ... hehe

Maybe this simple (no sweat) method - setting up a SSD car, can be done for the expert racers having a time too

The only thing though - some of the other racing classes may get left on the back burner.

I am kind of wondering if the list of (images) cars are the only type (shape) you are suggesting to buy and if the Lamborghini Gallardo (low center of gravity) wouldn't be suitable also?

Although - kind of figuring out its because of the availability and all within a reasonable price range - correct ent ...

Anyway - again its all looking very inspiring for the new Bs and with me - have to say its all because I recently purchased a C2822 Red Ferrari F430 and already have a somewhat new looking C2810 Lamborghini Gallardo in my collection of cars.

I have a gut feeling you must be wondering how I windup with all these high impact cars ... and I myself have to wonder sometimes too. If I could remember correctly - it was a trade with a black AMG Mercedes I had and exchanged it for a yellow Lambo.

I bought the F430 because of a twofold situation and down the road it may look like I did so for this post

Luke

[gordon]

Luke, this class will not get in the way of other classes as its for new drivers and will not replace any existing FRC classes. Also, I see no reason why high-impact Gallardos can't be included.

[gordon]

Here are links to some Scalextric Lamborghini Gallardos that can also be run in this proposed class:


Scalextric C3006 Lamborghini Gallardo GT (C) [C3006] - $59.95 : Electric Dreams, New and Vintage Slot Cars


Scalextric C3178 Lamborghini Gallardo, orange (C) [C3178] - $49.95 : Electric Dreams, New and Vintage Slot Cars


Scalextric C3180 Lamborghini Gallardo GT3 (C) [C3180] - $49.95 : Electric Dreams, New and Vintage Slot Cars


Scalextric C3283 Lamborghini Gallardo, Gulf (C) [C3283] - $59.95 : Electric Dreams, New and Vintage Slot Cars

[gordon]

Guys,

You may have noticed that all the cars and parts - with the exception of the Piranha motors - are available from Electric Dreams (they are also available from other slot car resellers). As a special incentive, FRC can supply the first six Piranha motors to new drivers in this class at no cost.



All we need is some feedback on your part before ordering. Are you guys interested in having this special novice class? Let's hear your thoughts below.

Gordon

[Luke]

Okay then GG - the votes should come streaming in now and being one of FRC's longest standing members ...

I would like to help stir up this keen incentive

The first (novice) driver to enlist here setting up a 132 car - I will sponsor a Scalextric DPR Chip for this car.

Luke

[steveaca]

I think that this is a fantastic idea Gordon. The spec. laid out here will make for cars that are exciting to race but relatively simple to build and set up. Great as well on your part to offer the incentive of the free Piranha motor. Thanks a lot Luke, for the added incentive of the DPR chip for the first one to commit.
I will try to drum up some takers !

[Luke]

Good of you Steve and you being a second longest standing FRC member ... maybe you can sponsor a second DPR chip adding even more incentive

[Luke]

GG,

Any sort of feedback yet

Three more weeks (Thursdays) till the beginning of a new month (October) in 2015 ...

Trying to Energize any FRC recruit setting up their own beginners 132 slotcar and where others may follow-suit.

The sponsored Scalextric C8515 plug-in DPR Chip - EXPIRES @ 12:00pm on 30th. September 2015

Pressing this action - in order to stimulate some sort of reaction because I too can put inaction this new DPR chip (I have in my container of 132 spares) watching me watching it

Hope you don't mind me using this action ... because its more than enough time ~ one making up their mind and after all, who likes to be left hanging

Luke

[gordon]

Luke, the only feedback is what's here on the forum. I guess people no longer have the enthusiasm that our core group has about slot racing. Maybe too many other distractions/commitments/hobbies or whatever.