HRW Open Invitational
A 1/32nd Scale Slot Car Modeling Challenge
QUICK
LINK TO STANDINGS (PDF)
Download Standings (Excel)
This slot car modeling challenge is about the great cars that raced in one of the most popular series of motorsports: Trans-Am. Today these old warriors still do battle and you can read all about it here: Historic Trans-Am Site
We have been racing them for many years in our 1/32nd scale slot car hobby as well. There are plenty of choices to choose from today and not just in body styles. Our hobby has expanded a great deal in the scratch-building and tuning options that allow us a wide variety of running gear. Today we can recreate a chassis and outfit it with scale accurate wheels & tires as well as a staggering amount of motor choices.
Overview
It is important to me that the fun of scratch-building in brass continue to be passed on to newcomers in our hobby. Creating a super smooth and fast scale slot car chassis from brass has been a part of this hobby for many years and it's how quite a few of the veteran enthusiast you might know got started.
Our builds are a little different than some you might see. We are not building models to any "commercial" track standard that some feel you must adhere to. We are using slightly different techniques in chassis and running gear that still deliver the same result: A smooth and fast scale slot car.
1. The models are built for smaller home based tracks that are either routed or plastic.
2. We are not using high RPM/Torque commercial type motors.
3. Voltage is at 12 volts.
The goal is to get you to BUILD. Everyone was a newcomer at some point and we had to just dive in and try. None of my own models are anything remarkable or look nearly as good as some of the chassis built by veteran true artists. They do however WORK. And the end results are truly satisfying to me and I think you will feel the same.
This challenge has a possible side effect: Creating a new series at your own home track. Maybe building a couple of these cars will inspire others you might race with. It could lead to a very rewarding and fun series.
Building Guidelines
This challenge does not have any strict rules.
I will share with you how WE are building them here and invite you to do the same.
It's fun to see how our models stack up against others that are outfitted with the same gear.
1. Brass chassis. You had to see that coming. The challenge is to build a complete chassis.
2. Paul Gage Urethane or Quick Slicks Silicone tires. NO FOAMS. I run primarily Paul Gage Urethane tires and all of my models have them installed. If you want to try silicones, be my guest. On our track surface the urethane Paul Gage tires simply work better.
3. Standard 18-19K motors. Stock Scalextric, Pioneer, and H&R HAWK motors. These have varied RPM ratings but on our smaller home track they are all very equal.
4. Maintain Scale Appeal. From the wheels to the body, try and create a car that looks like it should. Use prototype photos as your guide.
5. Any Motor Configuration: Inline, sidewinder, anglewinder.
6. Any Gear Ratio: My challenge cars are 9/27 (3.00)
7. Body Choices: This is easy. There are many models from Scalextric & Pioneer. RMS Resins also makes some excellent candidates. If it raced, or currently racing in the Historic Series, build it.
Exceptions: Pioneer and Carrera make a fastback Mustang that looks the part well enough.
8. Body Height: Common sense will prevail. I realize some feel ever car should be slammed as low as possible but this is a SCALE challenge. Try to keep the body at the height it appears in prototype photos. In the end you can make a low rider if you desire as it is YOUR car. But if the body rubs the track I simply will not run it. A 1/8" clearance should be a sensible clearance starting point.
9. Front Axle Height: My track is a flush braided track. Using a setup block to set your height will work fine.
10. Interior: Must have one. Remember that scale appearance goal.
Our Models
You can click on the tiles and follow the builds I have
done.
Here are some photo references for the parts I use.
Wheels & Tires
Wheels Rear: CB Design 15x8
Wheels Front: CB Design 15x8 OR 14x8 OR Stock Scalextric or
Pioneer plastics.
Tires Rear: Paul Gage 21105 OR 21125. 21125 is the widest I
use.
Tires Front: Stock Scalextric or Pioneer rubber or Paul Gage
21105.
These are examples of a typical setup for front and rear.
Wheel Design: Part of this challenge is to maintain or even
increase SCALE accuracy. Wheels should have appropriate inserts or style that
follows the prototypes.
You can use an original wheel to sand down to fit or use resin inserts.
Chassis
Feel free to create a chassis of your own design. This is part of the fun!
But here is a quick overview of a basic chassis design that will work fine.
And of course read the build threads I listed earlier for the Cougar and Challenger.
Race Format
This is an "Open Invitational" Event.
Meaning there is no timeframe. We will run models as they arrive and over time record the results.
When you decide to build a car, contact me and I'll give you our shipping address. It's that simple.
4x16 Routed MDF
Slot Car Corner Braid
DiFalco Control
Satin Latex
Surface
1. Your car will be photographed and a web page created for it.
2. The car will be raced on our MIDMO Speedway. 12 Volts DC, DiFalco Control.
3. It will be raced in all 3 lanes for 25 lap heats.
4. Fast lap & average time will be recorded and saved.
5. The spreadsheet will have ALL entries so you can view how your model stacked up against others.
Helpful Links
Here are some quick links to aid you in your challenge:
Slot Car Corner Scratch building Section
Summary
I hope you accept the challenge and join us in the fun! There is nothing else like creating your own chassis from brass. The feeling of accomplishment is just part of it. The fun you will have as you build is priceless. Watching and perhaps learning techniques from others is a big part of it for me. I enjoy seeing all the different approaches enthusiasts take and see if I can match them.
I look forward in your entry soon.
- Harry