Frequently Asked Questions
Table of Contents
How
do I …?
Get my car
to hook up?
First
thing you want to do is check the tires and rims. Do the rims spin true? Some
mfgrs make horrible stock rims and/or tires. Aluminum replacement rims are always
a good investment. A good set of tires for the track you are running on can
make or break your set up. After that, you will want to sand the tires.
Seriously. Put the car on the track on top of sandpaper, hold the car and pull
the trigger. This takes a little practice. Sanding the tires this way trues
them and makes them grip better. You can also add weight to the chassis too,
but remember, the extra weight needs more power to move it.
What other
tuning can I do to improve my car?
A pro axle set up is a good idea. It comes with a replaceable spur gear (more gear combinations) that is usually smoother than any stock set up. It also comes with brass bushings to replace the plastic ones. Also grease the spur gear and oil the bushings. For some models, bearings for the axle are available. Any way we can reduce drag or friction will improve overall response and handling.
Next on your list, after getting it planted, would be to replace the motor. Hop up motors not only make the car faster to pick up and for top speed, but also provide better brakes. The higher end motors give both benefits. Then you can stay on the throttle longer and brake harder at the corner.
Ask your local hobby shop for details on any of these changes.
Get
involved in slot car racing?
Just show up
at a track on race day, or go on the off days and practice. Some tracks are
open on the off days, some aren’t. Some tracks supply the car, some you race
your own. Both ways are fun, but I like owning my own. My garage seems to grow
weekly.
Where
can I find …?
Slot Car
tracks?
Apollo
Hobbies 8441 Lougheed Hwy, Burnaby, BC.
(604) 421-4182
Archer Raceway. (located in Archer Plastics) 570 Clark
Drive, Vancouver, BC
(604)
253-7081
Richmond Raceway.
Located above Subway, on #3 Road, in Richmond, across from Lansdowne Mall.