| By Mike Chiocchio, Dick Pearson, Steve Sawtelle, Brian Winters |
| Copyright (c) 2007 by Steve Sawtelle - All Rights Reserved. |
| Copyright (c) 2007 by Slot Car Corner L.L.C. - All Rights Reserved. |
| Note: Click on any of the thumbnails throughout the article to see a larger image (Use Browser "Back" Button to Return) |
| Introduction |
|
The Shoreline Model Raceways club has several standard classes including a Nextel class based on Scalextric NASCAR/Nextel cars. The rules for this class also govern the Nextel class raced during New England Challenge (NEC) races. The class rules allow a fair number of modifications including using pieces of plastic to secure the front axle. One of the secrets to a fast Scalextric Nextel car is to keep the rear wheels firmly planted on the track when cornering. This is achieved by securing the front axle/tires at just the right height using small pieces of plastic (for more information, refer to these tuning tips). However, positioning and gluing the plastic which secures the front axle in just the right position can be a tedious, trial-and-error process. Some club members seem to have a knack for gluing the plastic front axle retainers in the right position; however, many others struggle. The difference becomes readily apparent on the race track. What was needed was an easier way for all club members to consistently position and secure the front axle properly. Ideally the solution would permit adjustments as well. Such a solution would help level the playing field and which in turn leads to closer, more exciting racing. |
| Adjustable Front Axle Mounts |
  The
accompanying diagrams show some early drawings for an adjustable front
axle mount designed specifically for 1/32 RTR plastic chassis. As
you view the diagrams, note the vertical slots which allow the axle/wheel
height to vary. Two set screws, one directly above and one
directly below the axle, provide an easy way to set the axle/wheel
height precisely where you want it. Note also the base of the axle
mount is slightly larger than portion of the mount with the vertical
slots - this provides more surface area to glue the mount securely to
the chassis. Installation is straightforward and requires no
special tools or skills. The next section provides illustrated
step-by-step
installation instructions. |
  Here
are some pictures of the actual mounts. Note the axle in the
second picture is for illustration purposes only - it is NOT included in
the retail kit. While the mounts were specifically designed for
the newer Scalextric Nextel cars, they have been successfully installed
on several other Scalextric, Slot.it (except HRS) and Ninco chassis as well. |
| Step-by-Step Installation Instructions |
| What follows are
step-by-step instructions which describe and show how to install
adjustable front axle mounts in a plastic RTR chassis. The mounts
were originally designed for use with Scalextric NASCAR's; however, the
accompanying pictures show the axle mounts being installed in a
Scalextric Aston Martin DBR9. Caution: Always wear safety glasses and follow all manufacturer's instructions and safety guidelines when using hand or power tools. |
 Start
by removing the front axle and wheels. |
 Here
is a picture of the Adjustable Front Axle Mount kit. It contains a
pair of axle mounts and 2 pairs of 2mm set screws. Note one pair
of set screws is slightly longer (5mm) than the second pair (4mm).
For convenience, the set screws use the same hex driver as the set
screws used on Slot.it (tm) wheels. Do not thread the set screws
into the adjustable axle mounts at this time. |
 Place
one of the adjustable axle blocks just inside the fixed axle block as
shown. Carefully insert the axle through BOTH of the chassis'
fixed axle blocks to properly align and position the adjustable axle
mount.. |
 You
can either hold the adjustable axle mount in place or "tack" it with a
small drop of superglue or hot glue. Once the adjustable axle
mount is temporarily secured, carefully remove the axle. Run a
very small drill bit down through the top and bottom set screw holes (Tip:
remove set screws first...) and drill a hole through the chassis.Caution: Be sure to use a drill bit which is smaller than the holes in the adjustable axle mounts. Use care not to nick/damage the threads when inserting the drill bit through the holes. |
 Remove
the adjustable axle mount from the chassis and enlarge the hole slightly
to ensure a hex driver can access the set screw on the underside of the
block. Repeat for the second adjustable axle mount. |
 Use
your front axle and fixed axle mounts to position both adjustable axle
mounts. Double-check the hole in the chassis will permit access to
the set screws on the underside of the mounts. Glue the adjustable
axle mounts in place and let the glue dry thoroughly. |
Once dry,
remove the original fixed axle mounts from the chassis as these will not
allow the axle to be adjusted vertically. They can be easily
removed using an x-acto saw or a Dremel tool with a cutting wheel or
grinding bit.  
(Note: Pictures shown are a Scalextric Nascar; however, same
basic procedure applies to other plastic RTR chassis) |
 Install
wheels and tires. Use the set screws provided in the kit to adjust
height of axle so the chassis/wheels are riding at desired height.
The longer (5mm) set screws should be threaded into the bottom of the
mounts; the shorter (4mm) set screws should be threaded into the top
of the mounts. Be careful not to tighten the set screws too much
or they will cause the axle to bind (the top/bottom set screws should
just barely touch the axle and there should be no noticeable friction
when the wheels are turned. Place a drop of oil on the axle where
is makes contact with the set screws to help ensure smooth operation
(remember to do this periodically). |
| So How Do They Work? |
| The following link is to a thread on the Northeast Slot Car Board. The thread includes some additional pictures of actual installations and feedback from early adopters of the adjustable front axle mounts. |
| Firsthand Feedback and Impressions From Actual Racers |
| Summary |
| Proper front axle and wheel adjustment is very important with many 1/32 RTR plastic chassis. The adjustable front axle mounts shown in this article make it much easier to achieve proper adjustment than other methods (e.g. gluing plastic struts). If you initially set the axle/wheel height and the setup block (or on track testing) subsequently shows it is not quite right, making further adjustments is very easy. |
|
· Note: For your convenience, the high-quality components shown in this how-to article are available from the Slot Car Corner Online Store. |
|
· Special thanks to Brian ("Brainslot") Winters for helping me take an idea and turn it into reality and Mike ("Smokeio") Chiocchio and Dick ("nhdungeonracer") Pearson for their assistance testing the initial prototypes. Mike also took many of the pictures which accompany this article. |