Club Cobra Gas-N Exhaust  

Go Back   Club Cobra > General Discussion > Models and Collectibles

MMG Superformance
Nevada Classics
MMG Superformance
Main Menu
Module Jump:
Nevada Classics
Nevada Classics
Keith Craft Racing
Advertise at CC
Banner Ad Rates
MMG Superformance
Keith Craft Racing
Keith Craft Racing
December 2024
S M T W T F S
1 2 3 4 5 6 7
8 9 10 11 12 13 14
15 16 17 18 19 20 21
22 23 24 25 26 27 28
29 30 31        

Kirkham Motorsports

Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1 (permalink)  
Old 11-15-2011, 06:55 PM
Flygirl's Avatar
CC Member
Visit my Photo Gallery

 
Join Date: Sep 2011
Cobra Make, Engine:
Posts: 144
Not Ranked     
Default Custom 1/32 Slot Car Build

Don't know if anyone here is into slot car racing. I am.

A few years ago I routed my own track and added a computer-driven timing system triggered by a photocell embedded in the slot.

The project took about a year of sporadic building, and I haven't even done the scenery yet. It's a smaller track, but will portray the Bixby Bridge on CA's scenic Highway One.

I also added two electrically thrown switches and isolated blocks, like old school model railroading, so I can park cars on the track while others race.

This model is a Slot.it 1/32 Audi R8C build from scratch. I also designed the livery and produced it in Photoshop, then created my own decals and applied them to the car.

This one competed in last year's Race Across America, a premiere slot car event.

There are lots more where this came from!
Attached Images
   
Reply With Quote
  #2 (permalink)  
Old 11-15-2011, 07:11 PM
4pipes's Avatar
Senior Club Cobra Member
Visit my Photo Gallery

 
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: saratoga, ca
Cobra Make, Engine: Kirkham #185, Shelby Alloy 482; sold
Posts: 1,190
Not Ranked     
Default

That's fantastic!
__________________
Dave
Reply With Quote
  #3 (permalink)  
Old 11-15-2011, 07:45 PM
xb-60's Avatar
CC Member
Visit my Photo Gallery

 
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: Adelaide, SA
Cobra Make, Engine: AP 289FIA 'English' spec.
Posts: 13,151
Not Ranked     
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by 4pipes View Post
That's fantastic!
x2!

I'm relieved, however, that your 'ideal' Cobra will be white....not pink
Cheers,
Glen
Reply With Quote
  #4 (permalink)  
Old 11-15-2011, 08:07 PM
Flygirl's Avatar
CC Member
Visit my Photo Gallery

 
Join Date: Sep 2011
Cobra Make, Engine:
Posts: 144
Not Ranked     
Default

Thank you! How about an early model Porsche 911? This was built from a Japanese Imai static model kit from the early 80s that I bought on the online auction site.

I added running gear to the chassis, built a half pan interior, and finished it out. Paint color is a matte WWII camouflage that I dunked in Future floor wax for that acrylic shine.

Only bummer is, there aren't many female driver figures available in 1/32; that's me driving again.

It's nowhere near as fast as the Audi, but one of my favorite builds.

Hey, and get your feet off the dashboard!
Attached Images
  
Reply With Quote
  #5 (permalink)  
Old 11-15-2011, 08:18 PM
mreid's Avatar
CC Member
Visit my Photo Gallery

 
Join Date: Jun 2008
Location: Chester Springs, PA
Cobra Make, Engine: Kirkham 289 FIA #690, FRPP 427 Boss engine
Posts: 764
Not Ranked     
Default

Thelma and Louise in the Porsche I see. Great builds! Please share more. I had a 4 lane track in my basement when I lived in CT on a 12 x 12 layout. It was a blast, but my son and his friends wore it out. It was on the floor and they still managed to smash up all the cars. It was a lot of fun while it lasted. Did I mention, please share more?!
__________________
RCR GT40 SOLD to Fast 5
Kirkham #690 289 FIA
Reply With Quote
  #6 (permalink)  
Old 11-15-2011, 08:18 PM
Flygirl's Avatar
CC Member
Visit my Photo Gallery

 
Join Date: Sep 2011
Cobra Make, Engine:
Posts: 144
Not Ranked     
Default

I hope I'm not overposting.

Here's a shot taken during track construction, of the distribution panel behind a driver's station.

Weird, wild stuff.
Attached Images
 
Reply With Quote
  #7 (permalink)  
Old 11-15-2011, 08:24 PM
mreid's Avatar
CC Member
Visit my Photo Gallery

 
Join Date: Jun 2008
Location: Chester Springs, PA
Cobra Make, Engine: Kirkham 289 FIA #690, FRPP 427 Boss engine
Posts: 764
Not Ranked     
Default

It is impossible to overpost on this subject. Let's see the track layout.
__________________
RCR GT40 SOLD to Fast 5
Kirkham #690 289 FIA
Reply With Quote
  #8 (permalink)  
Old 11-15-2011, 08:30 PM
Flygirl's Avatar
CC Member
Visit my Photo Gallery

 
Join Date: Sep 2011
Cobra Make, Engine:
Posts: 144
Not Ranked     
Default

Mazda 787B, the "Parts Bin Special." Built from parts I had lying around, took third overall in last year's Slot.it Summer Shootout.

During the course of the race, the cars were shipped to tracks across the U.S., then to Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Germany, then back to the U.S. for the finale. By that time it had covered approximately 35 actual miles without any work done to it except tire changes and lubrication.

I was hoping for first place and had held it through most of the series, but third was excellent and I was really pleased to finish so well against such strong competition.
Attached Images
   

Last edited by Flygirl; 11-15-2011 at 08:42 PM..
Reply With Quote
  #9 (permalink)  
Old 11-15-2011, 08:35 PM
Flygirl's Avatar
CC Member
Visit my Photo Gallery

 
Join Date: Sep 2011
Cobra Make, Engine:
Posts: 144
Not Ranked     
Default

Well, since you asked: Here's an overview of the track. One day I'll add scenery and I think it'll really be something.

Built with 1/2" MDF and stained glass tape as the conductor on each side of the slot. Lots of undercutting in the spiral. Two plank bridges and a dirt "infield" section shake things up and add different textures. 10 amp adjustable voltage power supply, and the PC-driven timing system I mentioned earlier.

I had never used a router before this project; I'm lots better with one now!

The spiral is banked all the way through and the cars can run this track surprisingly fast. I run only non-mag cars, there are no traction magnets holding the cars to the track. It's the old school way and generally considered "pure" slot car racing.

What's really cool about routed tracks is that the turns aren't constant radius, and follow the racing line like 1:1 cars do. With multiple lanes, the cars converge on the apex of a corner, then fan out again through the straights.

Earlier this year I was lucky enough to do some unlimited racing on an Ogilvie hillclimb track from the 1960s. We had seven lanes going at once and the action was incredible! I'd suggest to anyone, to go to a slot car parlor, rent a car, and just have at it for a half hour or so. The rhythm is intoxicating and some of the cars are so fast, you drive more by sound and rhythm than sight.
Attached Images
 

Last edited by Flygirl; 11-15-2011 at 10:12 PM..
Reply With Quote
  #10 (permalink)  
Old 11-15-2011, 09:51 PM
Jeff Frigo's Avatar
CC Member
Visit my Photo Gallery

 
Join Date: Aug 2000
Location: Chicago, IL
Cobra Make, Engine: ERA 454 S.O.
Posts: 1,684
Not Ranked     
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by Flygirl View Post


I will pay you to make the back of my dash look like that.
__________________
Jeff


“If you can make black marks on a straight from the time you turn out of a corner until the braking point of the next turn, then you have enough horsepower.”

Mark Donahue
Reply With Quote
  #11 (permalink)  
Old 11-15-2011, 10:30 PM
Flygirl's Avatar
CC Member
Visit my Photo Gallery

 
Join Date: Sep 2011
Cobra Make, Engine:
Posts: 144
Not Ranked     
Default

Here's one more of the track, earlier in the assembly process. A lot of Bondo was used to smooth the surface.

I'd better stop now.
Attached Images
 
Reply With Quote
  #12 (permalink)  
Old 11-15-2011, 10:55 PM
Rick Parker's Avatar
CC Member
Visit my Photo Gallery

 
Join Date: May 2001
Location: California, Ca
Cobra Make, Engine: NAF 289 Slabside Early Comp Car with 289 Webers and all the goodies. Cancelling the efforts of several Priuses
Posts: 6,592
Not Ranked     
Default

Is that Pinto in the background a 71 or 72? That takes me WAY....back
__________________
Rick

As you slide down the Banister of Life, may the splinters never be pointing the wrong way

Last edited by Rick Parker; 11-17-2011 at 05:43 PM..
Reply With Quote
  #13 (permalink)  
Old 11-16-2011, 02:56 AM
xb-60's Avatar
CC Member
Visit my Photo Gallery

 
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: Adelaide, SA
Cobra Make, Engine: AP 289FIA 'English' spec.
Posts: 13,151
Not Ranked     
Default

...umm, this is a different league to the Scalextric Cobra in my avatar!
And is that a Mk I Cortina on your track?
Cheers!
Glen
Reply With Quote
  #14 (permalink)  
Old 11-16-2011, 03:56 AM
Gaz64's Avatar
CC Member
Visit my Photo Gallery

 
Join Date: May 2008
Location: Brisbane, QLD
Cobra Make, Engine:
Posts: 2,797
Not Ranked     
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by Flygirl View Post
Mazda 787B, the "Parts Bin Special." Built from parts I had lying around, took third overall in last year's Slot.it Summer Shootout.

During the course of the race, the cars were shipped to tracks across the U.S., then to Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Germany, then back to the U.S. for the finale. By that time it had covered approximately 35 actual miles without any work done to it except tire changes and lubrication.

I was hoping for first place and had held it through most of the series, but third was excellent and I was really pleased to finish so well against such strong competition.
I used to race slot cars a few years back, when I painted the bodies for our 24 hour races one year, I did 3 Mazda 787 bodies in 1/24th scale, made my own decals scaled down from the 1/10 scale Tamiya R/C kit, and had working headlights for night racing.

Looks like you have a good looking setup, many happy times ahead.

A very addictive hobby.
__________________
Gary

Gold Certified Holden Technician
Reply With Quote
  #15 (permalink)  
Old 11-16-2011, 04:15 AM
Senile Club Cobra Member
Visit my Photo Gallery

 
Join Date: Feb 2001
Location: Buffalo, NY USA, NY
Cobra Make, Engine: Superformance
Posts: 4,534
Not Ranked     
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by xb-60 View Post
...umm, this is a different league to the Scalextric Cobra in my avatar!
And is that a Mk I Cortina on your track?
Cheers!
Glen
Looks more like a MK I LOTUS Cortina!

Ah yes, slot racing, my misspent youth and contributor to my lack of grades! I was around for that in the heydays of the 60s.....all of my allownace ended up as melted Mabuchi armatures.....
__________________
"I'm high all right, but on the real thing....powerful gasoline and a clean windshield..."

rick@autoventureusa.net
Reply With Quote
  #16 (permalink)  
Old 11-16-2011, 02:38 PM
CC Member
Visit my Photo Gallery

 
Join Date: Aug 2004
Location: KERNERSVILLE, NC
Cobra Make, Engine: SUPERFORMANCE-ROUCH 351W
Posts: 31
Not Ranked     
Default

Very nicely done, the cars and the track. I don't do slot cars but do build 1/10 scale R/C drifters so I can surely appreciate the quality of your efforts.
Reply With Quote
  #17 (permalink)  
Old 11-16-2011, 06:20 PM
ZOERA-SC7XX's Avatar
Senior Club Cobra Member
Visit my Photo Gallery

 
Join Date: Mar 2005
Location: Meriden, CT
Cobra Make, Engine: ERA 427 SC s/n 718, 428 FE
Posts: 1,731
Not Ranked     
Default

Very interesting thread. I raced slot cars back in the sixties and am in the process of returning to this very entertaining hobby. I also am planning to build a routed oval in my basement (20' x 7'), which will be a scale 1/5th mile track. The cars I do are mainly vintage stock cars (some from the sixties), and a few new Reality-Raceway built modifieds which I will race at certain commercial tracks who embrace the strict rules. Slot car racing was ruined back in the 70's with the onset of expensive rewind motors, custom controllers and bodies that looked like door wedges. Some raceways are promoting accurate hard-body slot racing and northeast modified (Parma chassis) cars with sealed motors. They are fast (slow) enough for us old guys to actually see. I think it will be fun again. Anyone interested in this racing go to MODIFIED SLOT CAR RACING - Home










__________________
"Paint It Black, Black As Night"

Last edited by ZOERA-SC7XX; 11-16-2011 at 06:26 PM.. Reason: wording
Reply With Quote
  #18 (permalink)  
Old 11-16-2011, 10:44 PM
Flygirl's Avatar
CC Member
Visit my Photo Gallery

 
Join Date: Sep 2011
Cobra Make, Engine:
Posts: 144
Not Ranked     
Default

^^^Great cars! I love the Impala, all of them really. I can't wait to see how your track comes along. Routed tracks are the best! Mine is a small little thing, but it's portable and has survived two moves with no damage. I'm kind of mixed about the cars; I like slower non-mag racing but those doorstop cars were unbelievable, and I found myself hypnotized by the motion and speed. It was kind of a trip.

And to those who identified it, that is indeed a Lotus Cortina. The Pinto? It's an early '73; I drove it in high school in the late '70s and (of all the cars to end up keeping), it just kind of never went away.

I suspected I might find a few kindred spirits here.

Some more pics:

1. A Porsche 908 body that I built and mounted on a TSRF brass chassis equipped with a pin guide and all the other old school running gear. It's blazing fast on my track, but I like the body so much that I don't run it too much since I've yet to add guard rails.

2. Ford Galaxie with Slot.it running gear and a brass chassis. This one's a sentimental favorite but is happier on bigger tracks.

3. Slammed GT350. Also with Slot.it running gear and a custom chassis I cobbled together from the parts bin. I Dremeled the inside of the body to where it's thin as an eggshell, and lowered it as much as I could in hopes of wringing every last tenth out of it. It's fast, but not quite as fast as I'd hoped after all that work. The body is also a bit too delicate for its own good.

4. McLaren. Another custom decal job, vacuum formed interior, a super lightweight that competed with some success in the first Slot.it Shootout some years back, but failed to find the podium at the end of the series.

5. Lotus Cortina. Lots of lead underneath, and it's still a bit top heavy.
Attached Images
     

Last edited by Flygirl; 11-16-2011 at 11:21 PM..
Reply With Quote
  #19 (permalink)  
Old 11-17-2011, 11:18 AM
CC Member
Visit my Photo Gallery

 
Join Date: Jul 2004
Cobra Make, Engine: CSX 7030 HP 289
Posts: 137
Not Ranked     
Default

Very COOOOOOOL!!! A good friend of mine shares a shop with a couple of guys that custom build competitive slot cars. This is a hobby that deserves a resurgence in popularity!
Reply With Quote
  #20 (permalink)  
Old 11-17-2011, 01:29 PM
FWB's Avatar
FWB FWB is offline
CC Member
Visit my Photo Gallery

 
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: Williamsport, PA
Cobra Make, Engine: Kellison Stallion 468 FE
Posts: 2,703
Not Ranked     
Default

i have some vintage slots i diddle with.....much older than what most are used to.
late 50's early 60's AC gilbert stuff.....32 ford bodies....i'll try to scare up some pics
__________________
Fred B
Reply With Quote
Reply


Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are On
Pingbacks are On
Refbacks are On



All times are GMT -7. The time now is 11:21 AM.


Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.0
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, Jelsoft Enterprises Ltd.
Search Engine Friendly URLs by vBSEO 3.6.0
The representations expressed are the representations and opinions of the clubcobra.com forum members and do not necessarily reflect the opinions and viewpoints of the site owners, moderators, Shelby American, any other replica manufacturer, Ford Motor Company. This website has been planned and developed by clubcobra.com and its forum members and should not be construed as being endorsed by Ford Motor Company, or Shelby American or any other manufacturer unless expressly noted by that entity. "Cobra" and the Cobra logo are registered trademarks for Ford Motor Co., Inc. clubcobra.com forum members agree not to post any copyrighted material unless the copyrighted material is owned by you. Although we do not and cannot review the messages posted and are not responsible for the content of any of these messages, we reserve the right to delete any message for any reason whatsoever. You remain solely responsible for the content of your messages, and you agree to indemnify and hold us harmless with respect to any claim based upon transmission of your message(s). Thank you for visiting clubcobra.com. For full policy documentation refer to the following link: CC Policy
Links monetized by VigLink