<![CDATA[SlotRacer Forum - Vintage]]> https://slotracer.online/community/ Thu, 22 Oct 2026 20:54:55 +0000 MyBB <![CDATA[Very rare Sanwa set]]> https://slotracer.online/community/showthread.php?tid=5325 Fri, 08 May 2026 01:22:39 +0100 https://slotracer.online/community/showthread.php?tid=5325
.jpeg IMG_2271.jpeg Size: 5.6 MB  Downloads: 102

.jpeg IMG_2274.jpeg Size: 5.54 MB  Downloads: 100

.jpeg IMG_2277.jpeg Size: 5.03 MB  Downloads: 56

.jpeg IMG_2278.jpeg Size: 5.52 MB  Downloads: 60

.jpeg IMG_2279.jpeg Size: 5.56 MB  Downloads: 51

.jpeg IMG_2287.jpeg Size: 5.59 MB  Downloads: 46

.jpeg IMG_2284.jpeg Size: 5.32 MB  Downloads: 60
]]>
.jpeg IMG_2271.jpeg Size: 5.6 MB  Downloads: 102

.jpeg IMG_2274.jpeg Size: 5.54 MB  Downloads: 100

.jpeg IMG_2277.jpeg Size: 5.03 MB  Downloads: 56

.jpeg IMG_2278.jpeg Size: 5.52 MB  Downloads: 60

.jpeg IMG_2279.jpeg Size: 5.56 MB  Downloads: 51

.jpeg IMG_2287.jpeg Size: 5.59 MB  Downloads: 46

.jpeg IMG_2284.jpeg Size: 5.32 MB  Downloads: 60
]]> <![CDATA[VIP Electric``]]> https://slotracer.online/community/showthread.php?tid=5299 Sun, 12 Apr 2026 17:30:50 +0100 https://slotracer.online/community/showthread.php?tid=5299
We are hosting the 75th anniversay for the Austin Healey in 2027 and would like to display this at our meet in working order and need a little help doing so.
.jpeg IMG_5339.jpeg Size: 4.29 MB  Downloads: 69

.jpeg IMG_5340.jpeg Size: 5.55 MB  Downloads: 73

.jpeg IMG_5341.jpeg Size: 4.24 MB  Downloads: 73
]]>
We are hosting the 75th anniversay for the Austin Healey in 2027 and would like to display this at our meet in working order and need a little help doing so.
.jpeg IMG_5339.jpeg Size: 4.29 MB  Downloads: 69

.jpeg IMG_5340.jpeg Size: 5.55 MB  Downloads: 73

.jpeg IMG_5341.jpeg Size: 4.24 MB  Downloads: 73
]]> <![CDATA[Cox 1/24 Ferrari 158]]> https://slotracer.online/community/showthread.php?tid=5109 Tue, 16 Dec 2025 20:46:04 +0000 https://slotracer.online/community/showthread.php?tid=5109 Just finished this,......it took a while as most of the bits I had were far from pristine and did require some work.

I always struggle with how far to take these restorations/builds of vintage cars, and on this one I added some intake trumpets (never liked the stock "clearI intake covers), and I cut a couple of bits of styrene to extend the front upper rocker arms (in stock form the wheels look like they are not really attached to the car).

I am still buggering around with mesh covers for the intakes,....so far I have not been happy with what I have done.

The car was built to represent the car Bandini drove at Spa 1964,.....everyone seems to do Surtees  [Image: bigsmile.gif]

Cheers
Chris Walker

Lorenzo Bandini at Spa 64............

[Image: 188f7ede6fae4f1856c02b4d0c25e727.jpg]




My attempt.................


[Image: DSCN5114.jpg]





[Image: DSCN5108.jpg]





[Image: DSCN5115.jpg]





[Image: DSCN5109.jpg]]]> Just finished this,......it took a while as most of the bits I had were far from pristine and did require some work.

I always struggle with how far to take these restorations/builds of vintage cars, and on this one I added some intake trumpets (never liked the stock "clearI intake covers), and I cut a couple of bits of styrene to extend the front upper rocker arms (in stock form the wheels look like they are not really attached to the car).

I am still buggering around with mesh covers for the intakes,....so far I have not been happy with what I have done.

The car was built to represent the car Bandini drove at Spa 1964,.....everyone seems to do Surtees  [Image: bigsmile.gif]

Cheers
Chris Walker

Lorenzo Bandini at Spa 64............

[Image: 188f7ede6fae4f1856c02b4d0c25e727.jpg]




My attempt.................


[Image: DSCN5114.jpg]





[Image: DSCN5108.jpg]





[Image: DSCN5115.jpg]





[Image: DSCN5109.jpg]]]> <![CDATA[Cars from my youth - the 60s ?]]> https://slotracer.online/community/showthread.php?tid=5096 Wed, 03 Dec 2025 19:38:02 +0000 https://slotracer.online/community/showthread.php?tid=5096
First up are three cars that were my first venture into cars away from Scalextric. 

Atlas Gt 40 - I remember trying to build this and the absolutely frustrating time I had trying to mount the car at the rear ?? not sure I figured it out at the time.

Monogram Porsche 904 and Ferrari 330 - loved these cars and raced them till they died ?


.jpeg IMG_0869.jpeg Size: 2.46 MB  Downloads: 79
.jpeg IMG_0868.jpeg Size: 2.48 MB  Downloads: 72
.jpeg IMG_0867.jpeg Size: 4.33 MB  Downloads: 67
.jpeg IMG_0864.jpeg Size: 4.54 MB  Downloads: 71
.jpeg IMG_0862.jpeg Size: 4.51 MB  Downloads: 65


Finished these this week. The Ferrari had a huge hole in the rear deck which I Fixed with Vallejo putty! 
The Porsche has a 60s chassis and body, but I had parts from an MRRC body so used some of the parts ?

Cars are sitting a bit high and will fix that when i get back from visiting the kids.

I will be adding more as i go along ?

Let’s see your cars from when you started this fantastic hobby - irrespective of the decade. Looking forward to hearing your stories!!]]>
First up are three cars that were my first venture into cars away from Scalextric. 

Atlas Gt 40 - I remember trying to build this and the absolutely frustrating time I had trying to mount the car at the rear ?? not sure I figured it out at the time.

Monogram Porsche 904 and Ferrari 330 - loved these cars and raced them till they died ?


.jpeg IMG_0869.jpeg Size: 2.46 MB  Downloads: 79
.jpeg IMG_0868.jpeg Size: 2.48 MB  Downloads: 72
.jpeg IMG_0867.jpeg Size: 4.33 MB  Downloads: 67
.jpeg IMG_0864.jpeg Size: 4.54 MB  Downloads: 71
.jpeg IMG_0862.jpeg Size: 4.51 MB  Downloads: 65


Finished these this week. The Ferrari had a huge hole in the rear deck which I Fixed with Vallejo putty! 
The Porsche has a 60s chassis and body, but I had parts from an MRRC body so used some of the parts ?

Cars are sitting a bit high and will fix that when i get back from visiting the kids.

I will be adding more as i go along ?

Let’s see your cars from when you started this fantastic hobby - irrespective of the decade. Looking forward to hearing your stories!!]]> <![CDATA[Aurora AJET 1/32 track 4-lane layouts]]> https://slotracer.online/community/showthread.php?tid=5076 Wed, 19 Nov 2025 16:45:35 +0000 https://slotracer.online/community/showthread.php?tid=5076 Looking to see if the Aurora 1/32 AJET track can be used to create 4-lane layouts? In the brochure I have, they only show 2 lane, but it also lists 60 degree curve and 2 30-degree curves. Has anyone seen the 30-degree curves and could they be used to create a 4-lane setup?

I've attached the listing of the track components they theoretically offered at some point.
Tony]]> Looking to see if the Aurora 1/32 AJET track can be used to create 4-lane layouts? In the brochure I have, they only show 2 lane, but it also lists 60 degree curve and 2 30-degree curves. Has anyone seen the 30-degree curves and could they be used to create a 4-lane setup?

I've attached the listing of the track components they theoretically offered at some point.
Tony]]> <![CDATA[- Can anyone identify this chassis for me?]]> https://slotracer.online/community/showthread.php?tid=4947 Fri, 22 Aug 2025 12:22:58 +0100 https://slotracer.online/community/showthread.php?tid=4947   
Leo

.jpg Chassis_1.jpg Size: 325.39 KB  Downloads: 162
]]>   
Leo

.jpg Chassis_1.jpg Size: 325.39 KB  Downloads: 162
]]> <![CDATA[Chassis Id please, anyone]]> https://slotracer.online/community/showthread.php?tid=4676 Fri, 03 Jan 2025 11:00:35 +0000 https://slotracer.online/community/showthread.php?tid=4676
.jpg 1-24 Barker Mini 11.jpg Size: 278.05 KB  Downloads: 148
.jpg 1-24 Barker Mini 13.jpg Size: 300.11 KB  Downloads: 148


Can anyone identify this chassis please? Photos show it 'as sourced' from a Roger Barker eBay B.I.N.

It's 1/24 scale with a Buhler 'can-drive' motor held in place with a longitudinal metal strap over the top.

The wheelbase (LENGTH folks!) is adjustable by loosening off a single screw.

The front axle is, I suspect, not original as it's running what from distant slotracing memories are Revell aluminium threaded fronts with ribbing across the width of the tyre well.

The rear axle uses grub-screwed alloy wheels with smooth wells, so finding more suitable tyres all round has been a bit of fun - but my spares box did eventually turn up something a bit better than the green fronts and 'rubber band' profile sponges on the rear. 

There are no bearings as such, the rear axle being held in the chassis by screwed down caps on the upper side and the front just running captive in the plastic.

Gear ratio is 3.57 to 1. (Crown wheel is 25t, while the brass pinion has 7t.) 

(I don't know that the rear running gear is original to the chassis either.)

The front runs a copper-sprung drop-arm with a non-original guide. (How do I know? The hole has been sleeved with 'something' (a wooden dowel?) - that has been bored out to take a more usual flagshaft that rides slightly nose high in the slot.]]>
.jpg 1-24 Barker Mini 11.jpg Size: 278.05 KB  Downloads: 148
.jpg 1-24 Barker Mini 13.jpg Size: 300.11 KB  Downloads: 148


Can anyone identify this chassis please? Photos show it 'as sourced' from a Roger Barker eBay B.I.N.

It's 1/24 scale with a Buhler 'can-drive' motor held in place with a longitudinal metal strap over the top.

The wheelbase (LENGTH folks!) is adjustable by loosening off a single screw.

The front axle is, I suspect, not original as it's running what from distant slotracing memories are Revell aluminium threaded fronts with ribbing across the width of the tyre well.

The rear axle uses grub-screwed alloy wheels with smooth wells, so finding more suitable tyres all round has been a bit of fun - but my spares box did eventually turn up something a bit better than the green fronts and 'rubber band' profile sponges on the rear. 

There are no bearings as such, the rear axle being held in the chassis by screwed down caps on the upper side and the front just running captive in the plastic.

Gear ratio is 3.57 to 1. (Crown wheel is 25t, while the brass pinion has 7t.) 

(I don't know that the rear running gear is original to the chassis either.)

The front runs a copper-sprung drop-arm with a non-original guide. (How do I know? The hole has been sleeved with 'something' (a wooden dowel?) - that has been bored out to take a more usual flagshaft that rides slightly nose high in the slot.]]> <![CDATA[Scalextric Scalletti Arrows]]> https://slotracer.online/community/showthread.php?tid=4534 Mon, 23 Sep 2024 10:32:30 +0100 https://slotracer.online/community/showthread.php?tid=4534
Another birth year car, this time a Scalletti Arrow C26 from 1972. As per my other BY car, this is destined to be a shelf queen. In original condition with a repro box.

.jpg Scal1.jpg Size: 86.5 KB  Downloads: 156

.jpg Scal2.jpg Size: 90.49 KB  Downloads: 148


I did however get a really cheap second car that once I'd removed most of the thick brown gloss paint from I made into a working car to be abused using bits and pieces from the spares box so 100% not original


.jpg Scal3.jpg Size: 88.85 KB  Downloads: 155

.jpg Scal4.jpg Size: 100.76 KB  Downloads: 131

.jpg Scal5.jpg Size: 96.96 KB  Downloads: 154
]]>
Another birth year car, this time a Scalletti Arrow C26 from 1972. As per my other BY car, this is destined to be a shelf queen. In original condition with a repro box.

.jpg Scal1.jpg Size: 86.5 KB  Downloads: 156

.jpg Scal2.jpg Size: 90.49 KB  Downloads: 148


I did however get a really cheap second car that once I'd removed most of the thick brown gloss paint from I made into a working car to be abused using bits and pieces from the spares box so 100% not original


.jpg Scal3.jpg Size: 88.85 KB  Downloads: 155

.jpg Scal4.jpg Size: 100.76 KB  Downloads: 131

.jpg Scal5.jpg Size: 96.96 KB  Downloads: 154
]]> <![CDATA[Guide type]]> https://slotracer.online/community/showthread.php?tid=4524 Thu, 19 Sep 2024 09:44:27 +0100 https://slotracer.online/community/showthread.php?tid=4524
I've bought another old scalextric car (Scaletti Arrows C023) which is missing a guide but I can't find any info on google apart from a part number W1404.

Does anyone know where I can get one from?]]>
I've bought another old scalextric car (Scaletti Arrows C023) which is missing a guide but I can't find any info on google apart from a part number W1404.

Does anyone know where I can get one from?]]> <![CDATA[Scalextric Lotus Indianapolis c8/A]]> https://slotracer.online/community/showthread.php?tid=4503 Thu, 05 Sep 2024 15:59:27 +0100 https://slotracer.online/community/showthread.php?tid=4503
Bought in a real state for peanuts but slowly restoring into a box fresh condition

Several bits are in paint, being stripped of paint, new decals ordered along with a set of proper wheel and tyres.

.jpg lot1.jpg Size: 833.13 KB  Downloads: 134

.jpg lot 2.jpg Size: 897.6 KB  Downloads: 144
]]>
Bought in a real state for peanuts but slowly restoring into a box fresh condition

Several bits are in paint, being stripped of paint, new decals ordered along with a set of proper wheel and tyres.

.jpg lot1.jpg Size: 833.13 KB  Downloads: 134

.jpg lot 2.jpg Size: 897.6 KB  Downloads: 144
]]> <![CDATA[Carrera Panamericana 1954]]> https://slotracer.online/community/showthread.php?tid=4394 Mon, 24 Jun 2024 17:48:16 +0100 https://slotracer.online/community/showthread.php?tid=4394 ]]> ]]> <![CDATA[Swedish Historic Rally]]> https://slotracer.online/community/showthread.php?tid=4225 Sun, 25 Feb 2024 14:17:09 +0000 https://slotracer.online/community/showthread.php?tid=4225
Porsche type 64

.jpg Porsche type 64 Swedish Historic Rally.jpg Size: 137.42 KB  Downloads: 151


...and '61 Ford Galaxie land barge

.jpg 1961 Ford Galaxie Swedish Historic Rally.jpg Size: 146.62 KB  Downloads: 194


A great viewing:

]]>
Porsche type 64

.jpg Porsche type 64 Swedish Historic Rally.jpg Size: 137.42 KB  Downloads: 151


...and '61 Ford Galaxie land barge

.jpg 1961 Ford Galaxie Swedish Historic Rally.jpg Size: 146.62 KB  Downloads: 194


A great viewing:

]]> <![CDATA[Rally pace notes...who was first?]]> https://slotracer.online/community/showthread.php?tid=4026 Tue, 21 Nov 2023 23:34:16 +0000 https://slotracer.online/community/showthread.php?tid=4026
.jpg MossJenks1955MM.jpg Size: 494.79 KB  Downloads: 173



...it seems they were actually first used by Hans Klenk in the 1952 La Carrera Panamericana in a Mercedes 300SL driven by Karl Kling

Klenk was temporarily knocked unconscious by a vulture that crashed through the windscreen...Kling & Klenk won

.jpg Carrera_Panamericana-Mexico_Kling Klenk1952.jpg Size: 67.34 KB  Downloads: 158
]]>
.jpg MossJenks1955MM.jpg Size: 494.79 KB  Downloads: 173



...it seems they were actually first used by Hans Klenk in the 1952 La Carrera Panamericana in a Mercedes 300SL driven by Karl Kling

Klenk was temporarily knocked unconscious by a vulture that crashed through the windscreen...Kling & Klenk won

.jpg Carrera_Panamericana-Mexico_Kling Klenk1952.jpg Size: 67.34 KB  Downloads: 158
]]> <![CDATA[Dynamic 60's commercial track chassis build]]> https://slotracer.online/community/showthread.php?tid=4010 Wed, 15 Nov 2023 21:52:51 +0000 https://slotracer.online/community/showthread.php?tid=4010 In the mid 60's I was far too young to have developed any decent scratchbuilding skills, so , like many, the Dynamic range of motor mounts, guide tongues etc. were a godsend, and enabled me to construct cars that would run round pretty decently,.......I did leave the Dynamic fold in the late 60's early 70's as my skills improved to the extent that I could construct a somewhat competitive scratchbuilt chassis, but I did continue to use some of the Dynamic motor mounts for my 1/32 club cars.

With a big box of Dynamic parts still on hand, I have built a few cars using these parts for some local 1/24 vintage fun runs/racing,.........this being the latest.....it is built to represent what would have been a very quick Dynamic build in 1965/66/67.

Cheers
Chris Walker

Mostly period correct (ish), except for the guide,.........I have a NOS one on the way.

[Image: DSCN4986.jpg]




The one piece pan assembly sits on the guide tongue, and does move,.........initially the associated "rattle" was too much for me, so , I attached some bits square tubing to the motor mount and used some silicone lead wire coating pushed over some piano wire pins to quieten things down,.....this also eliminated the free movement of the pan section (replaced by flex) which has improved the handling

[Image: DSCN4988.jpg]




The motor is a "Classic" FT16D, modified by MR. Havlicek.

[Image: DSCN4987.jpg]




[Image: DSCN4989.jpg]






 ]]> In the mid 60's I was far too young to have developed any decent scratchbuilding skills, so , like many, the Dynamic range of motor mounts, guide tongues etc. were a godsend, and enabled me to construct cars that would run round pretty decently,.......I did leave the Dynamic fold in the late 60's early 70's as my skills improved to the extent that I could construct a somewhat competitive scratchbuilt chassis, but I did continue to use some of the Dynamic motor mounts for my 1/32 club cars.

With a big box of Dynamic parts still on hand, I have built a few cars using these parts for some local 1/24 vintage fun runs/racing,.........this being the latest.....it is built to represent what would have been a very quick Dynamic build in 1965/66/67.

Cheers
Chris Walker

Mostly period correct (ish), except for the guide,.........I have a NOS one on the way.

[Image: DSCN4986.jpg]




The one piece pan assembly sits on the guide tongue, and does move,.........initially the associated "rattle" was too much for me, so , I attached some bits square tubing to the motor mount and used some silicone lead wire coating pushed over some piano wire pins to quieten things down,.....this also eliminated the free movement of the pan section (replaced by flex) which has improved the handling

[Image: DSCN4988.jpg]




The motor is a "Classic" FT16D, modified by MR. Havlicek.

[Image: DSCN4987.jpg]




[Image: DSCN4989.jpg]






 ]]> <![CDATA[Vintage HO pic of the day]]> https://slotracer.online/community/showthread.php?tid=3960 Fri, 20 Oct 2023 22:04:38 +0100 https://slotracer.online/community/showthread.php?tid=3960
.jpg 60 Maserati 3500 Red 1.jpg Size: 132.28 KB  Downloads: 143


Nothing like a little TLC to spruce up an old car.

.jpg 60 Maserati 3500 Red 2.JPG Size: 413.8 KB  Downloads: 133

.jpg 60 Maserati 3500 Red 3.JPG Size: 389.82 KB  Downloads: 128

.jpg 60 Maserati 3500 Red 4.JPG Size: 414.51 KB  Downloads: 129


Thank you very kindly for looking.]]>
.jpg 60 Maserati 3500 Red 1.jpg Size: 132.28 KB  Downloads: 143


Nothing like a little TLC to spruce up an old car.

.jpg 60 Maserati 3500 Red 2.JPG Size: 413.8 KB  Downloads: 133

.jpg 60 Maserati 3500 Red 3.JPG Size: 389.82 KB  Downloads: 128

.jpg 60 Maserati 3500 Red 4.JPG Size: 414.51 KB  Downloads: 129


Thank you very kindly for looking.]]> <![CDATA[Vintage slotcar books]]> https://slotracer.online/community/showthread.php?tid=3656 Wed, 05 Apr 2023 01:39:48 +0100 https://slotracer.online/community/showthread.php?tid=3656
Vintage slotcar books

Nico]]>
Vintage slotcar books

Nico]]> <![CDATA[Scalextric Speed Computer]]> https://slotracer.online/community/showthread.php?tid=3610 Wed, 15 Mar 2023 20:41:11 +0000 https://slotracer.online/community/showthread.php?tid=3610

In the 1970s use of the word computer had quite a different, more literal meaning: it was something you used to work things out.

This Scalextric Speed Computer was used to scale up the lap time of your slot car into a 'real' speed. The reverse side had all the available track pieces with eth length of each lane.  Kids were expected to find arithmetic undaunting back then.

I think I probably used it once or twice, but I've kept it for 50 odd years.]]>

In the 1970s use of the word computer had quite a different, more literal meaning: it was something you used to work things out.

This Scalextric Speed Computer was used to scale up the lap time of your slot car into a 'real' speed. The reverse side had all the available track pieces with eth length of each lane.  Kids were expected to find arithmetic undaunting back then.

I think I probably used it once or twice, but I've kept it for 50 odd years.]]> <![CDATA[Brushing old tracks.]]> https://slotracer.online/community/showthread.php?tid=3586 Thu, 09 Mar 2023 13:24:03 +0000 https://slotracer.online/community/showthread.php?tid=3586
In order not to damage my tracks I’m looking for any tips or advice of how to take care of the worn metal lanes. What can I use to polish them?

Thanks in advance from Sweden.]]>
In order not to damage my tracks I’m looking for any tips or advice of how to take care of the worn metal lanes. What can I use to polish them?

Thanks in advance from Sweden.]]> <![CDATA[Philippe De Lespinay - Interview]]> https://slotracer.online/community/showthread.php?tid=3424 Thu, 08 Dec 2022 22:23:21 +0000 https://slotracer.online/community/showthread.php?tid=3424 Electric Dreams interview with Philippe De Lespinay 
Its pretty long so I expected that I would skim through, but its quite listenable and fascinating, if you know the subject and the brand-names referenced.

 ]]> Electric Dreams interview with Philippe De Lespinay 
Its pretty long so I expected that I would skim through, but its quite listenable and fascinating, if you know the subject and the brand-names referenced.

 ]]> <![CDATA["Classic" Astro V]]> https://slotracer.online/community/showthread.php?tid=3162 Sat, 30 Jul 2022 20:22:40 +0100 https://slotracer.online/community/showthread.php?tid=3162 In the mid/late sixties the "Thingie" craze hit the slot car world, with the Cox LaCucaracha at the forefront of the numerous launches. "Classic" industries was a manufacturer that focused on this thingie craze, and produced numerous models, including the Asp, Manta Ray, Stinger, Gamma Ray, Serpent, and the Astro V........with the Manta Ray still the  #1 selling slot car ever  (well over 1 million sold !!!)

All in all, "Classic" Industries sold several million of their "Thingie" range models........compare that to the 2/3 thousand sold per model in the current day.

One of the club guys from Canada's west coast had an old Astro V, and found that it was less than impressive, when he tried to run it on their club track...(not surprising as the old sponge tires were rocks, the braid severely worn/oxidized, and the axles almost seized). He contacted me, and asked if I would rebuilt it, and with my love of  Vintage slot cars, (but I must admit, I really don't like "thingies) ), ....I said I would. 

I did not take any "before" shots, nor did a take a picture of the body ( I stole one from "Images") ,.........this thread is mainly to show you folks an Astro V, and what the running gear looked like.

Cheers
Chris Walker

The "Classic" Industries "Astro V",......to my mind a fairly hideous looking thing, and in my opinion the most ridiculous thingie produced by "Classic".......not to say I was terribly attracted to the other 'Classic" models[Image: rolleyes.png]

Definitely "Land speed record" looking......and considering its launch date, it is highly conceivable that some of the "Bonneville" guys took some inspiration from this shape !!.........I took the following pic. from "Images".

[Image: fetch?id=28115&d=1585071611]

While I tried to use as many of the supplied parts as possible, I did have to substitute many Vintage parts from my parts stash..............4 new tires glued/trued, (yes the fronts/rears on the original were that size !! ), a new rear axle, a new pinion (8T to replace the stock 10T), lead wire, rear axle bushings, and some new vintage (screw on) braid.

The car was given a good clean/polish, the chassis was straightened, the beefy 36D motor taken apart/overhauled, and a small hole was drilled into the front chassis crossmember and the drop arm,..this allows the use of a small nut/bolt to be used to freeze the drop arm, and with the addition/subtraction of spacers on the bolt between the chassis and drop arm, the guide height can be adjusted.....(drop arms basically disappeared in the late 60's....for good reason [Image: thumbup.gif] )

It runs really really well,..........much better than I remember the ones I saw as a kid........I think the owner will be more than pleased [Image: smile.png]

[Image: fetch?id=28150&d=1585083263]



[Image: fetch?id=28117&d=1585072412]

Cheers
Chris Walker]]> In the mid/late sixties the "Thingie" craze hit the slot car world, with the Cox LaCucaracha at the forefront of the numerous launches. "Classic" industries was a manufacturer that focused on this thingie craze, and produced numerous models, including the Asp, Manta Ray, Stinger, Gamma Ray, Serpent, and the Astro V........with the Manta Ray still the  #1 selling slot car ever  (well over 1 million sold !!!)

All in all, "Classic" Industries sold several million of their "Thingie" range models........compare that to the 2/3 thousand sold per model in the current day.

One of the club guys from Canada's west coast had an old Astro V, and found that it was less than impressive, when he tried to run it on their club track...(not surprising as the old sponge tires were rocks, the braid severely worn/oxidized, and the axles almost seized). He contacted me, and asked if I would rebuilt it, and with my love of  Vintage slot cars, (but I must admit, I really don't like "thingies) ), ....I said I would. 

I did not take any "before" shots, nor did a take a picture of the body ( I stole one from "Images") ,.........this thread is mainly to show you folks an Astro V, and what the running gear looked like.

Cheers
Chris Walker

The "Classic" Industries "Astro V",......to my mind a fairly hideous looking thing, and in my opinion the most ridiculous thingie produced by "Classic".......not to say I was terribly attracted to the other 'Classic" models[Image: rolleyes.png]

Definitely "Land speed record" looking......and considering its launch date, it is highly conceivable that some of the "Bonneville" guys took some inspiration from this shape !!.........I took the following pic. from "Images".

[Image: fetch?id=28115&d=1585071611]

While I tried to use as many of the supplied parts as possible, I did have to substitute many Vintage parts from my parts stash..............4 new tires glued/trued, (yes the fronts/rears on the original were that size !! ), a new rear axle, a new pinion (8T to replace the stock 10T), lead wire, rear axle bushings, and some new vintage (screw on) braid.

The car was given a good clean/polish, the chassis was straightened, the beefy 36D motor taken apart/overhauled, and a small hole was drilled into the front chassis crossmember and the drop arm,..this allows the use of a small nut/bolt to be used to freeze the drop arm, and with the addition/subtraction of spacers on the bolt between the chassis and drop arm, the guide height can be adjusted.....(drop arms basically disappeared in the late 60's....for good reason [Image: thumbup.gif] )

It runs really really well,..........much better than I remember the ones I saw as a kid........I think the owner will be more than pleased [Image: smile.png]

[Image: fetch?id=28150&d=1585083263]



[Image: fetch?id=28117&d=1585072412]

Cheers
Chris Walker]]>