Getting the  weight distribution and COG right for non-magnet racing using a particularly tricky car.

We published a review of the Fly Porsche 934 here.

The rear-mounted motor is protypically correct (see below), but is a real headache to run once the factory- fitted magnet is removed.

The car also has a high-ride so the center of gravity and weight distribution is completely wrong for slot car racing.

Edo recently posted his work on getting the Fly rear-engine Porsches to run well without magnets on his track. Here is how he did it. This is the essence of balancing a slot car with weight:

The Porsche Carrera RED 63 ('A' below) only needed 7 g and is the smoothest of the 4: on my 24 m Carrera track is clocking 8.84 s. It slides in a predictable manner and I am keeping it with 7g.

On the 3 others I added another 3.5 g in front of the motor because I was not that happy with 7g. They are working much better now with 9g.

The White Trans Am  ('B' below) which clocks 8.81 s (has the widest rear tires and you can feel a better stuck down feeling).

The Yellow 41 is clocking 8.83 (was 8.9 with 7 g) and is very similar to the Red Carrera 63 in handling..

The Blue and white Rally number 3 is the fastest one with 9g at 8.73 best time.

OEM tires are very good (newest Fly tire compound has nothing to do with, for example the Classic Fly one which was pretty bad!). Off course I lightly sanded them.

The 911's are now a real pleasure to race as they behave like a real Porsche (I had a second hand 64 Type C in 69!), when you see that the back starts to loose you give a little gas and they straighten up!

They're wonderful! Before they could not be driven even on a straight. Off course I am talking no mags which is the first thing I get rid of on all my cars!

The lead weight used is cut from lead sheeting. You can get this in rolls from your hardware store (it is used for roofing). This lead has the advantage of being flat so it fits easily on the chassis. Use sheet metal cutters or side cutters to cut it up. Use double sided tape to stick it in place. Another option is to get wheel weights from your local auto shop (below). They use weights that have the weight stamped on - for ease of use when balancing your 1:1 car wheels. They also come with double-sided tape. Note: Wash your hands well after handling lead as it is poisonous and it is absorbed by the body through the skin.

The cars are very noisy though and I am convinced with Slot.it hardware they would improve further.

As a comparison the Scalextric Porsche Freisinger GT3 clocks at 8.6 which makes the proportions right in terms of era.

- Edo (06/2005)

We're looking forward to more articles    
in our SLAP My SlotCar Series.      

Stay tuned!