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What is a Scale chassis and body?

4600 Views 17 Replies 11 Participants Last post by  Russell Sheldon
Asked recently by a major manufacturer and an organization head, about the "Scale" make-up of a "Scratch built" slot cars, that will be made available (and raced in it's own class) in our future by a few manufactures using standard guidelines, I wanted to share part of my conversation here.

For a chassis to be considered a "Scale chassis" it should be:
1. One that is all metal.
2. One that has plenty of adjustments (by soldering or fasteners) for tuning and different bodies, etc.
3. It should also have the ability to fit different motor types.
4. One that uses the conventional guide and axle system.

A Scale body is one that:
1. Measures out to be similar to the 1:1 real car.
2. Made detailed or with the ability to be detailed properly.
3. A shell rather than a heavy think casting (resin)
4. Must have a ridged feel (vacuum formed) not too thin.
5. Must not vary much on any dimension so as to, make any part of the body clear tires, motor, or the guide.

After 29 years of "Scale" scratch building I feel that this is part of what determinds a chassis or body is to be considered "Scale" or True Scale.

I am proud to have been selected by a couple major contacts for my input.

After helping to promote Scale scratch built type slot cars for over twenty years we going to finaly see some changes on our hobby here in the U.S.A.

My fellow builders and racers in Europe and Asia have always kept Scale active in their racing programs

I feel that you my fellow Scratch builders can add to this.

[email protected]

Victor
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Oh no!

Sorry Victor but I hope we are not talking factory race teams again???
This is what killed the hobby last time round no?

As for your chassis requirements, there are alot of them already out there that fit your description - Plafit, Momo, Sakatsu to name but three.
I also debate why they have to be metal, you negate great chassis like the Slot.It HRC that way.
Don't get me wrong Victor, I love the idea of 'scale racing'.
My main problem as one who wants to see the hobby grow (in whatever scale) is that manufacturer race series and Factory teams caused the collapse last time round and I would have thought there would be a massive reluctance to go that way again, especially in the States where the collapse hit hardest.

I vote YES! to scale racing but NO to factory Teams running in their own devised race series - learn from the mistakes of last time guys.

Your addition that this is aimed at 1/24th scale is interesting, to date SlotForum does not really support this scale, mainly because it is new to myself and Nuro. If there is enough interest we can do a 1/24th area. I will post a poll to see if you guys want.

I added a 'poll' - HERE
QUOTE You can remove it if you would like.

Certainly not!

It is going to be an interesting thread I feel. I MAY move it to a 1/24 area if the demand is there Victor.
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