What is a Scale chassis and body?

4608 Views 17 Replies 11 Participants Last post by Russell Sheldon, Dec 8, 2003

truescale

Discussion Starter · Dec 1, 2003 (Edited by Moderator)

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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Tropi

· #13 · Dec 3, 2003 (Edited by Moderator)

1/24 is an oddity, in its way, particularly in the UK market.
I think it's a little bit chicken and egg in that the cars quite obviously require bigger tracks than 1/32. But few homeowners have the space needed and, without suitable tracks to run on, they are unlikely to find 1/24 cars very desirable. So 1/24 tends very largely to remain the territory of commercial organisations or highly organised clubs.

1/32 is a much more convenient scale in every way and I don't see 1/24 EVER regaining anywhere near the fleeting popularity it had in the 60s, not even in the USA . It may not die out altogether, but it will remain a small and specialised niche market for the 'die-hards'. That term is NOT meant in even a slightly derogatory sense!

If enough interest is shown here in 1/24, I feel sure a 1/24 board could be provided to accommodate it, but I see it as very nearly a separate hobby from 1/32 scale cars. 1/24 is pretty serious stuff and getting too serious tends to kill the fun aspect to some degree at least. In that sense, I think 1/24 DID help to almost kill slot racing in the USA.

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