Repair and Maintain Slot Car Tracks
Speed up Slot Car Racing by Cleaning Conductors and Removing Rust
Sep 10, 2009
Since slot car tracks are so basic, they tend to hold up well. If a car is not running at top performance on a track, there are three things to check: the car, the slot, and the conductors.
Inspecting the Slot Car
A lot of slot car owners overlook a few basic things on the car. If a car is not performing well, the first things to check are the pick-ups and the rear tires. It is important that the pick-up shoes or braids are contacting the track well and can float freely; it is also important that the rear tires are not rubbing on the body and that the axle is not bent.
Inspecting a Slot Car Track
If the car is not the problem, the track is likely to be the culprit. Slot car tracks in humid areas often develop rust. Rusty track conductors will not allow electricity to flow to the pick-up shoes or braids very well.
If a slot car track is left exposed for long periods of time in an unfinished basement, garage, or loft, dirt and dust can accumulate on the track and hamper the flow of electricity. If a track cannot be kept in a clean, dry location, it should be covered or put away when it is not in use.
Repairing Slot Car Tracks
It is important to keep the track clean and free of corrosion.
- First, power to the slot car track should be disconnected.
- Next, the slot car tracks need to be wiped down with a damp micro-fiber cloth.
- After this, the slot car tracks need to be wiped again with a dry micro-fiber cloth. It is essential to leave no moisture on the conductors.
- If the slot car tracks have rust, 220 grit sandpaper or a fine wire brush can be used to scrub it off.
A lubricant should be applied to the slot car tracks to prevent rust from coming back. Marvel Mystery Oil, RailZip, Automatic Transmission Fluid, and WD-40 will all work, but should be used conservatively.
If a car becomes hung up in a slot and the electrical contacts are not the problem, it may be that either a foreign particle is lodged in the slot or there is damage to the slot itself. A slot that is broken, cracked, or gouged can be repaired with wood putty.
Slot car track pieces are available at most hobby stores. If an entire set is damaged or rusted, enthusiasts may prefer to by a new track.
Hobbyists can also check out related articles covering slot car modification, slot car repair, and digital slot car racing.
For decades, slot car racing has been a hobby confined to scaled cars and tracks. But, according to the LA Times, the future of transportation may well involve life-size slot cars powered by nationwide electric rails. Will today’s slot car racers be using slot cars for tomorrow’s daily commute?
BNC101
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
