Wrp ...... The Future

[gazza]

Just opening it up for discussion on the type of cars for this event, i.e. has the SCX cars run their course, do we run open or restricted etc,

 

Also thinking of giving it a rest for this year and kicking off afresh early next year, that way if any changes are made there will be plenty of building time.

 

We've got a few ideas of our own, but always keen for input.

[Peter Gunn]

Ah the future what do we do , personally i like the one make one motor series that has made the WRP so good to be a part of , keeps the cost down and keeps it separate from the OZ rally , the problem is the supply of cars and motors, with SCX in the UK there are still some new cars listed like the Citroen, Peugeot, from a few places but it comes down to motors as recently i have bought a couple of new one's and one had a 81 and the other 81 B, would it be an idea to run 2 classes like in the OZ say a SCX class for the cars we run now and say a Team slot class for those who's SCX cars have had it ( team slot is only an idea it could be another one make supplier ) interested to see what comes up from others

[Ember]

I think a year off could be extremely beneficial. Give time for you guys to recover from what is a huge effort. It'd also allow time for some serious research and discussion into the next class.

 

The SCX cars have been a really fabulous class. For relatively low cost with a wide range of models, SCX have been really hard to beat. But the SCX cars are getting harder to come by. Unless there can be some support from the manufacturer's representatives here and/or in the UK to help us source vehicles, their time might be done. But I really don't see a suitable replacement class that is sitting on the retailers shelves out there ready for use with only basic prep required.

 

I still think a restricted class is the way to go. It helps to keep the field tight which keeps interest up.

 

Looking at manufacturers like TeamSlot has become necessary, but I think they all have their own problems. Perhaps a third party motor should be considered, something like the MT/5 which is relatively inexpensive.

 

TeamSlot can't decide on a single motor format. Some of their cars are long can and some short. Some are bell end drive and some are can end. That means there's no straight drop in motor exchange.

 

MSC make fabulous rally cars, but they're a little on the pricey side. They are usually released with seriously overpowered motors for rallying, so a drop in motor exchange would be beneficial, but it adds to the cost.

 

Ninco don't do much in the way of WRC 4WD cars anymore, but they have been releasing quite a few classic rally cars. While again, their motor choice is questionable, at least they are single format which means easy replacement, but a suitably cheap lower powered long can would need to be found. Something akin to the old NC2.

 

I'll leave someone else to go through the rest of the brands.

 

Rising postage costs is the biggest problem with proxies. Shipping out of Australia is ridiculously expensive. I've been led to believe that it's actually cheaper to send a slot car from NZ to UK than it is to send it from Aus to UK. Perhaps we can do something with that.

 

There really needs to be a race director in each continent that we visit, if not for each country. One central source for information and control. But it needs to be understood what a commitment it is. Such a thing can not be taken on lightly.

 

Anyway. That's just some of my thoughts. I've had a chat with Mel a couple of times about a few things. I know the boys have other ideas and concerns. I do think the year off to explore other options and recharge batteries may be the go.

[shadow_rusty]

An interesting, yet fairly simple, solution, may be to state the following...

 

1. Motor must be xxx (my advice would be the MT/5 as it's a NC2 equivalent, and is readily available)

2. Rims must be xxx (so it's 1 make of tyre again, and it could be even be MJK's paid along side the entry fee, and shipped with the control tyre)

3. Fixed gearing (probably 9/27 and 11/33 if angle-winder is allowed)

 

This makes for a controlled environment, without requiring people chase down obsolete models.

[miveson]

Just been looking at postage costs from NZ to UK and it's pretty much the same price (I simply tried with a 5kg box - 30 cars x 150g + packing material) - $135AUD or $113NZD ($106AUD).

 

I agree that the SCX cars have run their path and we need to find another class of car. I think it is pretty obvious at the moment that there isn't a natural off the shelf challenger waiting in the wings which is a shame. What we really need is something that is easily obtainable (without searching the depths of Europe) and reasonably priced.

 

I like the idea of control tyre and motor.

 

I'm sure the lads would like a year off to do some reflection and return refreshed and biting at the bit for a new season in 2017.

 

I didn't enter 2015 simply due to my dislike of the SCX platform - hate wheels, hate motors and guide/braids. On the positive side the SCX cars have provided an excellent range of cars and liveries.

 

I think the other 2 relevant manufacturers that Ember missed was Avant Slot (same boat as MSC around cost) and Scalextric (newer models are expensive but older cars can be found easily and cheaper than the 2015/16 range).

 

Massive fan of the multiple classes for both the entrants and the hosts, it just seems to work much better and makes the running of rounds less of a chore.

 

Anyways - great effort this year once again.

[kalbfellp]

The SCX cars have provided a great base for this event. They have a good range of makes and liveries,dimensions are all reasonably close all at a reasonable cost.

I don't know if any other brand that can offer so many options. Ninco would be the closest.

The other brands mentioned all have very limited range.

Shame no one makes a 4 Wd motor to replace the SCX, Cartrix are suitable but getting hard to find.

[alexis in greece]

I completely agree with Phil.

 

 

Just an idea:there is a guy in Spain called kilslot producing quite a few 3d printed chassis for SCX rally cars

for long can motors in line.I have bought from him the following

Lancia Delta Integrale

Lancia Delta S4

Lancia 037

BMW M3

Fiat 131

Audi Quattro

 

 

 

They need a little filing on the front axle posts to make the bushings work freely but apart from that the cars were metamorphosed especially the Integrale where i modified the chassis to accept a flat 6 motor.The price is good 8 euros +postage.

There is an issue,this guy has not a Paypal account and he accepts only bank transfer which is very costly from Greece.I overcame this problem by sending cash in an envelope registered.He also offers a club/bulk price for 20 chassis(i think 5 euros+tva +postage,could not verify it though)

Perhaps we could make a 2 class SCX series again standard and kilslot with NC5 motor

[charlesx]

That sounds like a great option Alexis. Perhaps a bulk order could be made by organisers (one in each hemisphere) based on pre-order/pre-paid scheme and be provided as part of a package with tyres and motor. More build-up time might be necessary but if we have this year to prepare for 2017 that should be possible.

 

Another idea was there is a great Rally Series run in UK each year (not a proxy event). Can we perhaps looks at what they use?

 

Regards Chas Le Breton

 

PS. You could use body from previous car. See Ninco and SCX covered so could include both.

Edited January 11, 2016 by charlesx

[Ben_M]

I really enjoy the SCX cars, would be great to use them some how. Alexis idea has some merit and I like the idea of it. Might put a few off but at the same time turn a few on.

[Ember]

An SCX car is no longer a SCX car if it just a shell with a different chassis. And they no longer become the cheap and cheerful option that they were when you start adding aftermarket options like 3D printed chassis. Better to use a completely different starting point.

[charlesx]

Sorry Ember but I thought the need to consider other options was because SCX cars are now hard or impossible to get. Personally I am more than happy to continue with my Toyota as it still appears to be running ok.

 

I was just following up on Alexis's suggestion which I thought had some merit. I think we should look closely at all suggestions. I have no idea how much the suggested chassis's are but my intention was that exisiting cars be re-chassised/re-motored. If people want to buy a whole new car that is fine but they would then more the likely have to purchase a different motor anyway by the sound of it.

 

If everybody is still so keen on SCX can we perhaps check with SCX and see if we can get a production run or at least find out what their future plans are?

 

Only trying to help.

 

Regards Chas Le Breton

[Ember]

Yes, but if SCX is getting hard to come by, whacking another chassis on it doesn't really solve the issue. Might as well make a fresh, clean start was my point.

[curef99]

my proposal is to have two class:

1/SCX stock gear, wheel, chassis but 2 wheel drive rx42b (plenty around) and any guide (i will not run a scx stock guide ever in proxy). Optionnaly, if someone can contact pihranna to make a version of their motor for SCX, i am ok to pay 10$ more.

2/open brand but fixed motor/gear. my proposal is something like the slot it orange belt, the pirhana or the pioneer.

[branco]

My proposal would be classic scalextric rally cars. There is a good selection of models and liveries...lancia delta, rs200, 6r4, audi Quattro, Peugeot 205, mk2 escort, mini etc. Allow axles, wheels and spur gears to be swapped for slot it, nsr etc. MJK control tyres. Keep the standard motor to help keep costs down for the 1st year and then, in future, maybe look at alternate motor if people unhappy.

[difinity]

Where can you get RX42b?

We're going to need some for our modern rally and DTM classes this year?

[kalbfellp]

Producing a motor for SCX is big effort, minimum order for a production run of an Existing motor case etc but to a spec wind is around 5,000 minimum order and up to 12 months wait, from my involvement with BWA in any indication.

So running a special case like SCX would be a lot more involved.

Bra is idea has some value Buy allowing Slot It soon blows out the cost to around $100.00 so not a cheap option.

When this event started I think SCX were under $50.00.

 

Edited January 12, 2016 by kalbfellp

[snurfen]

Why are we getting our knickers in a twist over complicated sourcing. Why not go for something that is cheap and relatively easily sourced - for example a class of Ninco with an NC-2 or a direct replacement BWA motor (those things are so cheap).

 

You can get Nincos really easily in Europe, not sure about Aus/NZ or the USA. I got a BWA posted from Canada and the whole bundle cost me about two pints of beer/ 1 packet of ciggies/ not a hell of a lot.

 

Ease of purchase, cost of the whole thing, with a good range of similarly performing cars (is what we should be aiming for). As long as it meets the configuration/aesthetic of the original group of cars we want to represent, then jobs a good one.

 

YOUR WORLD CHAMPION HAS SPOKEN - MAKE IT SO (please feel free to take the p!ss out of that pompous statement).

[gazza]

/ 1 packet of ciggies/ not a hell of a lot.

 

Clearly you haven't bought a packet of "ciggies" in Oz, retail over here around $40 packet of 40

 

The Ninco rally class is a very good class to choose with a control motor and tyres + 99% of them will make the hairpin :D

 

There are Slot-it adapters available to fit the SCX cars as well ..... keeping the body/chassis combo together.

 

Still early days, it's only been a week, nothing set yet

[snurfen]

True! They are about 90c AUS per ciggy in the UK, pack of 20 cigs = approx 2.25 pints

 

No wonder Australia is always on fire if you sell ciggies in packs of 40!

[gazza]

If your going to smoke, don't stuff around .... smoke

 

I thought you would have changed your settings on the left, and added 2015 WRP World Champion

[gazza]

Too late did it for you

[snurfen]

So that's decided for next year then, any rally car with Ciggy sponsors!

 

Seriously, good range of ideas bandying about, but I really don't like the idea of Scalextric cars.

[gazza]

Seriously, good range of ideas bandying about, but I really don't like the idea of Scalextric cars.

 

Good points are that they have bought out a good variety of makes and models, both early and late classes

 

Bad point's heaps of money spent to try and polish a turd.

[Peter Gunn]

My liege homage to the world champion me being a lowly mortal think it might be a good idea to see what the 21 who entered the SCX rally this year all think as regards how much further their existing cars will travel , i expect some may have more than one and i would think out there in your worldly kingdom my lord there may be many others who have them, from a personal point never had an issue with chicken legs well once ( only in Wales ) and they were cold, the 81in my car is 4 years old and running better than ever, just running in now and the only weak spot is possibly plastic fatigue with the wheels , we could fit Slot it 24 als all round cost of which is £11 approx. they take the MJK tyre we use and on the motor front current SCX 4x4 cars like the Cossie use the 81B and there are 81 B's out there, for instance there is a guy on E bay who is selling 6 NEW one's so the 81B could be added to the thought process. Are you selling tickets to your crowning if you are please let someone else have mine, your disloyal subject

[gazza]

Peter the Citroen of yours was a weapon on both the road and rally tracks here, a lot of the others still had plenty of grunt and others had seen better days

 

Last year we ran this MJK sponsored car during the WRP .....

 

 

The wheels were supplied by MJK, which obviously fitted the control tyre, don't know what the unit cost was, nothing that a quick phone call wouldn't fix

 

From memory they fitted the Slot-it axles, the standard SCX ones being a tad to large, plus Slot-it gearing

 

If we were to use these we may be able to get Ian to enlarge the centre to fit the SCX axle or just run Slot-it gear, added cost of course but can be used on any other car setup when finished