Along the way, I will explain any jargon, specialist part names and technical terms as best as I can. The labelled diagrams in this first post will be a useful reference.<\/p>\n
So let’s get started with our look at the Scalextric Mustang GT4…<\/p>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/blog.jadlamracingmodels.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/Inside1.jpg\")
<\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/div><\/figure>![\"\"](\"https:\/\/blog.jadlamracingmodels.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/Inside2.jpg\")
<\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/div><\/figure>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\nDimensions & Outside Components<\/h4>\n
There are four physical measurements that are important to consider when choosing and tuning a race car: Length<\/strong>, Height<\/strong>, Wheelbase<\/strong> and Rear Axle Width<\/strong>. In later posts I’ll add weight and magnetic downforce measurements to that list. In all my slot car reviews I include those six pieces of data. Each has an impact on how the car will handle on the track.<\/p>\n The outside components are common to most Scalextric “high detail” cars: a Rear Wing<\/strong>, Wing Mirrors<\/strong>, working Headlights<\/strong> and Rear Lights<\/strong>, plus a transparent Windscreen<\/strong> and windows showing the cockpit interior and driver. Many of the Scalextric cars that come in sets – as well as some “Super Resistant” and “START” models – don’t have working lights and the windscreen and windows are either blacked-out or are painted on.<\/p>\n What we’d normally refer to as just “wheels”, I have separated into their two components: a plastic Wheel Hub<\/strong> and the rubber Tyre<\/strong> that goes on it. That distinction will be important. I’ve also labelled the Front Splitter<\/strong> – the lowest point at the front of the car. This can be part of the underpan (as on the Mustang) or part of the body. It’s something we’ll need to keep an eye on.<\/p>\n Underneath the Scalextric Mustang GT4 we see the underpan or “chassis” and its various components. The Mustang horse logo over the motor is purely decorative – these cut-outs are a nice new feature on Scalextric cars.<\/p>\n At the front are the guide and braids. The plastic Guide Blade<\/strong> sits in the slot on the Scalextric track and ‘guides’ the car round the circuit. Sitting on the guide blade is the Braid Plate<\/strong>: this holds the steel braids in place and connects them to a pair of metal contacts underneath. The Braids<\/strong> pick up electricity from the rails on the track to give power to the car. As we’ll see, getting the guide blade deep in the slot improves handling – and getting the best possible connectivity between the track, braids and metal contacts gives us reliable and smooth power to the motor.<\/p>\n Behind the guide is the DPR hatch<\/strong>. Any Scalextric Digital Plug Ready (DPR) car can be easily converted to digital by replacing this hatch with a C8515 Digital Plug<\/a> (C8516 for F1 DPR cars). A small cross-head screw holds the hatch in place.<\/p>\n Through various holes in the underpan, we can see the Motor<\/strong>, the Magnet<\/strong> (with an alternative Front Magnet Pocket<\/strong>) and the Gear<\/strong>. The magnet is attracted to the metal rails on the Scalextric track and gives what we call ‘magnetic downforce’. This helps the car grip the track and go faster through the corners. Adjusting this downforce can dramatically change the handling of the car.<\/p>\n Like most recent Scalextric cars, the Mustang has three screws holding the body to the underpan – two Front Body Screws<\/strong> and one Rear Body Screw<\/strong>. These can be removed using a small cross-head screwdriver to reveal the components inside the car. If you don’t have a suitable screwdriver, this little set is ideal: www.jadlamracingmodels.com\/gaugemaster-model-railway-screwdriver-set-gm695\/<\/a><\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/blog.jadlamracingmodels.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/Inside3-1.jpg\")
<\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/div><\/figure>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\nUnderneath The Car<\/h4>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/blog.jadlamracingmodels.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/Inside4-1.jpg\")
<\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/div><\/figure>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/blog.jadlamracingmodels.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/Inside5-1.jpg\")
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