Scalextric guide blade contact failure

A growing problem with the newer Scalextric cars with the round guide blade is the connection between the contact piece and the motor wire breaking.  It also seems Scalextric know about this as they have used different techniques to make this connection since this round guide was introduced.



Initially the contact was a solder connection but this causes the wire to fracture adjacent to the solder joint.  This is caused by metal fatigue due to the constant movement of the joint and corrosion caused by the solder flux.

Then there was a phase of crimping the joint, which is technically the best way to make a joint of this type.  However, the crimping was not done properly so the wires would just pull out of the crimp.  Now there is  a crimp and solder process, but soldering a crimp is difficult so the solder doesn’t always secure the joint properly and the wire just pulls out again.

The final problem we’ve seen is that the contact itself can snap between the crimp and the guide.  This is because the metal is too thin for the job, which might explain the failures of the crimp only jointing method.
We have available a replacement contacts that are made of thicker material with a solder tag to make the joint to the wire.  This is a direct replacement and upgraded part.  Also, available is a complete guide with wires already attached.

Another great insight from Scalextric Car Restorations