Scalextric slot car parts Neodymium magnatraction magnet kit

Transform your slot car's performance with these upgraded Neodymium magnatraction magnets

Improved track performance with minimal effort.

These Scalextric spares Neodymium Iron Boron magnets have a gauss level which is typically 2 - 4 times higher than standard Alnico magnets. They are nickel-plated for improved corrosion resistance and appearance.

They are suitable for all slot cars; Artin, Ninco, SCX, Scalextric, SCX Scalextric, Tri-ang and many more.

This kit is great if you are not sure which Scalextric spares magnets would be best suited for your car. This kit contains:

Quantity	Description
2	Bar magnet 12mm x 6mm x 1.5mm (1/2" x 1/4" x 1/16" approx.)
2	Bar magnet 25mm x 6mm x 1.5mm (1" x 1/4" x 1/16" approx.)
1	Bar magnet 25mm x 6mm x 3mm (1/2" x 1/4" x 1/8" approx.)
2	Button magnet 8mm x 3mm (1/4" x 1/8" approx.)
2	Button magnet 8mm x 5mm (1/4" x 3/16" approx.)
1	Button magnet 10mm x 5mm (3/8" x 3/16" approx.)

Please see our Neodymium Magnet Safety Page for further information.

Our unique Magnet Downforce Calculator gives the magnetic attraction force for this magnet at given distances from the track. Ideal for locating the magnet.

Another great Scalextric solution from Scalextric Car Restorations

How to service the RX motor in your Scalextric car – updated

Maintain your Scalextric car’s RX motor with these simple hints and tips

Abstract

The earlier Scalextric cars produced in the 1960s were fitted with open frame motors the most common of which is known as the RX motor. This motor was also fitted to many of the Hornby locomotives of the period. This article shows how an RX motor can be serviced in a methodical way by considering the mechanical, electrical and magnetic aspects of the motor.

Introduction

The RX motor was fitted to most Scalextric cars from the 1960s. In order for your Scalextric car’s RX motor to give the best possible performance it has to be in the best possible health. Effectively giving the maximum torque for the electrical power available to it. For any electrical motor to give its best 3 key areas need to be considered; the mechanical condition of the motor, the electrical condition of the motor and the magnetic condition of the motor.

Mechanical

Mechanically the RX motor needs to be in the best condition possible to ensure that no energy is lost and the motor can transfer all of the generated torque to the rear axle. To do this several areas need to be reviewed:

• Firstly check and ensure that all the parts are present and undamaged. All missing or damaged parts must must be replaced.
• Check and ensure the motor armature spins freely with no rubbing or tight spots. This could be caused by missing or damaged bearings or a damaged motor housing.
• Review the motor pinion gear and ensure all the gear teeth are in good condition. Replace the pinion gear if gear teeth damage is found.
• Add a drop of oil to each of the bearing felt pads.
• Ensure the brush spring sleeve is present and in good condition. Replace if necessary.

Electrical

There are many electrical connections and contacts used on the RX motor. Each of these must be in good condition to ensure the best performance of the motor. To do this several areas need to be reviewed:

• Firstly check and ensure that the solder joint between the wire from the pick-up brush and the eyelet that fits over the brush spring sleeve is complete and sound. Replace or remake this joint if any of the wire strands are broken or not making contact.
• Inspect the eyelet for any dirt or metal oxides that may have formed over the years. Clean the brush spring back to clean shiny metal where it contacts the motor brush.
• Inspect the brush spring for any dirt or metal oxides that may have formed over the years. Clean the brush spring back to clean shiny metal where it contacts the motor brush and the screw that secures the magnet.
• Inspect and clean the motor brushes removing any dirt, oil and carbon deposits. Ensure the carbon block is present and securely attached to the brass strip. Clean the motor brushes back to clean shiny metal where they contact the brush spring and eyelet.
• Remove any dirt, oil and carbon deposits from between the commutator segments of the armature.
• Remove any dirt, oil and carbon deposits from the commutator.
• Check the three solder joints that secure the armature windings to the commutator, remake these joints if necessary.
• The electrical connections for a car with an RX motor are:
  • Contact: Track braid to track rail
  • Contact: Braid contact to track braid
  • Solder joint: Wire to braid contact
  • Solder joint: Motor brush sleeve to wire
  • Contact: Motor brush to motor brush sleeve
  • Solder joint: Motor brush carbon block to motor brush
  • Contact: Commutator to motor brush carbon block
  • Solder joint: Armature wire to commutator
  • Solder joint: Armature wire to commutator
  • Contact: Commutator to motor brush carbon block
  • Solder joint: Motor brush carbon block to motor brush
  • Contact: Motor brush to brush spring
  • Contact: Brush spring brass bolt
  • Contact: Brass bolt to eyelet
  • Solder joint: Eyelet to wire
  • Solder joint: Wire to braid contact
  • Contact: Braid contact to track braid
  • Contact: Track braid to track rail

Magnetic

The magnetic field used by the RX motor is provided by a permanent magnet at the rear of the motor. The magnetic field reaches the outside of the armature by the use of steel plates that are also used as the housing for the motor. To ensure the magnetic circuit is maintained the RX motor uses various materials to ensure the magnetic field is not reduced. Over time the magnet can lose some of its magnet field strength thereby reducing the motor’s torque and top speed. A replacement Neodymium magnet is available to restore and improve the RX motor’s performance.

• Ensure the magnet is secured by the correct brass screw.
• Ensure both the steel housing plates make good tight contact with the magnet.
• Ensure the aluminum plate adjacent to the magnet is fitted correctly.
• Ensure the brass plate at the commutator end of the motor is fitted correctly.

General

Through experience we have found that some RX motors still do not perform well even with all of these checks completed. This may be caused by a weak magnet or internally damaged armature windings. These faults are outside the scope of this article. There are many other possible faults with the earlier cars with the open frame motors. This is intended as a simple fault finding guide only. If the information above does not resolve the fault then contact us for further information.

About the author:

Gary Harding has been working with Scalextric cars for over 30 years and now operates Scalextric Car Restorations in the UK. Scalextric Car Restorations is a Worldwide internet based business that offers for sale high quality Scalextric cars and Scalextric parts from the 1960s to the present day. All the restoration work is carried out to the highest standards with the highest quality parts available. Only the best cars are selected and the final result is a car that is genuinely like new.
Further help and advice relating to this article or Scalextric cars in general can be found at:
http://www.scalextric-car.co.uk

7 ways to get more tyre grip from your Scalextric tyres

Improve the racing performance of your Scalextric car with these simple hints and tips.

In order for your Scalextric car to give the best lap times under race conditions the track and car must both be in the best of condition. This list below will cure most Scalextric car grip problems.

1. Clean your track
Very often there is a thin layer of dust on Scalextric track. This dust acts as a barrier between the rubber of the tyre and the plastic surface of the track. Before use, clean away this dust with a damp cloth. The track must be dried immediately to prevent corrosion setting in.

2. Clean your tyres
This dust and other debris can build up on your Scalextric car tyres too. This can also be cleaned off with a damp cloth.
3. Remove the oxides
Over time the rubber surface of your tyres can oxidise forming a thin hard, non grippy layer. If thin enough this layer can be sanded off with around 100 grit sand paper or the modern equivalents. This will bring fresh rubber into play and can give great improvements in grip levels.
4. Replace your tyres
If the tyre is deeply oxidised or cracked then replacement tyres is the only answer. Replacement tyres are available for just about all the Scalextric cars ever made – even the really old ones.
5. Use better tyres
To give an even better improvement in grip over a good original Scalextric tyre then use MAX Grip tyres. Manufactured from 29 Shore A hardness rubber, grip doesn’t get much better than this.
6. Add some weight
As friction is proportional to the downward force acting on the rear tyres of a Scalextric car then adding weight over the rear tyres will improve grip. Adding weight is, however, a balancing act as the weight will need to be accelerated, braked, and go around corners. This is a great way to fine tune the grip level wanted.
7. Use a magnet
Finally the way that Scalextric have used for years. Adding a magnet near to the rear axle adds downward force with little weight, especially the powerful Neodymium magnets. The magnet is attracted to the steel rails of the track giving the downward force. Again, this solution can be tuned by placing the magnet nearer or further away from the track rails.

There are many other possible solutions that can be used but these are the main solutions used. This is intended as a simple guide only. If the information above does not give you the grip you want then contact us for further information.

Another great Scalextric tip from Scalextric Car Restorations

More power from a Scalextric RX motor

Introduction:
The earlier Scalextric cars produced in the 1960s were fitted with open frame motors the most common of which is known as the RX motor. This motor was also fitted to many of the Hornby locomotives of the period. This article shows how to produce more torque and more RPM from an RX motor.

There are 3 main factors involved in improving the performance of a Scalextric RX motor.  These are:

• Electrical
• Magnetic
• Mechanical

Electrical:
For electrical the first place to start is to clean all the electrical connections from the track braids to the motor brushes.  An alternative is to use a flexible silicon wire and make a new connection from each track braid to the motor brushes directly.  This removes almost all of the electrical connections.  More radically the motor armature wire can be replaced to give a higher electrical current.
More current gives more torque.
Magnetic:
Magnetically there’s a couple of solutions available.  Re-magnetise the existing magnet to get it the best it can be or simply replace the magnet with a Neodymium magnet.  This will give 2-3 times the magnetic field strength of the original magnet.
More magnetic field strength gives more torque.
Mechanical:
Mechanically it’s all about reducing friction that opposes the rotation of the armature.  With the motor brushes removed the armature should spin very freely in its bearings.  The bearings should be in good alignment and offer very little resistance.  The tension on the motor brushes can have a big effect too.  Reduce the spring tension and the Scalextric RX motor produces more torque and more RPM.
Less friction gives more torque.
About the author:
Gary Harding has been working with Scalextric cars for over 35 years and now operates Scalextric Car Restorations in the UK. Scalextric Car Restorations is a Worldwide internet based business that offers for sale high quality Scalextric cars and Scalextric parts from the 1960s to the present day. All the restoration work is carried out to the highest standards with the highest quality parts available. Only the best cars are selected and the final result is a car that is genuinely like new.
Further help and advice relating to this article or Scalextric cars in general can be found at:
http://www.scalextric-car.co.uk

7 steps to improve the performance of your classic Scalextric car

Lap times improved from 18.72 seconds to 6.44 seconds. Read on to find out how we did it…..

Abstract

Frequently the older Scalextric cars can seem slow and difficult to race by the standards set by modern Scalextric cars. This article shows that in seven simple steps a typical Scalextric car from the 1970s can be updated to give track times nearly 3 times faster compared to the car when found. This was all accomplished with some basic servicing and with some readily available replacement parts.

Introduction

The older Scalextric cars from the 1970s and 1980s are great models but can seem slow and difficult to race by the standards set by modern Scalextric cars. Luckily these classic Scalextric cars can be upgraded to greatly enhance their track performance making them competitive on the track while not removing any of the enjoyment and skill required for the older Scalextric cars.
This article lists seven simple changes to greatly improve your classic Scalextric car. We have based this article on a 1970s Scalextric C.052 Ford Escort RS1600 which was selected as being typical of the Scalextric cars of the period. It was not prepared before the test apart from ensuring the motor operated as expected and the car was complete, electrically and mechanically with no obvious faults. The tyres were not cracked or split to any great degree and still had grip when run on classic Scalextric track. Our overall impression is that this car had been stood unused for a long period of time.

The seven steps

The results are based on a Scalextric Sport track with a test circuit specifically designed for this test. Built from the modern Sport Scalextric track the surface offers little mechanical grip with a smoother surface compared to the original classic Scalextric track. It incorporated tight inner corner hairpin sections, long straights, chicanes, corners that tightened, corners that opened out. Essentially all types of challenges.
Step 1: After conducting a visual inspection we measured the best lap times the car could achieve. The best lap time achieved was 18.72 seconds. Then the car was given an electrical service with new; copper pick up braids, pick up pins and wires from the pick up assembly to the motor. A retest gave a new lap time of 15.22 seconds which is an improvement of around 18%.
Step 2: Then, the car given a full lubrication service with all the motor and axle bearings given a small drop of oil each. Also, the gears were lightly coated with Teflon impregnated grease. A retest of the car gave a new best lap time of 13.77 seconds which is a further improvement of around 9.5%.
Step 3: After the lubrication service slightly wider axles were fitted and a little weight added to the rear of the chassis. Again the car was tested of the track and this time gave a best lap time of 12.50 seconds which is an improvement of 9.2%.
Step 4: Next a set of high grip replacement SuperSlix tyres were fitted to the rear wheel hubs. A retest gave a new best lap time of 9.99 seconds which is a further 20.1%.
Step 5: With the improvement made so far the next step was to replace the original Johnson motor with a new Mabuchi motor. This more powerful and lighter motor slightly increased the car’s lap time probably due to problems in getting the power down to the track. The best lap time recorded was 10.49 seconds which is a degradation of 0.5%.
Step 6: In order to give the car a chance to use the power available from the Mabuchi motor a Neodymium magnet was added to the chassis of the Escort. The best lap time achieved was 9.12 seconds which was an improvement of 25.5%
Step 7: Our final change was to add MAX Grip tyres as some tyre slip was clearly evident even with the Neodymium magnet present. These replacement SuperSlix tyres are manufactured from a latex material and give outstanding track grip. The best lap achieved a time of 6.44 seconds which was a further improvement of 25.5%

Conclusion

The overall improvement in lap times make this car competitive on the track while not removing any of the enjoyment and skill required. With these simple changes this car was almost a staggering 3 times faster than when purchased.
A more detailed account of the parts used and the results of each step can be can be found at Scalextric Car Restorations.

About the author:

Gary Harding has been working with Scalextric cars for over 30 years and now operates Scalextric Car Restorations in the UK. Scalextric Car Restorations is a Worldwide internet based business that offers for sale high quality Scalextric cars and Scalextric parts from the 1960s to the present day. All the restoration work is carried out to the highest standards with the highest quality parts available. Only the best cars are selected and the final result is a car that is genuinely like new.
Further help and advice relating to this article or Scalextric cars in general can be found at:
http://www.scalextric-car.co.uk

Scalextric cars in need of a good service

We see many older Scalextric cars that have been in storage for a while or maybe cars that haven’t been used much lately and they don’t run very well on the track.  The owners very often think the car is worn out and good only as scrap.  This is often far from the case.



Frequently all that’s needed is a good service and a clean.  With the older Scalextric cars which have an unknown history almost anything could be causing bad running.  On the electrical side we need to provide a good electrical circuit from the track to the motor armature windings.  On the mechanical side everything needs to be free to rotate and be lubricated a little.

Firstly check all the electrical connections and if you are unsure replace the parts as just about all the Scalextric spare parts required are available.  Clean and refit all the electrical parts to the original design where possible which might include soldering the wires to their fittings.

For the mechanical parts ensure everything turns freely at slow speed by rotating by hand.  Some Scalextric cars fitted with the early RX motor suffer from binding of the gears which is a specialist job to rectify.  Also, ensure the gears mesh properly with all the gears feeling the same as you rotate the rear axle.  Finally, add a tiny drop of light engineering oil to all the bearings and a smear of Teflon grease to the gears.

Another great insight from Scalextric Car Restorations

7 ways to improve the track performance of your classic Scalextric car

Lap times improved from 18.72 seconds to 6.44 seconds. Read on to find out how we did it…..

Abstract
Frequently the older Scalextric cars can seem slow and difficult to race by the standards set by modern Scalextric cars.  This article shows that in seven simple steps a typical Scalextric car from the 1970s can be updated to give track times nearly 3 times faster compared to the car when found.  This was all accomplished with some basic servicing and with some readily available replacement parts.

Introduction
The older Scalextric cars from the 1970s and 1980s are great models but can seem slow and difficult to race by the standards set by modern Scalextric cars.  Luckily these classic Scalextric cars can be upgraded to greatly enhance their track performance making them competitive on the track while not removing any of the enjoyment and skill required for the older Scalextric cars.
This article lists seven simple changes to greatly improve your classic Scalextric car.  We have based this article on a 1970s Scalextric C.052 Ford Escort RS1600 which was selected as being typical of the Scalextric cars of the period.  It was not prepared before the test apart from ensuring the motor operated as expected and the car was complete, electrically and mechanically with no obvious faults.  The tyres were not cracked or split to any great degree and still had grip when run on classic Scalextric track.  Our overall impression is that this car had been stood unused for a long period of time.



The seven steps
The results are based on a Scalextric Sport track with a test circuit specifically designed for this test.  Built from the modern Sport Scalextric track the surface offers little mechanical grip with a smoother surface compared to the original classic Scalextric track. It incorporated tight inner corner hairpin sections, long straights, chicanes, corners that tightened, corners that opened out. Essentially all types of challenges.

Step 1:  After conducting a visual inspection we measured the best lap times the car could achieve.  The best lap time achieved was 18.72 seconds.  Then the car was given an electrical service with new; copper pick up braids, pick up pins and wires from the pick up assembly to the motor.  A retest gave a new lap time of 15.22 seconds which is an improvement of around 18%.

Step 2:  Then, the car given a full lubrication service with all the motor and axle bearings given a small drop of oil each.  Also, the gears were lightly coated with Teflon impregnated grease.  A retest of the car gave a new best lap time of 13.77 seconds which is a further improvement of around 9.5%.

Step 3:  After the lubrication service slightly wider axles were fitted and a little weight added to the rear of the chassis.  Again the car was tested of the track and this time gave a best lap time of 12.50 seconds which is an improvement of 9.2%.

Step 4:  Next a set of high grip replacement SuperSlix tyres were fitted to the rear wheel hubs.  A retest gave a new best lap time of 9.99 seconds which is a further 20.1%.

Step 5:  With the improvement made so far the next step was to replace the original Johnson motor with a new Mabuchi motor.  This more powerful and lighter motor slightly increased the car’s lap time probably due to problems in getting the power down to the track.  The best lap time recorded was 10.49 seconds which is a degradation of 0.5%.

Step 6:  In order to give the car a chance to use the power available from the Mabuchi motor a Neodymium magnet was added to the chassis of the Escort.  The best lap time achieved was 9.12 seconds which was an improvement of 25.5%

Step 7:  Our final change was to add MAX Grip tyres as some tyre slip was clearly evident even with the Neodymium magnet present.  These replacement SuperSlix tyres are manufactured from a latex material and give outstanding track grip.  The best lap achieved a time of 6.44 seconds which was a further improvement of 25.5%

Conclusion
The overall improvement in lap times make this car competitive on the track while not removing any of the enjoyment and skill required.  With these simple changes this car was almost a staggering 3 times faster than when purchased.

A more detailed account of the parts used and the results of each step can be can be found at Scalextric Car Restorations.

About the author:
Gary Harding has been working with Scalextric cars for over 30 years and now operates Scalextric Car Restorations in the UK.  Scalextric Car Restorations is a Worldwide internet based business that offers for sale high quality Scalextric cars and Scalextric parts from the 1960s to the present day. All the restoration work is carried out to the highest standards with the highest quality parts available. Only the best cars are selected and the final result is a car that is genuinely like new.

Further help and advice relating to this article or Scalextric cars in general can be found at:
http://www.scalextric-car.co.uk

Improving the performance of your Scalextric Johnson 111 motor

For many, many years Scalextric fitted their cars with the Johnson 111 motor.  This is a solid reliable motor producing plenty of power for the grip available at the time.  With the advent of MAX Grip tyres and Neodymium magnets the Scalextric Johnson 111 motor can seem to lack power.



We are often asked for the best way to upgrade this motor.  The simple answer is it’s not worth it.  A rewind will give a little more torque but that’s about is.  The best answer is to replace the Scalextric Johnson 111 motor with a modern Scalextric Mabuchi motor and use a set of motor mounting adaptor pieces to complete the motor form factor.

You can then choose from a selection of Scalextric Mabuchi motors to suit your specific needs.

Another great insight from Scalextric Car Restorations

7 steps to improve the track performance of your classic Scalextric car

Lap times improved from 18.72 seconds to 6.44 seconds. Read on to find out how we did it…..
Abstract
Frequently the older Scalextric cars can seem slow and difficult to race by the standards set by modern Scalextric cars.  This article shows that in seven simple steps a typical Scalextric car from the 1970s can be updated to give track times nearly 3 times faster compared to the car when found.  This was all accomplished with some basic servicing and with some readily available replacement parts.
Introduction
The older Scalextric cars from the 1970s and 1980s are great models but can seem slow and difficult to race by the standards set by modern Scalextric cars.  Luckily these classic Scalextric cars can be upgraded to greatly enhance their track performance making them competitive on the track while not removing any of the enjoyment and skill required for the older Scalextric cars.
This article lists seven simple changes to greatly improve your classic Scalextric car.  We have based this article on a 1970s Scalextric C.052 Ford Escort RS1600 which was selected as being typical of the Scalextric cars of the period.  It was not prepared before the test apart from ensuring the motor operated as expected and the car was complete, electrically and mechanically with no obvious faults.  The tyres were not cracked or split to any great degree and still had grip when run on classic Scalextric track.  Our overall impression is that this car had been stood unused for a long period of time.
The seven steps
The results are based on a Scalextric Sport track with a test circuit specifically designed for this test.  Built from the modern Sport Scalextric track the surface offers little mechanical grip with a smoother surface compared to the original classic Scalextric track. It incorporated tight inner corner hairpin sections, long straights, chicanes, corners that tightened, corners that opened out. Essentially all types of challenges.
Step 1:  After conducting a visual inspection we measured the best lap times the car could achieve.  The best lap time achieved was 18.72 seconds.  Then the car was given an electrical service with new; copper pick up braids, pick up pins and wires from the pick up assembly to the motor.  A retest gave a new lap time of 15.22 seconds which is an improvement of around 18%.
Step 2:  Then, the car given a full lubrication service with all the motor and axle bearings given a small drop of oil each.  Also, the gears were lightly coated with Teflon impregnated grease.  A retest of the car gave a new best lap time of 13.77 seconds which is a further improvement of around 9.5%.
Step 3:  After the lubrication service slightly wider axles were fitted and a little weight added to the rear of the chassis.  Again the car was tested of the track and this time gave a best lap time of 12.50 seconds which is an improvement of 9.2%.
Step 4:  Next a set of high grip replacement SuperSlix tyres were fitted to the rear wheel hubs.  A retest gave a new best lap time of 9.99 seconds which is a further 20.1%.
Step 5:  With the improvement made so far the next step was to replace the original Johnson motor with a new Mabuchi motor.  This more powerful and lighter motor slightly increased the car’s lap time probably due to problems in getting the power down to the track.  The best lap time recorded was 10.49 seconds which is a degradation of 0.5%.
Step 6:  In order to give the car a chance to use the power available from the Mabuchi motor a Neodymium magnet was added to the chassis of the Escort.  The best lap time achieved was 9.12 seconds which was an improvement of 25.5%
Step 7:  Our final change was to add MAX Grip tyres as some tyre slip was clearly evident even with the Neodymium magnet present.  These replacement SuperSlix tyres are manufactured from a latex material and give outstanding track grip.  The best lap achieved a time of 6.44 seconds which was a further improvement of 25.5%
Conclusion
The overall improvement in lap times make this car competitive on the track while not removing any of the enjoyment and skill required.  With these simple changes this car was almost a staggering 3 times faster than when purchased.
A more detailed account of the parts used and the results of each step can be can be found at Scalextric Car Restorations.
About the author:
Gary Harding has been working with Scalextric cars for over 30 years and now operates Scalextric Car Restorations in the UK.  Scalextric Car Restorations is a Worldwide internet based business that offers for sale high quality Scalextric cars and Scalextric parts from the 1960s to the present day. All the restoration work is carried out to the highest standards with the highest quality parts available. Only the best cars are selected and the final result is a car that is genuinely like new.
Further help and advice relating to this article or Scalextric cars in general can be found at:
http://www.scalextric-car.co.uk