Apparently the first Ford Transit rolled off the production line at Ford's Langley plant in Berkshire, England, on this day in 1965.

As it happens, one of my favourite slot vehicles is a Pendle's resin kit of a MkI bullnose, which I bought years and years ago. 

It's certainly not built for competitive racing. It's a good model, but it is really heavy, and since most of that weight is in the thick resin body, the centre of gravity is way up high.

It's so heavy, and the tyres are so narrow that it needs plenty of advanced warning if you expect it to accelerate or brake. 

                   

But it is so much fun to drive. You can really feel the heft of it, but strangely the skinny tyres combined with the weight provide a decent amount of grip, and make it a really satisfying drive. And in spite of the high centre of gravity, it doesn't topple over as easily as you might imagine, as the tyres usually lose grip just before it goes barrel rolling, allowing a controlled oversteer.

The driver is called Dave, obviously.

I'm sure there must be other people who have Transits, so please post them up here.

Hi what can you tell me,Carrera BMW Z4 coupe mar BMW Z4 GT3 scaleauto BMW Z4 GT3 models. Which is best out the box & can other brands be upgraded to be as good or better?  I ask because the Z4M coupe is my favourite version looks wise plus I do love modifying my slot cars so all info &/or opinions greatly appreciated.

Hi guys I want the scx Sierra cosworth gemini jimy McRae. Then using pendles sapphire kit I plan to build a 4x4 cosworth rally model too. Has anybody built one of these kits or have any feedback at all?

Mission Motorsport, the Forces Motorsport Charity, will be holding a fund raiser at the Hagerty UK Clubhouse situated in Bicester Heritage on the evening of 13th August from 1800hrs.
[img=0x0]https://www.slotforum.com/attachments/20240106_135506-jpg.393507/?hash=287151ba595ca8955f21138269d17d4a[/img]
   
In addition to our gorgeous Goodwood circuit we will be hosting a pro/am recreation of St Mary's Trophy to finish the night. We will be joined by a few notable stars of the Goodwood Revival, both the drivers and their cars.

So if you fancy having a go at a fastest lap of Goodwood or a chance to partner with Grant Williams, Nick Swift or Fred Shepherd, then you might want to grab yourself a ticket here:
Tickets

All money raised on the evening will be going to Mission Motorsport to help them deliver their services to the UK Veteran community.
https://www.missionmotorsport.org/

And by way of some trivia.... whats the odd one out in this picture:
[img=0x0]https://www.slotforum.com/attachments/sclaextric-grid-jpeg.393508/?hash=287151ba595ca8955f21138269d17d4a[/img]    

Our event is supported by Scalextric who will be providing some gorgeous prizes along with a rapid fire auction of some Goodwood memorabilia.

Wherever there's a problem...there's a solution. 

Shapeways are gone but there are alternatives:

1.  https://craftcloud3d.com
Offering a vast range of 3D printing technologies, Craftcloud by All3DP is one of the best 3D printing services in the world. It delivers industrial-quality results at the most competitive prices.

2.  https://xometry.eu/en
Xometry is an on-demand manufacturing service that has an extensive network of industrial manufacturers, including over 2,000 in Europe alone. Having worked with industry giants like BMW, GE, and Bosch, it’s safe to say that Xometry has an industrial focus.

3.  https://www.hubs.com
This 3D printing service underwent many name changes. What began as a 3D printing network 3D Hubs, main supported by local enthusiasts and occasional professionals, became just Hubs and is now called Protolabs Network by Hubs. It offers manufacturing processes including 3D printing, CNC machining, injection molding, and sheet metal fabrication. With its partners, it is capable of producing anywhere from one to 1,000 pieces.

4.  https://i.materialise.com/en
The Belgium-based company Materialise offers two 3D printing services. Materialise Manufacturing focuses more on industrial end uses, while their online 3D printing service i.Materialise caters more to the general market.

5.  https://www.wenext.com
Based in Shenzhen, China, WeNext specializes in producing resin and nylon prints. As one of the leading online manufacturing service platforms in the Asia-Pacific region, it serves over 200,000 customers and has access to more than 800 machines through its partner network. In addition to resin and nylon prints, the company offers metal 3D printing, plastic and metal CNC manufacturing, and vacuum casting of various popular plastic materials.

6.  https://www.sculpteo.com
Compared to other services on this list, Sculpteo offers a slightly reduced range of manufacturing services. With the exception of laser cutting and engraving, the bulk of their service offering revolves around 3D printing, and most of the main types are represented.

7.  https://quickparts.com
Quickparts is a handy service offering many of the same services as Shapeways, though their 3D printing technologies are more narrowly focused. In addition, they offer both rapid and functional prototyping services as well as low-volume production.

8.  https://www.weerg.com
 GUARANTEED PRECISION AND ACCURACY, 3-DAY LEAD TIME, ALL PARTS ARE PRODUCED IN-HOUSE IN THE EU

The worldwide largest 3D printer installation and the largest fully robotised 5-axis machining facility in Europe to create perfect customised parts for any project.

Hi guys, can somebody help me out. I need to know what anglewinder motorpod to use with scaleauto sc_0008b motor. Thanx in advance.

   

We're back at the Barn for our August Nascar race on Wednesday 7 August. We often use a 'tricky triangle' for the summer race, but this year Keith and Deborah have chosen a short track oval inspired by Nashville Fairgrounds Speedway...

   

At 37 feet, it's hardly a bullring - but the mayhem will come thick and fast.

Doors open at 6.15pm for practice, with the heats starting before 7 o'clock. We aim to wrap everything up by 9.30. Entry is £3 for adults and £2 for under-16s. We ask that all young racers aged 13 and below bring a responsible adult with them. Club cars and controllers are always available.

Here it is. 
The SCX Solenoid driver and pins has been replaced by a Digital to Analogue Converter chip or DAC.
Our OLED driver connects to a 0.49" OLED screen to select channels.
We have utilised the two Photo Transistor analogue input pins to connect a set switch.
As usual the MPD is used as the mother board.
The board is powered off the 5V supply from the CU.
The DAC chip connects to the CU via the RJ12 telephone plug.
The Scorpius Controller to MPD data is complete.
And work is underway in the next few weeks to implement Carrera Controller protocols to the CU.
So as you can see the MPD really is a Multi Protocol Decoder capable of almost anything. 
In fact the Controller, USB Dongle and MPD can do every single function required for any brand. Very cool indeed.
The MPD boasts digital in/outs and now Analogue in/outs. 
Along with the TX/RX in/outs added and the OLED driver this is going to be a killer product.
And all this in 22.00x13.3mm.
Thankyou Johnny you are a legend!

   

Rick

...without paint?  I'm going to try...stay tuned!

It has taken a while but the architecture for the Nitrous system for Carrera to be finalised, but well worth the wait. Many ways to utilise some or all options to suit all types of users and budgets.

Level 1: MPD car decoder in Carrera native mode.
Level 2: Controller: Use Controller and Scorpius to Carrera Bluetooth Dongle (hardwire from unit to CU) for use with Carrera native system and enhanced Nitrous system.
Level 3: Add in MPD Car Decoder using Scorpius protocols for full Nitrous system.
Level 4: Add in Nitrous RF to Bluetooth converter to enable MPD to/from App.
Level 5: Add in MPD Lane Brain in Carrera mode for track comms for pit lane detection, pit bay detection 1-6, programmable race line, sector timing and lane changing for Carrera timber track builders.

   
Click to enlarge