[ducatimann]

Hi all,

No doubt you get these posts all the time, but I purchased a vintage Revell Americana Home Raceway that looks to be complete in the original box.  I am a pretty handy person, and after probably way overpaying for it, took it home to test everything out.  3 Seized motors, hard rubber tires that slide on the track, and at least one non-functioning controller later, I think I didn't know what I was getting myself into.

I would love any thoughts or advice on repair/restoration and the best place to get parts.  No way I will have it going before Christmas but it's a start.  

See some photos attached!  I would love to get everything working as it should.

Cheers!

[DPJ]

You could always just buy new cars... and put those originals aside while you research the parts needed and get them ordered.
That would ensure you're using it before XMas.

As far as tires and motors, it would help if you showed us pictures of the chassis, so the pros can tell you what motors would work - take the body off and take pics of the top and bottom of each chassis if they're different.

[Kevan]

That's a nice set! 

I wouldn't have thought the motors were seized, that can only happen if they throw a wind off the armature or rusted due to damp but the box doesn't look water damaged.

[ducatimann]

You guys are the best.  I'll try to find some slot cars that would work.  Any suggestions would be great!

Here are some photos of the motor.  I might as well replace all 4.  I can solder so thats no issue, just curious how they come out without bending the frame.

[DPJ]

Any 1:32 slot car will work. Manufacturers are many, including the most popular in no particular order... NSR, Carrera, Slot.It, Scalextric, Thunderslot, RevoSlot, Sideways, MrSlotcar, Scaleauto, TeamSlot

You might want to check the For Sale section of the forum and see what's for sale in your area

[KensRedZed]

Don't get rid of the old bodies/cars. They are very desirable collectables in todays market. Hide them in a drawer until you're ready to start rebuilding slot cars.

I would gladly trade you some new Carrera cars for them. But, the shipping to Canada will likely make it not worth while.

[ducatimann]

Don't get rid of the old bodies/cars. They are very desirable collectables in todays market. Hide them in a drawer until you're ready to start rebuilding slot cars.

I would gladly trade you some new Carrera cars for them. But, the shipping to Canada will likely make it not worth while.

You got it.  Here are the tires.  Curious where I can get replacements.

[mickey thumbs]

Have you tried turning the motors by hand? A light spray of electrical contact cleaner or a couple drops of lighter fluid on the commutator through the opening in the plastic endbell followed by hand turning may free things up.
Replacement tires can be found online. Ortmann makes urethane tires for these older wheels with the flanges on the outside edges. (modern cars use a center ridge to stabilize the tire)  EJ’s Hobbies is out of business but their tires can be found at online retailers and eBay.
Other more experienced members who are into vintage slot cars will probably chime in soon with more advice, In the meantime, buying a couple new cars will save Christmas for you. ?

[ducatimann]

Have you tried turning the motors by hand? A light spray of electrical contact cleaner or a couple drops of lighter fluid on the commutator through the opening in the plastic endbell followed by hand turning may free things up.
Replacement tires can be found online. Ortmann makes urethane tires for these older wheels with the flanges on the outside edges. (modern cars use a center ridge to stabilize the tire)  EJ’s Hobbies is out of business but their tires can be found at online retailers and eBay.
Other more experienced members who are into vintage slot cars will probably chime in soon with more advice, In the meantime, buying a couple new cars will save Christmas for you. ?

I’m being really cautious of the plastic gear on the axle as I don’t want to damage it but it can rotate, just not easily. There is some sort of green corrosion by the gear on the motor. Will try some lighter fluid and see if it works!

I also need to source a new spring for one of the remotes as it was not inside the body of the controller.

[DPJ]

It almost sounds like you should purchase a new Policar, Scalextric, or Carrera set if you have the space... and keep this Vintage set for resell value after bringing it back to life.