[GregK]

Scalextric Lotus 25: modified C8516

The long awaited Lotus 25 has arrived. My first close look at it reveals that
this is another one of Scalextric masterpieces ......

   
Separating the body shell from the chassis was a bit of a puzzle with only
three screws holding them together ....


   
The rear suspension did not want to release the back axle easily. Gently
teasing of the joints found a way as fortuitously no great gobs of glue
were apparent ...


   
Some modification of the chassis is required. The large lump on the right,
though which the retaining screw was insert, will have to go and the two
pillars on the left will need some attention ....


   
A C8516 needs preparing by removing some bits and swapping others
out. The infrared LED has been removed. The JST socket in the centre
has gone and the whopping big capacitor replaced with some MLCC ones ....


   
The posts have been nibbled away and a new LED has been inserted....


   
The chip is now placed over the LED ready for soldering at the correct length ....


   
The infrared LED is now attached ....


   

The fit for the shell onto the chassis was checked with Jim in place .... no
problems so far ....


   
Before the going any further, the midified chip needed to be tested to ensure
full functionality ....


   
Having passed that test, the motors wire needed checking for correct orientation
to ensure it runs forwards .... 


   
All good so the wire can now be shortened and fixed properly in place ....


   
A quick shot of the fully reassembled car. The LED is unobstructed and the guide
turns freely in both direction ....


   
finished and running a sweet as a nut ....  and just look at the detail of the treads on
the tyres .... 

 
 
 
Well done Scalextric on producing such a superb model which was a joy
to work on. Surpisingly, this is not the hardest car that I have digitised. I
would rate it about the same as a Lotus 49. Simon from Scalextric didn't
think that it could be done ......