[Dr_C2]

   

Assembled ‘dry’ and axle stoppers still to be added.

[Dr_C2]

   

Axle stoppers added, now it’s time to leave the epoxy to cure :)

Tomorrow I will add the LED and that should be the ‘digitisation’ completed.

c

[Dr_C2]

While we may think of these Bugatti’s as beautiful and very retro, but also rather slow compared with modern racing machines; in their time they were, of course, built for speed with their cutting edge motor racing technology of the day.

With this thought in mind, the 1/32 models deserve well engineered motor racing technology too. And that should include a low friction transmission.

As we mentioned at the outset of this thread the spring based universal joint is a difficult starting point for the digital conversion. A ‘spring centred’ implementation of a universal joint onto a short propshaft end section is an awkward configuration for a propshaft which is designed to centre the entire rear axle. Add to that some misalignments of the propshaft bushings and the result is a transmission which is quite difficult to turn. This is hard work for the motor and the excess friction generates excessive braking effect too. No spooling down as the motor power is cut. Instead an instant stop.

The new transmission as reported in the above posts is silky smooth - just as the transmissions of those 1930’s full size Bugatti’s will have been :)

A worthwhile upgrade IMO.

c

[woodingboys]

Great work as always Clive. 
Thank you for all your efforts.

I have something a tad easier to digitise now, but no less easy to drive I suspect:
   
   

[Dr_C2]

Photo 1: showing addition of the IR LED into the SureChange guide.

   

Photo 2: showing the red/blue wiring from the decoder pcb to the IR LED. Note this photo also shows the crown gear with corrected positioning for the motor wiring polarity used.

   

Photo 3: The Bugatti type 59 fully digitised and assembled.

   

Conclusions:

1/ The Bugatti has been modified for use with SSD digital systems. 

2/ The modified Bugatti correctly changes lane and it correctly counts laps. Note: of course it only counts laps for powerbases which are designed to function correctly with Surechange guides. In the case of the ARC PRO powerbase this requires implementation of the ‘grey wire mod’.

3/ The modified transmission functions well in eliminating excess transmission friction as was observed in the first-time-out-of-box behaviour.

4/ There remains one issue to resolve. If the body is tightly fastened to the car’s chassis this action distorts the chassis causing poor gear mesh. This is currently addressed by leaving a high degree of ‘body float’, and far more than would normally be considered. A more thorough solution might be to attach rigid longerons to the chassis (especially where the four assembly screws are used to join the front and rear chassis sections).

This has been an enjoyable digitisation project and has resulted in a ‘digitally’ race-able 1930’s era motor car which itself exhibits beautiful period detail.

c

[Dr_C2]

One further addendum to the Bugatti digitisation project:

I mentioned the chassis has quite a lot of flex and this in combination with a long prop shaft leads to poor gear mesh as the chassis screws are tightened.

The solution was to hot glue the normally loose fitting plastic transmission tunnel to the chassis thereby creating a ‘rigid’ box section just where the chassis is at its weakest.

The strengthened chassis can now be attached to the body without affecting gear mesh.

This digital car now runs very smoothly and the chassis screws can be adjusted for optimum body float.

The job is done!

c

[Dr_C2]

A final update from me on this thread - at least for some while.

The Bugatti with transmission mods and the small digital decoder and SureChange guide makes a great combination. It’s great to see such a classic car doing the things at 1/32 scale that are made possible by the Hornby SSD digital system i.e. changing lanes, counting laps and running alongside other digital cars.

Everything is now running as it should… but with one annoying tiny detail. Under very high motor acceleration the chassis still flexes slightly. 

It’s still a pleasure to drive the Bugatti on plastic track (in my case Scalextric Sport track) but some gentle acceleration at the start grid is important to keep the motor and gearbox 100% aligned. For me the next logical step is to install a 3dp chassis that eliminates flex between motor and gear box.

Also for me, now there is a strong incentive in scope too i.e. seeing these 30’s era cars on track, even at 1/32 scale, is truly spectacular. We next need a full grid of six. Which of course was Paul’s vision from the outset of this thread.

c

[KensRedZed]

Why stop at six? 

   

[Dr_C2]

What a superb line up - the inspiration continues :)

[woodingboys]

A final update from me on this thread - at least for some while.

The Bugatti with transmission mods and the small digital decoder and SureChange guide makes a great combination. It’s great to see such a classic car doing the things at 1/32 scale that are made possible by the Hornby SSD digital system i.e. changing lanes, counting laps and running alongside other digital cars.

Everything is now running as it should… but with one annoying tiny detail. Under very high motor acceleration the chassis still flexes slightly. 

It’s still a pleasure to drive the Bugatti on plastic track (in my case Scalextric Sport track) but some gentle acceleration at the start grid is important to keep the motor and gearbox 100% aligned. For me the next logical step is to install a 3dp chassis that eliminates flex between motor and gear box.

Also for me, now there is a strong incentive in scope too i.e. seeing these 30’s era cars on track, even at 1/32 scale, is truly spectacular. We next need a full grid of six. Which of course was Paul’s vision from the outset of this thread.

c

I need to get to work on that 3DP chassis :-) My two are still sat in their boxes :-( Far too many projects on the go....