[Dr_C]

As some members will know, I am using NSR cars with SSD track and lane changers. I have a question which I would appreciate some help with please? but first some background info…

1/ I am using NSR AMG cars with their standard fit NSR white guides.
2/ I am using standard scalextric two-lane cross-over lane changers with their standard electronics.

Now the issue:

Sometimes when I command a ‘lane-change’, the car crosses towards the centre-line but instead of proceeding to the opposite lane, it ‘zigs’ back to the original lane. This is worse for some cars and particular lane changers. So my question… is there a known issue with using NSR standard guides (which are quite narrow) with Scalextric lane changers?

When I replace with Slot.it standard guides, that have been modified to sharpen the leading edge, the issues appear to go away.

These guides are significantly wider in the slot.

Is this known practice? (I ask innocently…)

c

[Drifter2]

I've not had this issue with any NSR's. 

The only time something similar has happened is when the wires to the guide were not allowing the guide to spring back to the straight ahead position. In my case the guide struck the centre X and the car de-slotted violently. ( this was with a Scalextric car)

[Dr_C]

Many thanks Drifter2 - I appreciate your insights. The internal wiring is set up as a gentle return spring for the guides as per your advice. Maybe it’s a combination of front axle running height needing adjustment and, perhaps, a slight warping of the plastic wedge at the centre of the cross-over?

Good to know you didn’t see anything similar when using NSR guides :)

c

[MrFlippant]

Same here. Not really an issue, in general, if the guide is properly self-centering.
I know Mike M. aka P944Guy on some forums, Road America Northwest youtube channel, runs a wide variety of cars, many being NSR, on his SSD based track, and I don't recall him ever complaining about that being a pervasive issue.

[Dr_C]

Thanks Drifter2 and MrF, that narrows the issue down to my car/lane-changer set-up. Good to know - thanks again.

c

[Drifter2]

I've used the slo-mo video capture on my phone in the past to analyse LC shenanigans.