Annoyances, Part 1

The idea of an armature identified solely by a tag and X turns of Y-gauge wire on a Z-length stack is, in a word, dumb, and should be abandoned. Why? Because 40 years ago X turns of Y on Z worked as a limiter only because we knew so little and equipment was so bad. Given the advances in stack materials, commutators and (the big one) magnets, using X turns of Y on Z as the sole definition of a motor "group" or class is nigh on useless which (in my opinion) makes it dumb.

Things need to be tightened up, especially at slot racing's entry or "hobby" level. There is a crying need for a change in philosophy. Classes at the "fun" end of our hobby should be designed so that costs are controlled and individual tuning limited (but not eliminated). Such limitations would go a long way toward making our little game appealing to more people. The application of such a philosophy would be fairly simple though likely to cause much debate.

1) Everyone uses the same armature, magnets, can, and endbell. There will be a single supplier for each component. There will be a minimum stack length, resistance, and inductance per pole. There will be a maximum and a minimum armature diameter and air gap.

2) Everyone uses one of no more than a half dozen bodies.

3) Everyone uses one of no more than three chassis. There will be a maximum and a minimum guide lead (guide post to rear axle distance). There will be a maximum and a minimum distance from the top of the rear axle to the bottom of the chassis.

4) There will be a minimum weight and a minimum clearance to be met at all times.

Example (not a recommendation)

1) Parma Deathstar can and magnets; Pro Slot Speed FX endbell; Pro Slot 16D armature measuring no less than 590 (resistance) and 1350 (inductance), and .600 (length). Armature diameter will be not less than .514" and not more than .518" and magnet air gap of not less than .570 nor more than .580".

2) JK or Outisight Audi Coupe, JK or Outisight Bentley Coupe, Parma Dome.

3) Champion Turbo Flex, Parma Flexi-5, JK Cheetah 11.

4) Minimum weight of 110 grams, .055" minimum clearance.