1970 Petty Road Runner

[Beekay]

Well, after the 1971 Petty Road Runner suffered a catastrophic crash, the backup car, the 1970 Petty Road Runner, is ready to rip. Or at least run. The '71 looked better and while the '70 has its share of flaws, I'm satisfied with the outcome of my first ever entirely scratch-built slot car for entry into my first proxy race.




This is a slosh-molded resin body that I picked up on eBay a few years ago. It seems to be more resilient than the 3D resin '71 body so hopefully, it'll hold up on the track.

The chassis is my own design and while unconventional, is 100% brass, incorporating an adjustable front axle and bushing-less rear axle mounts.




The car weighs in at a whopping 175 grams. I used 9/28 gearing in an effort to give it some snort coming out of the corners. I'm not sure how the on-track performance will compare to more traditional designs, but assuming it arrives on time, we're gonna find out.

[one32]

That is some impressive chassis work. The car looks really nice. Good luck on your first proxy race.

[Beekay]

Thank you.

[Mark Thomas]

Looks great BK, interesting chassis, looking forward to giving it a good run.

[Beekay]

Thanks. Let 'er rip. It already has a few track scars from testing so don't be afraid to push it.

[mattb]

That is tricky looking. Good job.

[Beekay]

Thanks

[HomeRacingWorld]

Fantastic detail and modeling, top to bottom. Class of the field I bet.

[Beekay]

Thanks. But this?

Class of the field I bet.

That's a stretch I'm sure.

[Michael Squier]

Wow, that’s a very impressive chassis. I’m noticing it’s solder free, all machined and bolted together. Pretty cool.

[Beekay]

Yes, entirely solder-free. We'll see if it holds together.

[Michael Squier]

I’ll be watching as the races videos are uploaded. Test sessions are looking good so far for the competition !

[SuperSlab]

That looks great Blair! The chassis certainly looks pretty skookum, that's for sure!

The "bushing-less rear axle mounts" sounds intriguing! The axle just runs in the bored out axle holders? If so, that certainly raises the requirement in terms of perfect alignment.

Best of luck: we out here in the West are rooting for you!

Alwyn

[Beekay]

Thanks Alwyn,

[QUOTE=SuperSlab;n200141The "bushing-less rear axle mounts" sounds intriguing! The axle just runs in the bored out axle holders? If so, that certainly raises the requirement in terms of perfect alignment.
[/QUOTE]

Yes, the axle mount has a 2.4 mm hole bored through it with a 3.0 mm oil pocket milled around it. This reduces the depth of the axle mount to minimize contact with the axle. The vertical alignment is set by the machining of the hole. And while it looks like the wheelbase is adjustable (and it is to a small degree) the slots in the chassis are what allow for the fine-tuning of the horizontal axle alignment. They also allow for small adjustments to the gear mesh.

[ShotgunDave]

All I can say is WOW! Fantastic modeling and chassis work. Good luck in your first proxy.

[Beekay]

Thank you. I am looking forward to it.

[SuperSlab]

all machined and bolted together

With nylock nuts, it is extremely unlikely that a bolt would drop off, so if it DOES, and seeing it is a blue car, that really would be like a bolt out of the blue...

[Beekay]

Hah!

[WestonsGarage]

Pretty Slick.. All-round nice chassis.
Cant wait to see how it does in round Zero.
Wish you all the best.

When your ready to sell me one of those cool chassis.
Please give me a shout.

Cheers
W

[Beekay]

Thanks Wes. And thanks for the testing time at Weston's Garage. Sell you one? Hmmm.

[Broman62]

Outstanding chassis BK and beautiful car!!

[Beekay]

Thanks so much.

[Bill from NH]

That's a nice car to model & you really pulled it off. I saw Petty & his similar Road Runner in 1968 on a 1/3 mi. oval. He qualified 3rd, then changed rear end gears. During the 300 lap race he kept circling the field all night for the win.

[Beekay]

Thanks for the comment Bill. I never got the chance to see Petty race but was a huge fan growing up and watching him on tv with my dad. There was just something about those blue Mopars.

[Bill from NH]

Beekay, I also saw Petty at Daytona in I think 1979. Richard came from behind to win that race too, this time driving a red & blue Oldsmobile. These are the only two cup races I've seen live.

[Sloter]

Well done!

Bob

[Beekay]

Thank you.

[Vintage 1/24]

Very nice - and the chassis is the standout here.

How do you build these - machine all the little bits - computer driven milling? Would like to see a thread on that.

[Beekay]

Thanks. I may just do that.