Broken Scalextric question.

[So]

Only lane 2 works and the problem appears to be coming from the power base. Is it a throw away and start again job?

[miniman]

Could be as simple as a broken joint underneath - let’s have an underside photo.

[So]

miniman said:

Could be as simple as a broken joint underneath - let’s have an underside photo.

I will need to dismantle it.

[sgrimshaw]

A replacement (new) is cheap as chips - ebay is good source.

OR ......

Take this as an opportunity to upgrade

[So]

sgrimshaw said:

A replacement (new) is cheap as chips - ebay is good source.

OR ......

Take this as an opportunity to upgrade

Which leads me on to my next question: Is that a digital or analogue thing and what will work with it?

[sgrimshaw]

So said:

Which leads me on to my next question: Is that a digital or analogue thing and what will work with it?

The unit in your OP is the very basic analog one.

Going to digital means the cars will need chipping and some digital track will be required.

There are upgrades you might consider whilst staying analog.

For example, dual power supplies or maybe Arc Air

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Scalextric-Sport-Powerb...

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/SCALEXTRIC-C8434-ARC-AI...

[So]

sgrimshaw said:

So said:

Which leads me on to my next question: Is that a digital or analogue thing and what will work with it?

The unit in your OP is the very basic analog one.

Going to digital means the cars will need chipping and some digital track will be required.

There are upgrades you might consider whilst staying analog.

For example, dual power supplies or maybe Arc Air

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Scalextric-Sport-Powerb...

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/SCALEXTRIC-C8434-ARC-AI...

Thank you.

I've bought the wired one. If he wants to upgrade later he can do - probably everything.

[sgrimshaw]

So said:

Thank you.

I've bought the wired one. If he wants to upgrade later he can do - probably everything.

Check which power supply he already has, if it is the same as the new one then by using two power supplies and moving the switch to dual supply it will eliminate that old Scaley problem whereby when someone comes off the other lane gets more power ... power supply no longer being shared.

If it's not the same, a second power supply isn't going to break the bank.

[So]

Okay the new power supply arrived today and it is not massively better. We have had two cars running but the track prefers one at a time.

Sometimes we cannot get one track running at all.

Could this be the power supply / transformer causing the problem?

I am getting to the point of buying a new set and selling the current stuff for spares / repairs.

[sgrimshaw]

So said:

Okay the new power supply arrived today and it is not massively better. We have had two cars running but the track prefers one at a time.

Sometimes we cannot get one track running at all.

Could this be the power supply / transformer causing the problem?

I am getting to the point of buying a new set and selling the current stuff for spares / repairs.

So you are using the new powerbase with the new transformer and the new controllers ... correct?

[So]

Yes

[bristolracer]

check the track for short circuits
sometimes bits of braid and carpet fluff can cause a short

[sgrimshaw]

As Bristolracer says check for signs of a short.

If that shows nothing, build a small oval track to check everything works correctly.

[So]

sgrimshaw said:

As Bristolracer says check for signs of a short.

If that shows nothing, build a small oval track to check everything works correctly.

Thanks chaps. It's on my list of "things I don't want to do today. but must".

[So]

Okay I have made a little progress.

There seem to be several problems, including tired braid plates and a schoolboy error with a tight controller plug.

Both tracks are now working, but the action is intermittent. I plan to try cleaning the track and braids, and also buy some new braid plates.