Also-congrats to Jimmy on TQ'ing and winning 1/8th scale at the TDM Charity race Sunday at MORR

Thanks again for all of the help, Ray.

Congrats Jimmy.

Jimmy, if you see this message: Do you still have an X-Ray T1FK on you shelf? If so, I'm toying with the idea of buying it this wednesday.

-Adam

Last Wednesday it was still there. And congrats Jimmy.
-Buddy

Adam,

Another thing thats nice to have is a variety of sizes of rear tires. Sometimes the car is a lot easier to drive on large rear tires. But on the other hand-sometimes car feels quicker and transitions better on smaller tires. This assuming of course you make changes to ride height and rollout. So its nice to have 1.82" to 2.00" rear tires. Takes awhile to build up a lot of sets like that, but it can be handy at times.

Ray

Adam,

Another thing thats nice to have is a variety of sizes of rear tires. Sometimes the car is a lot easier to drive on large rear tires. But on the other hand-sometimes car feels quicker and transitions better on smaller tires. This assuming of course you make changes to ride height and rollout. So its nice to have 1.82" to 2.00" rear tires. Takes awhile to build up a lot of sets like that, but it can be handy at times.

Ray

Ray,

That's good to know. I do seem to be constantly making changes to ride height and, when it needs it, rollout.

Judging from the photos that you posted of the new track layout, it seems that a little lower rollout number may be in order for the new layout compared to the old layout.

I would say a couple teeth less. I can only fit a 30/100 MAx n my LC chassis (Darn t-bar cars!!). What spur are you using and whats the largest pinion you can fit? I have already beveled the edge of the T-bar-but it looks like I need to remove more.

THanks,
Ray

I would say a couple teeth less. I can only fit a 30/100 MAx n my LC chassis (Darn t-bar cars!!). What spur are you using and whats the largest pinion you can fit? I have already beveled the edge of the T-bar-but it looks like I need to remove more.

THanks,
Ray

I'm currently using a 100 tooth spur and the largest pinion I can fit is 28. But in reviewing the rollout chart that I bought at the track, it seems as though I can switch to a 96 tooth spur and also lower the pinion size to = the same rollout as the 100/28 combo. Correct me if I am wrong, but I think that this solves the problem.

I'm currently using a 100 tooth spur and the largest pinion I can fit is 28. But in reviewing the rollout chart that I bought at the track, it seems as though I can switch to a 96 tooth spur and also lower the pinion size to = the same rollout as the 100/28 combo. Correct me if I am wrong, but I think that this solves the problem.
Thanks! Looks like when its time for a diff rebuild a 96 is going in.

Ray

Thanks! Looks like when its time for a diff rebuild a 96 is going in.

Ray

Also, I just rebuilt my diff using the method that is recommended on the irrgang racing site. It's never felt this smooth before.

Adam,

The x-Ray is still there along with the front diff you will need.
Thanks,
Jim

Mackin...I see you lurking out there....get your A$$ to the track sometime this summer!!!

Jimmy...there is no extra cost to post more than a sentence! Can I assume that my stuff is not in today?

Jimmy....do KO receivers come with a crystal? And I think you said that I could not get reciever crystals seperate?

Eric,


No and No you can't buy them seperate. Radio should be here today. If you still want to get it tonight call me at 440-655-9382.

Thansk,
Jim

Hey Joneser,

Check this out!! Dont know the release date. http://www.rcworld.ch/neueprojekte.asp?id=1236 (http://www.rcworld.ch/neueprojekte.asp?id=1236) Looks like they decided on the batteries forward version as opposed to the splt pack Cyrul style-so you'll be fine with the BMI chassis.

Ray

Ray, I already knew that they were going with the side by side....my connections were right on. I do like how they milled under the servo!. What is different with the shock tower? Wonder where they are putting those silver mounts....roll center adjustments I assume?Hey Joneser,

Check this out!! Dont know the release date. http://www.rcworld.ch/neueprojekte.asp?id=1236 (http://www.rcworld.ch/neueprojekte.asp?id=1236)Looks like they decided on the batteries forward version as opposed to the splt pack Cyrul style-so you'll be fine with the BMI chassis.

Ray

I need your connections!!! YEah-those silver tall ballstuds are NICE!! A lot nicer looking than a ballstud on top of a cheesy aluminum stand-of.Ray, I already knew that they were going with the side by side....my connections were right on. I do like how they milled under the servo!. What is different with the shock tower? Wonder where they are putting those silver mounts....roll center adjustments I assume?

Hey Joneser,

Check this out!! Dont know the release date. http://www.rcworld.ch/neueprojekte.asp?id=1236 (http://www.rcworld.ch/neueprojekte.asp?id=1236) Looks like they decided on the batteries forward version as opposed to the splt pack Cyrul style-so you'll be fine with the BMI chassis.

Ray

Ray,

Since I am going to be buying an x-ray I have to ask, will I be wanting to buy an aftermarket chassis? What is wrong with the stock chassis?

Thats hard to say-I mean its easy to say NO!! Not yet-but I dont want to be an arrogant prick either. Theres nothing wrong with the stock chassis as far as defects, etc. The chassis I am running has the batteries moved forward quite a bit and is very stiff. The testing seems to show that on carpet-the car carries a lot more corner speed and has a lot more steering. When i frst ran it, I had so much steering I was turning in and hitting the board before the corner. I changed set-ups a little bit-took Dual rate out of radio, loosened the rear diff, softened up the rear spring and raised the rear roll center untill it got to be easy to drive. So now the 350 BMI chassis is super easy to drive and it appears to be able to run fast laps.

ON the previous layout-Joneser ran his car with stock chassis and did Great w/ it. He also was happy with his car the last layout in terms of handling.

I am sure the aftermarket chassi is better-but I dont thnk its neccesary at this time. If you bought a Pro4 or a TC3-I would say buy a aftermarket chassis for it though.

Lots to learn in Sedans!!! YOu'll have fun learning the theory on roll centers, etc... Just talk to Seaball-he'll have your headspinning in no time.
Ray
Ray,

Since I am going to be buying an x-ray I have to ask, will I be wanting to buy an aftermarket chassis? What is wrong with the stock chassis?

You dont need it right now. The stock chassis is fine. At some point down the road you may want to do it but I ran the stock chassis and it was very good.

Ray....I dont understand where those roll center pieces are going to be used?

Ray,

Since I am going to be buying an x-ray I have to ask, will I be wanting to buy an aftermarket chassis? What is wrong with the stock chassis?

Hey JOnser-You sid what i said only in 200 less words!! :)


The shock towers on the FK kit have new holes on them-really short link-doubt we'd need them on carpet. But you could also use that tall ballstud on the front bulkhead standing up I bet. Like on the pro4.


You dont need it right now. The stock chassis is fine. At some point down the road you may want to do it but I ran the stock chassis and it was very good.

Ray....I dont understand where those roll center pieces are going to be used?

Ray....getting my Helios tonight....is there anything I need to look for when putting on the drop down wheel? Also, are you running the radio in high response mode?

How much did you have the initial steering dialed out of your xray? Was that why it was sluggish on the initial turn in?

Eric,

Did you get my e0-mai or did you server bounce it? It was about the Fantom and golf :lol:

ON the Helios-nothing to be aware of on the Helios drop down radio. Just have your wife hold the drop down while you plug the harness in-or better yet-since your wives fingers are smaller than yours-have her plug it in and you hold the wheel.

I have NO Exponenetial on my cars anymore. I dont know why-but on the Helios-I dont ike the expo-which I always ran some on my JR radios. I run my Xray in 2ch mode with switch to HR mode because it has a Digital servo in it. I run my 12th scale in 3ch mode, but switch in HR mode and it works just fine. My 12th scale has a analog servo in it. If you run an analog servo in 2ch mode-you'll get a nasty glitch like response.

Oh-yeah-I am not going to be there Wednesady-so just call me on my cell if you have any questions. Or ask Jimmy of course-he has a Helios. Call me tonight if you have any problems too!!

I will have digital servos in both cars and may end up with KO receivers in both cars. What is the difference between 2 channel and 3 channel modes? Why do you run the cars differently?

2-channel mode sends a lot more info to the receiver and if you dont have a high speed receiver (301 or 302f), all the receiver sees is a bunch of noise and the servo just glitches and spazes out. IN 3 channel mode I think its sends less info or sends the info less often. So in this mode an analog servo and a regular receiver like the Novak Synth can be used. Eventually all my cars will have digital servos and a 302 rx in them!!!

TO be honest-I think the 3ch mode is more important for the type of receiver-than the type of servo, but to be safe-I run it in 3ch mode with analog servos and it works just fine.

Oh-yeah-if your running a Novak receiver in it-you need the radio in 3ch mode and the switch in normal speed. The switch is behind the module. It doesnt matter if youve got a digital Servo or not in this case.

hey guys Practice is tonight from 5:30 til 10:00. Turnouts at practices and Race nights have been rather low. Support needs to rise if you want the Gate to still be in existance for the Fall 2004 season.

Thanks,
Jim

maybe wednesday is just a bad night for people...It seems like there is always something else going on wednesday nights.

Stone...this is not directed at you so please dont take it that way. I dont think its the day of the week that is in question. Last year we had it on Thursday nights and there were a few people that complained that it was bad. They moved it to Wednesdays and those same people dont show up. Heck, one of them has fallen off the face of the earth. I dont know if there is any reason why the date could not be changed if it would mean more people but I assume Jimmy would need some commitments. There are plenty of people that had claimed they would be here all summer and dont show up.

We do need to get some people out there, the small turnouts barely pull in enough fees to keep the rent checks from bouncing. If people want a great place to race then we need them to show up once in a while. That being said, I wont be there to practice tonight since I dont have a car that is together. I will stop up later most likely to complete a transaction. If anyone has any ideas let me know and I will talk with Jimmy and Goetz. I am sure they will be more than happy to listen.

Boy-what a dilemma. Last summer races had 45 entries!! Thats GREAT for a summer night racing program. Now its down to 15 to 25. Why?

I would hope that people would speak up instead of walking away and not coming back. LIke I said before-theres a few guys that just dont race at all anymore that were coming out last summer. So count out 4 or 5 entries for guys that quit. Where are the other 20?

Come-on-post why your not coming out this summer or what t would take to get you back out.

Boy-what a dilemma. Last summer races had 45 entries!! Thats GREAT for a summer night racing program. Now its down to 15 to 25. Why?

I would hope that people would speak up instead of walking away and not coming back. LIke I said before-theres a few guys that just dont race at all anymore that were coming out last summer. So count out 4 or 5 entries for guys that quit. Where are the other 20?

Come-on-post why your not coming out this summer or what t would take to get you back out.

Ray,

Perhaps the 20 former Gate racers will not get your message from above because they do not read this forum. Is their another way to reach these racers?

Last year there were some grumblings here and there but there has been none of that for a long time. The racing is great, the race directors are making racing fun...they give time when needed. We are not rushed to finish up or get out of the building. I can't imagine that there are any complaints about any of that. We have a well stocked hobbyshop on site and great prices too. If there is someting that is not there, Jimmy will order and you will have it next week.

Wed. was not great for me but I changed my schedule so I could race. I feel as though missing a week sets me back and I am losing track time to Goetz, jimmy, Ray or whomever else I am chasing.

This is a great opportunity for people to learn. I know that I receive help from Chicky, Ray or whoever and it makes me better. I have tried to help out others as does Paul, Ray, Goetz etc. We are very lucky to have guys at the track that will take the time to help out. It is not like that everywhere. I know that I was at a track a few hours away and asked local "hot-shoe" a question about rollout and was basically lied to.

Ray...
I think I can speak for at least 7 racers who were racing consistantly last summer, but not this summer... It just happens to be a bad night for us. Just by chance it's the only night of the week we can't race. Not much you can do about it... We'd like to be out there rubbing bodies :) If you know what I mean!!!

Yeah-Wednesday is HORRIBLE for me and I have come out to race, practice-as much as possible and as the joke goes "Ray, are you staying for one qualifier or two tonight?"

And your right JOneser-this is one track where the more experienced guys do help out anyone who asks. And many times help is offered to those too shy to ask, but clearly need help :lol:

Its funny that you hear stories about how the Gate is the track where the serious guys race-its no fun for the beginner....Ummmmm....We have a blast and we think the more the merrier. I dont get it. This is THE place to be to improve!!

Wayne-I would LOVE for the night to be changed, but I never pushed the issue. I just sent an e-mail to Jimmy, Aaron and Holly befoire the summer series started that I would like it on Tuesday or Thursday, but I realized I was just one person. Heck-if another night meant 10 more entries and Jimmy and crew could accomodate it in there schedules, I bet theyd give it a shot.
And you can rub your body on mine any da......oh lets not go there. Ick!!
Ray

Maybe no-one is going there beacause Jonser is now the Hot-Shoe :eek: I wouldn't come anymore if he was beating me!!! j/k Jonser - you know I'm kidding. No- really - if I remember correctly when they changed to Wednesday nights there were basically a lot of people who just could not make it. That coupled with the flakyness going on at the track and it going from a Club to a Privately owned endevor, it probably makes people a little weary. I hear many stories working at the Hobbyshop so I really don't know the exact reason, but it probably doesn't help that there has been a huge movement to off-road in the NE Ohio area. Not to mention people are really wanting to expand and get into gas racing at MORR and OHSAA or whatever. CRCRC totally closes it's doors during the peak Summer months. I think that would give everyboddy a break and save some cash. Take all the money that the Nats brought in and use it to pay the rent and turn everything else off for a couple months. I am sure you will see a huge turn out the first week you start up again because people need a break sometimes, and some people don't want to go back to somewhere where others have had an opprotunity to practice all season while you were taking the break. This is just an outsiders opinion so don't attempt to Flame me! Good luck.

I am a true beginner (trying to get better) and I can't think of any better place to race. Granted I don't get around too much but I have raced at a couple of other places and the Gate is definately the best place. I don't ask nearly as much as I should but when I finally give up and have to ask someone a question it is no big deal, everyone is very helpful. Other than the stairs (big deal, who doesn't need a little more excercise) .The new incarnation of the Gate is much better especially the Hobby Shop, but almost feels like a lot of people stopped coming when we moved, perhaps they didn't give it a chance. I don't know.

That being said I won't be out tonight either, I have a crap load of yardwork to get done for a big party this weekend. I will be out to practice next week though.

It would suck if the Gate closed up, thinking about it, it is the only reason I am in this hobby. If the Gate closed look for 'another' "getting out of the hobby sale".....anyone need 3 TC3's?

Turbo, remarkably you actually bring up a decent point or two. That itself is amazing.:freak:


There really is nothing going on at the track that should be pissing people off. The track is sort of a business but if you knew the particulars, you would not be real eager to buy in. Like everything else, there are times that people are not happy with something. Maybe they dont like the heat their in, maybe they dont like a response they get. I know that I have walked away shaking my head at times but in the big picture there is nothing to be ticked about. People that volunteer their time at the track to clean, tear down, set-up etc. get compensated for it (usually). When this thing was a club we had people getting burned out and not wanting to do it anymore. I only was around for a year or so before the gate but I was there for at least 2 of the Medveds cant do this alone speeches. This situation is way better then what it morphed from....if people are at the hobbyshop complaining then they need to speak up and make some suggestions. While it would be nice to have 40 guys on a summer race night, that might be unrealistic. It is not unrealistic however to get 25-30 on race nights and another 15-20 on practice nights. I am sure that Jimmy would be in good shape with that turnout. We just need to get by during the summer...the fall and winter should bring more people out. Maybe we should get some other form of communication out.

Turbo...you cant come in, make a few uneducated comments...then claim that you are an outsider so dont flame me.:p Thats like me calling you a jerk.....then saying I dont really know you so dont flame me.

Things are alot different since you have been back. The track has to be run like a business and I think that it is a good blend of club feel but still a business. If you notice, we have new carpet, new boards, tv's for scoring, tables for pitting, electricity for everyone. That did not come from the club or club dues. I dont think Jimmy will mind me saying that there is VERY little money in the account and that is why we are talking about this. Somehow, they did not make a bunch of money off the roar race. Maybe they learned what to do differently next time but for now, there is no big stash to live off of. Much of the money that has been put back into the track....I cant see anyone arguing that point. If people want to pay big bucks to form a club and still pay race fees then someone get something started....I dont think we could ever have the facility we have if it were not for the "business".

Maybe no-one is going there beacause Jonser is now the Hot-Shoe :eek: I wouldn't come anymore if he was beating me!!! j/k Jonser - you know I'm kidding. No- really - if I remember correctly when they changed to Wednesday nights there were basically a lot of people who just could not make it. That coupled with the flakyness going on at the track and it going from a Club to a Privately owned endevor, it probably makes people a little weary. I hear many stories working at the Hobbyshop so I really don't know the exact reason, but it probably doesn't help that there has been a huge movement to off-road in the NE Ohio area. Not to mention people are really wanting to expand and get into gas racing at MORR and OHSAA or whatever. CRCRC totally closes it's doors during the peak Summer months. I think that would give everyboddy a break and save some cash. Take all the money that the Nats brought in and use it to pay the rent and turn everything else off for a couple months. I am sure you will see a huge turn out the first week you start up again because people need a break sometimes, and some people don't want to go back to somewhere where others have had an opprotunity to practice all season while you were taking the break. This is just an outsiders opinion so don't attempt to Flame me! Good luck.

Hey....I dont want to see any rubbing of bodies! there are not that many good looking ones there to be honest. We can talk with Jimmy and see if we can change. Wednesdays were not good for me but I worked it in. I will personally speak with Jimmy and maybe we can get some communication out about it.

Wayne....I know that there is a little short guy who pits by me that would love to be racing against you! Besides....dont you now own a touring car too?

Wayne-I would LOVE for the night to be changed, but I never pushed the issue. I just sent an e-mail to Jimmy, Aaron and Holly befoire the summer series started that I would like it on Tuesday or Thursday, but I realized I was just one person. Heck-if another night meant 10 more entries and Jimmy and crew could accomodate it in there schedules, I bet theyd give it a shot.
And you can rub your body on mine any da......oh lets not go there. Ick!!
Ray

NEVER underestimate the level of personal and financial risk a person or persons puts themselves under when they sign a lease!!!

Let me give an example from when I was running the track with Jimmy and Aaron. I upped my personal liability insurance so in the rarest of cases if some A-hole tripped on a board and got paralyzed, realised gettng money from the Gate would be fruitless and came after my house, car, furniture, bank accounts-that I would be covered.

Theres no glory in track ownership-ONLY hardship, hardwork and great satisfaction from Giving back to racers what true racers need and crave!!! A place to race-and in this case-one of the best in the country!!

Its in our nature as humans to question, doubt and complain, but in the end-the Gate is the product of hardwork, not greed.
And it deserves to thrive. Thats up to the local racers. Closing down for the summer is not as viable an alternative as one might imagine. Theres a hardcore group of guys who need this ike a heroin junky needs a fix, then theres bills that remain regardless if the track is open or closed.

Jonser,
I'd love to race that little short guy who races slot cars.... I have nothing ready.... just finishing up some drawings for a 1/12 scale chassis to get machined. I've been racing oval at Classic on Saturdays, but besides that not much else going on.

Hey....I dont want to see any rubbing of bodies! there are not that many good looking ones there to be honest. We can talk with Jimmy and see if we can change. Wednesdays were not good for me but I worked it in. I will personally speak with Jimmy and maybe we can get some communication out about it.

Wayne....I know that there is a little short guy who pits by me that would love to be racing against you! Besides....dont you now own a touring car too?
Did he choose to pit by you or you by him? :)

I think that there are probably a good deal of people in the area that have rc cars that they run in parking lots, backyards, etc that could be future potential racers. A lot of the m may not even know that the gate exists. I didn't know about the place until recentely, but would have come out to racce years ago if I only new abou it. Of the rc fans out there that do know of the gate but don't race, they may be intimidated to do so. Whether it is a lack of experience or the feeling that it is to expensive to be competitive.

We ought to explore new ways to ge the word out to these kind of people. And maybe even consider offering these people a novice class that races a car like the trinity T-spec (?) so that costs won't be as crazy and the technology not as intimidating.

NEVER underestimate the level of personal and financial risk a person or persons puts themselves under when they sign a lease!!!

Let me give an example from when I was running the track with Jimmy and Aaron. I upped my personal liability insurance so in the rarest of cases if some A-hole tripped on a board and got paralyzed, realised gettng money from the Gate would be fruitless and came after my house, car, furniture, bank accounts-that I would be covered.

Theres no glory in track ownership-ONLY hardship, hardwork and great satisfaction from Giving back to racers what true racers need and crave!!! A place to race-and in this case-one of the best in the country!!

Its in our nature as humans to question, doubt and complain, but in the end-the Gate is the product of hardwork, not greed.
And it deserves to thrive. Thats up to the local racers. Closing down for the summer is not as viable an alternative as one might imagine. Theres a hardcore group of guys who need this ike a heroin junky needs a fix, then theres bills that remain regardless if the track is open or closed.

The Tao of Hobbyshop and Racetrack Management by Ray Huang!!! :)

Damn joneser - Did I hit a cord or what? Belive me, I know it is hard to have a track. I have attempted to have one a couple times, and I didn't even have to pay rent! So I am sure it is a hard road. The thing is though is when it was a club people voted on where the club was going for the future. Now that it is a privately owned group, they make the decisions and I am sure that it is not what the majority want. I remember the so-called grumblings when they went to Wednesdays and the response was "That is the only night that is good for us" Does that sound like a majority rule? Not really. If you guys go back to my post from around the time this all happend, I warned that you need to keep the racers in mind. If they were open the days after the nats and the indoor champs where entries were at 75 people, that would have given a lot more money to the organization. Why wouldn't you want to have a race day right around peak indoor R/C peak season? Beacuse they needed a break, Because every one is probably burnt out from the champs or the nats???? If you think about it, alot of the regulars didn't run either because of the cost. I had a lot of guys telling me there dissapointment for this action, they wanted to race. So that is probably another reason why the track is known only for "Good Racers" beacause when there is another race in another part of the country that these folks want to go to. They just close up and say no racing till we get back! I'm sorry but that doesn't fly with people. So that was a lost opportunity and will continue to be till someone starts to take the little guys into consideration. They are the people who pay the bills. This is a business and sometimes you need to think of the bottom line. I don't mean to be so harsh, but it seems like some people have a wool over there eyes when it comes to how others feel.

I think that i break would be a bad idea...where is the money for rent going to come from for the 2-3 months? It may be "just" enough, but, it will pay the rent. And anyways, i couldnt go that long without racing.
-Buddy

But Turbo-they do keep the racers in mind-hence the several thousand dollars spent to put in new fuse boxes and put a four way outlet at the end of every table in the place. They could have just put a few boxes on the floor and let the snake pit of extension cords and blown fuses be the order of the day like at the old Gate.

Theres keeping the racers in mind-then theres bending over and taking it in the backside for one or two especially vocal individuals!!

And as far as the few days the place was closed-if they let say you run the track while they are gone and lo-and behold when they got back they found one exterior door open, 10 pairs of tires missing, some tools and all the car kits GOne-who would pay for it?

Brian....based on the current level of support I give him, I think he is pitting by me....not me by him.


Wayne....we will see what Jimmy can do about the days and maybe you can come out an play with Paul.

Did he choose to pit by you or you by him? :)

I would imagine that person (It would never be me) Should loose that job or be reprimanded. It's asinine to think that someone would do that though - especially if they were trianed properly how to run the show.

Thats the thing Ray - the people who really count are not being vocal and are not telling you how they feel. They conme and talk to me because they know I listen. There is no avenue for it anyway. If they come on here they will get flamed by the people who really belive in "The vision" set by EJ raceway.

It's all about a budget - I can see the fuse boxes, but a box at every table? What good is that when there isn't enough money to keep the place going? Sounds like the carage leading the horse to me??????