The Lotus 23 hardly needs any introduction. As close as you can get to a magic carpet in 1962!
This small and incredible low car is not often seen as a 1/32 scale slot car.
Actually, when I started this, I had never seen one. Nowadays there is of course the GTM version.
This started a year and a half ago as a cooperation with a US chassis builder.
I was to build two wooden bodies and he was to make two metal chassis. Then swap, so each one of us would get one complete car.
Sadly, due to health problems, my partner has not been able to finish the chassis.
After a long time in a box I've decided to make one of my own low-tech wooden chassis, I can't wait anymore to see a Lotus 23 on my track!
First some pics from the body factory last year, I try to keep the story short...
Starting, as always, with the usual block of lime tree and rough shaping.
Since the windscreen is an integrated part of the form I include it with the body shape for a start to get a total view.
I like to get the headlight of perplex installed early, they are also part of the shape. This is a very early phase, it is still far too tall...
A bit further! I thought I'd try making the windscreen out of 5mm perplex.
I did not get things right on #1 (yellow), so I started with the second one! Improvements?
Look for example at the connection between glazing and plate work, a lowered front, and more correct shut lines.
When I knew how I wanted it to be, I was able to correct #1 as well.
Finally, I did the third one to be on the safe side! After all the work with the first two shells, this one came out more easily...
Actually, it suits me well to work with 2 or 3 at the same time. #2 went to the USA, but I still have two to play with!
One of them has to be green!
Some detailing work, clear plastic sprue and piano wire for mirrors, and brass nails for taillights. I have tested a number of colors for the other car.
After this background summary, let's go back to the future!
Underneath I was hoping to make something similar to this Porsche chassis, my best wooden chassis so far.
I could not work that out, the 23 is a bit smaller than the large 550!
With a stolen idea from Claus' Karmann Ghia I decided to try with a 1/43 scale motor.
After making a styrene sidewinder pod, the very simple chassis turned out like this.
While test driving, I can't say I'm missing the s-cans and slim-cans I normally use for small cars, this motor is better than I thought it would be!
It is said to be 24k, Geared 10/29, and with 13“ wheels, it runs quickly and nicely.
The car as in pics, complete chassis, body without a screen, interior, or driver, weighs slightly more than 40g. This will not be a lead sled!
The tricky part was to find space for the guide and wires, the front is very low and short. I am still waiting for some smaller front tires.
For me, this opens up for making very small open cars with a full interior.
Cheers
Schnitzer/Carver