How to Make Molds for a Slot Car
Slot cars are small cars that run on tracks with a slot down the middle. A small pin or blade extends out of the bottom of the car and fits into the slot, keeping the car on the track. An electrical current runs through the sides of the slot, which contacts the pin or blade in the car and transfers the energy to the car’s electric motor. The first step in making a slot car of your own is creating a mold for the car.
Things You'll Need
- Slot car body
- Modeling clay
- Utility knife
- Silicone rubber
- Sandpaper
- Hot glue
- Cardboard
Instructions
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1
Sand out any imperfections in the slot car body and remove any decals on it. Every last imperfection in the body will be transferred into the mold and reproduced, so take your time to get the car’s body right.
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2
Fill the car body with clay, but make sure the clay is not coming out of the windows.
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3
Create a flat rectangle of clay and put the car body on it.
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4
Cut pieces of cardboard to create a wall around the clay base. The cardboard needs to be higher than the top of the car and needs to be flush with the clay. Use hot glue at the seams to hold the cardboard in place.
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5
Mix the silicone rubber as directed on the package and pour it into one corner of the box. Do not pour the silicone directly over the car since this can create air pockets in the mold. Allow the mold to sit overnight.
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6
Turn over the box and remove the clay base and all of the clay from the car body. Fill up the bottom of the box with silicone and let it sit overnight.
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7
Take apart the box and separate the two halves of the mold.
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