Tutorial: Resin wheel inserts - Preparing and installing (Scale Slot Cars)

Resin wheel inserts for Slot Cars often need some preparation before installing. This short tutorial gives some hints how to do it.
I use a rotary tool in a Dremel mototool - in this case I use an flexible shaft (part no 225) for the Dremel as this is easier for small detail work.

CAUTION: Resin and grp. etc are very harmful to your lungs, so don't inhale the dust. You can use a mask and/ or an effective vacuum cleaner (the latter also keeps your workplace clean).



I held the mouthpiece of the vacuum cleaner between my legs and keep the items close to this to ensure that all dust is collected by the mouthpiece. I also use an apron which makes it easier to clean away debris afterwards.
The rotary tool is shown with the Dremel flexible shaft.


Putting a sieve like this over the mouthpiece of the Vacuum Cleaner saves the small pieces from going the bag of the Vacuum Cleaner if you looses them.


I always paint the inside of the wheel black with a marking pen or mat black paint.
The wheel insert is shown as bought before removing material.


Remove the surplus casting material of the insert to make the spokes stand for themselves. Alternatively paint the area between them black instead of removing the material. I however prefer the added realism of the above solution.



Chamfer the rear edge to ease installation in the wheel.



Left - the original piece - right - the modified one 



Sometimes error occur and you remove too much material :-)
Often a small piece of paper is enough to repair this.


I often use Model Master Metalizer for these wheel inserts. Fast drying and can be polished slightly. Small air holes in the surface of the inserts can be closed with putty.


Painted and installed inserts. I let the metal wheel edge stand - it looks like a chrome edge to the wheel.
I use contact glue to mount the inserts. Test fit first, then put a small amount of glue on the inside rim of the wheel and install the insert.
The contact glue means that you can remove them them again using cellulose thinners

You can mount the wheels on your car now, but if you want to pimp the wheels a bit more add tyre decals to the wheel :-)


First paint the wheel sides with water based black acrylic colour. 
I also paint the running surface of the front wheels to seal them for less rolling resistance.


Then add a coat of  water based gloss varnish


When dry prepare the decals


When mounted I use Microscale Micro Sol (or similar) to fix the decals.

When thoroughly dry (wait till the next day) seal the surfaces (wheel sides and front wheel rolling surface) - NOT the rear tyres rolling surface :-)  with water based matt acrylic varnish.


I added some black wash (very thinned black paint) to the wheels to enhance decals and also to the decal to make them look more realistic i.e. not so white and clean

Then the wheels are ready to mount on the car  :-)


Niels Elmholt, August 2015