Sidewinder (slot car)

A similar type of slot car that has the motor shaft mounted at an angle to the driven axle is the anglewinder.

Historically, they are also less common than the pancake motor, in which the shaft is vertical, and power is carried to the axle by a chain of gears to a pinion and crown arrangement.

Because they require more space between the drive wheels, the sidewinder and anglewinder arrangements are more common in 1:32, and especially 1:24, than in the smaller scales.

This is because when accelerating, the reverse torque of the motor transfers weight to the front of the vehicle, and therefore the guide that keeps it on the track.

Schematic diagrams of common chassis layouts: The flat, vertical-shaft pancake motor is seen end-on, with the shaft pointing toward the reader.