Archive for the ‘Slot Cars’ Category

The Slot Car Controller For Each Type Of Slot Car Racing System

Thursday, July 28th, 2011

Would you like to find out what those-in-the-know have to say about Slot Cars? The information in the article below comes straight from well-informed experts with special knowledge about Slot Cars.

Slot car racing, by the name itself, is focused on controlling the car while on the track. The name ‘slot’ itself refers to the grooves in the racetrack that prevents the cars from falling off of the track. But slot car racing needs more than grooves for total control. Drivers need to have something in their hands to have full control over the acceleration, breaking and general performance of their slot car. They need the slot car controller.

Analog Slot Car Controllers
Analog slot car controllers are handheld devices that distribute the desired amount of voltage to the slot car on the track. A trigger, a common part of the controller, is connected to an electrical contact that is then connected to a resistor. When this trigger is squeezed, the track sends more voltage to the car, thereby causing it to pick up speed. When released, the reverse happens and the car slows down. The resistance of the controller is measured in ohms which should be noted as changes in the resistance positively affect the response time of the car.

But analog slot car controllers provide more than better manageability of the voltage received by the car. Without this, drivers would have lesser ability to make turns when needed or to follow a straight path where there are long straight sections on the track.

Modifications in the extent of control controllers provide have somewhat emerged in recent years. As opposed to the older system of squeezing and releasing the trigger to speed up or slow down the car, newer controllers now provide at-the-push-of-the-button breaking system. These controllers come with an integrated button which sends negative voltage (remember the positive effect of resistance on response time?) to the slot car’s electric motor. This action then causes the car to stop.

Knowledge can give you a real advantage. To make sure you’re fully informed about Slot Cars, keep reading.

Improvements in analog slot car controllers have also paved the way for even better control on the breaking system. More advanced controllers are not equipped with a highly accurate system of controlling breaking power which lends these newer controllers a decent advantage over drivers during turns in the track.

Electronic Slot Car Controllers
Electronic slot car controllers, on the other hand, pick up where their older counterparts left off. Unlike analog controllers, these do not use the same system of power delivery to the grooves on the track. Instead, these use an electronic circuit that distributes the precise voltage amount needed by the car. This also offers better car performance, improved control of the car, and better command with virtually all motor setups. These also work very well with cars that have different magnet setups.

Getting Yourself A Slot Car Controller
Choosing between an analog and electric slot car controllers is basically a matter of preference. Most slot car drivers begin with analog slot car controllers. These are relatively much cheaper than electronic ones and do not require much know-how and electronic savvy. Enthusiasts, on the other hand, prefer the more complex system used in electronic slot cars.

Electronic controllers allow better power manageability and excellent breaking systems which make it very easy for drivers to control their cars on the racetrack.

About the Author
By, Nick Solomon, feel free to visit this top ranked Exercises to lose weight guide. Site:Exercises to lose weight

The Digital And Conventional Types Of Slot Cars

Friday, July 22nd, 2011

This interesting article addresses some of the key issues regarding Slot Cars. A careful reading of this material could make a big difference in how you think about Slot Cars.

The types of slot cars available in the market these days are basically divided into the limitations that technology imposes on the make of the car. One is the good old system of conventional slot cars and the other is the new form of racing presented by digital slot cars.

Conventional Slot Cars
Conventional slot cars are actually fashioned from the traditional system racing slot cars ? racing electric-powered cars on wooden or plastic tracks. This type of cars has a motor that is directly connected to the guide that is attached to the chassis of the model. This guide is then hinged to one of the parallel rails on the racetrack which acts to keep the cars in place no matter the speed. The car gets its speed from the hand-held controller which determines the amount of power that is supplied to the model.

Each conventional car races only in one lane and is not capable of changing lanes during the race. Thus, if there are only 4 lanes in a track, there can only be 4 cars that will race. To compensate for the limitations and disadvantages of racing in just one lane, races are divided into heats which allow the drivers to switch between lanes to equalize any factor that could make one lane disadvantageous for racing.

You can see that there’s practical value in learning more about Slot Cars. Can you think of ways to apply what’s been covered so far?

Digital Slot Cars
Digital slot cars are the newer car models in the market. These basically pick up from where the traditional slot cars left off. Unlike its older counterpart, digital slot cars allow for simultaneous racing on as few as two lanes per race ? much like as you would see with other types of car racing. Newer technologies have allowed this new form of slot cars to be less dependent on the guide that keep the old cars hinged to one side of the racetrack. The electronic circuitry of the digital models allow for drivers to have full control over the speed and movements of the car.

Generally, digital slot cars are more expensive than their older counterpart and are arguably harder to drive than the conventional models. This is because drivers of digital slot cars have to learn how to control the speed of the car as well as learn how to switch lanes without falling off of the racetrack.

On Slot Cars In General
Slot cars, as you would know by now, are actually scaled-down models of actual cars. Some are just tiny mock-up models that are purposely built for miniature racing while others are made to copy all aspects of the actual models, including the actual car’s capacity in terms of performance.

Most racers race with commercially available slot cars that are mass produced by such manufacturers as Scalextri, Johnny Lightning and Carrera. Most of these are modification-ready models to enhance performance. Some enthusiasts by motorize static models while hobbyists create ‘scratch-build’ cars that run on their own mechanism and bodies. These are often created from store-brought spare parts built to create true models of the original cars being copied.

There’s no doubt that the topic of Slot Cars can be fascinating. If you still have unanswered questions about Slot Cars, you may find what you’re looking for in the next article.

About the Author
By Anders Eriksson, feel free to visit his soon to be top ranked Perpetual20 training site: Perpetual 20

Slot Car Components ? What Are They?

Wednesday, July 20th, 2011

America was in the midst of a cultural overhauling during the sixties. Among the fads that became very popular during this time was slot car racing. Decades after the craze over slot car racing has fizzled out, many enthusiasts are still stuck in the hobby.

Slot car racing miniature models of actual cars that are raced on shallow groves or channels integrated into the racetrack. These grooves act as guides for the car as they race. These make problems such as flying out of the track during difficult turns more manageable. also, these serve as power source for the car’s motor.

With new developments in slot racing, these groves have become a little less important than they were a few decades back. Digital slot cars no longer have to be constrained into specific lanes, unlike conventional slot cars. Instead, 4, 6 even 8 individual cars can now run simultaneously on 2-lane tracks, which make racing more competitive and skill-oriented.

Anyone can purchase a full set of slot car which include the body or shell, an electric motor, steel or copper braids, a guide, magnets, and for the modern varieties, a microchip.

The Shell
The body or the shell represents the external make of the model car. This is often made of molded plastic piece which is fitted to the chassis of the slot car. Just like real cars, the weight of the shell is a huge consideration in creating slot cars. Weight should be evenly distributed throughout the entire model.

Think about what you’ve read so far. Does it reinforce what you already know about Slot Cars? Or was there something completely new? What about the remaining paragraphs?

Some slot cars have significant level of detailing. Enthusiasts and hobbyists alike take pains to imitate the actual appearance of the car model they are copying from. Of course, there are always those mass produced slot cars that do not necessarily look like their real, full-sized cousins. Most of these are fitted for their substance, not their style. In other words, they are geared towards performance and not on appearance.

The Electric Motor
Just like in real cars, these are placed in front, at the rear or in the middle of the slot car. Most cars are rated according to their speed or revolutions per minute or RPM. These rates are determined by the voltage the motor receives.

The Steel Or Copper Braids
The braid is what gives the car the power. these provide power by allowing the car to make contact with the rails on the track.

The Guide
The guide is the small piece of plastic attached to the underside of the chassis which keep the car stable relevant to the track below it. This is also what holds the braids.

The Gears Or Gear Set
Gears dictate how the car performs. It affects speed and acceleration. Standard gears, those that usually come with store-brought slot cars, are oft en removed to customize the car’s performance.

The Magnets
To race with stability and downforce, most drivers attach magnets in the front and at the rear of the car. This allows for easier maneuverability and control over the car, making it easier to take turns without the danger of falling off of the track while doing so.

Of course, it’s impossible to put everything about Slot Cars into just one article. But you can’t deny that you’ve just added to your understanding about Slot Cars, and that’s time well spent.

About the Author
By Kaj R. Nilsen, feel free to visit his website: Nettdating

Slot Cars As Learning Toys For Kids

Tuesday, July 12th, 2011

The best course of action to take sometimes isn’t clear until you’ve listed and considered your alternatives. The following paragraphs should help clue you in to what the experts think is significant.

Toys are effective learning tools for kids since they effectively integrate fun with learning. Kids love to play, and most of the time that’s the only activity they care for. Hence, parents have to be ingenious in their attempts to sublimate their kids’ learning into more pleasurable activities. If your child is a boy, chances are he’ll be more inclined to play with toy cars, even more so with the ones that can move really fast! Also, it’s a proven fact that kids have a natural inclination to toys that are controllable. You simply can never go wrong with slot cars.

Almost everyone has already seen slot cars at one time or another. These miniature cars are modeled out of real cars, and are a joy to behold when they are running fast on tracks. A remote control gives you the ability to control its speed, taking care to put on just the right amount at certain points of the track in order for it to stay on course.

Slot car racing has also been a popular sport among hobbyists for a few decades now. If you want your kid to get really serious, it’s about time you join slot racing competitions and get your kid involved in them. When kids get competitive, they are going to learn the nuances of the sport by their own volition. This is a perfect opportunity to have them involved in physical science, electronics, and basic mathematical concepts.

Hopefully the information presented so far has been applicable. You might also want to consider the following:

To start with your kid’s “education”, you need to tell him how the whole process of slot car racing works. Don’t make it sound like you’re giving a lecture; instead, make it sound as casual as possible. If you’re lucky, you might not need to make the initial effort since the kid might ask about it himself if he’s really interested.

So tell your kids how slot cars accelerate, decelerate and stay on track as they move through a track’s twists and turns. Ask him about the adjustments that need to be made in lieu to a particular track. Should the magnet in the car be toned down for a track that doesn’t involve sharp turns? How does car shape affect speed? In this manner, kids will learn how aerodynamics and wind resistance come into play in determining speed.

Making modifications on slot cars allows your kids to develop their mechanical and logical faculties. Slot cars have lots of variables. Values such as gear ratios, magnets, electrical contacts, tire size, tire grip, and weight need to be deliberated on since each of them can determine a slot car’s performance in a designated track. Some of these concepts might be too complex for a kid, so don’t put too much pressure on him. Give him the simple tasks, and allow him to watch you as you do the more complex ones.

Learning is best when it happens without you being aware of it. This is even truer for kids. Slot car racing can benefit your child in so many ways, and more importantly, he’ll get a kick out of it.

Is there really any information about Slot Cars that is nonessential? We all see things from different angles, so something relatively insignificant to one may be crucial to another.

About the Author
By alex alaska p, visit site known as the place >top-marketers LOVE but hates 4 U Know Exists<: theVault
Best Hosting 4 marketers? GVO
Go here where you can win exclusive prizes simply by doing the things you do anyway, everyday!

Preparing Your Slot Car For A Race

Thursday, June 30th, 2011

When you think about Slot Cars, what do you think of first? Which aspects of Slot Cars are important, which are essential, and which ones can you take or leave? You be the judge.

Slot cars come off the production line with the best setting and performance according to its capacity. This is not to say though that you, as the driver, can’t add some changes to the original product to optimize its performance.

Most cars won’t perform their best when raced straight out of the box. They are just not competitive enough for racing against other cars that have received some modifications. Fine-tuning is very much needed to shake off the mass production settings of the car.

Braids
The original braids of slot cars are often too small for good performance. A little push to keep them apart will do the trick of allowing them closer contact to the rail. For better performance, exchange the original braids with softer ones to reduce friction and enhance electrical conductivity. Always do routine maintenance to the braids to keep them free of dirt.

Rims and Tires
Slot cars are molded from plastic and as such, are likely to have burrs in some areas which could affect the performance of the car. Remove all burrs as much as possible. Remove, especially, the burrs on each wheel and polish the rim to make it completely round.

To do this, remove each wheel and give the rim a more round profile. Put back the wheels and run the car on sandpaper for a few seconds. This process, called ‘truing the tires’, should polish the entire circumference of each wheel. For further polishing, you can soak the wheels with oil to soften the rubber.

Clean the tires. Use light fuel to rub the entire with a clean sheet to remove dirt. You can do this for routine maintenance and every after race to keep the tires free from dirt.

You may not consider everything you just read to be crucial information about Slot Cars. But don’t be surprised if you find yourself recalling and using this very information in the next few days.

Some people glue the tires to the rim to prevent these from spinning. You can do this if you don’t want the axles of your car’s wheels to move during the race.

Cleaning
Routine maintenance is a key component of keeping the car’s performance at its best. After each race, cars get dirty. This is especially true if you are racing on simulated rally courses that use either cocoa powder or flour to substitute for dirt or snow.

Check the entire car for dirt, especially the interior or chassis. Check the chassis for dust and dirt and wipe these out.

Motor
Serious attention should be given to the car’s motor. Needless to say, the motor should always be clean and well maintained.

Prior to the race, most racers make it a habit to warm up the motor before putting the car on the track. This should take more or less a few hours to complete. When doing this, be sure to gradually increase the voltage to ensure that the car gets the power it needs to perform well.

To prevent wear and tear, most racers attach the motor to the chassis permanently. Do this by either gluing the motor to the chassis or by taping it.

Chassis
Just like real racecars, the chassis of any slot car should be optimized for performance. Sanding the sides of the car as well as loosening the screws will do the trick.

The day will come when you can use something you read about here to have a beneficial impact. Then you’ll be glad you took the time to learn more about Slot Cars.

About the Author
By Anders Eriksson, feel free to visit his Perpetual20 training site for great bonuses: Perpetual20

How The Popularity Of Slot Cars Began

Tuesday, June 21st, 2011

The invention of the automobile in the 1800s gave the people a glimpse of an impending technological advancement in the field of transportation in the coming years. Not only did it spark interest, it also paved the way for hobbyists to start collecting miniature car models ? now popularly known as slot cars.

Toy makers found it a necessity to duplicate the quality that car manufacturers have applied on their automobiles, thus paving the way for the creation of slot cars. But did you know that the first slot cars were not really clamped on slots?

The first commercial slot cars were made by Lionel in 1912, and were being operated on rails similar to that of modern trains. These were often referred to as Rail Cars, and they were built with spare model train motors and parts.

The appearance of these slot cars was surprisingly almost similar to what we have today, except for the fact that during these early years, the cars can only run on a single pace. You can’t make them run faster or slower.

During the late 1930s, slot cars were powered by small combustion engines, allowing them to dash through the rails at a faster speed. Human intervention is still not possible, and the slot cars were just being clamped to a single central rail so that they will not lose their track.

Most of this information comes straight from the Slot Cars pros. Careful reading to the end virtually guarantees that you’ll know what they know.

As years went by, and with the continuous improvement in technology and in electronics, hobbyists began to conduct experiments on how toy cars can become controllable. They installed hand-built motors inside the cars, thus permitting speed adjustments and manipulation in the presence of a human who acts as the controller.

1954 was a milestone for slot cars and slot car racing. This was the year when the first electronic racecourse was created. Hobbyists became driven as ever on slot car racing as the electricity-powered racecourse further increased the popularity of slot cars. Racing clubs eventually switched from center rails to slots in the track surface.

Slot car racing was at its peak during the 1960s, where slot car facilities began to grow in multitude in every town. Major manufacturers like Eldon, Revell and Scalextric began to make home sets and became commercial successes.

By the late 1970s, there was a gradual decline in the slot car frenzy; perhaps this can be attributed to other technological advancements that sparked interest to other hobbyists.

In the 1990s, slot cars had more detailed and intricate designs, thanks mainly to the computer which made it possible to design a model, even on 3D. The hobby is currently in a sort of revival with makers like Scalextric and Carrera making a comeback. The renewed interest also spurred hobbyists to collect vintage slot cars that became popular during the early years.

The most modern of the slot cars are the digitized ones, which were invented in 2004. Digital slot cars have the ability to race on multiple, providing a more realistic simulation of car racing.

About the Author
By Anders Eriksson, proud owner of this top ranked web hosting reseller site: GVO

Buying Slot Cars And Slot Car Accessories

Friday, June 17th, 2011

This article explains a few things about Slot Cars, and if you’re interested, then this is worth reading, because you can never tell what you don’t know.

Slot car racing is a very popular hobby among miniature car racing enthusiasts. It satisfies the inner speed demons among us and is a relatively inexpensive hobby for people who love building model cars. In this article, we will provide you with information that can help you not only save on buying slot cars and slot car accessories but also buying advices that will allow you to make the best choice:

Which slot car scale?
Slot cars come in various scales and each scale has its own pros and cons. The larger scales, for example, have superb detailing and are often geared to perform according to the performance specs of the original cars they were modeled from. These are usually raced in competitions and are often considered among the cars worth collecting.

The main disadvantage of using the 1:24 scale, the largest there is, is that this takes so much space. The same is quite true with the smaller 1:32 scale. For a decent basic racetrack, you should at least have an 8 by 6 feet racetrack.

The space needed to accommodate the racetrack for larger scales is always a major consideration. If you have a small space available for your racetrack, it is often more advisable to stick with smaller scales, like the HO scale.

Now that we’ve covered those aspects of Slot Cars, let’s turn to some of the other factors that need to be considered.

The HO scale is where the smallest of slot cars are categorized under. This includes small cars whose size ranges from 2 ½ inches to 3 ½ inches.

Now, when it comes to buying, it is very important to first check how much space you have for your toys. If you don’t think larger scales are good for you, it is advisable that you settle with the smaller ones. Also, if there are no race circuits for 1:24 and 1:32 slot cars near you, you should stick with smaller scales.

Which manufacturer?
There are literally hundreds of companies that produce competition-ready slot cars for hardcore slot car racing enthusiasts to slot car toys for children. Obviously, you should look for those companies that produce high quality slot cars whose performance is optimized for racing. Among the most common manufacturers are Artin, Johnny Lightning, Carrera, Fly, Ninco, Monogram, and Scalextric. These differ in the quality of cars they produce as well as the price range. The most affordable cars are produced by Artin and the manufacturers that are known for winning the most race are Scalextric, Carrera and Johnny Lighting for individual scales. The high-end slot cars are produced by Fly.

Where to buy?
Slot car shops can be found in brick and mortar shops as well as online shops. eBay, a very popular worldwide online bidding site, is where many slot car hobbyists and enthusiasts go for their supplies. Individual online vendors are also some of the best places to visit online to get your car sets. It is also a good idea to check out hobby shops near you.

How to buy?
It doesn’t matter where you buy; what matters is how you buy. Slot cars command relatively inexpensive price tags although there are some well-made ones that could cost you a fortune. So do your research first before you buy your own car. It is important to know everything about the car first before you pay some serious money for it.

About the Author
By Anders Eriksson, proud owner of this top ranked web hosting reseller site: GVO

4 Essential Tips To Become A Winner In Slot Car Racing

Thursday, June 16th, 2011

It would be a waste if a top-grade slot car is not properly cared for. In the sport of slot car racing, proper maintenance and effective improvisation almost always determine the victor. And if you’re serious about being competitive in slot car racing, it’d do you well to heed the tips that are going to be discussed in this article.

1. Keep Your Slot Car Clean

Slot cars can accumulate dust and dirt in its nooks and crannies, which can cause congestion on the wheel hubs, axles, and pick up shoes. If not properly cleaned, these components will have a hard time to rotate freely.

What you should do is remove the body and make sure that the chassis is clean. The moving parts amount to tires, gears, axles, springs and motors. Rotate them and determine if they can move without difficulty. In case there are parts that are worn out, replacing them is the smarter thing to do. As long as all these components are working properly, the slot car will perform better and last longer.

2. Apply Lubrication

Cleaning is simply not enough. Even a clean car will have difficulties in maintaining a solid run if friction is left alone to do its nasty work. To avoid this problem, make sure to lubricate the slot car chassis and the motor. A small drop of oil on each of the chassis axle bearings is a good insurance policy as far as keeping the axles spinning without any interruptions is concerned. Do the same procedure for the front and rear end bells to make sure that the armatures can spin without difficulty. Remember, a small drop on each component will do; otherwise, the operation could become messy.

Sometimes the most important aspects of a subject are not immediately obvious. Keep reading to get the complete picture.

3. Stick to One Car

You have to choose a slot car that works for you. In case you have a lot of slot cars to choose from, do a test drive on each one and choose the one you can handle best. If you think that some tweaks have to be made, feel free to do so and do a test run again.

4. Practice Makes Perfect

Once you’re finished choosing your “baby”, you need to do regular drills in order for you to have a better “feel” for all the little but important nuances that are involved in handling the slot car. Believe it or not, each slot car is unique. And funny as it may sound, each one seems to develop its own set of characteristics.

So treat your slot car like a prizefighter. Do a test drive for a few hours each day. Try different types of tracks. If you spot a weakness, do the necessary adjustments and then give it another try. With plenty of time, you can spot subtleties more effectively and know exactly what you need to do with each one.

These are the basic guidelines to ensure that you and your slot car remain competitive in the slot car racing arena. Slot cars are curious things, but if you are familiar with all the little things, you are well on your way to making it big in the sport of slot car racing.

The day will come when you can use something you read about here to have a beneficial impact. Then you’ll be glad you took the time to learn more about Slot Cars.

About the Author
By Anders Eriksson, proud owner of this top ranked web hosting reseller site: GVO

3, 2, 1…Go! The Basics Of Preparing For Slot Car Racing

Tuesday, June 14th, 2011

Each racing event follows a different process of organizing races. The components below are among the most common ones that can be observed in many major racing circuits.

Individual Preparation
The winners of different races seem to be those drivers who have made their preparations. Well-conditioned cars stand a much higher chances of winning the race as these, quite obviously, are primed for performing during the entire length of the course.

Priming the car for racing often involves checking the interior and exterior of the car and the different components of the car, especially those that directly contribute to the results of the race. It pays to check the wheels as these often affect the results of the race. Be sure that these rotate perfectly and that there are nothing stuck in the rims that would prevent the car from moving. Also, the pinions, gears and brushes are checked and lightly oiled. The braids are also checked.

If you are priming yourself to race in competitions, it is a good idea to make preparing the car the night before the race a habit. This allows you plenty of time to check up and the car and address any of its problem. Checking the car a few hours during the race is good too but make it a point not to do the checking right before the race. Also, warm up the motor of the car a few hours before the race. This could ensure that the car will receive just the right amount of energy it needs to perform its best on the track.

You can see that there’s practical value in learning more about Slot Cars. Can you think of ways to apply what’s been covered so far?

Car Selection
You can’t just race any slot car and expect to come away as the winner. No. It takes some really good cars that are primed for racing to win a competition. If you are racing a car that just came out of its box, you’re out of luck. You could never expect for it to win against other cars whose performance have been optimized. It takes some really good performance-enhancing fixes for a mass-produced car to compete with excellent racing cars. Learn a thing or two about enhancing slot car performance before you set your eyes on the prize.

Before the race, choose the cars that will best suit the type of race you will be participating. Be sure to remember the strengths of each of your car along with the strengths and weaknesses of each brand so you can pick the car that will give you the best advantage. Some models are known for running in sharp curves, some are known for running at high speeds in straight sections. Know beforehand which car in your ‘garage’ is best suited for the type of race which you are about to participate into.

Arrange Yourself A Marshal
You can’t race and take care of de-slotted cars at the same time so get yourself an assistant who would do just that for you.

Whether you are racing to win a prize in a competition or just racing against your buddies for fun, it is important to psyche up yourself into the game. Equally important is preparing your car for the race.

When word gets around about your command of Slot Cars facts, others who need to know about Slot Cars will start to actively seek you out.

About the Author
By Anders Eriksson, feel free to visit his soon to be top ranked Perpetual20 affiliate site: Perpetual 20

Detailed History Of Slot Cars

Saturday, June 11th, 2011

Would you like to find out what those-in-the-know have to say about Slot Cars? The information in the article below comes straight from well-informed experts with special knowledge about Slot Cars.

Does your kid love racing? To make him experience the joy and excitement of being on a race track without actually driving a real race car, you should think of buying him a slot car set. Slot cars are replicas of actual automobiles with bodies made purposely for miniature racing. While there are commercially available slot cars of different sizes and styles, some racers still prefer to make their own models from basic parts and materials. But how and where did slot cars originated?

The first slot cars to hit the market were built by Lionel Corporation. This model, which appeared on Lionel’s catalog in 1912, draws it power from a toy train rail that was set in the wide slot between the rails. Racers can adjust the speed of their vehicle by regulating the switch positioned on the track’s power supply. This very first model has much resemblance to modern slot cars, but independent speed control was offered only as an option way back then. Production of this toy set was stopped after 1915.

1930s
In late 1930s, hobbyist use relatively large model cars with 1:16 to 1:18 scales. These cars derived their power from miniature internal combustion engines that were initially equipped with spark-ignition that was later on replaced with glow plug engines. Since there was no way for the player to control the car’s speed and steering, this kind of car was mainly a mechanic’s hobby.

1940s
In 1940s, British hobbyists start experimenting controllable electric cars that feature hand-built motors.

Those of you not familiar with the latest on Slot Cars now have at least a basic understanding. But there’s more to come.

1950s
In 1954, the Southport model Engineering Society in the United Kingdom was dared by a patent-holder to use rail-guided gas-car exhibition on raising funds. So its staff made an electric racecourse with six-lane layout and measuring 60 feet long. This course is designed for 1:32 rail-guided cars which are considered as the ancestors of slot racing cars.

Inspired by the said layout from Southport, some US and UK clubs start racing electric cars assisted by center rails in 1955 to 1956. These rails were soon after replaced by slots on the track surface and cars raced on these tracks are name slot cars. In 1957, Minimodels has produced a famous line of slot-guided vehicles called Scalextric. Victory Industries also launched the VIP line. The Scaletrix became an instant hit, causing engineers and some companies like Aurora Plastics Corporation to develop HO vibrator sets. These small cars amazed the public because their price and size best suit the needs of average consumers.

1960s
It was in the 1960s when slot cars became very much popular. In 1963, after manufacturing a million and a half units, Aurora made flat-commutator motor to replace the vibrator cars. From this, the best-selling slot car in history, called Aurora Thunderjet-500, was produced. The Thunderjets, along with their upgraded versions, dominated the market for around a decade.

1970s
It was in the late 1970s when the slot car craze sputtered out.

By using computer-aided designing, more detailed and authentic models have been made in 1990s. And in 2004, the digital control systems which have modernized model railroading, start appearing in 1:32 slot cars. Such systems provide racers with the ability to race multiple cars in every lane, and to enjoy more realistic racing experience.

That’s the latest from the Slot Cars authorities. Once you’re familiar with these ideas, you’ll be ready to move to the next level.

About the Author
By Anders Eriksson, feel free to visit his Perpetual20 affiliate site for great bonuses: Perpetual 20


Search