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ABOUT SLOT CARS

Slot cars have been around a long time, they really got big in the 60's when they were

mass produced. Companies like Strombeker, Eldon, Cox, Monogram made cars in the

millions and big companies like Sears, Montgomery Wards and the like had them in

their Christmas catalogs. The original track in the 60's was hard plastic,somewhat like

HO and Carrera track is today. The new Scalextric and Ninco track is more supple plastic and

less chance of breaking and the added features is there are more types of corners so 2,4,6,8

lanes of track can be built. The cars in the older days were fairly plain, except in the case of

Monogram and Cox, the detail in these was greater. The new generation of cars such as Fly, Ninco,

Scalextric and the other 1/32 brands have very exciting detail and silk screen logos, some of the

cars are even painted such as Fly.The new cars come ready to run out of the box and the track

assembles fast making set up time quick. HO cars are about 2", 1/43 about 4", 1/32 are 5",

1/24 are 7" in total length. Slot cars means the track has a slot in it, the cars have guides that

run down this slot. Power is picked up by braids on guide and the track has 2 metal tracks running down

both sides of slot for a power source. Most new track is 12 volt D.C. and the power is supplied by a

12 volt D.C. transformer.The track can be set up for racing on the floor or a be built up to look like a

real race track, with buildings, trees and hills this really adds realism to the racing. Racing can be F1, or

vintage, GT , Le Mans using the type cars that would run in that class. The track can be set up to look

like any real race track in the world by adding more pieces. Cars can be modified with different engines,

tires and decals .In the years to come with all the electronic items coming out keeping track of laps and

speeds is getting easier every day. This is a exciting hobby that will only get better with the years to come.

Frank at SCW