In recent topics I see that slot cars are referred to as toys.
After reading these threads I have thought about this, and would like to share my thoughts on the subject.
This will greatly depend on the definition of "toy" (as Tropi requested in another thread).
In my opinion there are two different meanings to the word:
1. Something made for children to play with (I define children as someone as between birth and puberty).
When using this interpretation of the word I would disagree that my 1:32 slot cars are toys.
I find it extremely hard to believe that cars that cost in the region £25 to £45 each are aimed at persons younger than 16 years old.
Surely I see that there are several of this age that have expensive cars, but I still don't think they are the primary target group of such expensive cars.
I doubt that so many older cars would be produced if they were aimed at this age group. Surely there are modern cars that are produced also, but I think these are of as much interest to adults as to children.
I've only been into slot cars for a short time, so clearly I could have the wrong impression here, but it will take some hard evidence (like a published statement from a manufacturer or a comprehensive sales study) to convince me that 1:32 scale cars from Scalextric, Ninco, Fly and others are manufactured with the primary intention of selling them to persons below the age of 16.
I would imagine the likes of "My first Scalextric" is intended for the children, and the more advanced models are aimed at more mature buyers.
2. Something that is the source of amusement.
By this definition I would agree that slot cars can be toys.
When using this definition several things, that are not generally considered toys, can be regarded as toys. An example of this would be my relative that purchased a Lotus as his second car, and frequently refers to it as his toy.
Still I think that this does not apply to all slot cars (although it does for most of the cars), as not all of them are used for amusement. Some of them seem to be aimed at collectors rather than racers, and should be considered more as collectibles than toys.
Of course a small amount of the limited editions are raced, but I'm still convinced that some models are more intended for the shelves than the track (the Fly Porsche and Lola T70 with damage does seem intended more for the shelves).
How does the rest of you think about your cars?
I've only been into slot cars since Christmas, but during this period I've spent a serious amount of money on this. If someone manages to convince me that this money is spent on something aimed at children I'll seriously have to reconsider my priorities…
After reading these threads I have thought about this, and would like to share my thoughts on the subject.
This will greatly depend on the definition of "toy" (as Tropi requested in another thread).
In my opinion there are two different meanings to the word:
1. Something made for children to play with (I define children as someone as between birth and puberty).
When using this interpretation of the word I would disagree that my 1:32 slot cars are toys.
I find it extremely hard to believe that cars that cost in the region £25 to £45 each are aimed at persons younger than 16 years old.
Surely I see that there are several of this age that have expensive cars, but I still don't think they are the primary target group of such expensive cars.
I doubt that so many older cars would be produced if they were aimed at this age group. Surely there are modern cars that are produced also, but I think these are of as much interest to adults as to children.
I've only been into slot cars for a short time, so clearly I could have the wrong impression here, but it will take some hard evidence (like a published statement from a manufacturer or a comprehensive sales study) to convince me that 1:32 scale cars from Scalextric, Ninco, Fly and others are manufactured with the primary intention of selling them to persons below the age of 16.
I would imagine the likes of "My first Scalextric" is intended for the children, and the more advanced models are aimed at more mature buyers.
2. Something that is the source of amusement.
By this definition I would agree that slot cars can be toys.
When using this definition several things, that are not generally considered toys, can be regarded as toys. An example of this would be my relative that purchased a Lotus as his second car, and frequently refers to it as his toy.
Still I think that this does not apply to all slot cars (although it does for most of the cars), as not all of them are used for amusement. Some of them seem to be aimed at collectors rather than racers, and should be considered more as collectibles than toys.
Of course a small amount of the limited editions are raced, but I'm still convinced that some models are more intended for the shelves than the track (the Fly Porsche and Lola T70 with damage does seem intended more for the shelves).
How does the rest of you think about your cars?
I've only been into slot cars since Christmas, but during this period I've spent a serious amount of money on this. If someone manages to convince me that this money is spent on something aimed at children I'll seriously have to reconsider my priorities…
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