First Scalextric set ?

1331 Views 5 Replies 5 Participants Last post by SAMPSON, May 27, 2012

SAMPSON

Discussion Starter · May 25, 2012

Hi,heres a article from Model Maker which seems to contradict the general info we have on the first Scalextric sets made. First the photo shows a set with what looks like a transformer not the battery box. The push button controllers are there. Then the set has both the Ferrari & Maserati in it, not the 2 Ferraris as has been mentioned before with the Maseratis being made a little later. The box top seems the same. This issue of Model Maker is April 1957 3 months after the "official start "January 1957. What do you think. i have a early pre Triang set with both the Maserati & Ferrari. Thanks,Bernard

See less See more

Save

1 - 1 of 6 Posts

Rob J

· #4 · May 27, 2012 (Edited by Moderator)

Do you have the last page of the article, Bernard? P195 or whatever. It may mention the power supply.
My guess is that the power unit in the set is a battery box, perhaps for eight D batteries. There's no sign of a mains lead or a plug, as Kev says. The trackside building-style battery box presumably came later.
Not sure about 1957 but in the 1960s sets were sold without transformers because the latter were exempt from purchase tax (or were taxed a lower rate), and perhaps also because many people (like Floydfan) already had rail transformers.
Rob J

Save

1 - 1 of 6 Posts

This is an older thread, you may not receive a response, and could be reviving an old thread. Please consider creating a new thread.

Top Contributors this Month