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Scalextric Digital Review
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Good find muffin and great review Harry!
I particularly liked the observation:
QUOTE the "hard part" in slot racing is the curves. I see many beginners (and veterans too) that have a hard enough time keeping their car in the slot through corners now, let alone trying to change lanes and pass
I particularly liked the observation:
QUOTE the "hard part" in slot racing is the curves. I see many beginners (and veterans too) that have a hard enough time keeping their car in the slot through corners now, let alone trying to change lanes and pass
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It seems - no offence to Harry - that everyone who tests one of these Digital sets is sitting on the fence when it comes down to predicting the future. Perhaps it's too early to say - says me climbing up on the fence - but I think -coming back down again - that if the track is available (curves and straights) and multi lane (more than 2), pits and good race management software then Digital will rock and it will slowly take over from standard racing. In 10 years time, old times will be romantically reminiscing on the days before Digital which will be standard. I say: bring it on.
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QUOTE (Nuro @ 30 Oct 2004, 15:10)It seems - no offence to Harry - that everyone who tests one of these Digital sets is sitting on the fence when it comes down to predicting the future. Perhaps it's too early to say - says me climbing up on the fence - but I think -coming back down again - that if the track is available (curves and straights) and multi lane (more than 2), pits and good race management software then Digital will rock and it will slowly take over from standard racing. In 10 years time, old times will be romantically reminiscing on the days before Digital which will be standard. I say: bring it on.
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<{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Harry's Carrera Digital review was the impetus behind my purchase of the Carrera classic Nascar set. His review of the scalectric system is tepid, marked by dissatisfaction with braking and corner LCs.
While I own the Carrera set and have not tried the scalectric, I will give props where they are due. The Scaly power base is more robust and contains all the timing and scoring features. For Carrera you need to buy a separate timer that plugs into the power base.
<{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Harry's Carrera Digital review was the impetus behind my purchase of the Carrera classic Nascar set. His review of the scalectric system is tepid, marked by dissatisfaction with braking and corner LCs.
While I own the Carrera set and have not tried the scalectric, I will give props where they are due. The Scaly power base is more robust and contains all the timing and scoring features. For Carrera you need to buy a separate timer that plugs into the power base.
I agree about the review not being as glowing as the Carrera one, I wonder if Harry will comment on comparrisons in the near future?
The othe main plus is that Scalextric has already made a commitment to making adapter kits for other cars, and we can already see from the pics that it will be relatively esasy (space permitting) to convert any slot car to a scalextric digital one. We also know that a scalex digital car will run on an analogue track. This is another major facor, perhaps the biggest one for many.
The othe main plus is that Scalextric has already made a commitment to making adapter kits for other cars, and we can already see from the pics that it will be relatively esasy (space permitting) to convert any slot car to a scalextric digital one. We also know that a scalex digital car will run on an analogue track. This is another major facor, perhaps the biggest one for many.
Only Harry can speak for Harry (and he probably will before long!)
but I would guess that he is trying hard not be 'too' enthusiastic in style, as it attracts comparisons with one of our more prolifically enthusiastic contributors, which comparison is not something to be sought after or envied by normal members of the human race!
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but I would guess that he is trying hard not be 'too' enthusiastic in style, as it attracts comparisons with one of our more prolifically enthusiastic contributors, which comparison is not something to be sought after or envied by normal members of the human race!
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Tropi - Too late, HRW has been invaded by the "prolific contributor"...but we shall ward him off!!!
Though I have no intentions of going "digital"...unless Ninco does that Dakar-like rally track they exhibited at the shows in such...I can see digital being the prevalent system down the road for "sets" being sold, and probably Scalextric will be the sales leader if all the companies continue with digital systems that are not compatible with each other - they already are the dominant track system and coupled with being able to convert any slot car to their digital system is the winning edge at this time. However, both Carrera & SCX of late have come out with both better and interesting cars - the vintage NASCAR's are very popular here in the USA and they'll soon have their digital F1's available before Scalextric introduces something other than those cheap Porsches - so at this early stage it is a toss up as to what company will be the early leader.
Though I have no intentions of going "digital"...unless Ninco does that Dakar-like rally track they exhibited at the shows in such...I can see digital being the prevalent system down the road for "sets" being sold, and probably Scalextric will be the sales leader if all the companies continue with digital systems that are not compatible with each other - they already are the dominant track system and coupled with being able to convert any slot car to their digital system is the winning edge at this time. However, both Carrera & SCX of late have come out with both better and interesting cars - the vintage NASCAR's are very popular here in the USA and they'll soon have their digital F1's available before Scalextric introduces something other than those cheap Porsches - so at this early stage it is a toss up as to what company will be the early leader.
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As a review its informative and exactly what I want from a review. An open minded view point that allows readers to get a good overview of the itme being marketed.
Personally, the most important thing coming out of this review is "that its ships in almost 2 weeks"
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I hope it does.
CoolS
Personally, the most important thing coming out of this review is "that its ships in almost 2 weeks"
I hope it does.
CoolS
I, for one, am excited. I plan to purchase myself a Scaly digi set this month as a birthday present to myself. I can then convert my 2 lane 30 ft 4 by 8 apartment track to digital. That means, I'll be able to race 6 cars on my small track and everyone can participate at the same time. I'll also be able to lap dummy cars at will which will add fun to just lapping alone.
Here is how I see digital in the future:
1) There is always resistance to change whether it be autos, trains, computers, whatnot. People don't like change. I can remember a day when people said vinyl records and cassette tapes would never be replaced. They are long gone. CDs are rapidly giving way to MP3 files and players. Digital slot racing is here to stay.
2) I imagine Scaly is already working on 4 lane 12 car setups as I write this. They'd be stupid not to given the number of hardcore slot car enthusiast clubs with 4 lane tracks. Imagine a 24 hour enduro with 12 cars competing on a 4 lane with continuous running..... insane.
3) If Carrera, Ninco, SCX, and Scaley want to play with each other, they will find a way to standardize the systems and compatibility. It will happen in the next few years. Whatever set you will buy today will likely be obsolete in a few years (welcome to the computer age).
4) Once digital racing catches on, slot car racing and clubs will show considerable proliferation in the US and abroad. If I had the capability to run 12 Nascar Scaley's on a 4 lane and had a 60 ft trioval, I could book the place solid in the US for the next three years.... of course, we'd need the cars running in the proper counter clockwise direction for full effect. So give me 4 lanes, 12 cars, banked turns, CCW running, and I'll be looking to build a shop myself tomorrow.
Here is how I see digital in the future:
1) There is always resistance to change whether it be autos, trains, computers, whatnot. People don't like change. I can remember a day when people said vinyl records and cassette tapes would never be replaced. They are long gone. CDs are rapidly giving way to MP3 files and players. Digital slot racing is here to stay.
2) I imagine Scaly is already working on 4 lane 12 car setups as I write this. They'd be stupid not to given the number of hardcore slot car enthusiast clubs with 4 lane tracks. Imagine a 24 hour enduro with 12 cars competing on a 4 lane with continuous running..... insane.
3) If Carrera, Ninco, SCX, and Scaley want to play with each other, they will find a way to standardize the systems and compatibility. It will happen in the next few years. Whatever set you will buy today will likely be obsolete in a few years (welcome to the computer age).
4) Once digital racing catches on, slot car racing and clubs will show considerable proliferation in the US and abroad. If I had the capability to run 12 Nascar Scaley's on a 4 lane and had a 60 ft trioval, I could book the place solid in the US for the next three years.... of course, we'd need the cars running in the proper counter clockwise direction for full effect. So give me 4 lanes, 12 cars, banked turns, CCW running, and I'll be looking to build a shop myself tomorrow.
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I don't read it as a guy sitting on a fence, more, a guy unimpressed.
I've not seen the chip before; don't look to me like you'll get that in a Caterham or Vanwall....
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[Edit]
And what about re-inventing the wheel there with a "brakes" button? Gee, I can see UK Johnnie loving that on Xmas day. Come New Years and it's in the loft and forgotten - if not on Ebay.
K.I.S.S. Vanilla slot racing wasn't broken, it didn't need this over-complicated diversion. R&D money wasted, IMHO.
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I've not seen the chip before; don't look to me like you'll get that in a Caterham or Vanwall....
[Edit]
And what about re-inventing the wheel there with a "brakes" button? Gee, I can see UK Johnnie loving that on Xmas day. Come New Years and it's in the loft and forgotten - if not on Ebay.
K.I.S.S. Vanilla slot racing wasn't broken, it didn't need this over-complicated diversion. R&D money wasted, IMHO.
digital is essentially 1 lane, even massive wide DAVIC settups - so the number of 'lanes' and number of cars are not related.
chip-wise - if the chip can fit in a modern F1 car, it can certainly fit in a vanwall, not sure bout caterhams...
But digital breaks boundaries that are very off-putting to non-slot racers. The idea of each car being on seperate lanes, almost on tracks, makes it sound dull. It is probably to show that the two cars interact that scalextric have to push the 'bash and crash' theme so much, with crossover and chicane pieces and so on.
It was on my mind a bit when I got my first scalextric set....
The fact cars can interact more with other cars on the same circuit is definately a way to make people look again at slot racing, and certainly has the potential of giving the hobby a massive boost
chip-wise - if the chip can fit in a modern F1 car, it can certainly fit in a vanwall, not sure bout caterhams...
But digital breaks boundaries that are very off-putting to non-slot racers. The idea of each car being on seperate lanes, almost on tracks, makes it sound dull. It is probably to show that the two cars interact that scalextric have to push the 'bash and crash' theme so much, with crossover and chicane pieces and so on.
It was on my mind a bit when I got my first scalextric set....
The fact cars can interact more with other cars on the same circuit is definately a way to make people look again at slot racing, and certainly has the potential of giving the hobby a massive boost
That's a perfectly valid way to look at it.
But it's equally valid to suggest that the 'extra interaction' could boost in the opposite direction to that implied.
It will be interesting to see the boards in a year or so's time . . .
and see how the enthusiasm, that I think will still be shown here, is translating into actual sales in the cruel world outside this enclave!
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But it's equally valid to suggest that the 'extra interaction' could boost in the opposite direction to that implied.
It will be interesting to see the boards in a year or so's time . . .
and see how the enthusiasm, that I think will still be shown here, is translating into actual sales in the cruel world outside this enclave!
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One source I have says pre-sales are incredibly strong; another that Hornby will be left with plenty to warm their warehouse's shelves over this winter.
We will all just have to wait and see....
We will all just have to wait and see....
Some valid points above. I agree that the test of time is important too. I do have to smile though as sometimes `we` in the hobby that post on Forums are after all still the minority.
I was reminded of this by srapaul the other day after he had visited Get Slotted. Reports on the sale of Moto Gp were very enthusiastic despite just about everything that you read posted here, my negative views amongst them.
I see Digital as adding to the hobby not taking away as I cannot see why it would detract from the pleasure that people derive from playing with toy racing cars.
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I was reminded of this by srapaul the other day after he had visited Get Slotted. Reports on the sale of Moto Gp were very enthusiastic despite just about everything that you read posted here, my negative views amongst them.
I see Digital as adding to the hobby not taking away as I cannot see why it would detract from the pleasure that people derive from playing with toy racing cars.
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Yup, I too have heard that despite not leaning the sales of MotoGP show a healthy curve.
It is very easy to forget that we are a minority and blinker ourselves.
[Digression]
Heh, I never noticed before that when someone is replying to a post that you are looking at their ID appears in italics in the 'also viewing' box. Clever. Made me come back to see what Mr S had posted.
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It is very easy to forget that we are a minority and blinker ourselves.
[Digression]
Heh, I never noticed before that when someone is replying to a post that you are looking at their ID appears in italics in the 'also viewing' box. Clever. Made me come back to see what Mr S had posted.
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It will be interesting to see how digital plays out. QUOTE If Carrera, Ninco, SCX, and Scaley want to play with each other, they will find a way to standardize the systems and compatibility. Standardization seems key to me. There are many third party slot car manufacturers who are not making track and I imagine most of us already own slots made by a multitude of different manufacturers. Will my purchase of a digital system relegate my current stable to being shelf queens? Look how many people feel like they've been burned by obsolescence in O gauge railroading, digital photography and computers in general. I'm in no hurry to convert.
Steve
Steve
Hadn`t noticed that myself Wankel.... clever innit!
Just re read Harry`s review. I think that it was fair and accurate and having tried the system for myself I tend to agree with most of what he is saying. In my initial posting following Toy fair I also highlighted the brakes as being too severe, to be honest you just don`t need them. Having said that the advantage can be seen in having a braking system so tight it will stop you dead and prevent those major bashes.
The one point I disagree with is regarding the positioning of the LC as I found this the best out of the `big three` systems. If people slow down for the curves then you can cope fine.
I`ve never sat on the fence regarding Digital but no matter how enthusiastic I am I remember this point. At the Toy fair our group of intrepid slotties including Matt Tuck etc had a race on the SCX Digital system. I was hopeless crashed all the time, Matt was pretty good and `Gary the Phone` won. His happy smiling face hid a secret which he later confessed on the way home. He won by NOT changing lane, not once. He raced a la traditional and beat us all. Makes you think eh
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Just re read Harry`s review. I think that it was fair and accurate and having tried the system for myself I tend to agree with most of what he is saying. In my initial posting following Toy fair I also highlighted the brakes as being too severe, to be honest you just don`t need them. Having said that the advantage can be seen in having a braking system so tight it will stop you dead and prevent those major bashes.
The one point I disagree with is regarding the positioning of the LC as I found this the best out of the `big three` systems. If people slow down for the curves then you can cope fine.
I`ve never sat on the fence regarding Digital but no matter how enthusiastic I am I remember this point. At the Toy fair our group of intrepid slotties including Matt Tuck etc had a race on the SCX Digital system. I was hopeless crashed all the time, Matt was pretty good and `Gary the Phone` won. His happy smiling face hid a secret which he later confessed on the way home. He won by NOT changing lane, not once. He raced a la traditional and beat us all. Makes you think eh
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As to packing the house with a 4-lane digital tri-oval with 12 cars...errr, back in the 60's the "house" was always packed on a 6-lane routed commercial banked oval track with 6 cars...and 6 more and 6 more and 6 more etc. waiting for their heat race to start. Not trying to be arguementative, but if "digital" is going to bring back the heydays of slot car racing then I'm all for it!!!
Astro - Have you taken apart a Vanwall or Maserati? Putting a very small tweaker magnet in one is a project (I know, I have committed a grave sin...), just ain't no room...and the 3-piece digital device that's shown on the Porsche will not fit in a F1 or IRL car unless it is of a different design...which it probably will be.
Have I mentioned I'm holding out for that Ninco Dakar-like layout in digital...
Astro - Have you taken apart a Vanwall or Maserati? Putting a very small tweaker magnet in one is a project (I know, I have committed a grave sin...), just ain't no room...and the 3-piece digital device that's shown on the Porsche will not fit in a F1 or IRL car unless it is of a different design...which it probably will be.
Have I mentioned I'm holding out for that Ninco Dakar-like layout in digital...
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