QUOTE They were slower than some of my static car models.
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Yes! I don't think anyone who didn't see them then can truly appreciate now just how bizarre they really were. They could actually run on AC or DC, but the sets came AC powered because that eliminated any need for rectification. They worked on the basis of electromagnetism, but the similarity to modern cars ended there. A stationary electromagnetic coil attracted a metallic "leg" (can't call it an "arm" now can I?
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) when energized. When the leg moved toward the coil, it broke contact with a stationary power conductor. The coil was no longer energized and the "leg" moved back to its original position. And the cycle would repeat. Every time the "leg" moved it pushed a tiny actuator rod to move the rear axle's "ratchet" mechanism. By varying the power to the coil, the speed at which this process occurred could be varied. Okay... speed is a bad term here.
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The actuator rods were subject to wear and many owners replaced worn ones with pencil leads!
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They were slow, they were incredibly noisy, but they were the intro into the market for Aurora, who undoubtedly led the HO slot scene for about 25 years. Incidentally, the "vibrators" were not Aurora's invention, but rather that of the UK-based Playcraft company who sold the rights to Aurora in the US.
