[jonmy7]

Sorry for the newbie post

Having just brought a new house with a double garage I can at last get into some slot car action. The only question is that I don't know what scale to get into.

I am thinking of Scalextric size (what scale is that?) but have also seen some smaller scale cars / tracks. What are the advantages of each?

Obviously the smaller scale needs less room to have a bigger track, but in terms of feel / handling / performance / fun, which scale is best?

Would love to hear your personal comments...Thanks

 

[Fergy]

Never apologize for a newbie post! Apologize only if you don't ask questions here!

There are some great people here who won't hesitate to answer your questions.

The small scale you refer to is HO (a bad name because true HO is 1/87 scale and modern HO slots are 1/64). Scalextric (and Fly, Ninco, Carrera, SCX, etc.) is 1/32 scale. The larger cars, normally seen at commercial raceways, are 1/24 scale.

IMO, having done them all over the years, 1/32 is the best way to go. True, you would get more layout length in HO, but the 1/32 cars are far superior in both looks and driving "feel". They are easy to work on, there is a massive selection, and aftermarket parts abound.

1/32!!

 

[tibius181]

In my view the scalextric Sport scale 1:32 is the best to get into, the track does not take up too much space and the cars handle great (sliging good acceleration etc.
Go for SCALEXTRIC SPORT!!

Doug

 

[JcRacer43]

For som1 who is new to slot racing and has room to build a track for permanent layout i would start off with a scalextric set. Then see how you like it and gradually get more track, cars, new controllers (cause the scaley ones suck), ect. Don't worry if you look around at some old topics here at the forum you could find a lot of info. And never hesitate to ask anyone anything we are a giant family here and are willing to help anyone.

and good luck to you!

 

[jonmy7]

WOW, such helpful and friendly replies - you all ROCK!

Will definately be browsing these forums.

 

[pupkick]

As the scale differences were noted above, I'll make note of a few tangible differences.

The scale you choose depends on your wants. If you are looking just to have some cars fling around the track, with less car realism, HO is the way to go. 1:32 scale offers much more car (details!) and "driving" realism, but "less" track will fit in the same space. 1:24 is mainly (save select carrera components & the ninco karts!) the plastic wings that throttle around a routed track at your local slot track. Low realism, high speed. This is rarely done in home.

Most of this forum's users are 1:32 people, with a sprinkling of HO for added flavor.

We race 1:32 scale on plastic and routed wooden tracks, at home, a club, or both. manufacturers in this group include Scalextric, Ninco, Carrera, Artin (all four make track AND cars, more on that later), Fly, Slot-It, and more. Cars come in all varieties and can be run out of the box, or tuned for increased performance. Most of this forum will tune cars, trying to get the most out of each car, while there are still plenty who have fun with the cars as they are sold. There is no wrong way to go on this, as you can get as far into this hobby as you want and are comfortable with. This forum is always happy to help, no matter which way you go.

As for buying your track, you again have many options. Scalextric, based in England, make a great track (Sport System) which is smooth but offers good traction. Ninco, based in Spain, makes a wider track that is a little rougher, thereby offering a little more traction, though some believe it can wear tires faster. Carrera, based in Germany, also has a wider track that runs relatively smooth, but it has a striped line between the slots to simulate a road. Artin is an older track system, a favorite of many old timers here is similar to Carrera in having a stripe, and has a easy fit connection system. There is no wrong way to go and there are many websites (most of which linked from the links section of this website) that offer more in depth comparisons. Be warned that they, like my very own post, can be biased, so read as many as you can to gain a better overall perspective.

If you live in the US, Scalextric and Carrera are generally the easiest to get ahold of, and expand with more track, but Ninco is found on many shelves as well. Shop around and you'll find great prices, and great service. (We love Judy at Fantasy World!)

Always feel free to post questions.

 

[LMP]

Also available by Artin and Carrera is 1:43, which is a common scale for most die-cast models. This IMO is quite good, it takes up less space but the cars can still be detailed. Have not actually tried 1:43, but it seems like a good idea.

If in doubt, go for 1:32. Thats the standard sca;e, as mentioned above, for slot racing, and probably has the widest market.

Good luck with the hobby

 

[c5r]

My layout is Artin 1/32 track. I use Parma controllers and a Samlex power supply. Best bang for the dollar I say, but point being 1/32 scale.

 

[Fangio]

Maybe it should be added that you can drive both 1/24 and 1/32 on Carrera track, so if you go for that track, you can drive both.

Morten

 

[DR STICKY]

if it was my money it would have to be the carrera track pound for pound the better option
some deals can be found (that's if your in the UK) in the index shops unless all the uk slot forum members have not already snapped them up.
BUT what ever format you take up you will have fun
just ask questions
some one on here will answer

DR STICKY aka robbo

 

[Intergrali]

go for carrera 1/24th track (bit tricky to get hold of over here but do able)
and go for 1:32nd scale cars, there is a much wider variety

 

[goldfish_samurai]

Welcome to the forum.

1/32 is scale I would recommend (along with everyone else!) In general terms it is the most popular scale. You will have a much greater choice of cars to choose from and from many different manufacturers.

Have you seen any particular brand you like the look of yet?

 

[jonmy7]

Okay, with you help I have narrowed it down to 1:32 scale. I am in the UK, and looking at Scalextric.

I am also interested in a four-lane setup. Am I correct in thinking that this is just two lots of standard two-lane track? This makes sense for the straights but there must be different sized bends to make the corners, right?

Also thinking of making track this winter. Can't be THAT hard, can it? I have the tools (Router/ Jig Saw/ etc) just need to get the conducting strips and some form of power packs. I could make the lanes any width I want, allowing for 1:24th scale.

Perhaps I will get the standard 2 lane Scalextric set, see how I get on, then if I want multi-lane I will make it.

What is the Scalextic SPORT all about? Is it just normal track apart from the power / controller connector part?

 

[goldfish_samurai]

QUOTE I am also interested in a four-lane setup. Am I correct in thinking that this is just two lots of standard two-lane track? This makes sense for the straights but there must be different sized bends to make the corners, right?

Essentially, yes - as for the bends, Scalextric produce 4 different radii (?!). this enables 3 different corner types on a four lane circuit.

QUOTE Also thinking of making track this winter. Can't be THAT hard, can it? I have the tools (Router/ Jig Saw/ etc) just need to get the conducting strips and some form of power packs. I could make the lanes any width I want, allowing for 1:24th scale.

I have no idea how hard this is- I've not attempted trying. Some forum members are well qualified to answer this though

QUOTE What is the Scalextic SPORT all about? Is it just normal track apart from the power / controller connector part?

Sport is the new standard track made be Scalextric. It has different connectors that make it easier to join pieces together and a slightly smoother surface.

 

[monquispot]

also a big fan of scalextric sport.

but............look at carrera before you buy. their banking is awesome. the best, or worst, thing about carrera track is the size.

but that banking...........................

 

[pupkick]

I'd say the banking is the second worst thing about Carrera.. but I hate banking on slot tracks

At least with the banking it's optional, unlike the #1 worst thing about carrera, that darn stripe!!!

 

[Maltese]

Pupkick,

I concur on the Fantasy World -> Judy thing (It's not what it sounds like, fellas!). She's quite a sincere sweety and as helpful as can be.

There are lots of 1:32 cars out there so DO get some. I hate the Carrera track material and paint, but having the option of running 1:24 is a big plus for me. Especially if you are even THINKING of routing a track.

I would not doubt it if 1:24 began to see more daylight at some point.

So route ready for 1:24, but buy a simple 1:32 setup like Ninco or Scaley to get a feel for the fun. Not recommending against Carrera necessarily, a lot of folk absolutely love it as it does 1:24 and 1:32.

-Maltese

 

[Tropi]

Welcome jonmy7.

The overall advice given above is good and I'll just add a few points.
1/32 scale is by far the most popular in Europe, for the reasons already given.
Buying a complete set(s) is definitely the most economical way of starting out, other than buying second hand, and a set ensures that you have all the essentials complete in one purchase, right from the start.

The vast majority of Brits start out with a Scalextric set - readily available, reasonably priced and can easily be added to later.
DO shop around for sets - it is sometimes possible to buy them on special offer at reduced prices from 'catalogue stores' or even supermarkets.
If you come across Carrera sets at very low prices, DO consider buying one as a first hand sampler for this excellent track system.

You CANNOT make a mistake in buying a new Scalextric set but, if you have a little extra space and the track will not be frequently altered, there is much in favour of Carrera track.
Nothing beats trying it out for yourself, in spite of the sometimes strong opinions stated in the forum!

One extra point:
Consider buying a catalogue or two - full colour physical catalogues are a permanent reference that you can access any time - attractive, convenient and informative.

 

[alfetta]

I agree with the general concesus of opinion. 1st question. Have you a power router and are you competent with it? If yes go out and buy yourself some 19mm MDF and make your own circuit. A lot more track per pound spent and you get a load more satisfaction from making it yourself.
Whichever route you take I sincerely hope you enjoy the hobby as much as the rest of us.

Alfetta

 

[Tropi]

Er . . . definitely not wanting to put down routing - in the end it's WAY the most economical and satisfactory means to a super track.
But I would strongly advise caution in the early days, while still sifting through ideas and desires.
Plastic track enables you to experiment almost infinitely while the 'ultimate desire track' gradually crystallises in your mind. You can afford to make mistakes with plastic - easily changed.
With great respect, postpone routing for a little while.