i have spent the last 3 days researching everything i can find about 1/32 scale cars. i want to buy the best overall track to put on a table permanently. it seems that carrera is considered to be very good although ninco and scalectrix(sp?) are also favored. please advise, thanks
which brand of track?
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Joined
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1,157 Posts
Hi Joey,
Welcome to the hobby! Here's an article that discusses the different track systems from one fellow's perspective. He's an Artin dealer and likes a very smooth track surface.
You won't go wrong with any of the major manufacturer's track - Artin, Carrera, Ninco, Scalextric Sport, or SCX. There is somebody who swears by every brand.
Personally, I built a layout with Scalextric Sport because my biggest constraint was space and it is the narrowest track. Being narrow it allowed me to squeeze more track into a given space.
Artin is the cheapest track. It is hard plastic like Carrera. Artin is the only track (besides Scalextric Classic) that does not come wired for brakes - you would have to wire those yourself, not too tough but a hassle.
Carrera is the widest - it is designed to handle 1/24 scale cars - and is also hard plastic. The hard plastic allows Carrera to make steep banked curves. Some people think it is the best, others say that the hard track is more prone to break if you take it apart often.
Ninco would be my choice for best set out of the box. Ninco is the only manufacturer that builds in the capability to race in either direction in their power track. It has a rough surface that is good for the rubber tires that come stock on many cars, but some say the rough surface is not good for silicone tires. Ninco is 7 inches wide, about 7/8' wider than Scaley Sport. Ninco has a deep guide that is lined with plastc. Ninco's stock controllers are also supposed to be quite good. Ninco track is flexible plastic.
Scaley Sport is the narrowest track. It has a deep slot and a smooth surface. Scaley may be the brand that the most people own - just my guess from reading posts. It is also flexible plastic - your dog can walk on it and it won't be damaged. I found it very easy to work with in building my layout. The stock controllers are not so hot, but replace them with an inexpensive pair of Professor Motor's
diode controllers and you will be all set. Scaley seems to be adding a wide variety of track pieces to its Sport line.
SCX is similar to Scalextric Classic. SCX often causes new slot racers confusion. The brand name "Scalextric" is owned by two companies. In England it is owned by Hornby who markets around the world as Scalextric except in Spain, where it is called "Super Slot". But the name is also owned by a Spanish company. They market around the world as SCX except in Spain, where they are called "Scalextric".
I don't know much about SCX. I think it is the same width as Scaley Sport. It has a rough surface like Ninco. I think it is also flexible plastic. I'm sure it comes wired for brakes but don't know how deep the slot is.
Well, I hope this helps. Keep posting questions!
Paul
Circuit TrustChrist
Welcome to the hobby! Here's an article that discusses the different track systems from one fellow's perspective. He's an Artin dealer and likes a very smooth track surface.
You won't go wrong with any of the major manufacturer's track - Artin, Carrera, Ninco, Scalextric Sport, or SCX. There is somebody who swears by every brand.
Personally, I built a layout with Scalextric Sport because my biggest constraint was space and it is the narrowest track. Being narrow it allowed me to squeeze more track into a given space.
Artin is the cheapest track. It is hard plastic like Carrera. Artin is the only track (besides Scalextric Classic) that does not come wired for brakes - you would have to wire those yourself, not too tough but a hassle.
Carrera is the widest - it is designed to handle 1/24 scale cars - and is also hard plastic. The hard plastic allows Carrera to make steep banked curves. Some people think it is the best, others say that the hard track is more prone to break if you take it apart often.
Ninco would be my choice for best set out of the box. Ninco is the only manufacturer that builds in the capability to race in either direction in their power track. It has a rough surface that is good for the rubber tires that come stock on many cars, but some say the rough surface is not good for silicone tires. Ninco is 7 inches wide, about 7/8' wider than Scaley Sport. Ninco has a deep guide that is lined with plastc. Ninco's stock controllers are also supposed to be quite good. Ninco track is flexible plastic.
Scaley Sport is the narrowest track. It has a deep slot and a smooth surface. Scaley may be the brand that the most people own - just my guess from reading posts. It is also flexible plastic - your dog can walk on it and it won't be damaged. I found it very easy to work with in building my layout. The stock controllers are not so hot, but replace them with an inexpensive pair of Professor Motor's
diode controllers and you will be all set. Scaley seems to be adding a wide variety of track pieces to its Sport line.
SCX is similar to Scalextric Classic. SCX often causes new slot racers confusion. The brand name "Scalextric" is owned by two companies. In England it is owned by Hornby who markets around the world as Scalextric except in Spain, where it is called "Super Slot". But the name is also owned by a Spanish company. They market around the world as SCX except in Spain, where they are called "Scalextric".
I don't know much about SCX. I think it is the same width as Scaley Sport. It has a rough surface like Ninco. I think it is also flexible plastic. I'm sure it comes wired for brakes but don't know how deep the slot is.
Well, I hope this helps. Keep posting questions!
Paul
Circuit TrustChrist
Hi Joey
I'm having the same sort of dilemma myself.... which brand/track to go for. I think I'm going to go with Ninco, as the reviews/articles I've read all have good things to say about the product.... also what did sway it for me is the vast array of off road track and accessories they do, as I'm a very keen rally enthusiast.
Good luck with your choice
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I'm having the same sort of dilemma myself.... which brand/track to go for. I think I'm going to go with Ninco, as the reviews/articles I've read all have good things to say about the product.... also what did sway it for me is the vast array of off road track and accessories they do, as I'm a very keen rally enthusiast.
Good luck with your choice
If you have the space, I would recommend the Carrera. It has wonderful banks that come in a variety of sizes and 2 piece bridges that can be used to change the elevation so you can stack the track and make use of your space. I also feel that the hard plastic surface is more realistic to asphalt, therefore providing more realistic racing. The textured tracks like ninco are not realistic at all. The individual grains if blown up to 1:1 scale would be like driving on large gravel. Yes the Carrera track is more fragile, but if you're going to set up a track and rarely change the layout, who cares. If you're a rug racer, the rubbery tracks might be better in case someone steps on them. Check out www.cincyslots.com for some cool "customer tack" ideas. I hope this helps a little. I was in the same position as you and now own Scaley Sprt and Carrera. The Scaley is in the closet... Let us know what you decide, and I'd love to see it when you're finished. Simon.
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QUOTE (srootster @ 12 Feb 2005, 19:59)The individual grains if blown up to 1:1 scale would be like driving on large gravel. <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
That's a good point Simon. Being a huge rally fan, I think that was one of the reasons why I went with Ninco, along with the off road track that they do.
Cheers
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That's a good point Simon. Being a huge rally fan, I think that was one of the reasons why I went with Ninco, along with the off road track that they do.
Cheers
Good point Red Devil, it really depends on what style racing you want to do. I think all the tracks are great for different reasons. I believe that whatever set he decides to buy he'll be very pleased with. All the tracks are a blast! You really can't go wrong with any of them. Simon
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QUOTE (joey6364 @ 17 Jan 2005, 00:45)i have spent the last 3 days researching everything i can find about 1/32 scale cars. i want to buy the best overall track to put on a table permanently. it seems that carrera is considered to be very good although ninco and scalectrix(sp?) are also favored. please advise, thanks
<{POST_SNAPBACK}>
I wrote about this topic at my website, www.SlotcarAcademy.com.
http://www.slotcaracademy.com/e/trackselectionbeginners.htm
Maybe it is helpful.
jan willem
<{POST_SNAPBACK}>
I wrote about this topic at my website, www.SlotcarAcademy.com.
http://www.slotcaracademy.com/e/trackselectionbeginners.htm
Maybe it is helpful.
jan willem
Hi,
First, if have space, it's good, but you need know where you want to reach, 2 or 4 tracks. You can see the http://www.slotportugal.com (use the english version). There is a explanatory article, with a table with the main differences.
You can in the same circuit, to have several track type. Today is possible to have a circuit with tracks made by Ninco, SCX, Scalextric Sport. I am thinking about putting part of the circuit with rally tracks and snow, and to use 3 types of races in the same layout.
First, if have space, it's good, but you need know where you want to reach, 2 or 4 tracks. You can see the http://www.slotportugal.com (use the english version). There is a explanatory article, with a table with the main differences.
You can in the same circuit, to have several track type. Today is possible to have a circuit with tracks made by Ninco, SCX, Scalextric Sport. I am thinking about putting part of the circuit with rally tracks and snow, and to use 3 types of races in the same layout.
Hi, I use a mix of Ninco, Scalextric Sport & Classic....Ninco for a V. Fast cornor complex, sport for the straights & classic for most bends & 'special' track....eg Le Mans start..pit lane, chicane cornors...not afraid to admit I use The green classic from horse race sets..cheap
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Mixed is excellent...different surfaces..different skills for different cars.
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Mixed is excellent...different surfaces..different skills for different cars.
Joined
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180 Posts
If you are looking for an ultra-permanant track, I would go routed. You can make it in any shape or form that you want, and believe it or not, it is cheaper than buying plastic. The track is smoother, too, and you most likely get a better connection. www.oldslotracer.com will show you many beautiful routed tracks. You might have to put a little more effort into routed, but you will be pleased with the results.
Joined
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2,192 Posts
hi,
I spent a lot of time deciding and finally went with Carrera a couple years ago. I have been very satisfied. My main reasons were the stainless steel rails which I wanted to make sure wouldn't corrode in high humidity, the size so that I could do 1/24 as well as 1/32 and the wide variety of turns. I also liked the firm plastic, it was my sense that it would be rugged and withstand years of taking apart without deforming the rails. It all turned out to be true. I have never broken a piece of it despite obsessive remaking of track after track, or had any problems with connectivity (aside from normal jumpers every 12-15 feet). I also recommend using the Professor Motor controllers and Prof Motor LOKO power supply if and when you get to that point. My sense is that all the tracks are high quality. I do like the many extra kinds of "interesting" track that you get with Scalex...and also the extra flexibility must be nice for gradual elevation changes. I have read though that this flexibility can cause problems with misaligned (pinched) rails over time, but it can't be too bad cause so many people really like Scalex.
good luck in your choice!!
John
I spent a lot of time deciding and finally went with Carrera a couple years ago. I have been very satisfied. My main reasons were the stainless steel rails which I wanted to make sure wouldn't corrode in high humidity, the size so that I could do 1/24 as well as 1/32 and the wide variety of turns. I also liked the firm plastic, it was my sense that it would be rugged and withstand years of taking apart without deforming the rails. It all turned out to be true. I have never broken a piece of it despite obsessive remaking of track after track, or had any problems with connectivity (aside from normal jumpers every 12-15 feet). I also recommend using the Professor Motor controllers and Prof Motor LOKO power supply if and when you get to that point. My sense is that all the tracks are high quality. I do like the many extra kinds of "interesting" track that you get with Scalex...and also the extra flexibility must be nice for gradual elevation changes. I have read though that this flexibility can cause problems with misaligned (pinched) rails over time, but it can't be too bad cause so many people really like Scalex.
good luck in your choice!!
John
Joined
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1 Posts
I have tried Scalextric classic, SCX, Ninco and Carrera. I intend on keeping the Ninco and Carrera for different reasons. Ninco has the off road Raid track sections and vehicles to satisfy the Rally urge and with adapters can integrate any classic or SCX accessory track you want. It also has a stronger power pack than most and decent controllers. Add deeper slot and wider width and you open up your possibilities. It has a decent bridge/overpass system that is easy to use and the new safety walls are the best on the market. Ease of setup and a good connecting system enable you to build and disassemble temporary layouts in a short period of time. Now having said that, I like the Carrera because of it's ability to accept both 1:32 and 1:24 scale cars, it's banked curves and its rigid , flat surface. It takes longer to set up but has a more serious less toylike feel about it. I have made the jump to variable power supply and Professor Motor controllers and I'm really liking the 1:24 scale as a new dimension of slot enjoyment. But, I'm getting ahead of myself. for all round fun and versatility I would start with Ninco and go from there. Hope this helps , Rick
Putting track quality issue's aside, my only problem with Ninco is their extremely crap looking borders
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that just don't cut it in the 21st century. Compared to Scalextric's borders with it's rumble strip and sand trap effect, there's just no competition.
However! Things are looking up just lately with their Fencing and Stonewall barriers which look really great. I just hope they get round to producing some more "Realistic" standard borders, then perhaps I might be tempted to invest in a Ninco set.
Some might say that Borders aren't important, but that depends on how your going to use your set. If your going for a permanent layout then I suppose it doesn't matter so much as you can always make your own. But if your more of a "Rug Racer" like me, then your only option is to go with what Ninco provide, and as I've said the current borders IMHO are too ugly and totally unrealistic looking.
However! Things are looking up just lately with their Fencing and Stonewall barriers which look really great. I just hope they get round to producing some more "Realistic" standard borders, then perhaps I might be tempted to invest in a Ninco set.
Some might say that Borders aren't important, but that depends on how your going to use your set. If your going for a permanent layout then I suppose it doesn't matter so much as you can always make your own. But if your more of a "Rug Racer" like me, then your only option is to go with what Ninco provide, and as I've said the current borders IMHO are too ugly and totally unrealistic looking.
While the comments on border colours etc are certainly valid, I would suggest that it should be about bottom on the list of priorites.
Why?
Colours can be changed, but you can't do much about any of the other factors!
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Why?
Colours can be changed, but you can't do much about any of the other factors!
There is no "best" answer to the original question but there are some excellent choices available. In other words you can not go wrong with Artin, Carrera, Ninco and Scalextric Sport. If you live in the US then Artin is by far the least expensive. I suggest the four lane set to many people that want to get started and see if they want to stay in the hobby as it is very reasonably price and it includes a huge amount of track. The Artin track is a fantastic foundation to start our hobby with.
I will not purchase any track that does not have stainless steel power rails to prevent corrosion. Only Artin and Carrera have stainless steel.
There is also a misconception that the tracks that are made of hard plastic are more prone to damage. I have tested this out and found this to be totally untrue! Yes I walked on the different brands of track and found the Carrera and Artrin to be impressively robust, almost indestrucible. In fact the tracks made of softer materials are much more prone to damage. For some reason this myth won't die. I don't think this is a factor that needs to be concidered when selecting a slot car track.
The tracks that use 30 and 60 degree turns (instead of 45 degree) need a much smaller selection of track pieces to complete a track plan. This is simple geometry but it is something that many do not understand untill they experience it. This is important as the tracks with 45 degree turns always seem to need some odd piece to make an interesting layout but the stores are always out of the peice I needed.
Let us know what you decided.
I will not purchase any track that does not have stainless steel power rails to prevent corrosion. Only Artin and Carrera have stainless steel.
There is also a misconception that the tracks that are made of hard plastic are more prone to damage. I have tested this out and found this to be totally untrue! Yes I walked on the different brands of track and found the Carrera and Artrin to be impressively robust, almost indestrucible. In fact the tracks made of softer materials are much more prone to damage. For some reason this myth won't die. I don't think this is a factor that needs to be concidered when selecting a slot car track.
The tracks that use 30 and 60 degree turns (instead of 45 degree) need a much smaller selection of track pieces to complete a track plan. This is simple geometry but it is something that many do not understand untill they experience it. This is important as the tracks with 45 degree turns always seem to need some odd piece to make an interesting layout but the stores are always out of the peice I needed.
Let us know what you decided.
While agreeing completely with everything else that RMM says, and particularly with reference to the very real advantage of stainless rails, my personal experience with Carrera track is that the slightly brittle plastic IS a little more prone to damage. The 'myth' won't die because it isn't a myth, but a fact. Once laid on a good surface, it is fine. But the interlocking tabs definitely are that little bit more prone to snapping if you have an accident in other situations, as I know to my personal cost!
This is not, repeat NOT (NOT - got it?) a serious problem and only very rarely occurs in practice.
So, I do agree that there are factors of higher priority - just be aware that the possibility of tab snapping does exist and is a little higher with more rigid plastic than the more flexible type.
This is not, repeat NOT (NOT - got it?) a serious problem and only very rarely occurs in practice.
So, I do agree that there are factors of higher priority - just be aware that the possibility of tab snapping does exist and is a little higher with more rigid plastic than the more flexible type.
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366 Posts
I'd go with either Carrera or Scalextric Sport.
Carrera if you've enough space for it 'cos it does require more room due to the fact that it's also for 1/24 scale cars. Which is also a plus.
Scalextric Sport is cheaper doesn't require as much space and has a larger range of track.
But whatever you do don't go for classic I'm selling mine now 'cos I'm sick and tied of trimming slot guides and underpans dragging on the track rails.
So if anyone wants to buy over 30m of classic track you know where to come.
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although I can see this isn't the best advertisement for it
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Carrera if you've enough space for it 'cos it does require more room due to the fact that it's also for 1/24 scale cars. Which is also a plus.
Scalextric Sport is cheaper doesn't require as much space and has a larger range of track.
But whatever you do don't go for classic I'm selling mine now 'cos I'm sick and tied of trimming slot guides and underpans dragging on the track rails.
So if anyone wants to buy over 30m of classic track you know where to come.
I have found the following
Scalextric Classic UK, all cars have lots of grip. Very bumpy and not very smooth The clips and pins snap very easy, there far do not last long. Some exciting classic sections available. Adaptors out so that you can mix with sport and Ninco classic.
Scalextric Sport UK, very smooth surface, less grip than classic. Higher speeds straightght lines, less speed on corners. Pins and clips are very hard to snap however during use sections can slide making power problems. Sections are very boring compared to some of the classic section, however digital lane changers and pitstop sections will make for more complex track Adaptors so you can mix with classic and Ninco classic.
SCX Span, non digital is very similar to Classic however I have found dose not snap pins and clips as easy classic. Can still get straight cross overs. can be bumpy and as a lot more grip than sports track. Not compatable with SCX digital system. When mixing with Scalextric Classic UK due to being stronge easily breaks the classic clips and pins.
SCX Digial Span is not compatable with any other type of track, I have never used this type of track.
Ninco classic is very good track, lots of track sections and as a lot of grip. Not many shops stock Ninco so can be hard to get sections. Also not sure how or if old and digital track will work when mixed. Adaptors to fit to classic Scalextric and SCX.
Wood and copper tracks. You can design any track for any amount of space, However needs to be permanent. I find that I have to more or less rebuild every car to get them running competitive on wood track. Most club tracks are wood.
Never used other track systems, however most users say they are good, after reading this thread you should know more than I can tell you about these systems.
PS I use scalextric sport digital with mixed classic track sections due to ease to get and track size. 6 cars can race on very small track foot print.
Scalextric Classic UK, all cars have lots of grip. Very bumpy and not very smooth The clips and pins snap very easy, there far do not last long. Some exciting classic sections available. Adaptors out so that you can mix with sport and Ninco classic.
Scalextric Sport UK, very smooth surface, less grip than classic. Higher speeds straightght lines, less speed on corners. Pins and clips are very hard to snap however during use sections can slide making power problems. Sections are very boring compared to some of the classic section, however digital lane changers and pitstop sections will make for more complex track Adaptors so you can mix with classic and Ninco classic.
SCX Span, non digital is very similar to Classic however I have found dose not snap pins and clips as easy classic. Can still get straight cross overs. can be bumpy and as a lot more grip than sports track. Not compatable with SCX digital system. When mixing with Scalextric Classic UK due to being stronge easily breaks the classic clips and pins.
SCX Digial Span is not compatable with any other type of track, I have never used this type of track.
Ninco classic is very good track, lots of track sections and as a lot of grip. Not many shops stock Ninco so can be hard to get sections. Also not sure how or if old and digital track will work when mixed. Adaptors to fit to classic Scalextric and SCX.
Wood and copper tracks. You can design any track for any amount of space, However needs to be permanent. I find that I have to more or less rebuild every car to get them running competitive on wood track. Most club tracks are wood.
Never used other track systems, however most users say they are good, after reading this thread you should know more than I can tell you about these systems.
PS I use scalextric sport digital with mixed classic track sections due to ease to get and track size. 6 cars can race on very small track foot print.
Slot Dad . . .
Literally laughing out loud!
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Ironic innit?
![]()
Literally laughing out loud!
Ironic innit?
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