Does your kid love racing? To make him experience the joy and excitement of being on a race track without actually driving a real race car, you should think of buying him a slot car set. AFX Slot cars are replicas of actual automobiles with bodies made purposely for miniature racing. While there are commercially available slot cars of different sizes and styles, some racers still prefer to make their own models from basic parts and materials. But how and where did slot cars originated?
The first slot cars to hit the market were built by Lionel Corporation. This model, which appeared on Lionel's catalog in 1912, draws it power from a toy train rail that was set in the wide slot between the rails. Racers can adjust the speed of their vehicle by regulating the switch positioned on the track's power supply. This very first model has much resemblance to modern slot cars, but independent speed control was offered only as an option way back then. Production of this toy set was stopped after 1915.
1930s In late 1930s, hobbyist use relatively large model cars with 1:16 to 1:18 scales. These cars derived their power from miniature internal combustion engines that were initially equipped with spark-ignition that was later on replaced with glow plug engines. Since there was no way for the player to control the car's speed and steering, this kind of car was mainly a mechanic's hobby.
1940s In 1940s, British hobbyists start experimenting controllable electric cars that feature hand-built motors.
1950s In 1954, the Southport model Engineering Society in the United Kingdom was dared by a patent-holder to use rail-guided gas-car exhibition on raising funds. So its staff made an electric racecourse with six-lane layout and measuring 60 feet long. This course is designed for 1:32 rail-guided cars which are considered as the ancestors of slot racing cars.
Inspired by the said layout from Southport, some US and UK clubs start racing electric cars assisted by center rails in 1955 to 1956. These rails were soon after replaced by slots on the track surface and cars raced on these tracks are name slot cars. In 1957, Minimodels has produced a famous line of slot-guided vehicles called Scalextric. Victory Industries also launched the VIP line. The Scaletrix became an instant hit, causing engineers and some companies like Aurora Plastics Corporation to develop HO vibrator sets. These small cars amazed the public because their price and size best suit the needs of average consumers.
1960s It was in the 1960s when slot cars became very much popular. In 1963, after manufacturing a million and a half units, Aurora made flat-commutator motor to replace the vibrator cars. From this, the best-selling slot car in history, called Aurora Thunderjet-500, was produced. The Thunderjets, along with their upgraded versions, dominated the market for around a decade.
1970s It was in the late 1970s when the slot car craze sputtered out.
By using computer-aided designing, more detailed and authentic models have been made in 1990s. And in 2004, the digital control systems which have modernized model railroading, start appearing in 1:32 slot cars. Such systems provide racers with the ability to race multiple cars in every lane, and to enjoy more realistic racing experience.
Slot cars are small replicas of automobiles designed to scale. They race along a fixed track with slot or groove. The word "slot" in the name of these automobiles is derived from those shallow grooves or channels place on the track to assist vehicles as they go through turns and twists and along straight sections. Lining these grooves are two metal rails that are separated narrowly and placed into the track to form a slot in the middle. Underside the slot car is a small blade which fits into the groove to keep the car on the right path as it runs fast around the track.
If you love speed but you didn't like the idea of risking your life in driving a real race car at incredibly high speeds, then you should purchase a slot car set. Included in such set are all the necessary components needed in setting up the race track out of the box. If you need extra track pieces, controllers, car bodies, and other additional accessories, you can purchase them too.
Cats Like Slot Cars Too!
History of Slot Cars
Slots cars first appeared in early 20th century and immediately became famous not only with children but also with youngsters and adults. Early designs are based on a raised rail which was embedded in the track and players back then don't have control over the speed of the vehicle. After some modifications, slot cars in 1930s came equipped with small internal combustion engines. As time passed by, slot cars were then powered by electrical current.
There was a move in the 1950s to improve the tracks by utilizing grooves rather than raised track. With the current flowing through the groove, the speed of the car can now be managed by using a hand-held remote control for every car running on the track. With these innovations, it became possible for several individuals to enjoy slot car racing using the same track.
Because of the refinements made on slot cars, slot car racing also became popular. More and more manufacturers start offering slot car sets with a number of cars and a track that can be enhanced using add-on kits. In 1960s, a wide variety of slot cars and track configurations appear, providing slot car racers more options to work with.
Slot Car Scales
For serious competition, there are three common slot car scales or sizes. These are: 1:24 scale, 1:32 scale, and HO. The largest cars used in slot car racing are 1:24 scale cars, which come seven to eight inches long. These cars need a large course so it's really impractical for home use.
More suitable for home race courses are the smaller 1:32 scale cars that are five to six inches long. But they are also popularly raced on commercial tracks found in clubs or in hobby shops. HO–sized slot cars, on the other hand, have different scales ranging from 1:87 to 1:64. Regardless of their sizes, these cars all run on a track with the same width. The size of a typical HO slot car is from 2.5 to 3.5 inches.
