1/24th Scale Racing!
The Carrera 1/24th Scale Blacktop Racer Set
December 3rd, 2002
If you are looking for that “Big” gift to give this year, the latest 1/24th Scale set offered by Carrera should make your list. With 2 great cars, Lap Timer, and 32 feet of track with borders, this set offers you plenty of 1/24 racing fun.
When the set arrived, I could not help but wonder the reaction of someone on Christmas morning when they first tear the paper and ribbons off the box! Our set came neatly packaged, with all contents inside arriving safe and sound.
Inside, you will find plenty of track to get you started in 1/24th Scale racing. 12 full straights, 8 1/60 standard curves, 2 1/30 curves, 2 1/3rd straights, Squeeze Chicane section, 2 crossovers, Power Base Straight and 1 complete 1/30 banked curve. Also, given that this set is in their Exclusiv line of 1/24th scale sets, you get full borders for all your curves, which while racing these big cars (and even the smaller 1/32nd cars) you will be glad you have. In addition, you get the larger 18 volt transformer, 2 Carrera Electronic Speed Controllers, and the Carrera Electronic lap timer (4 AA Batteries required) with full guardrails and replacement guide braid. For the record, I personally do not suggest running your smaller 1/32nd scale cars (if you have any) using this power supply. Some people do, but 18 volt wall-pack power is more than I care to use for my own cars.
Instructions included for track, power and lap timer assembly are pretty straight forward. Page 5 of the instruction booklet shows you how the track components are to be placed together. However, there is one minor error in the instructions, and you have to change some track around to get everything fitted correctly. The diagram in the booklet shows you to install the smaller 1/3rd straights DIRECTLY after the 1/30 curves, then place a full straight leading into a crossover. This will NOT ALLOW you to install your borders correctly. The 1/3rd straights mounting hole for the border tab is too close, and therefore cannot install the end border piece.
It is a simple fix actually, as all you have to do is switch the full and 1/3rd straights around, allowing the border end to be installed. This is really a minor issue, but I didn’t want someone fumbling through the box on Christmas morning searching for a special border end.
Carrera track uses small plastic clips to help secure the track connections tightly. The best way I have found to accomplish this is to take 3 to 4 pieces of track, connect them, then flip them over and install the clips. This makes it a little easier on your knees and back during assembly.
In addition, to save you some time, you only really need 2 of these clips installed on the outer edges to give you a good connection. We used the connection points 2nd from the outside edge as shown in the photo, and this provided a clean, tight connection, yet saved time, which might come in handy for you if perhaps there are other items that you have build Christmas Eve! Now, if you choose to mount this track in a more permanent fashion, then I would suggest using all of the clips provided.
The borders are connected to the track with large tabs that simply slide in the side of the existing track. Assembly of these can sometimes be tricky however, if you have never done it before. By taking the borders and assembling these pieces using gaps as shown, is one of the easiest and painless routes to take, at least it is for us. From start to finish, it took me around 30 minutes to have the track completely assembled.
The dimensions of this track will require a fair amount of real estate, taking up an 8 foot by 8 foot square area. If you are planning on a permanent table for this track, 2 ea 4X8 sheets of plywood connected together will do nicely. The actual size is 7.4 by 7.6 feet, but I suggest dedicating a few inches more on each end.
But what is a nice track without nice cars right? Well, have no fear as the 2 cars included in this set are not only fun, but look fantastic. The first is a 1961 Jaguar E-type and the other car being the 1962 Chevrolet Corvette. Both of these cars are very well done, being quite attractive and operate smoothly. These cars should attract any motor sport fan. I was impressed with the overall fit and finish of these models, having a nice level of detail with markings and clear-coats being very well done.
Like most Carrera cars, there is a polarity switch underneath the chassis that allows you to change the direction easily and an adjustable magnet located in the center position. In addition, both these cars ARE LIGHTED, with working head and tail lights. This means extra wiring of course, and you should be aware that if you attempt to remove the body from the chassis, there is a short distance of wire to work with. Especially in the rear, where they are connected to the lighting circuit board. It does allow you to remove the body far enough to add a few drops of oil, just take care while doing so.
The magnet is adjustable by simple removing the 2 small Philips head screws, and flipping the magnet over. There are actually 2 magnets inside this pocket, one being thicker than the other. I only noticed a slight difference in handling, but it was noticeable. The cars come with the stronger side of the magnet (with red dot) towards the track, so unless you want even less magnetic traction, you can leave it in place.
Speaking of performance, these cars are a joy to drive. Granted, they are not the fastest cars produced, but the way the handle and slide around the track will give you and your family or friends plenty of slot-racing fun. The crossovers and chicane add to the challenge, and the bank turn is simply a blast to drive around, getting some great tail-out sliding.
This track is better suited for a table-top rather than the living room floor, as the hard plastic will not hold up well if stepped on. Then again, neither do most toys. When someone gets a train set for example, and they decide they want to keep playing with it after the holidays and start the hobby, it comes off the floor (usually) and on to a more permanent home. The same applies, in my opinion, in model car racing.
The Carrera track system is not the easiest system to assemble, yet once completed,
provides a smooth, clean racing surface. For many long-time enthusiasts, this is THE racing surface of choice, and if you have decided that this hobby is one you intend to keep going with, this set is a perfect start. All in all, this is a great slot car set to introduce adults and teen-agers alike to the world of large scale model car racing. For the price of $225.00, you get a great deal of track and accessories to get started in the in the most rewarding hobby I know of: Slot Car Racing!
Stop Waiting…Start Racing!
Harry
As always, feel free to email me at wiseone@yhti.net about this article or just the hobby in general.
Or better still, drop into the Home Racing World Message Forum and let us know your thoughts.
Click HERE to see some other layout designs you can build by adding more track in the future.
Also check HERE to see more fantastic sets offered by Carrera.
A thanks goes to LGB of America for providing me with this review set.
Stop by Slot Car World and check out this set, and others available from Carrera!
