by Rich McMahon
A - Introduction
After market upgrades are not within the scope of this guide. We consider upgrades to be for the enthusiast who decides to take the hobby to the next level. Our hope is that some of the people that utilize this guide advance to this next level and become true slot car enthusiasts after positive experience with our recommendations.
B - Recommendations
We recommend three brands: Artin, Carrera, and Scalextric Sport. All three recommended brands have been evaluated and we feel that the majority of people will be very satisfied with them. These sets contain track, cars, throttle controllers and power supplies. All of the recommended brands are available in the US and have the ability for later expansion if desired.
Each of these brands is a good choice but they all have some differences. This does not mean any are better or worse than the other. We have attempted here to explain these differences for you. You will find a description of the various components that make up the system for each brand, the basics of the track, the cars, the electrical power supply and the throttle controllers.
There are other alternatives which have not been recommended here, such as other brands of race sets and vintage types of slot car track, this does not mean you will not be pleased with these alternatives. You may be very happy with one of them, especially if purchased at a bargain price, as there are many enthusiasts that are satisfied with these alternatives.
The chart below summarizes the contents of race sets that are currently available. A more detailed list of contents is at the end of this guide. The list below is organized by total length of the straight track included in each set because this is very important. Many of the smaller sets do not have very many straight sections of track. We recommend having at least one six foot straight, plan on purchasing additional straight sections of track for a six foot straight if you purchase one of the smaller sets.
| Total length of straight |
Set |
Suggested |
Pieces of track | Total track length |
| 24+ | Artin 4 lane |
$120 |
52 |
40 |
| 17 | Carrera Checkered Flag Challenge |
$210.00 |
36 |
35 |
| 14+ | Carrera Winged Warriors |
$195.00 |
29 |
27 |
| 12 | Scalextric T2
& T3 Le Mans T2 Trans Am T3 |
$179.95 $199.95 |
|
|
| 11+ | Scalextric GT Interactive Le Mans 24 |
$229.95 |
29 |
30+ |
| 10 | Scalextric Circuit 3 GT40 Sport Rally Sport Formula One |
$149.95 $149.95 |
|
|
| 9+ | Artin 2 Lane |
$99.95 |
33 |
27 |
| 8 |
Scalextric Indy |
|
|
|
| 6+ | Carrera Mille Miglia
2 |
|
|
|
| 5+ | Carrera Challengers |
$124.95 |
17 |
17 |
| 2+ |
Carrera Adrenaline Run |
$116.99 |
12 |
14+ |
The track contained in the race sets is a very important but often under-appreciated foundation of the hobby. Slot car track can be expensive and the brands listed here are not interchangeable. One goal of this guide is to help people avoid the expense of changing to another brand of track at a later date, as some enthusiasts have had to do. All of the recommended tracks will run all of the slot cars available today and have a smooth racing surface with a deep guide slot.
The quantity of track pieces included in each set is listed. The most important aspect is to look at the total length of straight pieces included in each race set. Many of the smaller sets do not have enough straight sections of track. We recommend having at least a six-foot straight for a beginner; some sets will need additional straight sections to be purchased to accomplish this.
Squeeze track sections (called chicanes) bring the lanes close together such that the cars can not pass each other are not recommended because they are not good for beginners. These squeeze tracks along with cross-over tracks that the cars switch sides of the track, can be discouraging to beginners developing their racing skills by causing two cars racing each other to be displaced from the track. These special track pieces can be fun after some racing skill is developed.
Some tracks are made of a hard plastic and others are more flexible, this is one topic of debate amongst some enthusiasts but it most cases it really just doesnt matter. Some sets have steel and others use stainless steel to conduct the electricity to the cars. The corrosion resistance of the stainless steel is preferred but is not absolutely necessary.
The distance between the cars or lanes of the track is not standardized, this is another topic that is not critical to a beginner. Some tracks have larger lane spacing for larger scale cars. Some people prefer the closer lane spacing for the close racing action and others like the extra room of a larger lane spacing.
Note: If you are intending on racing 1/24th scale slot cars a four inch lane spacing will be required. In this case we highly recommend the Carrera Track system.
A very nice feature to have is borders on the outside of the curves (these are sometimes called aprons). Home Racing World recommends having borders. These are not absolutely required but they do add a lot to the racing experience. The extra room enables one to develop one of the fun aspects of this hobby: power sliding a slot car through the turns. All of the brands recommended offer borders, some sets include them but for others it will be an additional expense.
Power & control
The power output and types of throttle controllers are listed in this guide. The sets recommended are all fun to race and have good throttle control. The power of the different brands are listed, both the voltage and amperage are specified. Note: If slot cars are modified with aftermarket upgrades the power and controls will need to be upgraded also.
There are two types of throttle controllers, a thumb type and a finger (or trigger) type. Each type functions very well with most people, but not all, preferring the trigger type. Some sets have a braking feature. This feature provides some additional stopping when the throttle is fully released. Some racers like this feature and others do not.
There are many different brands of cars and many enthusiasts purchase numerous extra cars. How all of these different brands of slot cars will run on any particular track is beyond the scope of this review. But the message forum on HRW is an excellent place to see what others experience has been with specific cars on specific types of tracks.
All of the items included in these race sets will allow one to enjoy the hobby of racing slot cars but the serious slot car enthusiast will not use the power supply or the controls that are included in any of these sets. This is another topic of much discussion on the Internet amongst enthusiasts. However it is not required to upgrade, so don't feel you have to in order to have fun.
Cars
There is much interest in the excellent slot cars offered in 1/32 scale- the variety and modeling quality of the cars in these race sets should be considered. All of the cars in these sets are very robust and will offer hours of racing fun. The idea of this guide is race slot cars of equal performance, therefore driving skill is the major factor for success.
A word on Magnetic Enhanced Traction - The cars in all of the sets recommended utilize magnets on the underside of the car to enhance traction, but the degree can vary greatly between the different brands of cars. These traction magnets account for the majority of the difference in the performance between cars. Some of these magnets are very strong and give phenomenal corning speeds, other cars have magnets that are moderately strong. The cars with very strong magnets are good for beginners initially but may limit the development of driving skills. As ones racing skills develop the magnets are needed less and less.
E- Specific Information
Artin
Dont let the low price and
plain brown package give you the wrong impression, Artin sets are very high
quality. Their race sets also include items such as borders for the outside of
curves and a grand stand with unpainted people figures that are usually extra
cost. Artin is the only recommended brand to offer a four-lane race set.
Track:
Hard plastic that is easy to assemble and disassemble making it great for both permanent and temporary layouts.
Power rails are made with a low-grade stainless steel rails so it is highly corrosion resistant.
Lane spacing is three inches - the standard for 1/32 scale racing.
Note: borders are included in sets.
1 straight section is 10 ½ inches long
Power & Control:
The power supply is slightly lower than the competition; this may be noticeable with cars that very strong after-market traction magnets have been added to.
The power pack supplies 12 Volts and 0.15 amps per lane; each individual lane has its own separate power.
The controllers are trigger type but have a heavy return spring and could become uncomfortable for younger racers.
No braking feature.
Cars:
These cars are very smooth running racecars and have moderately strong traction magnet, which makes them great at developing racing skills. The cars run excellent and are very robust but are not as nicely painted and finished as some of the other brands.
Carrera
Track:
Carrera track is actually 1/24th scale with greater spacing between
car lanes, four inches versus three inches, but this means it is larger and
takes up more space too. This is a hard plastic with making it excellent for
tracks that are elevated. The power rails are made with a low-grade stainless
steel so it is highly corrosion resistant. This is very solid when assembled but
is the most complicated to assemble too. It can not assembled as quickly as the
other two recommended brands.
1 straight section is 13 ½ inches long
Power & Control:
Carrera is the only one that utilizes thumb type throttle controllers.
A braking feature is used.
The power pack supplies 14.8 Volts and 0.35 amps per lane; each individual lane has its own separate power.
Cars:
Carrera exceptionally good looking cars and has recently upgraded the performance of their cars. They have very strong magnets, they use two magnets, one is removable and the other is adjustable.
Scalextric Sport
Track:
Scalextric introduced their Sport track last year. It is made of a semi-flexible plastic and it is easy to put together and take apart making it good for temporary layouts. It has a wide variety of track pieces for excellent track design changes.
The lane spacing 3.
1 straight section is 12 inches long
Power & Control:
Trigger controllers are offered.
Brakes
The power pack supplies 15 Volts and 0.60 amps total power, which must be shared between two lanes (or 15 Volts and 0.30 per lane).
Cars:
Scalextric is making good looking and exceptionally detailed cars. They utilize very strong magnets that can be repositioned or removed.
F- Setting up your first track: Some things to think about
There are a number of items to be considered when setting up your first slot car track. Here are the major questions that you should try to understand when setting up a slot car track. It is interesting that the answers to these questions may change with time. The recommended brands allow enough flexibility to allow for the answers to these questions to change with your desires.
Before a specific track
layout is designed consider these basic questions:
1- How much room do you
have? There is never a shortage of
space for a slot car track, but one needs to be realistic about this one.
Everyone wants a huge track but that is not always going to happen. Typically
the space utilization should be maximized and this may lead to a very twisty
track that utilizes the most pieces of track for a given area. This is not
necessarily the best track to race on and could be counter-productive for
beginners learning how to race. The critical feature of any track is the
longest straight; we recommend a minimum of seven feet long.
2- How many people will be
racing on a regular basis? In other
words do you need a two or four lane track? If you are lucky enough to have
more than two others to race with you should consider a four-lane track. If
its just one or two racers a lap timer/counter really adds to the experience,
in fact a lap timer will help anyone.
3- Temporary or permanent layout? Many do not have the space to dedicate to a permanent track. Some brands of track are more conducive to a temporary track layout.
#1 Start out with a simple track plan.
A simple track plan allows
one to learn how to drive properly and enjoy the hobby. A more elaborate and
challenging track can be then enjoyed after some skill has been developed. Many
sets do not have a good track layout for beginners. It is important to have at
least a seven-foot long straight for beginners to learn. The important aspect
for beginners to learn is not how to go fast but how to slow down for the turns.
#2 Lap-timer/ Lap-counter
All of the recommended brands offer a Lap-timer/Lap counter and are included in some sets. We recommend obtaining a lap timer. The timing of each lap allows one to refine their racing technique. This adds a lot to the racing experience.
Two lane $100
27 feet total lap length 33 pieces of track
9 7 of straight - 11 straight
2 straight cross-over
18 R1 curves
Lap timer/counter (battery operated)
8 outer borders for R1curves
Grandstand with unpainted people
Four lane $120
40 feet total lap length (20 feet of four lanes) - 52 pieces of track
24 6 of straight track - 28
straight
8 R1 curve, 16 R2 curves, 16 outer borders & 8 inner borders
Note: four cars and four controllers included
Grandstand with unpainted people
Checkered Flag Challenge $210.00
35 feet total lap length 36 pieces of track
17 feet of straight - 14 straight, 2 quarter straight, 2 third straight, 2 straight hump
8 R1 curves (2 30 degree R1) & 6 R1 banked curves
Lap timer/counter (battery operated)
Winged Warriors $195.00
27 Ό feet total lap length 29 pieces of track
14 2 of straight - 1 straight, 1 quarter straight, 2 third straight, 2 straight "hump"
12 R2 banked curves
Massive Power $169.00
17 ½ feet total lap length - 19 pieces of track
6 9 of straight - 6 straight, 2 quarter straight, 1 third straight
6 R1 curves & 4 R2 curves
Le Mans Challenge $137.95
14 3/4 feet total lap length - 14 pieces of track
6 9 of straight - 6 straight
6 R1 curves & 4 R2 curves
Mille Miglia 2
22 feet total lap length 22 pieces of track
6 9 of straight - 6 straight, 1 straight hump
9 R1 curves
6 R1 banked curves
Challengers $124.95
17 feet total lap length 17 pieces of track
5 8 of straight - 5 straight
1 straight hump
5 R1 curves
6 R1 banked curves
Adrenaline Run
14 Ύ feet total lap length 12 pieces of track
2 3 of straight - 2 straight
10 R1 curves
Scalextric has a big selection of race sets to choose from and include a wide variety of cars. Some of their sets can be set-up together making four, six, and even 8 lane layouts.
Indy - $99.95
15 Ό feet total lap length 16 pieces of track
8 of straight 8 straight
8 R2 curve
Trans Am T3 - $199.95
27 feet total lap length - 34 pieces of track
12 of straight 12 straight
16 R3 curve, 3 R2 curve
7 R3 borders
RMS included (a link to use your PC with your race set)
Lap timer/counter (battery operated)
Lap timer/counter (battery operated)
We hope this guide helps you a little more in your new hobby. Remember, no matter what track system you choose it will be fun...and that is what our hobby is all about!
-Rich