My New Track Car (s)

[Simes 248 2 Cars]

Well it's been cold, and even with a garage I'm not quite ready to tackle the list of jobs on the 205.

Therefore I've resurected a hobby of mine after quite a few (20 odd years) again. The catalyst was getting paid in Scalextric by Hornby for and up and coming 205GTI model (see other thread) and also it's warmer indoors. What you see below is the set they gave me plus about the same again bought by me. I'm starting to restore my very old track too!

This 'toy' has moved on over the years what with Digital version meaning you can race up to 6 cars on normal two lane track. Each car has its own code and can be programmed. You can overtake cars be means of activating the crossovers, you can handicap cars by minimalising throttle response, add virtual fuel and include mandatory pitstops etc etc.

 

I've not upgraded yet to Digital but I can say it as it is still very exciting & competitive, a few mates round and a few races beats a PS3.

 

Here's my current layout, I've got about half as much track again but unfortunately not the space .

 

 

 

 

 

Here's a taster of Digital racing.

Edited January 30, 2011 by Simes

[allye 530 3 Cars]

Love it! I used to have maybe twice as much track as as in the picture and used to make huge tracks, I have 2 fly cars, a viper and a panoz. I always prefered the panoz but it was slower.

 

I remember it being so big I would have to use multiple power inlet (thingys) The most advance thing I had, 7/8 years ago, was a digital lap counter With the rubbish cars you get with the track I used to jump them haha, take the magnets out as well and drift them!

 

You have nice set up there, looks a good track.

[harryskid 193]

Very nice, is it expensive to set up?

[Simes 248 2 Cars]

Very nice, is it expensive to set up?

 

Well,

 

Cars are from £15 all the way up to £100+, depending on what you want, mine average out at about £40 each.

 

Track can be expensive, start with a decent set and build up from that. Don't frown at the older 'classic' scalextric track if it's straight but rusty it can be restored (bought off Ebay) What you see in my set up in the picture is over £500 worth of track/barriers. When buying track you need to allow a budget for barriers/kerbing, this gives you the ability to drift bends without coming off.

 

Upgrading to digital does start to make it expensive. You can buy an upgrade kit for around £90. This includes new pwr. supply, controllers and cross over track. Of course you'll want to overtake at more points, these cost around £30 each. Obviously you'll want a couple more controllers.

You also need to upgrade each car with a DPR chip to run on digital, £15 each.

 

So it can start to escalate budget wise!

 

Other manufacturers are

Carrera

SCX

Ninco

all their cars can run on Scalextric track.

 

Did I mention you can race them at your local club?!

 

Slot cars

Edited January 30, 2011 by Simes

[harryskid 193]

Sounds like hours of fun for a reasonable out lay!

[Henry Yorke 269 3 Cars]

I have loads of track in the loft and a load I bought second hand for £3 at a car boot sale. It is the older stuff and is a bit rusty. I have had a go at restoring it but never managed to get the layout to allow a full lap What's the secret to restoring it - don't say bucket of Coca Cola overnight as I have read that one before, though never tried it!

 

I have a selection of cars tucked away though I sold a lot of my Ninco Alfa 155 DTM collection (I had about 4) and kept the BTCC Tarquini and Simoni ones, along with Mk 1 Escorts, Porsche 911 and Audi UR Quattro from when I was younger. I think I have some TR7 parts and also the Mini Ha Ha's left too.

 

Digital does seem the way to go though. Tony Philpott (PSOOC Chairman) has quite a setup I believe

[Simes 248 2 Cars]

Henry,

Www.plebysproducts.co.uk

 

Rust is removed quickly but importantly so is the tarnish. This stuff is amazing.

[MrG 3]

it's an excellent hobby/sport.

 

I've always fancied the idea of a hill climb circuit, then a straight run back to the pit area/start. I have the designs but not the space to put it. But I tended to get bored with the tighter circuits so thought a two way battle up a 'hill' would be an interesting alternative.

[allye 530 3 Cars]

I think my fly cars where £40-50ish each. I had some track that was designed to bank slightly, that was good fun.

[Bigtimmy 1]

Ebay here we come!

[Simes 248 2 Cars]

it's an excellent hobby/sport.

I have the designs but not the space to put it.

 

Yep my problem too. Even with a spare double bedroom and a redundant (for the time being) conservatory. 2x 8x4 sheets take up a lot of space.

My layout at the moment is on an 8x4.

[Simes 248 2 Cars]

Thought I'd bump this up -

 

Got another car yesterday - seems they've gone a bit hi-tec these days.

 

4wd and coil springs!

 

 

Gratuitous photo of Alfa GTam

 

 

Track has got longer too!

 

Edited February 17, 2011 by Simes