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If you’re seriously interested in knowing about Slot Cars, you need to think beyond the basics. This informative article takes a closer look at things you need to know about Slot Cars.

The types of slot cars available in the market these days are basically divided into the limitations that technology imposes on the make of the car. One is the good old system of conventional slot cars and the other is the new form of racing presented by digital slot cars.

Conventional Slot Cars
Conventional slot cars are actually fashioned from the traditional system racing slot cars ? racing electric-powered cars on wooden or plastic tracks. This type of cars has a motor that is directly connected to the guide that is attached to the chassis of the model. This guide is then hinged to one of the parallel rails on the racetrack which acts to keep the cars in place no matter the speed. The car gets its speed from the hand-held controller which determines the amount of power that is supplied to the model.

Each conventional car races only in one lane and is not capable of changing lanes during the race. Thus, if there are only 4 lanes in a track, there can only be 4 cars that will race. To compensate for the limitations and disadvantages of racing in just one lane, races are divided into heats which allow the drivers to switch between lanes to equalize any factor that could make one lane disadvantageous for racing.

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Digital Slot Cars
Digital slot cars are the newer car models in the market. These basically pick up from where the traditional slot cars left off. Unlike its older counterpart, digital slot cars allow for simultaneous racing on as few as two lanes per race ? much like as you would see with other types of car racing. Newer technologies have allowed this new form of slot cars to be less dependent on the guide that keep the old cars hinged to one side of the racetrack. The electronic circuitry of the digital models allow for drivers to have full control over the speed and movements of the car.

Generally, digital slot cars are more expensive than their older counterpart and are arguably harder to drive than the conventional models. This is because drivers of digital slot cars have to learn how to control the speed of the car as well as learn how to switch lanes without falling off of the racetrack.

On Slot Cars In General
Slot cars, as you would know by now, are actually scaled-down models of actual cars. Some are just tiny mock-up models that are purposely built for miniature racing while others are made to copy all aspects of the actual models, including the actual car’s capacity in terms of performance.

Most racers race with commercially available slot cars that are mass produced by such manufacturers as Scalextri, Johnny Lightning and Carrera. Most of these are modification-ready models to enhance performance. Some enthusiasts by motorize static models while hobbyists create ‘scratch-build’ cars that run on their own mechanism and bodies. These are often created from store-brought spare parts built to create true models of the original cars being copied.

About the Author
By Anders Eriksson, feel free to visit his top ranked GVO affiliate site: GVO

The only way to keep up with the latest about Slot Cars is to constantly stay on the lookout for new information. If you read everything you find about Slot Cars, it won’t take long for you to become an influential authority.

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. 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.

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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.

About the Author
By Anders Eriksson, proud owner of this top ranked web hosting reseller site: GVO

Readying the slot car for a race is, without a doubt, crucial to winning. Sometimes, it’s all that separates one car from another in the race track in terms of performance. So how to you ready the car for a race? Here is a 7-step guide.

Inspection
The first step is to inspect the entire car, the moving and non-moving components. Look the under garage and replace or enhance anything that can be changed. For example, if you know of a better-performing motor, replacing the existing motor of your slot car is a good idea.

Check all car parts. Inspect how they fit with one another. If they’re loose, tighten them. If they’re very tight, loosen them up a bit. Take a mental note of all the parts and test drive the car. If it performs according to your expectations, you’re done with inspection. If not, make some more adjustments.

Motor Burn-In
Like in any car, real or miniature, burning-in the motor is critical to the car’s performance. Some drivers like to do it the conventional way ? that is racing a few laps; some prefer to do it underwater. If you are leaning towards the latter, follow the steps below:

First, remove the car’s shell then attach the power source to the car’s braids and submerge it underwater. You can use a bowl of distilled water for this. Run the car in the water for approximately 20 minutes while changing the voltage from lowest to the maximum speed the transformer could give. Hold the speed at slow, mid and high for about 5 minutes each. Now, for the final part, simulate the actual speed you run during an actual race.

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Drying and Lubrication
The next step is to remove the water from every nook and cranny of the car then lubricating it. Use a spray lube on the motor, a door opener lube on the gears and light lube on the axles and bushings.

Wheel and Tire Tuning
Truing the tire, a process that involves polishing the surface of the tire on sandpaper, is a process that shouldn’t be missed when fine tuning a slot car.

Do this by first removing the tires from the rims and run these on 220 grit sandpaper. This should remove any burr that is created by the mold. Sand the cars down until the general profile becomes similar. For further polishing, use 220 to 800 grit sandpaper. You can see that they are ready for racing once they shine.

Braid and Guide Tuning
Inspect the guide and braids and remove them when you see that they need some polishing. The key here is to make these components as optimized for racing as possible by allowing them better contact with the groove on the track.

Axle Polishing and Gear Meshing
Before fixing the axles and the gears, it is advisable to glue the motor in place to prevent it from moving while on the track. Once you’re done with that, you can look to the car’s axles and gears and see where improvements can be made.

Now you’re ready for the race.
Put all the disassembled components of the car back in place and test-drive it. Learn how you can best control it by making further changes on its setting.

I hope that reading the above information was both enjoyable and educational for you. Your learning process should be ongoing–the more you understand about any subject, the more you will be able to share with others.

About the Author
By Anders Eriksson, feel free to visit his top ranked GVO affiliate site: GVO

The following article includes pertinent information that may cause you to reconsider what you thought you understood. The most important thing is to study with an open mind and be willing to revise your understanding if necessary.

Slot cars come off the production line with the best setting and performance according to its capacity. This is not to say though that you, as the driver, can’t add some changes to the original product to optimize its performance.

Most cars won’t perform their best when raced straight out of the box. They are just not competitive enough for racing against other cars that have received some modifications. Fine-tuning is very much needed to shake off the mass production settings of the car.

Braids
The original braids of slot cars are often too small for good performance. A little push to keep them apart will do the trick of allowing them closer contact to the rail. For better performance, exchange the original braids with softer ones to reduce friction and enhance electrical conductivity. Always do routine maintenance to the braids to keep them free of dirt.

Rims and Tires
Slot cars are molded from plastic and as such, are likely to have burrs in some areas which could affect the performance of the car. Remove all burrs as much as possible. Remove, especially, the burrs on each wheel and polish the rim to make it completely round.

To do this, remove each wheel and give the rim a more round profile. Put back the wheels and run the car on sandpaper for a few seconds. This process, called ‘truing the tires’, should polish the entire circumference of each wheel. For further polishing, you can soak the wheels with oil to soften the rubber.

Clean the tires. Use light fuel to rub the entire with a clean sheet to remove dirt. You can do this for routine maintenance and every after race to keep the tires free from dirt.

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Some people glue the tires to the rim to prevent these from spinning. You can do this if you don’t want the axles of your car’s wheels to move during the race.

Cleaning
Routine maintenance is a key component of keeping the car’s performance at its best. After each race, cars get dirty. This is especially true if you are racing on simulated rally courses that use either cocoa powder or flour to substitute for dirt or snow.

Check the entire car for dirt, especially the interior or chassis. Check the chassis for dust and dirt and wipe these out.

Motor
Serious attention should be given to the car’s motor. Needless to say, the motor should always be clean and well maintained.

Prior to the race, most racers make it a habit to warm up the motor before putting the car on the track. This should take more or less a few hours to complete. When doing this, be sure to gradually increase the voltage to ensure that the car gets the power it needs to perform well.

To prevent wear and tear, most racers attach the motor to the chassis permanently. Do this by either gluing the motor to the chassis or by taping it.

Chassis
Just like real racecars, the chassis of any slot car should be optimized for performance. Sanding the sides of the car as well as loosening the screws will do the trick.

I hope that reading the above information was both enjoyable and educational for you. Your learning process should be ongoing–the more you understand about any subject, the more you will be able to share with others.

About the Author
By Anders Eriksson, feel free to visit his top ranked GVO affiliate site: GVO

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.

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.

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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.

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About the Author
By Anders Eriksson, feel free to visit his top ranked GVO affiliate site: GVO

If you’re seriously interested in knowing about Slot Cars, you need to think beyond the basics. This informative article takes a closer look at things you need to know about Slot Cars.

Slot car racing was popularized in the 1960s although the hobby has been around a few decades earlier. The first commercial slot cars were made during 1912 by an American company called Lionel. From then on, it was only a matter of time until mass production of slot cars were fully realized.

Several decades after the first slot cars were produced, people are rediscovering the hobby.

Slot Car Scales
Slot cars are basically miniature versions of actual models of car. The only difference these have with other commercially available miniature models is the fact that it is a specialized toy that requires specialized tracks.

While slot cars come in different scales, the most popular fall into the 1:24, 1:32, and HO scales. These designations indicate the number of units in length that is represented by a unit in the actual model. Say, the largest scale is the 1:24 scale. This indicates that for every 24 inches or millimeters on the actual model, there is 1 unit represented on the scaled down version. The same is true with other scales.

One should take note that the HO scale is a generic scale that covers from 1:64 to 1:87 scales. In this scale, slot cars would often measure anywhere from 2.5 inches to 3.5 inches, making them the most commonly raced slot cars in home racetracks. Larger scales are often impractical to race in home racetracks due to their size. Thus, they can be commonly seen in hobby clubs and shops as well as commercial tracks.

Slot Car Components
Slot cars, just like real race cars, are composed of many different components.

The shell of the slot car represents the exterior of the car it was copied from. Most commercially available slot cars have decent detailing which somehow represent the details of the actual model. High-end slot cars, on the other hand, often have intricate details.

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The motor of the car, although not exactly the component that gives it its power, is what it uses to process the power it receives from the rails on the track. This is often attached to the chassis to gain better control of the car’s body.

The guide is that small plastic component that hinges to the rail or ‘slot’ on the track. This is partially what gives the slot car its name.

The gears, meanwhile, are the components of the car that dictate how the car would perform.

An optional component of the car is the magnet. This is attached anywhere on the car, giving it the downforce to keep it stable.

Slot Car Track
As was mentioned previously, slot cars run on special racetracks called slot car tracks. These are usually made of plastic, cardboard or wood and have layouts that can resemble actual racetracks used in popular racing tournaments. Such layouts are specially designed by the builder.

Although looking somewhat like other miniature racetracks, slot car tracks are different from common racetracks as these have parallel rails that run throughout the entire track. The parallel rails have two different purposes ? one keeps the car attached to the ground while the other gives it the power to run.

Individual components of the track can be bought in various slot car shops. However, these can also be made from scratch using common materials used for creating slot car racetracks.

About the Author
By Anders Eriksson, feel free to visit his top ranked GVO affiliate site: GVO

Slot car racing, by the name itself, is focused on controlling the car while on the track. The name ‘slot’ itself refers to the grooves in the racetrack that prevents the cars from falling off of the track. But slot car racing needs more than grooves for total control. Drivers need to have something in their hands to have full control over the acceleration, breaking and general performance of their slot car. They need the slot car controller.

Analog Slot Car Controllers
Analog slot car controllers are handheld devices that distribute the desired amount of voltage to the slot car on the track. A trigger, a common part of the controller, is connected to an electrical contact that is then connected to a resistor. When this trigger is squeezed, the track sends more voltage to the car, thereby causing it to pick up speed. When released, the reverse happens and the car slows down. The resistance of the controller is measured in ohms which should be noted as changes in the resistance positively affect the response time of the car.

But analog slot car controllers provide more than better manageability of the voltage received by the car. Without this, drivers would have lesser ability to make turns when needed or to follow a straight path where there are long straight sections on the track.

Modifications in the extent of control controllers provide have somewhat emerged in recent years. As opposed to the older system of squeezing and releasing the trigger to speed up or slow down the car, newer controllers now provide at-the-push-of-the-button breaking system. These controllers come with an integrated button which sends negative voltage (remember the positive effect of resistance on response time?) to the slot car’s electric motor. This action then causes the car to stop.

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Improvements in analog slot car controllers have also paved the way for even better control on the breaking system. More advanced controllers are not equipped with a highly accurate system of controlling breaking power which lends these newer controllers a decent advantage over drivers during turns in the track.

Electronic Slot Car Controllers
Electronic slot car controllers, on the other hand, pick up where their older counterparts left off. Unlike analog controllers, these do not use the same system of power delivery to the grooves on the track. Instead, these use an electronic circuit that distributes the precise voltage amount needed by the car. This also offers better car performance, improved control of the car, and better command with virtually all motor setups. These also work very well with cars that have different magnet setups.

Getting Yourself A Slot Car Controller
Choosing between an analog and electric slot car controllers is basically a matter of preference. Most slot car drivers begin with analog slot car controllers. These are relatively much cheaper than electronic ones and do not require much know-how and electronic savvy. Enthusiasts, on the other hand, prefer the more complex system used in electronic slot cars.

Electronic controllers allow better power manageability and excellent breaking systems which make it very easy for drivers to control their cars on the racetrack.

About the Author
By Anders Eriksson, proud owner of this top ranked web hosting reseller site: GVO

Current info about Slot Cars is not always the easiest thing to locate. Fortunately, this report includes the latest Slot Cars info available.

The invention of the automobile in the 1800s gave the people a glimpse of an impending technological advancement in the field of transportation in the coming years. Not only did it spark interest, it also paved the way for hobbyists to start collecting miniature car models ? now popularly known as slot cars.

Toy makers found it a necessity to duplicate the quality that car manufacturers have applied on their automobiles, thus paving the way for the creation of slot cars. But did you know that the first slot cars were not really clamped on slots?

The first commercial slot cars were made by Lionel in 1912, and were being operated on rails similar to that of modern trains. These were often referred to as Rail Cars, and they were built with spare model train motors and parts.

The appearance of these slot cars was surprisingly almost similar to what we have today, except for the fact that during these early years, the cars can only run on a single pace. You can’t make them run faster or slower.

During the late 1930s, slot cars were powered by small combustion engines, allowing them to dash through the rails at a faster speed. Human intervention is still not possible, and the slot cars were just being clamped to a single central rail so that they will not lose their track.

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As years went by, and with the continuous improvement in technology and in electronics, hobbyists began to conduct experiments on how toy cars can become controllable. They installed hand-built motors inside the cars, thus permitting speed adjustments and manipulation in the presence of a human who acts as the controller.

1954 was a milestone for slot cars and slot car racing. This was the year when the first electronic racecourse was created. Hobbyists became driven as ever on slot car racing as the electricity-powered racecourse further increased the popularity of slot cars. Racing clubs eventually switched from center rails to slots in the track surface.

Slot car racing was at its peak during the 1960s, where slot car facilities began to grow in multitude in every town. Major manufacturers like Eldon, Revell and Scalextric began to make home sets and became commercial successes.

By the late 1970s, there was a gradual decline in the slot car frenzy; perhaps this can be attributed to other technological advancements that sparked interest to other hobbyists.

In the 1990s, slot cars had more detailed and intricate designs, thanks mainly to the computer which made it possible to design a model, even on 3D. The hobby is currently in a sort of revival with makers like Scalextric and Carrera making a comeback. The renewed interest also spurred hobbyists to collect vintage slot cars that became popular during the early years.

The most modern of the slot cars are the digitized ones, which were invented in 2004. Digital slot cars have the ability to race on multiple, providing a more realistic simulation of car racing.

About the Author
By Anders Eriksson, proud owner of this top ranked web hosting reseller site: GVO

Slot car racing is a very popular hobby among miniature car racing enthusiasts. It satisfies the inner speed demons among us and is a relatively inexpensive hobby for people who love building model cars. In this article, we will provide you with information that can help you not only save on buying slot cars and slot car accessories but also buying advices that will allow you to make the best choice:

Which slot car scale?
Slot cars come in various scales and each scale has its own pros and cons. The larger scales, for example, have superb detailing and are often geared to perform according to the performance specs of the original cars they were modeled from. These are usually raced in competitions and are often considered among the cars worth collecting.

The main disadvantage of using the 1:24 scale, the largest there is, is that this takes so much space. The same is quite true with the smaller 1:32 scale. For a decent basic racetrack, you should at least have an 8 by 6 feet racetrack.

The space needed to accommodate the racetrack for larger scales is always a major consideration. If you have a small space available for your racetrack, it is often more advisable to stick with smaller scales, like the HO scale.

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The HO scale is where the smallest of slot cars are categorized under. This includes small cars whose size ranges from 2 ½ inches to 3 ½ inches.

Now, when it comes to buying, it is very important to first check how much space you have for your toys. If you don’t think larger scales are good for you, it is advisable that you settle with the smaller ones. Also, if there are no race circuits for 1:24 and 1:32 slot cars near you, you should stick with smaller scales.

Which manufacturer?
There are literally hundreds of companies that produce competition-ready slot cars for hardcore slot car racing enthusiasts to slot car toys for children. Obviously, you should look for those companies that produce high quality slot cars whose performance is optimized for racing. Among the most common manufacturers are Artin, Johnny Lightning, Carrera, Fly, Ninco, Monogram, and Scalextric. These differ in the quality of cars they produce as well as the price range. The most affordable cars are produced by Artin and the manufacturers that are known for winning the most race are Scalextric, Carrera and Johnny Lighting for individual scales. The high-end slot cars are produced by Fly.

Where to buy?
Slot car shops can be found in brick and mortar shops as well as online shops. eBay, a very popular worldwide online bidding site, is where many slot car hobbyists and enthusiasts go for their supplies. Individual online vendors are also some of the best places to visit online to get your car sets. It is also a good idea to check out hobby shops near you.

How to buy?
It doesn’t matter where you buy; what matters is how you buy. Slot cars command relatively inexpensive price tags although there are some well-made ones that could cost you a fortune. So do your research first before you buy your own car. It is important to know everything about the car first before you pay some serious money for it.

It never hurts to be well-informed with the latest on Slot Cars. Compare what you’ve learned here to future articles so that you can stay alert to changes in the area of Slot Cars.

About the Author
By Anders Eriksson, proud owner of this top ranked web hosting reseller site: GVO

The following article covers a topic that has recently moved to center stage–at least it seems that way. If you’ve been thinking you need to know more about it, here’s your opportunity.

Slot cars are powered small vehicles that are assisted by a slot or groove set in the tracks on which they run. At the bottom of the car is a blade or pin that keeps the car in the slot. To make the car run, the metal strips placed next to the slot deliver power to the car motor. Such power is picked up by contacts found beside the guide flag, under the front portion of the slot car. The voltage is controlled via a resistor in the hand controller.

HO slot cars operate on similar principle. The only difference is, in HO models, the current is transported through thin metal rails which are hardly seen above the track surface and are placed farther from the slot. These cars usually have electrical contacts dubbed as pick up shoes. These shoes are directly installed to the chassis and it usually uses round guide pin rather than swiveling flag.

These days, traction magnets are employed to deliver downforce, which helps hold the car in the track especially when it is running at higher speeds. There are also enthusiasts who believe that there’s greater challenge in magnet-free racing.

For serious slot car racers out there, here are some tips that will help improve your slot car’s speed:

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1. Maintain the cleanliness of your slot.
It pays a lot to keep your slot clean. You can do this by detaching the body and visually inspecting the car’s chassis regularly. Pick up shoes must be clean and should float freely. Also inspect the wheel hubs to be sure they do not rub on the car’s chassis. Spin the tires and see if there are bent axles. If there are any worn components, replace them long before they fail. Remember: nothing beats the performance and longevity of a clean slot car.

2. Use oil in moderation.
Oil keeps the chassis and motor of your car lubricated but use only the right amount. For your chassis’ axle bearings, a small drop at every bearing is sufficient enough to keep it spinning. You’ll also need a drop of oil in the front and rear motor end bells to keep the armature lubricated.

3. Choose only one slot car.
Avoid switching slot cars and chassis frequently. By using only one car, you can be familiar with its handling characteristics, making it easy for you to tweak it to your preference.

4. Practice.
By spending more time on your chosen chassis, it will be easier for you to develop some techniques and tricks that make your car perform better than its rivals. Run your slot car on all the lanes, especially those inner lanes with very tight turns. Do this regularly. A lot of practice makes you know your chassis more as well as its exceptional characteristics. It is also through practicing that you’ll be able to find out chassis and motor problems long before the serious competition.

Almost all the tips involved in improving your car’s speed are free. Other cost-effective ways of enhancing the performance of your HO slot cars is replacing rear tires and giving the pick up shoes an upgrade.

About the Author
By Anders Eriksson, proud owner of this top ranked web hosting reseller site: GVO