How to get started with slot cars
There’s a unique fascination when it comes to slot car racing.
Sure, you can watch Formula 1 on TV or sit in the stands at a car race, but there’s a thrill to participating and being in control of your own car as it crosses the finish line.
Slot car racing may be a hobby that’s been around for decades, but how exactly do you get into it and where do you start?
Slot car racing is a robust hobby that, like model trains, has an infinite number of possibilities. From grand tracks to flashy model cars, it may seem a little overwhelming at first. This handy guide will get you started in the right direction, or at least one that faces the finishing line.
Firstly, how do slot cars work?
Slot cars run on basic electric technology and there’s a good chance you’ve created a science project for school that’s similar. Everything is electricity, motors, and metal. Essentially, the race track has electrified strips that are switched on whenever you pull the trigger on the controller. Inside of the car is a motor to turn the wheels, as well as a metal braids underneath the cars that rest on the track’s strips. When the trigger is pulled, the car receives electricity that turns the motor and propels the car forward.
While there are many racers out there that modify their cars, tinkering with weights and tyres, a good portion of slot car racing comes down to skill. You can’t just hold down the trigger all of the way and expect the car to easily manoeuvre all of the crazy track pieces and sharp corners. Racers need to know when to apply pressure and when to let go. It’s the same as driving – you don’t keep your foot on the gas peddle and expect not to fly off the edge of a cliff at high speed.
Entry level sets
Thankfully, there are lots of starter sets for getting started. You’ll first need to figure out which manufacturer you want to stick with as there are a few. It’s recommended you peruse through a few forums to get a general idea of the differences as well as talk to your local hobby store to get their opinion.
Regardless of brand, most slot car starter sets are very similar. They all come with a power base, a few meters of track (including corners), usually some barriers for the cars, two controllers, and two cars. That’s all you really need to get going with your slot car hobby from the beginning.
When you want to start expanding, there is an astonishing amount of additional track pieces that you can add to the set. Not to mention creating the craziest race courses you can think of – as long as you have space, of course. Some of the track pieces include crisscrosses for switching lanes, ‘loop de loops’, and lanes that come a little too close and force the players to participate in a game of chicken.
Of course, you aren’t just limited to two-lane tracks, either. If you’re willing to spend a bit more – well a lot more – you can invest in three, four, or even six-lane tracks. These are primarily used in competitions and championships, but as long as your house is big enough, you can go wild.
Quite a few players add scenery to their tracks as well as change the environment. This can including adding hills, buildings, or even an audience of plastic figures to watch all of the heart-pounding races.
What about the cars?
You aren’t stuck with the two cars that came with the starter set, either. There’s more than likely a slot car you can buy that’s based on any car you can think of, well maybe not the Reliant Robin for obvious reasons. You could race a DeLorean DMC-12, a replica of your used Audi, or even the Ferrari F2004.
If that’s not enough, quite a few enthusiasts make their own cars, though they are usually limited by what can and can’t be done in tournaments. So, yes, your DeLorean DMC-12 can have a built-in Flux Capacitor while you imagine it’s zooming around the track at 88mph.
Where to play slot car racing
While you can play slot cars at home, and you should in order to practice and beat your friends in a few friendly races, most cities have dedicated shops and clubs. You’ll be able to chat with other enthusiasts, get information on starting out, purchase your kits, and eventually take part in competitions as well. You’ll find that these clubs are very welcoming and friendly places.
From here, you’ll be able to research the hobby and gauge how much it’s going to cost you to get started.