Best Slot Cars For Beginners
The average person has probably heard of “slot cars” at some point in their life; while most may not know exactly what it is, slot car racing has been around since the 1930’s.There is a significant segment of the hobbyist population that races slot cars in competitions, and while popularity may have risen and dropped several times over the past eighty years, there is still a core group of enthusiasts who race these small-scale vehicles. Slot cars are considered to be “classic” and oftentimes, worth a good amount of money. Many collectables are often modeled after real-life vehicles, making them very valuable. Just as vehicles change shape and size over time, slot cars often imitate vehicles of their respective time period.
A slot car is a miniature scaled automobile that is powered by a small electric motor. Scales include: 1/28, 1/24, 1/32, 1/42 and 1/64 or HO. The cars are raced on a track that has a groove for each vehicle lane, and the slot car has a small pin or blade that extends from the bottom and into the groove. The contacts for the electricity are picked up by the swiveling blade, or “guide flag” on the slot car, which provides the power to run around the track. The vehicle is controlled by a hand-held speed controller that filters in the voltage amount; the more that the trigger is pressed, the faster the car can go. The two types of controllers that are used are called analog and electric controllers. Analog slot car controllers allow the car to accelerate by distributing the desired amount of voltage to the car. Electronic controllers, unlike analog controllers, do not use the variable resistance method for power delivery, but instead use an electronic circuit to dispense the correct amount of voltage to the car. Because electric controllers offer improved control and the ability to command a wide array of cars, this type of controller is most recommended for a beginner.
What are the main parts of a slot car?
· Body/Shell – The top of the slot car is molded and scaled to a real vehicle. The shape actually does not influence the car’s performance, as it would for a real car. Instead, the mass and distribution of the weight affects the car’s performance.
· Interior – The interior often features a real driver and imitates the interior of the real, life-size vehicle. The driver and interior are typically modeled just below window height to allow more room for the motor. It is usually clipped or glued to the body shell.
· Chassis – The bottom part of the car is called the chassis, which is often one piece but can be made with a separate motor pod section. This piece attaches all of the other parts.
- Electric Powered Slot Car Race Track Set - 2 cars of different colors - A perfect slot car set for beginner Racers,for younger kids to learn and develop racing skills at a slower speed! The loop and fly-over turn are both sturdy and easy to put together.includes a number of foundation pieces that help steady the track, along with walls for the.
- The Carrera slot car racetrack is considered the best option for all the beginners who are a fan of Cars movies. It comes with Lightning McQueen and Dinoco Cruz characters to make your kids excited, along with a 1:50 scale size that ensures beginners have more control on tight corners when they race their cars around this track.
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· Motor – The electric motor is what powers the slot car, placed at the front, middle, or rear of the car. It can be in-line, sideways, or at an angle. Like a real car, small gears transmit the power from the motor to the axle.
· Axle – The axle is the steel rod in which the wheels are attached to.
Slot car racing is an exciting, interactive hobby for automobile fans and anyone who likes speed and competition. Slot cars make a great alternative to video games because they tap into similar skill sets—hand-eye coordination, risk-reward thinking, competition, manual dexterity—yet remain physical, i.e. Hands-on, three-dimensional and face-to-face.
Best Slot Cars For Beginners In Ny
· Guide or Guide Flag – This is a plastic fin with the ability to pivot, which sits on the slot of the track and holds the braids.
· Braids – Copper metal contacts or copper braids provide power to the car by making contact with the rails on the track. It’s important that these are adjusted correctly for optimal car performance.
· Magnet – Front and rear magnets provide force to keep the car on the track.
· Chip – This refers to the circuit board which interprets signals on the track and operating the motor for digital cars. Some conventional cars have a chip to control the lights, but many do not have a chip at all.
What are slot car racetracks made out of?
Slot cars include a variety of other features and parts and differ depending on when the car was made and the maker. The majority of the slot car racetracks used for home races are made from molded plastic snap-together track sections. This allows the racer to reconfigure their track at will. The tracks used for competition are often hand-built; the guide slots for the vehicles are routed into a type of sheet material, generally either medium-density fiberboard or chipboard. Voltage supplied to the track by the power supply is typically between 12 to 18 volts and 1 or 2 amps.
What types of slot cars are best for beginners?
Cars of the 1/32 scale are most recommended for beginners, as they are very durable and are actually the most common size among hobbyists. The cars with very strong magnets are good for beginners initially, but may limit the development of driving skills. As racing skills develop further, the magnets are needed less and less and you may find you need to update your slot car as your skills progress.
What types of racetracks are best for beginners?
A simple track plan allows one to learn how to drive properly and enjoy the hobby. Sometimes an oval of track is best so that beginners can learn the fundamentals of accelerating, braking and controlling speed in the corners. A more elaborate and challenging track can be then enjoyed after some skill has been developed. Unfortunately, many sets do not have a good track layout for beginners. The beauty of plastic track is that you can configure a simple oval first, practice and then expand the layout with the balance of the track to make a more challenging circuit.
Clubs are a perfect way to get more involved in the hobby. Whether it’s a few people getting together informally to share tips and run their cars for fun, or large clubs that are a little more serious, joining a club will allow you to get the most out of slot car racing. Major competitions do exist on large tracks in commercial raceways, but these are typically for 1/24 scale cars, which require more sophisticated cars and equipment.
Slot car racing is a wonderfully diverse hobby that can stay with you for a lifetime and can be shared by generations of enthusiasts. Whether you’re a beginner or seasoned pro, there is always something new to keep you in high gear!
Lynne Bernhard
Kids or kids at heart will surely enjoy this list as we are about to give you the best slot car tracks this 2021. Playing car tracks is great alternative entertainment that you can do with your children, especially if you both love cars and racing. To level up the experience of the slot car racing, we have the list of the top-notch car tracks that you can use to upgrade the racing experience.
Top 15 Best Slot Car Tracks in 2021 Reviews & Guides:
1. Hot Wheels Slot Car Track Pack
Hot Wheels collectors will definitely love this product because it can be an additional collection for them. This best slot car track from Hot Wheels is a 40 feet single-car tracks and connectors that you can connect together. Unleashed your creativity and build your own track, you can also use this as an extension of the track builder sets.
It has the orange color of tracks and blue connectors, the tracks are straight with two sizes. This is great for children who love to create race tracks since this is a straight track, they can easily play with this. This product is suitable for ages 4 years old and above since it has small content like the connectors.
Extra Features:
- Compatible with all Hot Wheels cars
- It comes with 1 Hot Wheels car
- With 43 connectors included
2. Carrera First Disney Cars 3 Slot Car Track Set
Children will definitely love this slot car track set from Carrera because lightning McQueen and Dinoco Cruz is in this set. A battery-operated slot car together with the 8-shaped race track is perfect for beginners.
They can control the speed of the cars, so they can win the race with their skills. The included race track has a size of 7.87 geet and 1:50 scale cars. Everything that you need to set this up is already in the box including the cars.
Extra Features:
- The race track can fit two cars at a time
- Themed decor race track
- Children 3 years old and above can play this
3. Carrera Go!!! 61600 Extension Set 1
Isn’t it nice to have a race track that doesn’t only have a straight lane? The set 1 extension set from Carerra comes with both straight and curve lanes to give the cars a little bend. The set 1 extension consists of 2 curves, 2 straight lanes with a size of 14.46 inches, and 2 lane changers.
You can combine this with your existing Carrera track, with these extensions you can create your dream race track. This product is compatible with the Carrera Go, Digital 143, and Carrera racing system. The recommended age to use this item is from 8 years old and up, you can expand your race track up to 49 feet.
Extra Features:
- Compatible with both analog and digital
- The item’s weight 1.5 pounds
- Can add with other extension sets
4. NKOK Sonic & Shadow RC Slot Car Track Set
Is your child a fanatic of Sonic and Shadow? Or maybe you are a fan of this tandem? Sonic is an iconic character that is still famous until today. Know which one is the fastest in the slot car by using this set of best slot car track.
This is not just a slot car track as it comes with two slot cars which are Sonic and Shadow, so choose your team and start the race. The track’s design is like an infinity sign or number 8. The package includes 16 pieces of track pieces, 2 vehicles, and 2 controllers. This is a great gift to all Sonic lovers out there, especially to children ages 5 years old and above.
Extra Features:
- 3 C batteries for the battery
- With working lights
- Licensed toy
5. Carrera 1:24 Slot Car Track Extension
Carrera’s next best slot car track is the 12 pieces 1:24 tracks. You can use it with your digital 1:24, 1:32, and evolution slot car track system. The good thing about Carrera’s product is that you can combine it with other extensions or set as long as it is compatible with each other.
Inside the package, it comes with 4 straights, 4 curves, 2 lane changers, and 2 chicanes. You can create any track design with the use of this; use your imagination to create the most challenging track with this product. The toy’s recommended age is 8 years old and above, as this requires electricity products.
Extra Features:
- The track’s weight is 5.56 pounds
- One of the best-selling brand in the market
- The curves are good for 4, 6, or 8 extensions of the lane
6. Carrera Go!!! 62492 Mario Kart Slot Car Track Set
If you are looking for not just an extension, but a complete set of a slot car track, check out this set from Carrera with the Mario Kart Mach 8. Kids and young at heart will love this set because who doesn’t love Mario and Luigi.
Aside from the cute cars included in the package, the race track itself is pretty awesome. It is not just a simple track; it is a 17-feet track with loop, narrow section, junction, and fly over. Watching Mario and Luigi running along the track with the speed that can reach up to 379mph is remarkable. You can use the other extension from Carrera with this track set.
Extra Features:
- Lap counter included in the package
- Mario and Luigi Car
- Speed controllers
7. Scalextric C1383T Slot Car Track Set
Best Slot Cars For Beginners For Beginners
The C1383T from Scalextric is one of the best slot car track set because this features the Chevy Monte Carlo. When you buy this set of a slot car track, you will get a pair of the ’86 Aero Coupe Monte Carlo, and that makes it perfect not only for children but for car collectors too.
It comes with the 15.8 feet flat track; this track can fit a foot space of 6.4 x 4.3. You can customize the track depending on what you desire; you can make up to 4 different layouts with this. Since it comes with two Chevy cars, you can place two cars at a time because the track has 2 lanes.
Extra Features:
- It is an analog racing system
- Banked curves track
- Exclusive only with Scalextric
8. Carrera 20020613 Hairpin Slot Car Tracks
If you want to add some interesting curve to your track, Carrera’s 20020613 is the best slot car track when it comes to that. When it comes to its design, it is near to the natural race track, it has the paint of red and white which you can commonly see on the real race tracks.
Inside the box, it consists of 2 standard straight tracks with 2/4 size, 3 outside shoulder curve, and 3 inside shoulder curve for the 1/60° curve. To give the race track vibe, it has the tire piles. It is a great gift since the packaging comes with a box, it has the presentable look.
Extra Features:
- Compatible with Carrera’s Digital 124 and 132, and Evolution
- The item’s weight is 5.44 pounds
- Recommended age is 8 years old and up
9. Scalextric C1399T LMP and GT Slot Car Track Set
The next entry from Scalextric is another analog race track set, but this time the cars included in the package are LMP and GT. This set is perfect for beginners and professionals as it comes with a 4-speed setting to level up in case you want to speed up the game.
It has the oval race track with a size of 8 feet and 4 inches. The design and size allow you to do the racing even on smaller space availability. It has two lanes where you can place two cars at a time to give you the real race car experience.
Extra Features:
- You can expand the track with the use of extension packs
- The car can speed up to 300mph
- Magnatraction magnets to keep the cars on track
10. Carrera 61612 High Banked Curve Track
The 61612 banked curve track from Carrera is compatible with most of their sets like the Carerra Go!!!, digital 143, and the Carrera racing system. Carrera products the best slot car track extensions that allow you to create a more exciting course.
This high banked curve gives the car the bending experience and not just the straight track. The package includes 4 pieces of curves with support to keep the racing on the track. It has the 1/45° bend design, and these overall curves only weigh 7 ounces. It is a great gift for a child or even an adult who loves expanding and creating unique race tracks.
Extra Features:
- It keeps the car on the track better
- Great as banked corners
- Can mix and match with other extensions from Carrera
11. ScalextricC8555 Slot Cark Track Extension
If you already own one of the Scalextric slot car track set and you want to expand it to create a more compelling race track, the C8555 track extension is the answer with that. You can use this for both analog and digital Scalextric which gives it a wider range of use.
This is a 1:32 Radius 3 curves in 22.5°, so if the extension that you are looking are curves, this is perfect. Inside the box are the 8 pieces of curves that you can combine with the old set you have, and it can extend the layout for over 5 feet.
Extra Features:
- The curves are flexible
- The product’s weight is 2.07 pounds
- Suitable for 8 years and above
12. AFX AFX21045 Track Pack
The AFX21045 is the ultimate track pack for this list of the best slot car track. It consists of the popular and challenging to find tracks, but don’t worry because all of these are in this package. It comes with 26 tracks, and with the use of this extension, you can turn the smallest track into a giant one of up to 34.5 feet.
Inside the box, you will see 11 pieces of 15 straight track, 3 pieces of 9 inches squeeze track, 6 pieces of 12 inches radius curve track, and 6 pieces of 15 inches radius curve track. All of these tracks are in one purchasing, so you can create a much difficult and fun course.
Extra Features:
- Compatible with the entire AFX track
- With extra bridge support
- Specifically made for HO scale
13. Carrera 21130 Tire Stack Slot Car Track
Aiming for a more realistic track? This Carrera 21130 gives you the real race track vibe when you attach these curves as your extension. The design of this track is the tire stacks guardrail wall, it is common on most race tracks in real life.
The package comes with 6 sets of tire stacks and each of them has a size of 10 inches long. There is a 24 tire wall that will support the tire section in one place. You can use this extension to other Carrera track set like the digital 124, 132, and evolution.
Extra Features:
- This is a 1:24 race track
- Comes with a box for presentable packaging
- The item is 10.6 ounces
14. Scalextric American Police Slot Car Track Set
Scalextric knows how to make the track race much interesting, and one of their best slot car tracks is the American police chasing the Didge Challenger on a 17 feet 5 inches race track.
The track has crash borders and barriers to make it look realistic. This race track has the 1:32 scale track system, meaning any cars from Scalextric or even not form Scalextric with 1:32 scale is good in this track. Start the chasing and see who will win the race.
Extra Features:
- Two cars included in the package
- Light controllers with ergonomic design
- Easy magnatraction
15. Scalextric Lamborghini C1386T Slot Car Race Track Set
The C1386T is the last entry for our best slot car track, and this track set is not just the typical track set that you can buy. This set comes with the Lamborghini Rampage Centenarios with 1:32 scale, this is a great toy not only for children but for adults too.
The size of the track is 15 feet 9 inches, and you can do 4 layouts of tracks for an endless amount of fun. Connecting the tracks together is very easy; it will just take a couple of minutes to connect it all together.
Extra Features:
- Standard analog set
- Lap counter
- Can give you the speed of 0-60mph in just 3 seconds
Conclusion:
Slot car tracks are not just only for children, but also for people who are young at hearts. These best slot car tracks can give you the genuine race track feeling that you and your children can enjoy at home.