Slot car racing
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Scalextric_cars.jpg
Slot car racing is racing slot cars, model cars that are built to run on depressed single-rail tracks—hence the "slot" name. Users can run and race the cars through the use of a hand-held throttle that controls a small, powerful electric motor hidden within the car; greater depression on the throttle produces a greater speed. The challenge in racing slot cars comes in that taking turns at too high a speed will cause the car to lose its grip on the rail and go flying spectacularly. With more than one car additional tracks are used to avoid collisions.
Much as in rail transport modelling, slot car fanatics will build elaborate tracks, sculpted to have the appearance of a real-life track. Slot car racing has a smaller (though equally enthusiastic) following than model railroading.
Slot car enthusiasts also build their own cars. This "scratch building" can result in quite stunning vehicles, and some very ugly ones.
How it works
Slot_car_schematic.png
Brands
Producers of slot cars and tracks include:
- Scalextric (who also produce sets for Marks and Spencer)
- Ninco
- Hot Wheels
- Fly Cars
- Vanquish MG
- SCX of Spain
- Carrera of Germany.