Saturday, February 5, 2011

SCX Slot Cars

 are simply one of the best toys in the world. On its more serious side it is one of the most rewarding and intensely competitive hobbies you will ever see. Simply said scx slot cars are miniature automobiles or any other vehicle that is guided by a groove on a track that it runs on. A small pin or blade extends from the car into the track. These scx slot cars are so useful city planners even use much larger models when building replicas of urban traffic patterns. But the real draw for scx slot cars is in fact the hobby of competitive slot car racing.
These scx slot cars are modeled after actual automobiles. Even though this is the general case you do find some scx slot cars that have a design specifically for racing only. Most often slot car enthusiasts will use commercially available scx slot cars but will modify the internal components to make a better car. You also find scx slot cars now with all kinds of technology and digital gadgetry and paraphernalia added. The driver of the slot car generally uses a controller held in the hand to regulate a low voltage electric motor that is hidden in the car. Rationally each car will run on its own groove on the track. Recent developments in digital technology have allowed several scx slot cars to run on a single track as well. The challenge in running scx slot cars is really running the curves at super high speed while making sure that the scx slot cars don’t lose grip on the track and spin sideways or even fly off the track which is known as deslotting. Many scx slot cars enthusiasts will in fact try and build their tracks for racing. Making sure there are almost no scenery and not obstructions to seeing the action. But there are those hobbyists that treat scx slot cars like mode railroads and make extravagant and elaborate sets around their tracks with scenery, building and all sorts of gorgeous stuff.
scx slot cars come in a few standard scales. You have the 1:241 scales which are simply where 1 unit length on the scx slot cars is equal to 24 units on the actual car. 1:24 tracks are actually quite large when you see them. These scx slot cars are highly impractical for home usage. The track alone will be quite massive and it will generally be too much for a home enthusiast to handle. These are used for serious racing on commercial or club tracks. 1:32 scale cars are smaller and are much more advisable for home usage. These scx slot cars are also widely used as racecars especially in Europe.

Wednesday, February 2, 2011

Scale Slot Cars

Scale slot cars are miniature models of actual auto vehicles which are guided by a slot in the track on which it runs. Generally a blade or a pin is attached to the bottom of the car to keep it attached to the slot. In most instances scale slot cars are used as a hobby of slot car racing.

The history of scale slot cars runs back to the year 1912 where the first commercial slot cars appeared in the catalogues of ‘Lionel Corporation’ in the United States. Since then scale slot cars have been an American phenomenon throughout the year. Technology has revolutionized and enhanced the appearance of scale slot cars. In the 1990’s computer designs and printing assisted in creating much detailed and authentic models. In 2004 slot car manufacturers were able to introduce digital control systems which enabled added features such as multiple cars running in the same lane and change of lanes at certain points on the course.

Scale slot cars are of three common sizes. They are 1:24 scale, 1:32 scale and HO size (i.e. 1:64 to 1:87 scale). These scales are also denoted as 1/24, 1/32 and 1/64. The details of the three scale slot cars are described below:

1:24 scale slot cars:
This type of scale slot cars are built so that one unit of length of the model will be equal to 24 units on the actual car. For e.g. a Jaguar XK-E which is 4.7m in reality will be built as a model which is 19.6cm long, i.e. in a scale of 1:24. This dimension of the car makes it practically impossible to be used at home. Hence most scale slot cars of this size are being raced at commercial or club tracks.

1:32 scale slot cars:
This scale indicates that one unit of the model will be equal to 32 units of the actual car. This scale is practical for home-sized race courses. It is also identified that this scale is the most popular in Europe.

HO scale slot cars:
The HO size varies in scale generally according to country. In the United States this scale is close to 1:64 even though in the past the scale was 1:87. These sized models are generally referred to as HO slot cars. It has been identified that HO racing occurs mostly on home tracks.

An individual who is interested in scale slot car racing has to own a slot car track or at least be a member of a club. Slot car tracks are either made out of plastic or sheet material such as plywood or MDF.

Once a person has access to the above mentioned slot car track and scale slot car, the hobby of slot car racing can be carried out in a casual form or even in a much serious manner by participating in competitions which lead to the level of national championships.

Sunday, January 30, 2011

Racing Slot Cars

Racing slot cars could be mainly considered as a hobby with a history beyond forty years. It started in America and was even known as a sport around the sixties. The hobby of racing slot cars died in the seventies and was revived again in the nineties.
A slot car is a miniature vehicle which is controlled by a slot in the track that it runs on. A pin extending from the bottom of the slot car connects the car to the track. Slot cars are regulated by the use of a hand held remote controller.

Even though some enthusiasts build their own slot cars and fancy mechanisms for racing slot cars, the majority race with commercially available cars.
One twenty-fourth (1:24), One thirty-second (1:32) and HO size are the commonly available scales of slot cars. Slot cars of HO scale vary in size.

Not all slot car enthusiasts purchase slot cars for racing. Some enthusiasts purchase slot cars as a collectors item while some others use it for modeling purposes.
There are many slot car models available in the market such as Lancia LC2, Porsche Carrera 6, Hummer, Lamborghini, Mitsubishi Pajero, Renault Clio..etc. Even though there is a big variety of models, the quality of these slot cars are similarly of high standards.

The most common and popular method of racing slot cars is to race on individual lanes. However digital technology has ventured into racing slot cars on a shared lane in the track.

Racing slot cars is a popular entertainment at casual get-togethers in which available tracks are used. On the other hand racing slot cars is considered as a serious competition which also is taken to national championship levels. Contestants even go into the length of building and modifying their own cars for better performance at the national championships.

Racing slot cars can be mastered mainly by practicing, and a few handy hints. It is very important that the driver always stays on the track. Concentration is needed but a good pace should also be maintained. The driver should also make use of the straight sections by accelerating. Having said all this since it is a competition the driver should take a certain number of risks but should avoid too many.

Racing slot cars require a great deal of preparation. The car should be checked and should be in perfect condition for racing.Some of the checks that should be carried out are whether the front wheels of the car are rotating perfectly? Are the tires rounded and the brushes cleaned?

Racing slot cars is a psychological activity. The driver with the best technique, the best tactics and most of all the best nerves will emerge as the champion.

Thursday, January 27, 2011

Ninco Slot Cars

Ninco Company feeds the passion of many toy car racing lovers young and old alike. Ninco Dessaroll is located in Barcelona, Spain and is the number one manufacturer in slot cars and car racing sets. Ninco's market base spans across 30 countries. The company's first toy racing car project was initiated in 1993, which was to build a scaled version of Renault Clio 16V. Following the tremendous success of Renault Clio 16V,  Ninco set about in producing race tracks in 1997. Ninco race tracks have earned exceptional recommendations owing to its ease of use, design and performance.

The impressive ninco slot cars production line has won the hearts of racing hobbyists all over the world. Ninco slot cars fall into three categories: 1/32 analogue, 1/32 digital, and 1:28 cars. In addition to ninco slot cars, ninco also produces race circuits, kit sections, spare parts in various scales and accessories.

1/32 analog ninco slot cars production line has 29 different models of racing cars scaled down to 1/32 in size. Audi R8 GT3 ACM, is priced at approximately 56 USD. Bowler Nemesis series has three car models with slight alterations; namely Dakar Lightening, Dakar Coronel and Nac Racing. These three types are all four-wheel driven cars and run on both analog and digital power. Similarly, Chevrolet series has three distinct models of slot cars. Corvette Soft Top – PanAmericana model has a  unique design among analog ninco slot cars. Ford model in ninco slot cars presents four distinct models; two Mustang models and two Matech/Dubai models. Lamborghini range, Mitsubishi Pajero and Lotus Exige series showcase  three models a piece. The most successful car among ninco slot cars is McLarenF1 GTR. Minardi Ford N20 and N21 are Formula-1 racing type cars. Porsche and Renault Megane each have two models of ninco slot cars. All these cars fall in the price range of 36 USD to 66 USD.

1/32 digital ninco slot cars production line features 8 models. These cars are digitally operated and fall into a price range of 52 USD to 64 USD approximately. Chevrolet and Lamborghini models have one design a piece while Ford Mustang, Lexus, Porsche models each has two designs.

In addition to racing cars, Ninco also manufactures state-of-the-art racing tracks. Circuits belonging to many specifications are being sold at prices in the range of 132 USD to 525.50 USD. American speedway, four-lane track, Pro-AM Tour circuit are some of the products in the line. Circuits can be enhanced and given a touch of sophistication by the hobbyist himself with track add-ons like inner curves, outer curves that also come with different textures such as snow, off road and regular. These add-ons are also available from Ninco at attractive prices.

Monday, January 24, 2011

Nascar Slot Car

Slot car racing is one of the great American pastimes. All through the years it has never waned in popularity despite whatever obstacles this fantastic hobby came up against. But now with Nascar making worldwide headlines and Nascar popularity reaching stratospheric levels nascar slot car racing is now the in thing in hobby racing. While nascar slot car racing is still for all intents and purposes a fun hobby, nascar slot car racing is in fact at the level of a sport which is enjoyed by children and adults alike. This popularity of nascar slot car racing has only increased because the cars you use are exact models of the real nascar driver’s cars making nascar slot car racing the ultimate in hero worship. These nascar slot cars are the same ones you find on the real nascar track only smaller.
In these days of high speed internet getting your very own nascar slot car is almost too easy. No more waiting for days by the mailbox like our fathers used to do. You just order your favorite nascar slot car online and it gets shipped to you almost instantly. every nascar slot car comes with its own electric motor to run on the slot car race tracks
There are special slot car track used with nascar slot car racing. These tracks are flat with a groove running down the middle of the track .This groove or slot is where the power for the nascar slot car comes from. The metal strips on either side of the groove transmit electricity to the nascar slot car. The nascar slot car has a connector that fits into that groove and receives the power as the track transmits it. Kind of like those electric trains only a nascar slot car is much much smaller. Once the nascar slot car get s the power its motor starts to turn, the wheels start turning and there goes the nascar slot car at breakneck speeds. The driver of the nascar slot car does have a controller with him. This only controls the speed by controlling the power of the motor but this is vitally important when racing a nascar slot car. Because given the nature of the turns and bends it is all too easy for a nascar slot car to fly off the track if it enters a bend too fast. It is an automatic disqualification if a nascar slot car leaves the track during a competition.
nascar slot car competitions are a very big deal now. With international competitions making a big impact on the nascar slot car scene now as well. People from all over the world have embraced the beauty and majesty of the nascar slot car race

Friday, January 21, 2011

Monogram Slot Cars

Monogram slot cars are in fact one of the best brands of slot cars that were ever made. These monogram slot cars which were originally made in the nineteen six ties are still regarded as premium super quality slot car racers even by today’s slot car racing fanatics. Finding monogram slot cars would be like finding the holy grail of slot car racing. Monogram slot cars were all the rage back then. The company built models of military installations and other large scale contract work. But the true industry that brought them closer to people’s hearts was this, the monogram slot cars
Monogram slot cars had very highly detailed and body styles and an amazing array of chassis shapes were available for the monogram slot cars. Since monogram was first and foremost a model company it was not difficult at all to for them to get the details accurate and well made. Monogram slot cars were even sold as hobby kits. With each kit for monogram slot cars coming with as many as eighty two individual parts for the modelers and enthusiasts to assemble into fully realized monogram slot cars. These monogram slot cars were extremely well detailed and had a highly complex body and chassis system. Race winning monogram slot cars were never just about adrenaline and speed; the assembly required some brain power as well.
Monogram slot cars were very beautiful. monogram slot cars 1:24 36D Powered Ferrari 275p and rear engine 1:24 Scarab were some of the best selling slot cars of their time and today are a prize find for anyone’s lucky enough to come across these monogram slot cars. Even rarer and more valuable monogram slot cars are the RTR "Thingie" slot cars like the futuristic Monogram Vampire and Monogram Snake. Monogram slot cars were also backed by a very reliable support system of parts and accessories under the Tiger brand. Monogram was quick to identify the potential of the enthusiasts that were gathering to race their cars so what they did was give them all the support they could through the tiger brand. The tiger brand for the monogram slot cars had everything you needed as spare parts. Monogram slot cars parts ranged from machined aluminum wheels with better rubber tires to more powerful motors such as the Tiger 100 and Tiger 200 can motors and completely new frames and chassis in brass and aluminum.
Monogram slot cars had a very good design beneath its shell. These monogram slot cars came with a fixed wheelbase but unlike competitors like Cox or Revel the monogram slot cars make use of a swing arm for use by the guide flag. This creates more power by better connectivity to the track rails.

Tuesday, January 18, 2011

Ho Slot Cars

Whether you are a man in your 50’s or a teenager you probably enjoy keeping track of various cars and also driving them. Be it in the form of car games or watching car racing, most men enjoy spending hours doting over different types of cars, and imagining themselves driving one of them. You’ve probably wished you could own one of these cars too. If you are a care racing enthusiast, then you probably wish you had ho slot cars too. This article will provide you with some information regarding ho slot cars and will be very useful if you are looking for ho slot cars.

There are numerous different types of ho slot cars available in the market today. Ho slot cars are usually sold by other car racing enthusiast and are quite high in pricing. Vintage ho slot cars that come from collectors editions are usually much higher than normal are not commonly available. If you know what model of ho slot cars you would like to purchase, you could proceed to discuss and compare prices with different dealers of ho slot cars in order to get the best price.

Remember that you would need to specify to the distributor whether you are looking for ho slot cars for a younger car racing enthusiast or whether it is for yourself, as some ho slot cars may not be safe for a child to operate. Typically, apart from the make and models of the ho slot cars, you could choose your ho slot cars based on the strength of the traction magnet, the speed of the car and even the weight and size of the car in order to ensure that it would fit on your slot car tracks, if you already have them. If this is the firt purchase of ho slot cars that you are making, you would also need to consider the costs of various other accessories and equipment to go with it. From different types of tracks, to repair parts, you would be able to choose the perfect racing car set for yourself.

Remember that in addition to the ho slot cars, you would also have to pay for landscaping of your track. This would generally require a steady table, tracks, foliage and so on. You could ask your dealers to recommend someone who would bring to reality your ideal ho slot car racing track. Once you purchase the set, you would need to take a lot of care with regard to maintaining your ho slot cars, tracks and all other parts to ensure that they work well. If you have children or pets at home, make sure to keep your track in a place where they won’t have access to it.