Slot cars are more than just small mock-ups of real race cars. Most of them are lovingly built from scratch by slot enthusiasts.
Furthermore, most of these cars can be modified to achieve better performance. Driving skills matter quite a bit in slot car racing because nothing keeps the car on track aside from the blade or pin on the bottom and the skill of the driver.
So you really need to be skilled enough to ensure the slot cars don’t careen off the track when negotiating twists and turns. Here is a list of slot car sizes for you to consider when selecting which cars to buy.
Why Does Slot Car Size Matter?
The size of the slot car matters because it needs to fit into the slot on the track. If the car is too big or small, it won’t stay on the track and will likely crash.
Additionally, some tracks have different size slots for different cars. So if you’re planning on racing your cars on multiple tracks, you’ll need to make sure you have the right size car for each track.
Slot Car Sizes
Here is a list of the different slot car sizes, or scales, you will find on the market.
1:24 scale size
Slot cars with this size need a large course or track. Thus, this scale is not appropriate for home use. Most of the time, 1:24 racing is held at commercial or professional club tracks. This scale includes cars that are about seven to eight inches long.
1:32 scale size
This is the most popular of all the slot car sizes. These cars are smaller than the 1:24 scale, so slot car enthusiasts can race these cars at home.
This is what makes these cars such a popular choice. Most 1:32 slot cars are about five to six inches in length.
HO-sized slot cars
These cars are available in different scales, ranging from 1:97 to 1:64 sizes. Regardless of scale, all HO-sized slot cars race on a track with the same width. You may see HO-sized slot cars from 2.5 to 3.5 inches long.
In addition to these popular scales, 1:43 slot cars are also available as toys. In the 1960s, 1:48 slot cars were also marketed. Whichever size you choose, make sure you measure the area where you will put your slot car track. Many racers even build a custom table to place their track on.
What Are The Slot Car Components?
It’s good to know the main components of a slot car before purchasing one. That way, you can make sure the car has all the necessary parts and that they’re in working order. Here is a list of the main components of a slot car.
Body
Also called known as the shell, this component is made of solid molded plastic that is fitted over the car’s chassis. As is the case with real cars, the weight of the vehicle’s body, in addition to the weight distribution, are factors in slot car construction.
Some manufacturers attach an interior portion to the body that sometimes contains a driver figure. Most slot car interiors make up only half the body’s height. This is to make room for the motor and other slot car components.
Electric Motor
The electric motor can be positioned in front, in the middle, or in the back of the slot car. Motors are rated based on their speed or revolutions per minute. Manufacturers calculate a rating by measuring the quantity of voltage going to the motor.
Guide
The guide or guide flag is the plastic piece you can find under the vehicle’s chassis. The purpose of this piece is to help ensure the car stays in the slot. The guide pivots in the slot and holds the braids.
Gears
The gears are important factors in determining the slot car’s acceleration and speed. You can upgrade standard gears, including the small gear that’s connected to the motor, using various components that are commercially available to deliver better performance.
Magnets
Magnets are located in the front and rear portions of the slot. This provides the vehicle with downforce and ensures the slot car does not careen off the track. Some racers prefer slot cars without magnets and instead use lead weights to keep the cars on the track. Some enthusiasts even race without magnets or weights.
Microchip
Not all slot cars have microchips. However, those that do are able to follow a car on the same race track or change lanes at specific areas on the track.
You can modify, upgrade, or improve most slot car components for better performance. However, you need a slot car track. Otherwise, your slot car will be a simple model car.
This is an example of a Scalextric 1/32 scale slot car that you can retrofit with a chip. The procedure requires some soldering.
What is the Best Slot Car Size?
As you can see, there are different types of slot cars based on size and scale. There is no definitive answer as to which is the best slot car size. It all depends on your preferences and what type of racing you’re interested in.
If you’re looking for a slot car that’s fast, then a 1:24 scale car is a good option. These cars can reach speeds of up to 140 scale miles per hour. If you want a slot car that’s more detailed, then a 1:32 scale car is a better choice. These cars are smaller and offer more intricate designs.
Some people prefer 1:43 scale cars because they’re easier to control. Others prefer 1:32 scale cars because they’re more challenging to race. Ultimately, the best slot car size is the one that you’re most comfortable with and that you enjoy racing the most.
Can Slot Cars Be Converted into Remote Control Cars?
Some people wonder if they can convert their slot cars into remote control cars. The answer is yes, but it’s not as simple as it sounds. You’ll need to purchase a few additional components and do some soldering.
If you’re interested in converting your slot car into a remote control car, then you’ll need to purchase a motor, a guide flag, and a receiver. You’ll also need to solder the components together.
The process is fairly simple, but it does require some soldering skills. If you don’t feel comfortable soldering the components together, then you can always take your slot car to a hobby shop and have them do it for you.
Once you have all of the components, you’ll need to solder the motor to the guide flag. Then, you’ll need to solder the receiver to the motor. After that, you’ll need to connect the battery pack to the receiver.
Once everything is soldered together, you’ll need to program the receiver. This can be done with a computer or a handheld remote control. Once the receiver is programmed, you’ll be able to control your slot car with remote control.
How Do You Make a Slot Car Faster?
If you want to make your slot car faster, then there are a few things that you can do. First, you can upgrade the motor. Second, you can upgrade the gears. Third, you can add weight to the car. Fourth, you can use a higher voltage battery pack.
Each of these modifications will make your slot car faster. However, you need to be careful not to go too fast. If you go too fast, then your slot car can come off the track.
It’s important to note that making your slot car faster will also make it more difficult to control. If you’re not careful, you could easily crash your slot car.
If you want to make your slot car faster, then you need to be prepared to make some sacrifices in terms of control. Ultimately, it’s up to you to decide how fast you want your slot car to be.
How Do You Make a Slot Car Handle Better?
If you want your slot car to handle better, then there are a few things that you can do. First, you can upgrade the tires. Second, you can upgrade the suspension. Third, you can add weight to the car.
Each of these modifications will make your slot car handle better. However, you need to be careful not to add too much weight to the car. If you add too much weight, then your slot car will be more difficult to control.
It’s important to note that making your slot car handle better will also make it slower. If you’re not careful, you could easily sacrifice speed for better handling.
If you want to make your slot car handle better, then you need to be prepared to make some sacrifices in terms of speed. Ultimately, it’s up to you to decide how important handling is to you.
How Do You Make a Slot Car Corner Better?
If you want your slot car to corner better, then there are a few things that you can do. First, you can upgrade the tires. Second, you can upgrade the suspension. Third, you can add weight to the car.
Each of these modifications will make your slot car corner better. However, you need to be careful not to add too much weight to the car. If you add too much weight, then your slot car will be more difficult to control.
Final Thoughts on Slot Car Racing
Slot car racing is a great hobby for both kids and adults. If you are new to the hobby, then you may be wondering how to get started.
In this article, we have provided a brief overview of slot car racing. We have also covered some of the basics of how to make your slot car faster and how to make it handle better.
Made it to the end? Here are other articles on slot cars you might enjoy:
The Slot Car Controller For Each Type Of Slot Car Racing System