What is the Point of Scalextric?

If you are a fan of slot cars, you have probably heard of Scalextric. Scalextric is a brand of slot cars and accessories owned by Hornby Hobbies.

In this article, we will look at the Scalextric brand, its history, and some of the products it offers.

What is the Point of Scalextric?

Scalextric is a brand of slot cars and slot car racing sets originally manufactured by the English company Minimodels in Havant, Hampshire. Fred Francis first invented Scalextric in 1956.

The word Scalextric is a combination of the words’ scale’ and ‘electric.’ It was initially manufactured as a 1:32 scale model before moving to the more popular 1:24 scale in 1964. Hornby now owns the company.

Scalextric has a long and rich history, dating all the way back to 1956. The brand was created by Fred Francis and initially manufactured 1:32 scale model cars. In 1964, the company switched to the more popular 1:24 scale. Hornby now owns Scalextric.

The company has released many different sets and cars over the years, each with its unique designs and features. One of the most popular sets is the ‘James Bond’ set, which comes complete with a miniature Aston Martin DB5 car.

 

Scalextric One American Classics

Scalextric, the long-time slot car manufacturer from the UK, has brought an American rivalry to miniature life; the rivalry between the Mustang and the Camaro.

This rivalry can be experienced by kids and adults alike via the Scalextric One American Classics line, which splendidly recreates the 1969 #6 Sunoco Camaro and #16 Boss 302 Mustang racer that fought for the Trans-Am cup back in the day.

Whether for a patriotic American family or someone just seeking some old-fashioned American thrill, the Scalextric set will be a good addition.

The set includes track pieces that can be assembled differently to form 9 unique layouts, each with its own set of challenges. Then, there are the cars themselves. These are faithful down to the last fine detail and decals. You would think it’s a miniature version of the original!

Finally, there are the controllers themselves, one for each car, to control speed. The start straight also has a pit feature, complete with refueling and speed limits, controlled by a mobile app provided by the company (you will still need to download it yourself from the App Store or Google Play).

Scalextric One American Classics – Old School Meets High Tech

The app also accounts for tire wear and has race results and statistics calculated for you, quite handy for the number-crunchers.

Set up the track, line up the cars, and let them rip! You now know how the racing scene was in the late 60s/early 70s and for a quarter of the strain and cost.

After all of that is done, you shall have the challenging choice of whose manufacturer will you be on? Chevy fan? Ford dude? You decide.

You would, however, have to have enough space, as required of all slot car arrangements, to actually put up a race course to play races in.

Recommended spaces include places where it’s at least risk of being stepped over and severe temperatures since the track system are made of plastic, which is a vulnerable material in the wrong temperatures.

Such places may be your room, a game room, heck, even your living room, provided the elements cooperate!

For the full Trans-Am experience, you need to download the App Race Control. This way, you will get the whole experience the set brings.

However, your device’s memory may take a hit; a small price to pay to see the experience come to life. Keep the set clean for maximum performance. Also, be sure to check for debris after every session.

The track itself has an overtake mechanism, which encourages ballsy moves from players. However, it can also encourage too-brash moves that overwhelm the other player.

How Does a Scalextric Work?

A Scalextric set uses an electric current that runs through the track to power the cars. A transformer generates the current plugged into the main socket.

The current flows through the track and into the cars via their metal axles. This creates a magnetic field around the axle, which interacts with magnets in the cars’ motors, causing them to rotate.

The rotation of the motor drives the wheels, and the car moves along the track.

The speed of the cars is controlled by a hand-held throttle, which regulates the flow of current to the track. So the faster you press the throttle, the more current flows, and the faster the cars go.

You can also use the throttle to make the car brake by reversing the current flow. This makes the cars slow down or stop.

The Scalextric One American Classics set is a great way to experience the rivalry between the Mustang and the Camaro. The set includes track pieces that can be assembled differently to form 9 unique layouts, each with its own set of challenges.

Then, there are the cars themselves. Again, these are faithful down to the last fine detail and decals. You would think it’s a miniature version of the original!

Finally, there are the controllers themselves, one for each car, to control speed. The start straight also has a pit feature, complete with refueling and speed limits, controlled by a mobile app provided by the company.

Does Scalextric Need Batteries?

No, a Scalextric set does not need batteries. Instead, the cars are powered by an electric current that flows through the track. A transformer generates this current plugged into the main socket.

The transformer converts the mains voltage (220-240V AC) into a lower voltage (typically 12-14V AC), which is then used to power the cars.

Can I Use a Scalextric Set Outdoors?

While it is technically possible to use a Scalextric set outdoors, we do not recommend it. The track is made of plastic, which can be damaged by sunlight and other weather conditions.

Also, the electric current that powers the cars is generated by a transformer, which is designed for indoor use only.

If you do use your set outdoors, we recommend doing so in a sheltered area, out of direct sunlight. Also, bring the transformer inside when you’re finished racing.

Photo by Phil_Parker

The Scalextric App

The ARC app is the closest thing to race management, for a fraction of the stress of the real thing. It even has social media integration to post your stats and compare them with rivals all over the net.

The cars themselves can simulate tire wear and fuel shortage, courtesy of the app. As is customary with Scalextric and other slot cars, magnets make the cars stick to the track. This proved effective for the longest time. However, one must consider space for packing up the set. Inevitably, not all places have wide enough space for the set.

You should not deliberately dismantle the set or expose the package to extreme conditions. Then, going back to the app, you have to commit a portion of your own device’s memory to maximize the experience.

Scalextric has been made over time in its long history, and this particular one delivers well. It may be small-scale, but seeing the cars duke it out will bring out that Detroit vibe in you.

That pulsing, jumpy feeling associated with being behind the wheel of these highly-rated machines of the old times. This set is great to encourage American families to convey the muscle of a past era to the next generation.

Faithfully recreating a rivalry that has continued for decades is no easy feat. However, the British manufacturer does undoubtedly deliver. This is a statement of just how successful their company is.

What is Better Than Scalextric?

Some people may say that other slot car sets are better than Scalextric. However, this is a matter of opinion. There are many different brands of slot cars, and each has its strengths and weaknesses.

It is up to the individual to decide which brand is best for them. Some people prefer one brand over another because they feel that the quality is better or like the way the cars look.

Others prefer one brand because it is more affordable or because they can find it more easily in stores. Ultimately, it is up to the individual to decide which slot car brand is best for them.

What is the Fastest Scalextric Car?

The Honda F1 is the fastest Scalextric car, with a top speed of 132 km/h (82 mph). The Ferrari F2004 is the second fastest car, with a top speed of 128 km/h (80 mph).

The McLaren MP4/98T is the third-fastest car, with a top speed of 124 km/h (77 mph).

Conclusion

With Scalextric One American Classics set, kids and hobbyists can relive the muscle heyday of the 60s and 70s. However, you will leave less carbon footprint than the real thing.

It’s perfect if you want to relive those eras without fear of being chastised for pollution. And with a reputable and innovative brand behind the set, all customers are assured of fun, quality, and speed for ages to come.

Made it to the end? Here are other articles you might enjoy:

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