I am thinking of getting my daughter a mini slot car set and was looking for advice. I haven't owned slot cars since the early 70's so I'm a little out of touch. Are there certain brands that are better than others are there ones that are a must have or ones to stay away from. I was thinking I'd just look on ebay and get the best deal I could. I don't see this turning into a huge obsession though expanding the track could be something I wouldn't want to preclude, assuming they still do this.

 

Look up Scalextric

 

Thanks JPMM. Here's a dumb question, what is the difference between digital and whatever isn't digital?

 

What scale of cars do you want?

Scalextric cars are much larger than the standard HO scale, thus the tracks will be much larger.

Stop by any hobby shop and look at the different scales.

 

Carrera Go! has some 1:43 sets that would be great for kids. They have lots of MINIs and some other fun cars. The track requires a little less space than the more serious (and larger) 1:32 scale. In 1:32 there are also lots of MINIs but also a wide array of other cars for some serious racing, including digital. Ninco and Scalextric have MINIs in their lineup.

Digital is relatively new. With the type of slot cars we grew up with (analog) the power was increased within the track rails to make the car go faster or slower. With digital, the power in the rails is constant w/ a digital signal for each car superimposed. When you will the trigger, the car itself reads the signal to regulate speed. In the digital realm, it's common for 4 or 6-cars to be able to race on a 2-lane track, and special lane-changing sections means you can pass another car or simply find the best line around the track.

Shop around...I get all my slot car stuff here.

 

Go with NINCO. They have a great Mini Cooper set. The track is the most forgiving for kids and the models look great.

Only downside is that its difficult to get accessories here in the states

Ray

 

Good advise Scott. I did just that and while I can see that the 1:32 is a much cooler car, the track looks like it is going to take up half the basement (the half with no furniture). Plus, it seems that your (my) money goes a lot further in HO so I think that's how I should start. Now that that is settled, the Hobby store I went to (Hobby Town) was pretty much fixed on AFX as their HO brand. I didn't see any Mini sets, but they said that they get in Mini cars now and then. Plus they can order me something if I can find it. Anyone familiar with the brand? Good, Bad or Ugly?

 

Scalextric cars are big enough to show off as a diecast. Check out these guys. http://video.google.com/videoplay?do...17&q=slot+cars

 

AFX has been around forever, it's the old Aurora brand. That's what I had when I was a kid!

I have no current experience with them but they are the dominant brand in HO scale and you'll find them anywhere that sells slot car stuff.

 

Based on all the feedback and a little patience on my part I bought this set on eBay earlier today. Can't wait to try'er out. Thanks for all the help. Jon

 

My nephews and I set up a Carrera Go Track and a Scalextric track. There is really no comparisson. The Scalextric is much, much better, very high quality, many options, including digital features, and 50 years of cars. (Old cars work on the new track as well) The larger cars are alot more fun to play with and most look nicer. Get a couple of Audi TT or Porsche Boxsters, they are the sturdiest and can take alot of abuse. And buy a MINI for yourself!

 

I have to agree with the Scalextric brand .
Forget the kid and get it for yourself.
I have several Mini's but believe it or not I don't even own a track as of yet.