All About Slot Cars
Slot car racing is an interesting hobby that many people discover quickly after being introduced to it. These enthusiasts are all over North America and around the globe where they can have fun.
Scale-sized automobiles are miniature motorized racing cars that are controlled by a slot on a racetrack. The slot is accessed by a pin that extends from the bottom of the model. While some slot cars can be modeled after regular automobiles, the majority of them are modeled after racing cars from the Grand Prix, Indy and NASCAR circuits. These cars are used in slot racing, also known by slot racing.
All racing slots are equipped with bodies specifically designed for miniature racing. This hobby is dominated by people who use commercially available slot cars. Some cars are modified to improve their performance. Many slot car racers make their own racers out of parts and mechanisms available at specialty shops online and from slot car manufacturers.
To send low-voltage current to the electric motor hidden within the car, the “driver” uses a handheld controller. Each car will usually operate in its own lane. Recent technology allows cars to share one lane. This feature is available on many of the digital racing sets. This is the most difficult part for drivers when their miniature cars have to go around curves at high speeds. Drivers need to be skilled enough so that the car doesn’t “deslot” on curves.
This exciting hobby involves building detailed tracks that include miniature buildings, stands, and scenery. Hobbyists prefer tracks that aren’t obstructed with scenery, as it can distract drivers from racing.
Metal strips are placed next to the slot to carry power to the motor. These are picked up by contacts that run along a guide flag, which is a rotating blade located under the front end of the slot car. The driver holds the resistor in his hand controller, which regulates the car’s speed.
Modern slot cars often use traction magnets to provide “downforce”, which allows the car to stay on the track at higher speeds. Many slot car racers feel that a car without traction magnetics is more challenging. A magnet-free car can slide outwards while racing, which they enjoy. This gives them more visual realism.
Scale length is the length in inches or millimeters. So 1 unit on the model equals 24 units on its actual car. The course required for most 1:24 scale cars is too big for average home enthusiasts so those who race 1:24 scale cars often use a club track.
