A Close Look At The Scales Of Slot Cars
From 1:64 scale to the larger 1:24 scale, slot cars are available in numerous sizes. What you want to do with it and the space you have to operate I are the things you ought to consider when selecting a scale. The 1:24 scale, 1:32 scale, and so-called HO size are the most popular slot car scales.
The slot car 1:24 scale may appear to be impractical for many since it requires a large course. This scale is popularly taken for racing in commercial or club tracks. Its 1 unit of length corresponds to the 24 units of the actual car. This is perfect choice for those who love adventure and serious racing competition. The cost of its maintenance though may get quite expensive.
The 1:32 scale cars which are smaller cars would only need a home-sized race course. They could be taken as well to commercial tracks, in hobby shops or in clubs, depending on the owner’s desires. This slot car scale has been widely used in Europe. Atlas, Eldon and Strombecker Slot cars are all available in this scale.
HO-sized slot cars offer quite a handful of sizes. Throughout the years these cars had been stretched to its maximum size to house more powerful motors, in fact they are close to 1:64 in scale as of the moment. At first they appeared as model railroad accessories. Manufacturers drew inspiration from the size of car ttrains to create these miniaturized car designs. The proportions of the tiny bodies must be often extended to contain standard motors and mechanisms. Owners need not to worry for inconvenience since HO-sized cars can be raced in home courses.
In choosing the right scale of slot car to buy, first take into an account several factors which include the size of track space and how they will be used. Owners may perceive the Slot car tracks that are around 30′-40′ long by 10′-15′ wide as something impractical especially they have limited space. The best scale of slot car will often be determined by the number of lanes that you have. For those who only have smaller spaces, then chose 1/32 scale slot cars and HO scales.
AFX creates nice kits if you don’t have sufficient space to build your own or if you opt to save both your effort and time. They usually include two lanes with two slot cars and two pistol-style controllers to race around the course. Additional pieces are also offered by AFX to cater to those slot car owners who want to have elaborate layouts.
The next question that you would likely encounter is how you would utilize the slot cars, would you rather use it at home or in serious competition racing? The HO scale is the most prominent size for houses with limited spaces. For those who want to engage in series and competitive racing then 1:24 would be the appropriate slot car scale.
About the Author
Slotfrog.com provides articles and information on slot cars slots cars from all scales, types, and brands. This includes Eldon, Strombecker, and Atlas slot cars.
Slot Cars AFX part 1/5