Hobbies And Interests
History
The first slot cars appeared in 1912, made by the Lionel Corporation, an electronic novelties manufacturer. Production was discontinued in 1915 and other slot cars came and went over the next forty years. In 1952, Minimodels Limited began producing model racing cars with a clockwork motor. In the 1960s these slot cars experienced a surge of popularity. The demand continued until the1970s when the slot car craze fizzled. In the 1990s, computer technology enabled the production of more detailed models and they continue to be enjoyed today by kids and adults alike.
Function
Slot cars for kids are often a hobby but can also be used in competition. Many hobbyists build their own tracks for causal play or practice for racing tournaments. The prime purpose of slot cars, however, is fun. For kids, racing against friends and building or modifying their own slot cars can be an enjoyable pastime.
Features
Slot cars are typically models of real cars. However, many are modified for miniature racing. They contain low-voltage electric motors which are regulated by the driver via a hand-held controller. Slot cars run on a lane with its own guide-slot. Trucks, motorcycles and other miniature vehicles which use the guide-slot system are also classified as "slot cars."
Size
Slot cars come in three common sizes, also called scales. 1:24 scale slot cars have one unit of length that is equal to 24 units of length on the actual car. These slot cars are the largest and are impractical for home use, racing only on commercial tracks. 1:36 scale slot cars are smaller and more suitable for home based tracks. They are also widely raced on commercial tracks. HO-sized slot cars vary in size but are typically 1:64 or 1:87 in scale. They are not always built exactly to scale. Because of their small size, the body is usually stretched to accommodate the motor. Most HO slot car racing is done on home tracks and these are most popular with kids.
Types
There are several types of slot cars for kids on the market today. Artin slot cars have a hard plastic track and the cars are durable, making them perfect for kids. Carrera slot cars also have large plastic tracks but are typically available in the large 1:24 scale. Johnny Lightning slot cars are another brand suitable for kids and are offered on the HO scale.