Getting back in to Scalextric
Discussion
My new workshop arrives tomorrow, after insulation, plasterboarding the walls and the dart board, a decent Scalextric set up is the plan.
It will be on a board on a rack by the ceiling, lowered into place on some trestles.
I need to buy a modern kit to get going. Should I go Digital or not? I've got four older cars which I'm not sure can take digital? And a few more modern ones (and non-Scalextric ones which again, I don't think can take it) but I've seen a very cheap set-up here: http://www.modelzone.co.uk/slot-car/digital-lane-c... to begin with.
Would digital work with 1980s track/cars?
If not, would my old stuff work with this?: http://www.modelzone.co.uk/slot-car/scalextric-set...
It's all so confusing, staff in Toys R Us (where Scalextric is now half an aisle on one side, rather than the whole on both sides as it was before Christmas) and Model Zone had no idea what would work with what. Would be greatful for any help.
It will be on a board on a rack by the ceiling, lowered into place on some trestles.
I need to buy a modern kit to get going. Should I go Digital or not? I've got four older cars which I'm not sure can take digital? And a few more modern ones (and non-Scalextric ones which again, I don't think can take it) but I've seen a very cheap set-up here: http://www.modelzone.co.uk/slot-car/digital-lane-c... to begin with.
Would digital work with 1980s track/cars?
If not, would my old stuff work with this?: http://www.modelzone.co.uk/slot-car/scalextric-set...
It's all so confusing, staff in Toys R Us (where Scalextric is now half an aisle on one side, rather than the whole on both sides as it was before Christmas) and Model Zone had no idea what would work with what. Would be greatful for any help.
Digital will work with the Sport track, that's the type that kind of pushes together rather than the really old fashioned clips - but I suspect it may work with them too.
To be honest I've not gone digital, I've not quite seen the need for it, Scalextric was always fun just as it was, although I do appreciate all the extra stuff you can do with digital it's not something I think I'm missing out on.
I think you can convert the older cars if they have the correct base, just behind the guide blade should be a little door - like a battery cover - if you have that then conversion is possible.
To be honest I've not gone digital, I've not quite seen the need for it, Scalextric was always fun just as it was, although I do appreciate all the extra stuff you can do with digital it's not something I think I'm missing out on.
I think you can convert the older cars if they have the correct base, just behind the guide blade should be a little door - like a battery cover - if you have that then conversion is possible.
HereBeMonsters said:
So what does Digital give you over "normal"?
not an expert on this but it gives you the ability to race more than one car on the same lane and to swap lanes to overtake from your controler so it's more realistic in that you can have more than two cars each tailing each other then going for an overtake at the switch-over.
Ranger 6 said:
Father Christmas bought mini Ranger a set. Amazing how a good old racing set took him away from the Wii and computer games. When combined with some bits I had in a box in the loft.....
with a couple of cars
Nice lay out. I bought my son a set a couple of years back which gets occasional use. Must get it onto a board and do a permanent job.with a couple of cars
Weekend job coming up!
One thing that digital does give you is the ability to connect to a computer which can then simulate fuel loads. The less fuel you have on board the faster your car goes, but leave it too late before filling up again, your car stops and is out of the race. Also keeps track of laps and fastest lap times. Adds another dimension really.
Posted these before, but always worth another post to show what I am talking about.
Race with four cars.
Computer screen showing fuel loads and lap times etc.
Posted these before, but always worth another post to show what I am talking about.
Race with four cars.
Computer screen showing fuel loads and lap times etc.
Edited by DIW35 on Thursday 20th January 17:09
Rude-boy said:
Had a great night with some mates last week playing for the first time in a few years.
As a result I will be going digital as soon as they bring out a 6 car set
I believe Scalextric released a new 6 car powerbase only recently. I am not aware of a six car set as such, but all you need is a set that includes the 6 car PB, and then buy a couple of additional cars and hand controllers.As a result I will be going digital as soon as they bring out a 6 car set
This is what i like to hear, a scalextric room.
Digital is great, you can run up to 6 cars and can change lanes, which is great if you have more than 2 players. If there are just two of you analogue scaley will be fine. (Avoid Scalextric start).
Scalextric from the past few years has been called scalextric sport (this is a type of track). Scalextric from the 80's will have "classic track". It is possible to use the two together with a sport to classic converter, C8222. However on a digital layout classic track will probably just cause problems.
The set from model zone is not cheap, this is just their marketing. The RRP is not 199, its 159 (see the scalextric website, who obviously sell at RRP). That set has been £149.99 at most retailers for the past 6 months. This set is a good way into digital, but you will be bored of the track layout within 10mins.
If you want value for money the current Pro GT set C1260 offers the most. Its nearly double the cost, but it comes with double the cars, double the track but essentially thrown in is an extra lane changer (20 on its own) a lap counter (30 odd on its own). The cars which are included are also brilliant, the DBR9 and ford gt are fantastic models.
http://www.jadlamracingmodels.com/p-1944-scalextri...
If you were happy to spend the same sort of money but didnt need 4 cars (or wanted a better track layout) something like this would be better.
http://www.jadlamracingmodels.com/p-1587-scalextri...
Or if you wanted to stay analogue and keep it cheaper id recommend, 2 decent cars and a load of track (8.5m of track where most other sets generally have 6.5m or so.)
http://www.jadlamracingmodels.com/p-724-scalextric...
Check your PM.
Digital is great, you can run up to 6 cars and can change lanes, which is great if you have more than 2 players. If there are just two of you analogue scaley will be fine. (Avoid Scalextric start).
Scalextric from the past few years has been called scalextric sport (this is a type of track). Scalextric from the 80's will have "classic track". It is possible to use the two together with a sport to classic converter, C8222. However on a digital layout classic track will probably just cause problems.
The set from model zone is not cheap, this is just their marketing. The RRP is not 199, its 159 (see the scalextric website, who obviously sell at RRP). That set has been £149.99 at most retailers for the past 6 months. This set is a good way into digital, but you will be bored of the track layout within 10mins.
If you want value for money the current Pro GT set C1260 offers the most. Its nearly double the cost, but it comes with double the cars, double the track but essentially thrown in is an extra lane changer (20 on its own) a lap counter (30 odd on its own). The cars which are included are also brilliant, the DBR9 and ford gt are fantastic models.
http://www.jadlamracingmodels.com/p-1944-scalextri...
If you were happy to spend the same sort of money but didnt need 4 cars (or wanted a better track layout) something like this would be better.
http://www.jadlamracingmodels.com/p-1587-scalextri...
Or if you wanted to stay analogue and keep it cheaper id recommend, 2 decent cars and a load of track (8.5m of track where most other sets generally have 6.5m or so.)
http://www.jadlamracingmodels.com/p-724-scalextric...
Check your PM.
russy01 said:
It is possible to use the two together with a sport to classic converter, C8222. However on a digital layout classic track will probably just cause problems.
Is this definitely the case? Only asking as I have loads of classic track so was hoping to just buy the adapters to let me plug the digital bits in.
PeetBee said:
russy01 said:
It is possible to use the two together with a sport to classic converter, C8222. However on a digital layout classic track will probably just cause problems.
Is this definitely the case? Only asking as I have loads of classic track so was hoping to just buy the adapters to let me plug the digital bits in.
http://www.jadlamracingmodels.com/p-873-scalextric...
However like i said i cant guarantee it will work perfectly. We have a lot of people complain that their Digital sets wont work with the classic track. This isnt a problem with the track, if the track is brand new it should be ok. However most people who want to do this are middle aged chaps who have track from 60's, 70's & early 80's which has been in the loft for decades, this causes problems on a large track as the current drops etc.
My advice would be to use new track if possible, but if you have classic track lying around if its in good nick give it a go. (can always chuck the converter on ebay if not, they sell very well.)
Edited by russy01 on Friday 21st January 23:43
Digital requires the track to be scrupulously clean, as the track rails are carrying more than just the power for the cars; they also carry the digital signals. The problem with older track is that it is often not clean enough and interrupts the digital signal, giving problems running digital cars.
As long as your old track is clean, there is no other reason why it will not work with digital.
As long as your old track is clean, there is no other reason why it will not work with digital.
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