Scalextric question
Discussion
Hello,
My friends all clubbed together and bought me the Scalextric I never had as a kid for my 32nd birthday last week!
They bought me the 007 Skyfall set and some extension packs but I'm looking to expand both cars and track into something a bit more substantial for racing.
I've already ordered a 4-car digital power base and a lane change (it'll be an occasional beer night thing at best, so won't see use out of all the advanced stuff) and would like to get some well-matched race cars for it.
My questions, if any experts can help:
1). Are all cars the same speed? If not, how is it decided? Are F1 cars faster, for example??
2). Assuming not, what would be a good option for lounge-floor sized circuit (an extended figure 8 currently)?
3). Would some analogue Carrera DTM cars chipped for scalextric digital be good?
4). Can you adjust how magnetic the cars are?
Any advice appreciated-seems a good laugh so far but I definitely need more track and more evenly matched cars.
Oh, one more:
5). The Skyfall circuit has a central crossover which looks like it could wind up being terminal for crashes. Would I want to replace that with a flyover?
Oops, and another:
6). Assuming you were having a race night, what 'rules' do you follow for dealing with crashes etc?
Thanks!
My friends all clubbed together and bought me the Scalextric I never had as a kid for my 32nd birthday last week!
They bought me the 007 Skyfall set and some extension packs but I'm looking to expand both cars and track into something a bit more substantial for racing.
I've already ordered a 4-car digital power base and a lane change (it'll be an occasional beer night thing at best, so won't see use out of all the advanced stuff) and would like to get some well-matched race cars for it.
My questions, if any experts can help:
1). Are all cars the same speed? If not, how is it decided? Are F1 cars faster, for example??
2). Assuming not, what would be a good option for lounge-floor sized circuit (an extended figure 8 currently)?
3). Would some analogue Carrera DTM cars chipped for scalextric digital be good?
4). Can you adjust how magnetic the cars are?
Any advice appreciated-seems a good laugh so far but I definitely need more track and more evenly matched cars.
Oh, one more:
5). The Skyfall circuit has a central crossover which looks like it could wind up being terminal for crashes. Would I want to replace that with a flyover?
Oops, and another:
6). Assuming you were having a race night, what 'rules' do you follow for dealing with crashes etc?
Thanks!
Can't believe this has been missed or not replied to yet so...
1). Are all cars the same speed? If not, how is it decided? Are F1 cars faster, for example??
F1 cars are usually fastest of the Scalextric range. You will quickly learn that there are other 1/32 scale slotcars are available, I have some but as i have no permanent layout stick to buying Scalextric DPR cars so it is easy to chip them and no phaffing. There are other variables such as layout and track condition if good or had a few feet land in the wrong place...
As for cars mostly you have to chose what you are using them for. I have some I only use when there two or less on track, others well i hope they still sort of work after the party... The Super Resistant range is good for four mates with beer on a digital track but when you can pick up a car with lights for sub £25 and can convince your mates to do so you can have real fun.
2). Assuming not, what would be a good option for lounge-floor sized circuit (an extended figure 8 currently)?
How big is your lounge...
There are thousands online.
3). Would some analogue Carrera DTM cars chipped for scalextric digital be good?
No idea, I wouldn't bother with them though as they will require effort and extra cost.
4). Can you adjust how magnetic the cars are?
Most can have their magnets removed, some can hold extras.
5). The Skyfall circuit has a central crossover which looks like it could wind up being terminal for crashes. Would I want to replace that with a flyover?
Yes for car protection. No when you are feeling destructive.
6). Assuming you were having a race night, what 'rules' do you follow for dealing with crashes etc?
The benefits of the 6 car unit is the yellow flag mode... Best have marshals or be prepared for people treading on track. You'll need a lap counter as half of you will quickly lose who is where.
![](http://thumbsnap.com/sc/d0PgM9B0.jpg[/img]</a> <a href="http://thumbsnap.com/R4OJ8cbZ" Target="_blank">[img]http://thumbsnap.com/sc/R4OJ8cbZ.jpg)
Disastrous said:
Hello,
My friends all clubbed together and bought me the Scalextric I never had as a kid for my 32nd birthday last week!
They bought me the 007 Skyfall set and some extension packs but I'm looking to expand both cars and track into something a bit more substantial for racing.
I've already ordered a 4-car digital power base and a lane change (it'll be an occasional beer night thing at best, so won't see use out of all the advanced stuff) and would like to get some well-matched race cars for it.
My questions, if any experts can help:
No expert but a life long obsession My friends all clubbed together and bought me the Scalextric I never had as a kid for my 32nd birthday last week!
They bought me the 007 Skyfall set and some extension packs but I'm looking to expand both cars and track into something a bit more substantial for racing.
I've already ordered a 4-car digital power base and a lane change (it'll be an occasional beer night thing at best, so won't see use out of all the advanced stuff) and would like to get some well-matched race cars for it.
My questions, if any experts can help:
1). Are all cars the same speed? If not, how is it decided? Are F1 cars faster, for example??
F1 cars are usually fastest of the Scalextric range. You will quickly learn that there are other 1/32 scale slotcars are available, I have some but as i have no permanent layout stick to buying Scalextric DPR cars so it is easy to chip them and no phaffing. There are other variables such as layout and track condition if good or had a few feet land in the wrong place...
As for cars mostly you have to chose what you are using them for. I have some I only use when there two or less on track, others well i hope they still sort of work after the party... The Super Resistant range is good for four mates with beer on a digital track but when you can pick up a car with lights for sub £25 and can convince your mates to do so you can have real fun.
2). Assuming not, what would be a good option for lounge-floor sized circuit (an extended figure 8 currently)?
How big is your lounge...
There are thousands online.
3). Would some analogue Carrera DTM cars chipped for scalextric digital be good?
No idea, I wouldn't bother with them though as they will require effort and extra cost.
4). Can you adjust how magnetic the cars are?
Most can have their magnets removed, some can hold extras.
5). The Skyfall circuit has a central crossover which looks like it could wind up being terminal for crashes. Would I want to replace that with a flyover?
Yes for car protection. No when you are feeling destructive.
6). Assuming you were having a race night, what 'rules' do you follow for dealing with crashes etc?
The benefits of the 6 car unit is the yellow flag mode... Best have marshals or be prepared for people treading on track. You'll need a lap counter as half of you will quickly lose who is where.
Awesome-thanks for the response rude-boy!
I suspect I should have asked in the scalextric thread I somehow missed
Good info-thanks. I narrowly missed out on a lap counter on eBay earlier but unfortunately, the power base I ordered is just the 4 car one, so doesn't handle yellow flags etc.
Is it just a case of keep racing and try and catch up if you bin it?
Will look at the super-resistant range for starters-are they usually DPR?
My lounge has about 8' x 6' of useable floor space so will search out some layouts.
Are the f1 cars markedly faster or are we talking incremental stuff?
I suspect I should have asked in the scalextric thread I somehow missed
Good info-thanks. I narrowly missed out on a lap counter on eBay earlier but unfortunately, the power base I ordered is just the 4 car one, so doesn't handle yellow flags etc.
Is it just a case of keep racing and try and catch up if you bin it?
Will look at the super-resistant range for starters-are they usually DPR?
My lounge has about 8' x 6' of useable floor space so will search out some layouts.
Are the f1 cars markedly faster or are we talking incremental stuff?
Disastrous said:
Awesome-thanks for the response rude-boy!
I suspect I should have asked in the scalextric thread I somehow missed
Good info-thanks. I narrowly missed out on a lap counter on eBay earlier but unfortunately, the power base I ordered is just the 4 car one, so doesn't handle yellow flags etc.
Is it just a case of keep racing and try and catch up if you bin it?
Will look at the super-resistant range for starters-are they usually DPR?
My lounge has about 8' x 6' of useable floor space so will search out some layouts.
Are the f1 cars markedly faster or are we talking incremental stuff?
No worries.I suspect I should have asked in the scalextric thread I somehow missed
Good info-thanks. I narrowly missed out on a lap counter on eBay earlier but unfortunately, the power base I ordered is just the 4 car one, so doesn't handle yellow flags etc.
Is it just a case of keep racing and try and catch up if you bin it?
Will look at the super-resistant range for starters-are they usually DPR?
My lounge has about 8' x 6' of useable floor space so will search out some layouts.
Are the f1 cars markedly faster or are we talking incremental stuff?
You can go with that but until you start to get serious it is easier to do lots of free practice then a few 2 or 3 minute races. Just judge it by the people playing, number and mood! A couple of friends are great to race with the lmp cars. Add another 2 or 3 who usually arrive an hour or so later and they get tucked away as it starts getting messy with 6 cars that quick on track. Again some mates will get into the racing and skill, others will show the hand eye coordination of a chimp.
Avoid Start stuff. Most Scalextric cars are DPR ready. One good way to increase track and car collection is to just buy a box set. I also tend to look most weeks at prices and buy a car or two every so often, right now I'm not allowed to add anymore until after Christmas...
F1 cars are very quick but IMO are not great for racing with mates. A mate or two, fine, 5 or 6 and even with the LMP cars which are one step down the F1 cars for speed and you start to increase the risk of many noticeable broken wings and cars. Joking aside get hit by a flat out F1 car with a broken front wing and you know about it, as may your wall, tv stand, etc.
When there's a good gang of you I honestly think there is nothing better than the GT cars. Obviously lights look good but add weight and take power - low CoG, wide track, low weight = usually quick. There are lots of different cars and colours but the lambos and 911s are a shade faster than the audis. The SLR s are a handful. On the other hand the 156 police car is a hoot and a mate's Charger is hilarious.
http://www.scalextric.com/shop/sale/
Excellent - that's all good to know! I've tracked down a couple of GT3 RSs on ebay for about £15 apiece so suspect I'll grab them later today.
So as of now, my shopping list looks like this:
1). 2 GT type DPR cars
2). 2 chips
3). Digital lap counter
That should give me all I need to get some decent racing going as I've already ordered a straight lane change and a pair of corner crossovers. Have I missed anything??
I think I have two final questions if you can be arsed??
1). I quite fancy replacing my central smash n crash crossroads piece with a flyover so as not to wreck my cars. There seems to be many options here, from Salextric's own, solid two level crossover piece to jamming Lego bricks under the track. What's the best option? What are the ideal pieces to make a smooth flyover? Two straights and a half straight in the middle? Something else? I don't want to break the track!
2). I'd like to retain the ability to race analogue cars in a two lane setup as my gf's family are German so I see potential for lots of Carrera cars as gifts from well-meaning family members! I also like the idea of racing some of the older cars with no room to chip. Presumably there's no harm in leaving the analogue powerbase as part of the circuit, albeit disconnected from the mains (I appreciate I'd need to whip out the lane change but that's no biggie)?
So as of now, my shopping list looks like this:
1). 2 GT type DPR cars
2). 2 chips
3). Digital lap counter
That should give me all I need to get some decent racing going as I've already ordered a straight lane change and a pair of corner crossovers. Have I missed anything??
I think I have two final questions if you can be arsed??
1). I quite fancy replacing my central smash n crash crossroads piece with a flyover so as not to wreck my cars. There seems to be many options here, from Salextric's own, solid two level crossover piece to jamming Lego bricks under the track. What's the best option? What are the ideal pieces to make a smooth flyover? Two straights and a half straight in the middle? Something else? I don't want to break the track!
2). I'd like to retain the ability to race analogue cars in a two lane setup as my gf's family are German so I see potential for lots of Carrera cars as gifts from well-meaning family members! I also like the idea of racing some of the older cars with no room to chip. Presumably there's no harm in leaving the analogue powerbase as part of the circuit, albeit disconnected from the mains (I appreciate I'd need to whip out the lane change but that's no biggie)?
Disastrous said:
Excellent - that's all good to know! I've tracked down a couple of GT3 RSs on ebay for about £15 apiece so suspect I'll grab them later today.
So as of now, my shopping list looks like this:
1). 2 GT type DPR cars
2). 2 chips
3). Digital lap counter
That should give me all I need to get some decent racing going as I've already ordered a straight lane change and a pair of corner crossovers. Have I missed anything??
I think I have two final questions if you can be arsed??
1). I quite fancy replacing my central smash n crash crossroads piece with a flyover so as not to wreck my cars. There seems to be many options here, from Salextric's own, solid two level crossover piece to jamming Lego bricks under the track. What's the best option? What are the ideal pieces to make a smooth flyover? Two straights and a half straight in the middle? Something else? I don't want to break the track!
2). I'd like to retain the ability to race analogue cars in a two lane setup as my gf's family are German so I see potential for lots of Carrera cars as gifts from well-meaning family members! I also like the idea of racing some of the older cars with no room to chip. Presumably there's no harm in leaving the analogue powerbase as part of the circuit, albeit disconnected from the mains (I appreciate I'd need to whip out the lane change but that's no biggie)?
The Porsches are good cars, lighter than the Lambos so they are quicker on the straights and only lose a smidge on the corners.So as of now, my shopping list looks like this:
1). 2 GT type DPR cars
2). 2 chips
3). Digital lap counter
That should give me all I need to get some decent racing going as I've already ordered a straight lane change and a pair of corner crossovers. Have I missed anything??
I think I have two final questions if you can be arsed??
1). I quite fancy replacing my central smash n crash crossroads piece with a flyover so as not to wreck my cars. There seems to be many options here, from Salextric's own, solid two level crossover piece to jamming Lego bricks under the track. What's the best option? What are the ideal pieces to make a smooth flyover? Two straights and a half straight in the middle? Something else? I don't want to break the track!
2). I'd like to retain the ability to race analogue cars in a two lane setup as my gf's family are German so I see potential for lots of Carrera cars as gifts from well-meaning family members! I also like the idea of racing some of the older cars with no room to chip. Presumably there's no harm in leaving the analogue powerbase as part of the circuit, albeit disconnected from the mains (I appreciate I'd need to whip out the lane change but that's no biggie)?
Flyovers - trial and error. For many years a number of paperback books would be good for the bridges but recently i have been using a proper scalextric one. You still have to add plenty of support - see the picture of the layout above. I try to go with a fairly easy incline and run down because you can get some of the faster cars airborne on a steep angle and, as you say, it isn't great for the track to flex it too much. for now I would go the book route - lego will not plug into the mouldings for the Scalextric supports I use and the more solid the foundations of the bridge the less time you will spend fixing it when clumsy mate kicks the track in haste.
Analogue - You can run the same track with an analogue powerbase and controllers but (I can't remember for sure) I think you need to remove the chip from the car to get it to work. Again I would suggest that the most cost and storage effective way to do this would be to buy a set. Have a look on Amazon and on the link I sent you. £90 should get you 2 cars you can chip, powerbase, controllers and extra track. I am keen on this way of building things up as you have a nice strong box to store everything in for 10 months of the year!
(The Grid Force set has all you want in it and is £119 on Amazon today...)
You might also want to PM Russy01 on here as his company sells lots of this stuff and he is very good.
Cheers Rude Boy - I've already got the set so have analogue PB, controllers etc. My understanding is you can run digital cars on analogue track but not vice versa, so I effectively have the analogue steep already - I just need to buy some digi bits.
That said, had I been choosing the set for myself, that would have been the one I went for! Always the way with presents but gives me an excuse to buy more I guess
That said, had I been choosing the set for myself, that would have been the one I went for! Always the way with presents but gives me an excuse to buy more I guess
I always liked crash and burn rules. Adds different dimention and strategy. It stops the mad dash to put your car back on track. Forces you to drive carefully but also push if your at the rear. Points wise with 4 lanes or 4 cars= Finishing, 10,8,7,6 or crashing 4,3,2,0. This means if you are in last theres more of an incentive to push it to catch up as little to lose but also if everyone is running a bigger incentive to push for the win.
This adds the fun of making it challenging for the win as points are higher
Stops people going gun ho as a crash = your out.
So 3 finishers = 10 for 1st 8 for 2nd and 7 for 3rd. the forth place guy crashed on the last lap receiving 4 points for the first non finisher.
This adds the fun of making it challenging for the win as points are higher
Stops people going gun ho as a crash = your out.
So 3 finishers = 10 for 1st 8 for 2nd and 7 for 3rd. the forth place guy crashed on the last lap receiving 4 points for the first non finisher.
slipstream 1985 said:
I always liked crash and burn rules. Adds different dimention and strategy. It stops the mad dash to put your car back on track. Forces you to drive carefully but also push if your at the rear. Points wise with 4 lanes or 4 cars= Finishing, 10,8,7,6 or crashing 4,3,2,0. This means if you are in last theres more of an incentive to push it to catch up as little to lose but also if everyone is running a bigger incentive to push for the win.
This adds the fun of making it challenging for the win as points are higher
Stops people going gun ho as a crash = your out.
So 3 finishers = 10 for 1st 8 for 2nd and 7 for 3rd. the forth place guy crashed on the last lap receiving 4 points for the first non finisher.
This adds the fun of making it challenging for the win as points are higher
Stops people going gun ho as a crash = your out.
So 3 finishers = 10 for 1st 8 for 2nd and 7 for 3rd. the forth place guy crashed on the last lap receiving 4 points for the first non finisher.
I had to read that a few times but get what you mean now, I think.
So, in a 4 car race, with two crashers, the scores would be:
1st - 10
2nd - 8
3rd (crashed on final lap) - 4
4th (crashed on opening lap) - 3
Is that right?
Disastrous said:
slipstream 1985 said:
I always liked crash and burn rules. Adds different dimention and strategy. It stops the mad dash to put your car back on track. Forces you to drive carefully but also push if your at the rear. Points wise with 4 lanes or 4 cars= Finishing, 10,8,7,6 or crashing 4,3,2,0. This means if you are in last theres more of an incentive to push it to catch up as little to lose but also if everyone is running a bigger incentive to push for the win.
This adds the fun of making it challenging for the win as points are higher
Stops people going gun ho as a crash = your out.
So 3 finishers = 10 for 1st 8 for 2nd and 7 for 3rd. the forth place guy crashed on the last lap receiving 4 points for the first non finisher.
This adds the fun of making it challenging for the win as points are higher
Stops people going gun ho as a crash = your out.
So 3 finishers = 10 for 1st 8 for 2nd and 7 for 3rd. the forth place guy crashed on the last lap receiving 4 points for the first non finisher.
I had to read that a few times but get what you mean now, I think.
So, in a 4 car race, with two crashers, the scores would be:
1st - 10
2nd - 8
3rd (crashed on final lap) - 4
4th (crashed on opening lap) - 3
Is that right?
Www,slotforum,com
Watch out it will start to make your hobby become expensive!!
Check out 'slot it' cars, fast and very quick, I've got a few.
Watch out it will start to make your hobby become expensive!!
Check out 'slot it' cars, fast and very quick, I've got a few.
Chipping most cars isn't that hard to be fair I tend to go for the f1 chips as it gives you more options as to where to stick the chip (it's smaller), solder, tape and epoxy. The odd time you may need to cut or grind a little bit of the chassis or body to fit the chip away from all moving parts.
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