Being around since the early years of the 20th century(), slot car racing has been an exciting hobby throughout its more than 100-year-old history. Slot racing involves the use of handheld controllers to operate miniature vehicles in a designated track where you have one or multiple lanes where the cars go in.
While you can't decide when to turn and how much you want to turn with slot racing, you can determine the speed at which you enter a corner or drive onto the straight. This may be seen as a limiting factor, but it's exactly this limitation that makes slot racing so fun. That is as long as you go for the right slot car race track.
What to Look for in a Slot Car Track
Size
The size of the track will be determined by the scale of the slot cars you want to have on it. If you have a slot car with a 1/64 scale you'll have to go for a circuit that is made to suit them. A slot car race track for larger-scale cars is going to have larger slots too especially if you go for a 1/24-scale track. 1/24 slot cars are not only bigger but they also have more detail on them.
Brand
There are 3 main brands that make slot tracks and those are Carrera, Policar and Scalextric. Carrera is arguably the largest manufacturer but also one that offers a wide range of options, meaning you can find a slot race track from them for any slot car out there. Scalextric is also quite a popular brand as it has been operational since the 60s and it also has a wide plethora of tracks for both adults and children. Policar is a more limiting option since it has only analog tracks but they offer good grip.
Analog vs Digital
Yes, there are two types of slot tracks, analog and digital. Analog circuits are simpler since they allow you to have one track with 2 lanes on it where two cars can be used. Each driver uses a controller to drive each car in each lane. Well, although digital tracks may look and do the same they have the cars chipped electronically. This helps deliver more precise control over the car and it also opens up the ability of lane changes. This can make a circuit a lot more interesting especially since you can have up to 6 cars on a digital track.
Plastic vs Routed
When it comes to both the material a slot track is made of and its versatility, you can pick between a routed and a plastic track. A plastic track is available in different sections and because of this, you can change its layout. Although this is a more affordable type of track it can cause voltage drops and electrical issues too due to its multiple joints.
A routed track is the complete opposite of a plastic slot race track as it comes made of either one or two sheets of polymer(), chipboard or medium-density fibreboard. This makes routed tracks great for competitions as they provide a more consistent experience and are smoother too. This is thanks to the grooves which are cut right into the base of the track.
Troubleshooting Slot Car Tracks
Sporadic Movements
When your car is experiencing any sporadic movements or stutters while on the track it could be that the braids aren't picking up power from the rails or that there are loose wires. If the former is true, then go ahead and clean the wires or replace them if they're worn out. If the latter is the case then reconnect the wire into the guide hole.
Car Comes Off Track
Although this may not necessarily be a slot track issue, it can become one rather easily. But you should first ensure that you know how to drive a slot car and that you're using clean and true tyres. Otherwise, you should bring the track to a technician to see what the issue may be.
Track Has Power in One Lane
When your slot car can only be used in one lane this can be due to the track connection, the terminal of the track, the transformer or the controller. By swapping out the current controllers or terminal track with new ones you can check whether or not they are the issue. But if it comes to the transformer you'll need to replace it completely.
Car Slows Down at Certain Sections
A clear sign that you have an issue with your slot track is when your slot car slows down at certain areas even when you're trying to make it go faster. If you have a plastic track, then make sure to test the connections as they can become loose if you move the track from one place to another or change its layout frequently. This usually doesn't happen with routed slot tracks but when it does you should bring the track to someone with more knowledge.
