SCX Williams (Picture kindly supplied by Bachmann Europe Plc)

Many of you I am sure will remember, as I do, having a Scalextric set as a child and the hours of fun had playing with it. Even then in the early seventies there were professional racing clubs with multi-lane tracks. Nowadays sets continue to be popular as presents as well as professional clubs operating massive circuits throughout the country. The professional modeller now has a choice of brands for cars and track creating further scope for competition.

SCX

SCX from TecniToys produce cars, sets, track and accessories. Spanish based SCX have appointed Bachmann as their UK distributor.

Ninco

Another Spanish based company,Ninco are great!

Other Brands

We also carry a number of other brands including Vanquish, Spirit and Revell/Monogram Full lists of stock detailed on this page.

How do I get Started?

We recommend starting with a set from Scalextic, SCX or Ninco. Whilst it is possible to buy the items in a set separately this is usually more expensive as manufacturers and retailers generally offer a discount on sets to get people started. If purchasing the smallest sets we recommend the purchase of at least 2 more straight sections to improve the enjoyment.

What is the minimum age?

SCX cars recommend ages 8+ , Ninco ages 14+. There are a number of slotcar sets produced for younger people available in toyshops.

Can I use cars by other manufacturers on my set?

Yes, any of the above makes we stock are compatible.

Can I use tracks from a different make?

Usually. SCX and Scalextric Classic can be joined directly. Ninco and Scalextric Sport can only be joined using an adaptor track (Ninco track is slightly wider and also has plastic runners between the pick up rails).

How much does it cost to get started?

Prices of basic sets start at under £50, these are however small. A medium size set costs around £80.

Do all cars travel at the same speed?

No, even cars of the same make go different speeds. Many factors must be taken into consideration. Motor, body shell, gears, magnets to name a few.

What are the magnets for?

The magnets add adhesion to the cars to help them stay on the track. Experienced racers sometimes remove them to gain speed but much skill is needed to keep them on the track. Magnets are usually either adjustable or interchangeable with others of different strengths.

I have 2 cars of the same make and design but one is much faster, why?

Cars are produced with the same body and different motors. It is advisable to check when purchasing. If you have this problem a replacement motor of the same type as the other car may be possible.

What maintance is required?

From time to time the track will need cleaning. Each manufacturer has its own recommended method. The cars will need replacement pick ups, tyres and VERY LIGHT lubrication from time to time. Also fluff and dirt will need to be removed

What is digital?

Digital is a new system introduced during 2004 from several manufacturers including SCX and Scalextric. In these systems you control the car rather than the slot with a car on it, this means several cars can run behind each other on the same slot and be individually controlled. They can pass to the other slot by means of a special section of track. Scalextric have opted to make the track compatable with sport track and SCX have brought out a new track system. Both systems can operate up to 6 cars on the two lanes. Cars used on the digital system are not compatable with conventional slotcars and it would be impractcal to upgrade an existing car (no doubt someone will!)