Scalextric: more than a game, a passion.

Introduction:

“Scalextric, Being a Child Again” was going to be the title of this article, but, in my case, childhood never left me and, therefore, I couldn’t blame Scalextric alone. I have to assume that, more than a game, it’s actually a passion.

I couldn’t enjoy it as much as I would have liked to have enjoyed it (the Three Wise Men never brought it to me), but I accepted with great joy the invitations that, from time to time, my friend made me to play Scalextric at his house. I remember that blue Elf Tyrrel that ran more than anyone else, in his hands, of course, because he always beat me. I couldn’t say, for sure, how long we played, since the assembly and dismantling of the tracks took a lot of time, but it didn’t matter, I just wanted to be Jackie Stewart on Elf Tyrrel 5 and race on “our” old Montjuïc circuit.

I sincerely believe that, from that moment, I began to admire the world of motoring, a passion that I still maintain today. I still remember, from that time and with a certain nostalgia, Jackie Stewart, Emmerson Fittipaldi, Carlos Reutemann, Ronnie Peterson, Clay Regazzoni, Nicki Lauda, Jody Scheckter, Patrick Depailler and others… They were all real heroes to me and every time I played Scalextric I became an F1 driver like them. I never realized the importance of that game. 50 years later, It’s the game of Slot Cars (model cars 1:32) of reference worldwide and protagonist of this article.

Scalextric is the iconic slot car brand on the market. Since its launch, it has revolutionized the way we play, bringing technology, participation, competitiveness, excitement and constant updating. Turning a beautiful game into an exciting hobby. Its popularity is enormous and it is a hobby of many, turning rooms, garages and storage rooms into improvised F1 circuits or rally stages.

History of Scalextric

Scalextric derives from the brand name “ScaleX” (1952, wind-up racing cars) manufactured by Minimodels Ltd. Fred Francis, Inventor of the Scalextric cars (a contraction of ” scalex ” and “electric“), he showed them for the first time at the annual Harrogate toy fair in 1957. In 1958, unable to keep up with demand, Francis sold the company to Lines Bros Ltd., whose subsidiary, Rovex , developed Scalextric, turning metal cars into plastic-molded cars. When Lines Bros Ltd. When it closed, the subsidiary Rovex-Triang was sold, becoming Hornby Railways.

In 1962, Lines Bros Ltd , holder of the ” Scalextric” patent, agreed with Exin to market its products in the Iberian Peninsula. Initially, tracks and transformers were manufactured in Spain , and the cars were imported from England. Subsequently, all the parts were manufactured in Spain.

In 1970, emblematic models were launched at 1:32 scale: Mercedes 250 SL, Ford GT, Jaguar E-Type, Chaparral GT, BRM – F1 and the Seat 850 TC Abarth. In 1979 the GP-66 box was marketed which included the iconic Tyrrell P34 6-wheeler, a star of the brand. In the 80’s national championships were organized and Exin manufactured the SRS (Super Racin System), very fast cars with high-performance engines and super light bodywork. In 1985 the first model with lights, the Lancia 037, and with 4-wheel drive, the Audi Quattro, appeared. The Super Traction System range, 1:43 scale with 4-wheel drive for off-roading, was also launched.

After the disappearance of Exin, the manufacturing rights (in Spain) passed in 1993 to Tyco Toys, in 1998 to TecniToys and from 2012 to Fábrica de juguetes, a manufacturer only for Spain.

Toy Factory, at present, has developed races with up to 6 cars on track , with wireless controllers, adding more realism to the game. Internationally, the cars distributed in Spain as Scalextric ceased production in 2001, since then the official import of Superslot has been in charge of Electrotren.

In 2004, Michael Schumacher’s Ferrari F2004 was launched, the best-selling model. A few years later, Scalextric Compact 1:43 was launched, for the little ones. At the end of 2010, the bikes were incorporated with Valentino Rossi’s Yamaha and Dani Pedrosa’s Honda.

In 2018 the new company SCX S.L. (Scale Competition Xtreme S.L.) modernized the image of this toy and promoted the brand. Scalextric Advance is launched, the series that definitively brings Scalextric closer to a real Formula 1 Grand Prix.

Today, two companies share the Scalextric brand in different territories:

– Hornby (Great Britain, Scalextric-Superslot) owns the Scalextric brand worldwide, except Spain, Mexico and Russia, which markets its products under the Superslot brand.

– Scale Competition Xtreme, SL (Spain, Scalextric-SCX) sells its products worldwide under the SCX brand, except in Spain, Mexico and Russia which sells its products under the Scalextric brand.

• Technology

Scalextric is a reproduction of real cars at 1: 32 or 1:43 scale. Cars are made up of a body, a chassis in which the 2 axles, the guide and the engine are coupled. Other components such as lights and cables are also required for the correct reproduction of the car.

The track (circuit, road) and its surface (asphalt, dirt, snow) are also reproduced, as well as signalling, protection and timing elements. The tracks are built by connected sections (straight, curved, with crossings, etc…) and have 2 parallel rails embedded where the car’s guide is introduced, which feeds the engine through copper braids . A powerful magnet that carries the car on its chassis will keep the car on track, as long as possible.

In each Scalextic box there are plans to build some circuits with the available material, but you can join several boxes and make the circuit you want or the one that can accommodate the room.

If there is one thing it has been known for Scalextric, throughout its history, has been for the continuous technological evolution of its products, which has allowed it to remain relevant in a constantly evolving market dominated by the world smartphone. Let’s take a look at how the technology of Scalextric:

• Analog Technology

The previous technology, applicable to cars and tracks, was analogical: the track is connected to electricity (via a 12/14 V transformer), but does not receive it until the controller is operatedthen The rail is electrified and the Copper braids carry electricity to the motor And he moves the car.

• Scalextric Digital System (SDS)

By means of a digital communication between an ECU and the cars, through the lanes of the tracks, up to 6 cars can run in 2 lanes. To do this, a track with permanent electric current (18 V transformer) is required. An internal chip in the cars will regulate the voltage of the engine according to our action with the controller. For this system, and to solve the conductivity problems of the old (black) tracks, Scalextric launched a new track model, grey in colour, wider, with better grip and a simple and reliable connection, as well as excellent conductivity.

The Scalextric SDS basic control unit allows: programming the cars with its remote control, connecting 3 cars, Expert and Junior mode, turning on or off the car lights and starting the connected accessories. The Pit Box control panel , in addition to the above functions, includes: modify the size of the car tank, regulate the braking, simulate consumption and refuel in the pit lane.

Accessories: Lap counter, Stopwatch, Bridge with light, Controls (basic, with trigger and lane change button, connected with RJ plug to the control unit).

• Scalextric WOS

In 2015 , the WOS (Wireless Overtaking System) digital slot system was born, which, as its name suggests, incorporates wireless technology. Based on the previous system SDS features a few extra features: Additional buttons and buttons indicators on the command, sound in cars, brake light, braking regulation, top speed, new game modes, ghost car, Pace car and, very importantly, cars developed with this system incorporate a switch to be used in Scalextric Original (analogue).

SDS tracks are compatible with WOS, but not car accessories or chips.

Due to the shortage of spare parts (especially chips to digitize analogue cars), this system did not last beyond the first two years. It was for many, until its disappearance, the best digital slot system.

• Scalextric Advance

It is Scalextric’s most modern technology and presents an important innovation: the control unit is dispensed with and communication is direct between the car and wireless control. It is only necessary to have power in the two lanes of the track. Communication between car and control is established through the Advance Chip, which will need to be upgraded in a car with previous technology or purchased an Advance car (they have a switch to be able to run in analogue mode). Up to 9 cars can participate on the track!

Accessories: Bluetooh Track (allows connection with a smartphone or tablet to the APP Scalextric and access multiple game options), Pit Lane (allows you to take advantage of all options, including gasoline simulation), Advance Circuit Conversion Kit (This kit converts any circuit Scalextric Original in Scalextric Advance and contains 2 Advance controls, 2 advance guides with braids, 2 Advance Car type A chips and 1 lane change track).

Product Range

Scalextric presents a very complete range of products that it makes available to children from 4 to 99 years old. The products are structured into categories: Circuits, Cars, Spare Parts and Subscriptions. Everything is available for purchase online at https://scalextric.es

• Circuits

Boxes containing the essentials to start practicing Scalextric (1:32 or 1:43). They contain tracks (curves, straights, junctions, etc…) enough to configure 1 or more circuits, 2 cars, 2 controls, connections and accessories. Depending on their scale and the level of the game, they can be:

• Cars

The decisive factor in the implementation of Scalextric: the cars and their excellent reproduction at scale. Production models, sports cars, emblematic, F1, Rally, DTM, etc… Reproductions made with the care that turns the essence of the engine into a child’s smile – did I say child? Authentic miniature jewels that evoke the great models of the past and present. Available in 1:32 and 1:43 scales, they are objects of use, worship and collection.

Renault 5 Turbo Ragnotti

Scale: 1:32 / System: Advance / Lights: Yes / Price: €74.00 (VAT included)

Ford GT Gulf

Scale: 1:32 / System: Original / Lights: Yes / Price: €79.95 (VAT included)

Lancia Delta S4 Toivonen

Scale: 1:32 / System: Original / Lights: Yes / Price: ?? € (VAT included)

Williams F1 FW11 Piquet

Scale: 1:32 / System: Original / Lights: No / Price: €55.35 (VAT included)

• Accessories & Spare Parts

There is no limit to the imagination of slot lovers, which is why Scalextric has accessories and spare parts for its entire range of products. The truth is that a set of these characteristics must have a wide range of accessories and spare parts to keep the performance of the tracks and cars up to date. Available at Scalextric:

Track Update: Adaptation Track, Advance 2.0 Circuit Conversion Kit,

Protections: Bridge Lift Bracket, Curved Guardrail Fence, Straight Guardrail Fence 180 mm., Straight Fence Edge 180 mm., Outer Curved Fence Edge R3, Fence Lock Edge with Fence, STD Curved Fence Edge, Inner Edge + Inner Curve Outer Edge,

Controls: Action Wireless Remote Control, Standard Remote Control, Advance 2.0 Wireless Remote Control, Braids,

Improvements: Lap Counter Track , Rally Tent,

Car Upgrade: Car Advance Kit Type A, Car Advance Kit Type B,

Guides and braids: Compact Guide, Action Guide with Pliers, Guide with Pliers, Advance Guide with Braids,

Engines: FR-42 engine,

Tyres: Compact tyres 14.6×6.9 mm., Tyre 51 19.8×11.5 mm., Tyre 43 18.5x 9.3 mm., Tyre 44 15×8 mm., Tyre 53 17.6x 9.5 mm., Long Semi-axles, Short Semi-axles.

• SCX Club:

For quite some years now, Scalextric has maintained a magazine in which each and every one of its novelties is published. Under the name SCX Club, the company presents a subscription to users or fans of Scalextric, with numerous advantages, promotions and preferential offers. Subscription Types:

Scalextric Club Compact

• Annual Magazine
• Annual Car
• FREE Shipping (**)
• Annual Gift Surprise
• Cheque for €6 (*) for your anniversary.
• Promotions and discounts ONLY for members.

€19.99 / year

Competition & Community

The acceptance of Scalextric is beyond doubt, not only because of the boom that the slot world has experienced, but also because of the proliferation of clubs, associations and venues dedicated to this type of leisure and competition, especially in Catalonia, where there is a great fanbase. The slot competitions are almost identical to the real ones and have several modalities:

• Speed tests: these are carried out on fairly large circuits, with 4, 6 and even 8 lanes. There are several modalities: Formula 1, Sport Prototypes, Touring Cars, Classics, etc…
• Rally Slot: Short sections, linking curves and straights. There are also uphill sections, with snow (flour), water and mud (cocoa powder). They are run individually (just like in real rallies), with the times of each stage being computed.
• Hill climbs: Sections linking curves and straights, relatively long, forming a more or less steep slope . They are run individually taking each participant’s time.

The rivalry generated by this type of test sharpens the ingenuity of the participants, who constantly make new configurations on their cars to achieve better times. So that everything is orderly and no one takes advantage, there are regulations for each competition, establishing ” series ” (vehicles without modifications) or ” free” categories, in which any invention is allowed.

Normally, modifications are made to the chassis-guide-tire-traction assembly, where 95% of the car’s performance resides. Working or modifying the engine is more complicated, firstly because it is unnecessary, since the power they provide to the cars is more than enough, and secondly, it is not so simple , since some engines, in fact, come closed.

The Slot world is a group of people who have been able to develop a hobby to fulfill their hobby . In some cases, due to the space needed to set up large circuits, the Slot Association is the perfect meeting place to get your adrenaline pumping. In the Clubs there are permanent circuits to practice Scalextric at the highest level, in addition, they have spaces reserved for workshops (to change tires or repair cars) and you can even buy cars and original spare parts. The Scalextric community is open and in good health, in the main provincial capitals of Spain and Europe you will find a Club or Association where you can watch championships or practice this very interesting hobby/sport.

The world’s largest Scalextric circuit

Before finishing this article, I received the disturbing news of the possible disappearance of the circuit that the company VCM Slot has installed in the ” El Bulevar” Shopping Center, in Getafe, Madrid. Released on January 31, 2023, it is an extraordinary circuit of nothing more and nothing less 225 mts. Track, more than 2000 LEDs, 357 curves and endless recreations of urban tracks, mountain roads, lane changes, bridges, walkways and many other accessories. A professional job like few others , aimed at leisure, but also at the dissemination and promotion of this noble sport.

Note: I have allowed myself the freedom to insert the promotional video of VCM Slot , with the sole interest of supporting this initiative and making known, a little more, this extraordinary circuit. As of 20.11.2023 the address was https://vcmslot.es not available, however, I keep the link in case it is later reactivated. If you are aware of any changes, please leave us a note in the comments of the post so we can update it. Thank you very much for your collaboration.

Collecting & Care

Diego Dámaso Serrano has been collecting Scalextric all his life.Today, his collection is the largest in Europe and one of the best in the world. Knowing what pushed Diego to collect Scalextric cars is easy. In the article ” The largest Scalextric collector in Europe” El Mundo 26.02.2022, Daniel Izeddin interviews Diego and tells him in detail. Before he was born, his father had already submitted the application for his membership in the Scalextric Club, which is significant. More than 2,500 cars are exhibited in its showcases, some, such as the Ferrari 250 GTO , of which only 25 examples were made, are its Holy Grail (never better said, since one unit was given to Benedict XVI).

A lifetime dedicated to the collection of a hobby as noble as Scalextric can be seen at Diego Colecciolandia C/Guzmán el Bueno, 62 Local 6 – 28015-Madrid. Don’t miss it!

Sometimes, collectors become restorers and, applying their enormous wisdom and experience, bring back to life pieces that have suffered a “bump” or scratch. Obviously, every collector keeps their cars ” in magazine condition” to be able to race at any time (some, others don’t risk a scratch on their most emblematic pieces).

In all the slot collector interviews I’ve seen, the cars are arranged in neat display cases, allowing them to be seen and protecting the cars from dust. There are very good collections of slot cars in Spain and they confirm that this hobby is in very good health.

Conclusion:

The truth is that it’s hard for me to finish this article: I’ve enjoyed it so much! that, now that I think about it, the first title I had thought of (“Being a Child Again”), had its reason for being. But the end comes, we have told you everything we think is relevant about the Scalextric world, and we must show the conclusions. Then, you will evaluate and make your decisions, which will surely be benevolent to Scalextric.

For us, Scalextric has a preferential place in the world of toys, but it is also a great hobby, and a sport (on a large scale), too. Its more than 60 years of history cannot go unnoticed and, for example, my generation maintains a very pleasant memory of this toy. For kids ages 4/99 ( again), this amazing game It will end up becoming a passion, and many others will follow playing, racing or collecting Scalextric. Turning its biggest flaw: the need for space, into unforgettable moments that allow us to be a child again.