Wednesday May 25, 2005

Start Small! (Think Big!)

The Carrera MONZA GT Starter Set

If you are looking to get started in our hobby, you might have heard about a company called Carrera during your search for information. Carrera track has long been the choice of advanced enthusiasts due to it's smooth surface and width. When looking for a starter set for Carrera we have selected one that not only is space efficient, but comes at a price point to fit almost any budget.

Although Carrera does make smaller sets than this, it was the price of this set that makes it qualify for our recommendation. At a cost of only $155.00 you get a good amount of track with 2 of the nicest models in the Carrera line. When we talk about starting small, this price point is ideal for those on a tight budget and although the track itself is larger, you can still fit this track in a relatively small area.

If this is your first exposure to the Carrera track system, you need to know this track is actually 1/24th scale instead of the standard 1/32nd scale track found in other sets. It is slightly wider in both the overall track width and the distance between the slot and rails. It is just this added width, along with the smooth surface that make it one of the most popular track choices on the market. It allows you to also race the larger 1/24th scale models that Carrera and other companies are producing.

Our set arrived fully intact from SlotCarPlace who carries the set at the price listed above. A general instruction booklet is included and is fairly easy to follow. The set includes 12 standard curves, 1 power base straight and 10 standard straights. The Carrera track system will take you a little more time to assemble it, but the end result is certainly worth it.

Carrera track utilizes a clip system that holds the track firmly together and forms one of the smoothest track joints found in our hobby. The set includes more than enough clips for assembly, but here is where you can save yourself some time. As our photo shows, we chose to only install clips at every other joint. This is more than enough to hold the track firmly together and makes it easier for you in the event you have to disassemble your track often. If and when you ever decide to build a more permanent layout, you can then install all of the clips if you so desire. Another suggestion during assembly is to slip 4 or 5 track pieces together and then flip the entire section down to install the clips. This makes it easier on you so you only have to install the clips from underneath the track at only a few areas. Although the track design is larger than other beginner sets, that doesn't mean you have to set it up entirely. You can make a simple small oval if you wish so you can fit it in tighter spaces and the box is small enough to fit easily in a closet for easy storage.

Carrera has made some changes in their sets and one is the new guardrail system. Although it does look a little better than previous systems, assembly can be a little tricky. The clips for the guard rail slide into the side of the track and then lock in place. You must hold the tab down as shown and carefully place the clips just right so the track edge slips in. At first, I had a hard time doing this but after only a few I had learned to work with them and assembly moved quickly. The rail itself is designed to slide into these clips but I found that they will just snap in place with a slight amount of pressure.

Installing the power and control is very easy as everything is marked clearly. The connections for the power supply are marked with a "+" and a "-" sign on the sides that are a little small but you should have no problem hooking them up correctly. The thumb-plunger controllers are also very easy to install and in just a few minutes you will be ready to race. It took me 30 minutes from the time I opened the box until the track was 100 percent complete and ready for action.

One thing you need to know is that the box art states the dimensions for the track are 7.71 by 7.51 feet. This is incorrect. I measured the layout with my tape measure and then utilized the Carrera Track Planner software to verify it. The actual dimensions are 9 feet, 7 inches by 5 feet, 7 inches. In reality you will need about a 10 foot by 6 foot area to comfortably set up this layout. Each lane is even at 24.93 feet using the track plan suggested in the set.

The cars that come in this set are some of the nicest models Carrera produces and are very fast. The detail level here is very high and should impress most of you just starting out. These cars are durable but you will find that the rear wing and side mirrors will come off in a hard crash. This is ok because these wings and mirrors are not glued in place and are easily put back on. We suggest at least removing the mirrors and keeping them separate during hard racing to protect them.

The cars also come with a small polarity switch underneath. Moving this switch will change the direction the model runs so if you are tired of driving in only one direction, you have the option of change. I like this addition and always have because this just adds a little more variety. The cars are also lighted which adds even more fun to the mix. I think some of you can remember back in your youth racing HO scale or larger scales on the living room floor with the lights off. Night racing like this is a major plus for us.

The cars also really hug the track well due to the dual magnet system they have and there is enough straight to blast the cars at full throttle a little more. Another aspect of the track that we feel makes it better is that there is no "trick-track" pieces such as crossovers or the molded overpasses Carrera makes. Although some enthusiasts do like these items, when you are just starting out, keeping it simple just makes things more fun. Crossovers simply cause increased crashes and de-slots and when you are just learning to drive, this specialty track just seems to take away from the fun.

I feel this set is ideal for the beginner enthusiast as it gives you plenty of track for your investment and 2 great cars to go with it. The ability to race multiple scales is also an added bonus. If you are looking for your first track to get started in home slot car racing, I highly recommend you take a closer look at what this set has to offer. It should provide you with hours and hours of racing fun like a good slot car set should, and in this regard Carrera has offered you a great way to begin your new hobby at a decent price.

- Harry

As always feel free to contact me about this article or just the hobby in general at harry@homeracingworld.com, or better yet drop into our Message Forum and share your thoughts with other enthusiasts!

Thanks Go To SLOTCARPLACE For Providing Us With This Set!