Scalextric Start Twin Pack - Home Racing World & Slot Car Garage

07/18/2011

#C3164 - 1/32nd Scale Beginner Series

Two cars for the price of one! That is the first thing that came to mind when I saw this set announced. With the economy being what it is and some slot car companies raising prices higher and higher, seeing such a value priced set of new cars was refreshing to say the least.

Let me start by stating that if YOU are looking for highly detailed scale replica models, these are not it. And for what it is worth I could not be happier. I have literally hundreds of choices in this great hobby for those types of cars. These models are designed for the youth/beginner and that is just as important to me as any advanced model for Veteran enthusiasts.

I really did not research these models other than glancing at the press release. It was the MSRP of around $44.99 that got my attention. When I saw them in stock at one of my favorite online dealers I knew I had to try them. When they arrived I was a little surprised. First, I like the simple box they come in. This takes up less room and is easier to store away. On the front I saw where decals were included. Interesting. I wonder if an old modeler could even apply these as well as a youngster?

Opening the box we find out two models secured to a cardboard base along with the two sets of PEEL AND STICK decals and replacement guides with braid.

The cars appear to be modeled after a Dodge Viper but the truth is they sort of have similarities with other models. The designers at Scalextric simply got creative. I could care less and so could about every youngster that are lucky enough to own them. They look enough like race cars and that is all that matters.

These are a part of the latest "super-resistant" line from Scalextric. These models are void of any interior with blacked out windows but that doesn't really make the super-resistant. The hard molding side mirrors do though. If you manage to chip one of these then you had a VERY hard hit. Plus some chrome parts and small items like wipers and antenna are simply not there so no missing parts.

Wheels and tires all seemed very round and true. I also noticed the tire compound is very soft and should provide very good traction on most any track surface.

The peel and stick decals are easy enough to apply and are very durable. You will have a few wrinkles here and there (headlights especially) but no big deal right? The decals make them look a little more on the "race car" side and watching your younger racer do the work is likely half the fun for both you and them.

Turning the models over we get a peek at the design. 4 screws were easily removed to get a closer look inside.

I can almost hear the wheels turning in some advanced enthusiasts heads. Yes, the motor is the standard offering from Scalextric along with the gearing and bar magnet. In other words these models should be quite fast right out of the box.

Box Stock Track Testing
New Ozark Speedway
5 x 16 - 4 Lane Carrera Track OVAL
Aftermarket Power @ 12 Volts PARMA 25 OHM Control

And fast it is. The bar magnet really helps the car stay planted and on the Carrera track this car is a missile. However, this doesn't mean it is the best kind of car for a beginner. At these speeds it is pretty much on or off with very little time to recover from a spin.

The cars will hold up a lot of abuse but the rear wing WILL break eventually. Then again, that is why you want an inexpensive model like this. Let these cars take all the beatings and leave your prized scale cars on the shelf.

The tires provide decent enough grip so I do not see where you will need a tire change. Of course you could change them out but I think just starting out you could just leave them as is. These cars are fast enough in my opinion, and likely will not be the sort of models you would base actual race series on.

However, I have been wrong many times in the past. Who knows? With the low price I can see more than a few of the folks I race with start picking these up.

Newcomer Notes

I think these START models by Scalextric are the best entry level slot cars in our hobby. I would have liked to see a milder motor so that de-slotting would be reduced, but you can add another magnet if you want to in order to slow them down. With this great price point no other beginner designed models even come close to these in value. They will last you a long time and take just about all you can dish out.

Advanced Enthusiast Notes

Of course these models are not going to appeal to most of you, but I had to see how well they ran without the magnet on our wood track.

They are very, VERY smooth right out of the box and with some quick wheel and tire sanding I had these cars running about as nice as you could ask for. On top of that, think of the possibilities these cars have. With this price I can see many of you using the just the chassis and running gear for scratch building.

Final Thoughts

I really cannot find much negative to say about these simple slot cars. They look well enough and even more importantly they run great. Combine that with a truly sensible price point and you have a winner. No, these won't turn the heads of the scale enthusiasts but for what they are designed for I think you cannot go wrong adding these to your collection.

-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!

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