Slot car racing is racing slot cars, model cars that are built to run on depressed single-rail tracks—hence the "slot" name. Users can run, and race, the cars through the use of a hand-held, throttle that controls a small, powerful electric motor hidden within the car; greater depression on the throttle
produces a greater speed. The challenge in racing slot cars comes in that taking turns at too high a speed will cause the car to
lose its grip on the rail and go flying spectacularly. With more than one car, additional tracks are used to avoid
collisions.
Much as in rail transport modelling, slot car
fanatics will build elaborate tracks, sculpted to have the appearance of a real-life track. Slot car racing has a smaller (though
equally enthusiastic) following than model railroading.
Slot car enthusiasts also build their own cars. This "scratch building" can result in quite some stunning looking vehicles,
and some very ugly ones.
How it works
Left is a schematic diagram of the wiring of slot car setups. The track is part of a circuit, and the current is varied by a
resistor in the hand controller. The current is picked up by a guide blade in the slot car, which is brought to the motor.
Brands
Producers of slot cars and tracks include:
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