How to Choose Between Slot Car Brands and Scales
Carrera, AFX, Aurora, Scalextric, Auto World, Tyco, and More
Sep 10, 2009
Slot cars got their start as an accessory for model train tracks. In the mid-1960s, those miniature 1/87 scale cars got a track of their own. Over the next 40 years, companies such as Tyco, Aurora, Scalextric, SCX, Tomy and AFX have explored several sized cars—1/64, 1/43, 1/32, and 1/24.
HO Slot Cars
The term HO refers to Half-of-an-O scale (O scale being a common size of model train). HO cars are just a little bigger than a matchbox car (about 3 inches long), and are usually 1/64 or 1/87 scale. Because of this scale size, the stock track sets usually run about 45-50 feet and occupy a 4’ by 8’ space. This makes it one of the most common home slot car sets, although HO cars have a strong presence in competition as well. HO racing tracks usually use up to 100 feet of track.
1/43 Scale Slot Cars
1/43 scale cars are closest to the O train scale, which is right at a 1/48. These 1/43 scale cars are the most common for children, because they are easily handled and fairly durable.
1/24 Scale Slot Cars
1/24 scale slot cars are almost exclusively used for racing. Because of their large size (about 8 inches long), they are easy to modify and handle. The track for this size car is also large enough that it is fairly impractical for the average home. A 1/24 track can take up a 20 foot by 30 foot space or more.
1/32 Scale Slot Cars
1/32 scale slot cars are also very common in slot car racing, but are slightly more manageable in the average basement. These cars tend to be about 6 inches long, and a small 40 foot track will take up a good 8 feet by 16 feet of floor space.
Slot Car Brands
Choosing a slot car size depends on what it will be used for: home, racing, or both. The same is true when it comes to choosing a specific car.
- Artin Slot Cars are considered to be very affordable and durable cars for beginners.
- Carrera cars are widely used in racing, both 1/24 and 1/32 scale. Carrera has recently branched out into 1/43 scale cars for kids.
- Ninco tracks are wide and flexible and they have very detailed 1/24 and 1/32 slot cars.
- Scalextric offers a high-end home set with a wide selection of 1/32 scale cars that are easy to modify. Scalextric also produces a range of specialty tracks.
- Monogram/Revell makes both 1/32 and 1/24 cars; they’ve been in the business a long time and have a good reputation.
- Fly makes high-end 1/32 and 1/24 slot cars.
- Johnny Lightning, Auto World, Tyco (now acquired by Mattel), Tomy AFX, Aurora, Life-Like all make very nice HO cars.
- BSRT is a racing-focused HO car company.
Hobbyists can also check out related articles covering slot car modification, slot car repair, and digital slot car racing.
For decades, slot car racing has been a hobby confined to scaled cars and tracks. But, according to the LA Times, the future of transportation may well involve life-size slot cars powered by nationwide electric rails. Could tomorrow bring slot cars made to a 1/1 scale?
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