Scalextric is a brand of slot car racing sets. Slot car racing is a hobby in which small, electrically powered cars are guided around a track by slots in the track surface. Scalextric sets are designed to be set up and played on a flat surface, such as a tabletop or the floor.
The sets typically include a track, cars, and a controller for each car. Scalextric sets are popular with both children and adults, and they can be found in a variety of sizes and themes.
In addition to the standard sets, Scalextric also offers a range of accessories, such as additional track pieces, cars, and buildings. Today we'll be looking at the best Scalextric box sets you can buy.
The 7 Best Scalextric Sets
1. Scalextric: ARC PRO Sunset Speedway Set
This package enables car races through the control smartphones and other devices through connection to the Scalextric ARC app.
Players can race against one another using the ARC hand controllers. There are 3 cars included in the kit, namely a white Lamborghini Centenario, yellow Jaguar CX-75 and mauvine blue McLaren720S at a 1:32 scale.
However, this racing set can accommodate up to 6 cars. There are 4 90-degree curves in addition to 8 45-degree curves. There are several pits stops and a total of 8 track layouts which span 6.8 meters. The track is made up of 2 lanes.
Special features include illuminating headlights and rear lights. Data surrounding the race is also made available using the lap counter, fuel usage and post-game information.
Races can be played in multiple weather conditions. This set is recommended for people ages 8 or above.
2. Scalextric: Stock Car Challenge Set
This car set features a 2-lane track which spans 484cm in length. The track is ideal for 2 cars to race at a single time and has banked curves with 10-degree track support. The track can be placed in 4 different layouts and is electrically powered.
The 1986 Chevy Monte Carlo in yellow and blue, as well as in black comes with this set, for a total of 2 cars at 1:32 scale. Both cars have traction magnets and real rubber tires to withstand intense races and damage.
Races can be controlled using Scalextric wired controllers which have 4 speed settings.
However, there is also the option to level up settings using the Scalextric ARC app. To replicate the setting of stock car races, there is also a speed limit controller.
This is a suitable car racing set for people ages 8 years old or above.
3. Jaguar I-Pace Challenge - Slot Car Set
This car set comes with 2 slot cars, namely the Jaguar I-PACE in blue and one in orange at 1:32 scale. The track length spans 484cm and can be arranged into 4 distinct layouts.
The track is electrically powered using the Scalextric powerbase. Players can race using the 2 wired controllers where speed settings can be adjusted. There is an added lap counter that keeps count of how many laps have been completed.
Controls can also be checked using the Scalextric ARC app on a handheld device. The Jaguar I-PACE pieces are designed to endure heavy racing conditions with tough material design and have magnets inside, enabling additional traction.
There are also easy change pick-ups. The whole setup is designed with EV (electrical vehicle) technology in consideration.
This is an ideal car racing set for people ages 5 or above.
4. ARC PRO: 24h Lemans - Slot Car Set
This slot car set comes with 2 Le Mans cars at 1:32 scale, one in a black and orange colour scheme and the other in blue and black. These cars are constructed out of sturdy materials and magnets to provide extra traction during races.
Additionally, both cars also have illuminating headlights and easy change pick-ups. The track is ideal for 2 cars to race at a time and can be arranged 7 different ways. The track spans around 532cm in length, providing plenty of space to race.
Special features include pit stops, a light start, fuel usage and information about the race. Players can use the wireless controllers to race and connect to the Scalextric ARC app.
The controllers also include a rumble feature which signal when a pit stop is needed or when the weather changes.
People ages 8 and above are recommended to play this set.
5. Scalextric: BTCC Touring Car Battle Set
This car set is inclusive of a BTCC BMW 125 Jack Goff and a BTCC Honda Civic Gordon Shedden scaled at 1:32. The cars have magnets to give traction during intense races, as well as change pick-ups.
The track has 6 radius 2 90-degree curves in addition to 4 radius 2 45-degree curves. The track spans 484cm and can be positioned into 4 different layouts. This track is big and long enough to accommodate 2 cars at a time.
There are also 4 braid plates and 2 track support parts. Racers can control the speed and race using the 2 speed limit hand controllers. There is also a lap counter included to keep track of how many rounds have been completed.
Children under the age of 5 are not recommended to play with this set.
6. Scalextric: Endurance Set
This car set comes with a track that is 255cm in length and is suitable for racing 2 cars at any given time. The track can be arranged into a simple oval shape. There are 2 speed limiter controllers for players to use.
The slot cars included are an LMP in yellow and a GT in a red colour. These cars are constructed to endure intense racing conditions and have magnets to add in extra traction. There are also easy change pick-ups.
Additionally, the cars are at a 1:32 scale, which is the conventional size for several slot cars.
Players can compete against one another using the hand controller which has 4 different speed settings to suit both younger kids and more experienced players.
This slot car set is ideal for children ages 5 and above.
7. My First Scalextric - Slot Car Set
This car set is a beginner-friendly toy for young children ages 3 or above. The track is shorter and more suited for short distances at 256cm in length and is designed to be arranged in the number 8 shape.
The track is electrically powered using the included power supply. There is only one figure 8 layout which can easily be assembled. There are two rally cars, one in red and the other in yellow and both are in a 1:64 scale.
This 1:64 scale is to make it easier for younger kids to play. The cars have magnets in order to provide traction and help stay put on the track. There are two controllers in colours matching the cars.
The controllers have varying degrees of speed levels to accommodate both beginners and more experienced players making it a family-friendly experience.
What is the largest Scalextric set you can buy in New Zealand?
It is difficult to determine the exact largest Scalextric set in the world, as sets can be customized and expanded with additional track pieces and accessories. However, the largest Scalextric set officially sold by the company is the Scalextric C1330T Super GT Challenge set, which includes over 33 feet (10 meters) of track and two cars. This set is designed for use on a table or other flat surface and is suitable for both children and adults.
How much do Scalextric sets usually cost in New Zealand?
The cost of a Scalextric set will vary depending on the size and features of the set, as well as any additional accessories that are included. In general, you can expect to pay between $100 and $500 for a Scalextric set in New Zealand.
Sets at the lower end of this range will typically be smaller and simpler, while sets at the higher end will be larger and may include more features and accessories.
You can find a wide range of Scalextric sets available for purchase from retailers in New Zealand, both online and in physical stores. It is a good idea to shop around and compare prices from different retailers to find the best deal on a set that meets your needs and budget.
Who invented Scalextric slot car sets?
Scalextric was invented by Fred Francis, an engineer who worked for the Minimodels company in Havant, England. Francis developed the first Scalextric set in 1956, using a series of small, electrically powered cars that were guided around a track by slots in the track surface.
The first Scalextric sets were released for sale in 1957, and they quickly became popular with both children and adults. Today, Scalextric is a well-known brand of slot car racing sets, and it is owned by the Hornby Group, a British toy company that is more formerly associated with model train sets.
How does a Scalextric set actually work (& power cars)?
Cars in a Scalextric set are powered by small electric motors, which are located in the base of the car. The cars receive their power from the track, which is connected to a power supply. The speed of the car is controlled by a variable resistor, which is typically located in the controller.
When the controller's trigger is pulled, the variable resistor increases the amount of power that is sent to the car's motor, causing it to accelerate. When the trigger is released, the variable resistor reduces the amount of power, causing the car to slow down - hence there are no real brakes! The amount of power that is sent to the car's motor can also be adjusted by turning a dial or slider on the controller, which allows the user to fine-tune the car's speed.
Where can I buy Scalextric in New Zealand?
There are a number of places where you can buy Scalextric sets in New Zealand. Usually any Hornby distributors will also carry Scalextric sets, although it's becoming more of a rarity these days as kids explore other toys and games.
Toy stores: Many toy stores in New Zealand carry a selection of Scalextric sets, as well as other slot car racing sets. You can find a toy store in your area by searching online or looking in your local phone directory.
Online retailers: There are several online retailers in New Zealand that sell Scalextric sets, including Amazon.com.au and online eCommerce stores. You can browse a wide selection of sets and compare prices from different sellers to find the best deal.
Specialist hobby stores: Some hobby stores in New Zealand specialize in slot car racing and may carry a range of Scalextric sets and accessories. You can search online or ask for recommendations from other slot car enthusiasts to find a specialist store in your area.
Private sellers: You may be able to find used Scalextric sets for sale from private sellers through classified ads websites such as Trade Me or through online marketplaces such as Facebook Marketplace. Do not hand over money until you've inspected the goods if using social media platforms as there is little to no recourse if you get scammed.
It is always a good idea to compare prices and read reviews before making a purchase to ensure that you are getting a good deal on a high-quality set.
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