The Idea....
The Sue Ryder charity sales in Nettlebed get lots of old Scalextric track which does not sell - people want complete sets. I thought that if I could use lots of this old track, then I could build a fantastic layout (just as I had dreamed as a kid).
Every year my family organise a large fund raising event for Parkinson's UK and I thought that if I had a great layout, then people would be happy to pay to race on it for charity funds through the year.
Ebay, YouTube and other sources showed both what was available and just what was possible - luckily I had taken early retirement!
And so the project began……..
Digital Slot Racing
Most are familiar with the old Scalextric where can only race 2 cars, one in each slot. The new digital racing was launched in 2004 and allows:
-
Multiple cars on track (up to 6 at a time)
-
Buttons on controllers to change lanes/brake
-
Changing lanes means can have pit lane(s)
-
Can run one or more ‘pace cars’ automatically on track
Software can be bought to run on a laptop connected to the Scalextric base unit so can:
-
Display drivers, cars, race positions, lap times etc
-
Calibrate cars and controllers
-
Reprogram controller buttons to do other things
-
Simulate fuel usage/fuel load effect
-
Refuel in the pit lane with press of a button
-
Simulate KERS accumulation
-
Use KERS with press of a button