Help a Newbie - sanity checking

[Treozen]

*If you are not satisfied I will re-write this post saying the opposite.

ROFL. Nice to see you offer such a complete service and satisfaction guarantee.

[Treozen]

If I had to guess, I would say that is what tipped you into the Carrera camp.


I am still deciding on which track to go with. I like the 1:24 idea. I have many 1:24 models collecting dust that are just crying to be made into slot cars. But ... I only have a 4x6 table approved by the SO to work with right now, so I am leaning toward Scalextric. I am also cheap, er, frugal and want to get into 1:32 as cheaply as possible. I already have tons of HO stuff, but I like the bigger, more detailed larger scales of 1:32 and 1:24.

Well.....(and this is a laugh, me giving advice on slot cars already) but if you know you like the bigger cars, and you've already been "driven" to 1:24 in models (as I have in 1:18 - I even have a few 1:8) then I think you should consider the Carrera track, limited space though it is, simply for the fact that you're pre-disposed to the larger cars and the Carrera track is just much more accommodating. If you think you'll be happy with 1:32, then sure look at other options but if you look around your existing collection, and notice a pattern of what size cars you're really drawn to, and its 1/24....best best might be to go with Carrera and work on negotiating more space over time, rather than being generally dissatisfied with cars smaller than you want.

Another thing to look at (that I noticed) is that while you certainly can get more Scalextric track on the same footprint, it doesn't necessarily mean the track is better or more fun...just...longer - seems to depend a lot on the configuration of the footprint. You might draw up a few designs and discover that you get an equally interesting (if a tad shorter) track in Carrera, and trade off the additional length for the fact you can run the 1:24 cars. 4X6 is tight though.

All that said, I could be completely wrong

Allan.

[MrFlippant]

Excellent choice.
I look forward to seeing your plans come to fruition.

[MikeyAutobahn]

Another thing to look at (that I noticed) is that while you certainly can get more Scalextric track on the same footprint, it doesn't necessarily mean the track is better or more fun...just...longer

And when it comes down to it, when you buy the Carrera track and build it, are you really missing the extra foot or two of track length? I mean, if it's not there to begin with, you're really not missing it, right? I know I don't.
I suppose had I had bought Scalextric track I would have not missed the big turns and wide tracks that Carrera offers.

The track itself has been the one purchase that I've been absolutely satisfied with. There isn't a day I race on it where I regret having bought it over another brand. Does that make it the best? Well, it's the best for me.

[Treozen]

And when it comes down to it, when you buy the Carrera track and build it, are you really missing the extra foot or two of track length? I mean, if it's not there to begin with, you're really not missing it, right? I know I don't

Agreed, and in working up some designs lately, I noticed how easy it is to fall into the "longest track = best track" trap. This is probably a factor with all brands, perhaps Carrera is more susceptible, but its easy (was for me anyway) to get over-focused on craming as much track onto the available space, but losing sight of other factors - everything from how fun the track is to whether you can even see the cars on some parts of the track, to just plain design aesthetics. Obviously a good longer track is most often preferred, but the key word is ,"good", not just longer.

[dw5555]

I suppose had I had bought Scalextric track I would have not missed the big turns and wide tracks that Carrera offers.

Another bigger issue is that if you had bought Scaley, we wouldn't be friends...

Agreed, and in working up some designs lately, I noticed how easy it is to fall into the "longest track = best track" trap. This is probably a factor with all brands, perhaps Carrera is more susceptible, but its easy (was for me anyway) to get over-focused on craming as much track onto the available space, but losing sight of other factors - everything from how fun the track is to whether you can even see the cars on some parts of the track, to just plain design aesthetics. Obviously a good longer track is most often preferred, but the key word is ,"good", not just longer.

Just about everyone who starts out wants as much track as they can fit, it's only natural. While it's not necessarily a bad thing it gives you insight it how you want to progress with future layouts and there will be more.

While I try not to push Carrera too much when new people ask about systems all I can say is Welcome to the Family..

Dave

[Treozen]

While I try not to push Carrera too much when new people ask about systems all I can say is Welcome to the Family..

Dave

Thanks!! I was told that if I selected Carrera that I'd get a fancy hat, Carrera club De-coder ring, a membership card and a limited edition (limited to 56,000,000) special SCI hologram collectors card. Its really what pushed me over the edge to Carrera........[taps foot].......so...erm....its it all in the mail or what?

[MikeyAutobahn]

Another bigger issue is that if you had bought Scaley, we wouldn't be friends...

When I bought the track they said there could be "potential hazards". Boy, they weren't kiddin...

[oneredz]

So ... just for the sake of argument, for all newer Carrera sets, the track is the same for both 1:32 and 1:24? I am thinking it is so, but I just want to double check.


And how about price? How do the 2 systems compare? Anyone have the Fast Classics set?

[Treozen]

So ... just for the sake of argument, for all newer Carrera sets, the track is the same for both 1:32 and 1:24? I am thinking it is so, but I just want to double check.

That is what I have been reading. Carrera Evolution, D132, D124 - same track. I think Exclusive might even be the same track. There was a change at some point where Carrera changed the number of attachment clips on the track - I believe it went from three to four, though you can still join and use one clip style with the other - so I'm told.... ( and hope, because I was able to pick up 16 curves for $75 - about half of the usual price per piece, but they are the older clip style).

[dw5555]

Allan has done his homework..A+ He is correct, all the track is the same between 1/32 and 1/24. The difference in sets besides the size of the cars is the 1/24 track has a different power supply, 18V(1/24) vs 13.8 (1/32) and the 1/24 track comes with borders.
Dave

Yes Mikey I can be a pain..Just ask Mickey...

[MrFlippant]

14 more posts until you can have a photo gallery, Allan. Get to postin'!

[ATIS]

I learned the hard way amd stuffed as much carrera track as possible on to my table. Long lap times and fun but too difficult for my son. So now I have redone it with easier curves and borders and less track and added 2 d124 cars to the mix. A big warning...d124 is addictive!!

[mickeyslots]

I followed this thread very carefully and was eating my big bowl of popcorn watching the show. The pseudo tug of war between Scaley guys and Carrera guys always makes for an exciting matchup. It's also quite interesting that all of us Carrera guys are always so gleeful when another member decides to "join the family" as Dave said with his troupe of dancing bananas!

Allan we all think you made the right decision because Carrera offers a great product and truly stands behind that product. So welcome to the family!
I don't know why my bananas aren't dancing Dave, did you give my bananas too much jäger again?

Now, as far as the free swag/gifts are concerned - the moment you post that you've A) tried to conceal any slot car purchase from your wife B) had thoughts about removing a load bearing wall in order to expand your layout or C) started searching German EBay for any Carrera cars you might not have acquired yet - then you will get your free gift. Then you will receive your honorary Carreraholics Anonomous Card.

Seriously, welcome back to slots and welcome to the forum Mickey

[Treozen]

14 more posts until you can have a photo gallery, Allan. Get to postin'!

I know right!...phew...almost there. I can't wait to post my layout plans have have them ridiculed...erm....I mean, "constructively judged".

as far as the free swag/gifts are concerned - the moment you post that you've A) tried to conceal any slot car purchase from your wife B) had thoughts about removing a load bearing wall in order to expand your layout or C) started searching German EBay for any Carrera cars you might not have acquired yet - then you will get your free gift. Then you will receive your honorary Carreraholics Anonomous Card.

Well, item A has already been accomplished. I can't claim B yet, but I did convince my wife to let me turn the guest bed into a table...as in...the entire bed....so, does that count? I have searched eBay as though looking for a long-lost, incredibly rich and rather unhealthy relative.

Allan.