Raumgudneyracing's Blog

Common Slot Car Scales

There are three common slotcar scales (sizes) used for serious competition: 1:24 scale, 1:32 scale, and so-called HO1:76-1:87, now usually closer to 1:64 scale). These scales are also commonly written as 1/24, 1/32, 1/87 and 1/64. The scale designation indicates how many units of length (such as an inch or millimeter)on the actual car are represented by one unit on the model. (a generalized size, originally

- 1:24 scale cars are the largest slot cars commonly raced. A typical 1:24 car might be 7 to 8 inches long (18-20 cm). 1:24 cars require a course so humungous as to be impractical for many home enthusiasts, so most serious 1:24 racing is done at commercial or club tracks.

- 1:32 scale cars are smaller and more suited to home-sized race courses but they are also widely raced on commercial tracks, in hobbyshops or in clubs. A 1:32 car averages 5 to 6 inches (13-15 cm).

A vintage Aurora HO slot car, the AMC Matador stocker, approx. 1:64 scale, circa 1975.

- HO-sized cars vary in scale, running from 1:87 (generally the older cars) to 1:64 in scale; but they all run on track of approximately the same width, and are generically referred to as HO slot cars. A typical car is from 2.5 to 3.5 inches (5.5-8 cm). Though there is HO racing on commercial and shop-tracks, probably most HO racing occurs on home racetracks.

In addition to the major scales, 1:43 slot car sets are generally marketed today (2006) as children's toys. So far, there is little organized competition in 1:43, but the scale is gaining some acceptance among adult hobbyists for its affordability and moderate space requirements. An average car would be 4.3" (10.9 cm).

Slot Car Racing

I am new to the world of slot car racing.

It is something I want to get into.

I do not have any cars yet.

But I am going to get one soon.

I hope all is well with everyone.

Knowledge Is Power

Sincerely, Aaron Dondineau

AKA Raum Gudney

Raum Gudney Racing