The Little World

These days it’s the only sort of race that’s safe to write about…

The recent model car spectacular had a number of race tracks in operation – though the ones I photographed were static. Still, if one wants action, there are slot car tracks still in operation, as well as R/C racing venues.

I was impressed with the number of the slot cars that are still going – I remember my first VIP home set and many later cars in 1:32 and 1:24 scale. It looks as if the commercial recreation of the glorious 60’s concentrates on 1:24 cars – it is interesting to see by their sign that they scratch-build as well. More power to their pickups!

The other giant dioramas – the speedways and drag races – were very detailed. It takes a long time and a lot of modellers to be able to produce as busy and rewarding a scene as was seen on the centre tables. For the Forrestfield Speedway I wondered if the liveries and the cars were modelled after actual racers.

I must do some research to see what the R/C racers do at their venues. The thought of a 1:8 Nurburgring or Indianapolis is very compelling…though I’m willing to bet the cars are just let out on disused shopping centre car parks.