Question Scalextric sets - Printable Version

Question Scalextric sets - Printable Version

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Scalextric sets - Sam - 20th-Oct-25

Hello

Im looking at getting my son his first set and he loves Lamborghinis. The new scalextric supercar set doesn't seem to come with a lap counter, or the "hot laps" feature. I just wondered if anyone knows of any issues me using the app with the lambo set. There's a £40 difference with the Ford puma set and the only difference is the cardboard gantry for the smartphone...unless anyone can advise other wise? Recommendations welcome (8 year old beginner)

Many Thanks

RE: Scalextric sets - woodcote - 20th-Oct-25

Welcome Sam Wavegreen

The app will work with any Scalextric layout, it's just a case of building a sturdy gantry over the track.

Does your 8-year-old have any Lego? That would be my go-to solution.

P.S. the app is really good and has some nice gameplay.

RE: Scalextric sets - Johnno - 20th-Oct-25

(20th-Oct-25, 04:17 PM)Sam Wrote: Hello

Im looking at getting my son his first set and he loves Lamborghinis. The new scalextric supercar set doesn't seem to come with a lap counter, or the "hot laps" feature. I just wondered if anyone knows of any issues me using the app with the lambo set. There's a £40 difference with the Ford puma set and the only difference is the cardboard gantry for the smartphone...unless anyone can advise other wise? Recommendations welcome (8 year old beginner)

Many Thanks

Hi Sam,

If you haven't already made a purchase, I strongly recommend that you look in the Carrera system and cars. Seriously way better quality in the track especially the lane changers if you go digital, the xlc's are really smooth in their directional changes. Carrera will run all car brands like Scalextric but is a seriously much better quality product. Carrera can run 1:24 scale, with the correct track and system.

Sadly Scalextric seem to have lost their way once again with the every increasing cost of new cars and other product, not to forget the biggest issue I'm seeing which is the quality of products is not there no more for Scalextric considering the price being demanded

Johnno

RE: Scalextric sets - dvd3500 - 21st-Oct-25

Carrera track has a much larger "footprint" than Scalextric.
You will need more space for the same layout.

RE: Scalextric sets - Johnno - 21st-Oct-25

(21st-Oct-25, 09:52 AM)dvd3500 Wrote: Carrera track has a much larger "footprint" than Scalextric.
You will need more space for the same layout.

Yes, the quality is there with Carrera, while lacking in all Scalextric products, cars included sadly. We can see exactly where Hornby are placing their profits and that's in their AirFix models, model trains, their real 1:1 train museum and restoration projects.

RE: Scalextric sets - woodcote - 21st-Oct-25

Ah Sam, welcome to a good old hobby discussion Bigsmile

Like in any hobby, everyone has their favourite brands, their pet hates and a sack-full of opinions.

To help people starting off in the hobby, we've tried to make an impartial stab at this guide: https://slotracer.online/manual/getting-started.php

I'm based in the UK and if I was buying a first set for an 8-year-old who's mad about Lamborghinis, I would absolutely buy that Scalextric Supercar set.

First off, the cars look great, handle well and are rugged enough to withstand some reasonably heavy impacts. The set is good value at £99 and has almost everything you need - presumably to see if that 8-year-old might have a future with slot cars... Adding the Hot Laps app via a DIY smartphone gantry will be the icing on the cake - and maybe a track extension pack the cherry on top to give a few more layout options.

Here in the UK, Scalextric means slot cars for 99% of the population - and most high street hobby shops sell it. Scalextric offers very good customer service via their Margate HQ, so you are in good hands if anything isn't up to scratch.

When I was 8, the family Scalextric came out once or twice a year for a few days of racing on the living room floor. Scalextric track is ideal for this, being a bit flexible and going together and coming apart easily. Because there is so much Scalextric sold in the UK, there are bargains available (new and used) to add more track as you need it. Plus cars, accessories, upgrading to digital etc... but that's for the future.