[dvd3500]

I have seen a lot of threads around the world about the end of model shops, problems with getting new members, general lack of interest in slot racing.

In my opinion there issue is a high degree of hesitation to get into the hobby for various reasons.

But instead of focusing on what doesn't work I though I would try to find out what DOES work.

If you have a healthy, successful club or at least a regular set of meetings for slot racing, what are the things that people really like and enjoy and make them come back?

Have a great weekend everyone...

[JasonB]

I can't speak for clubs, but my experience with my young nephews of various ages, is that whenever I've set up my track they are absolutely fascinated, and play for hours. Some enjoy the racing, some the crashing (grrrr), and others enjoy the scenery and the little people.

It seems to me that there is no problem in getting youngsters interested.

The problems come when they decide to buy a set for themselves, or ask their parents for one as a Christmas present. I've now inherited two or three sets from them, and I think the barrier to them getting started for themselves, is simply that they don't enjoy tinkering about with stuff. They have an expectation that things will just work, and there is no expectation that they might have to maintain or even fix things that don't work. So, as soon as the first thing goes wrong, it all gets packed away and put in the cupbaord, and two years later it get's passed onto me.

The things that have worked for me are, first of all a scenic track. Everybody seems to love a decent bit of modelling, and even people who have no interest in slot cars get into a nice scenic track with buildings, trees and figures. Secondly, everything has to work properly, and that can take quite an effort.

Having said all of that, competitive racing is not my main interest, so my experience might be quite a way from the mainstream. But hey, "vive la difference" and all that. One of the great things about this hobby is the diversity.

[Gordon Steadman]

Your post rang bells with me as I'm one of the old 'make do and mend' generation.

Ronnie and I were talking about it today after yet another person had been to see the house but was concerned that there were still one or two things that needed finishing off, "the girlfriend won't like it unless everything is finished and we can just move in". Yikes, they might have to get off their bums - how awful.

I think it's true that, in general, people today have little or no interest in how things work or in learning how to fix them. The future definitely seems to me to be 'the march of the proles' with just a few techy people keeping it all going whilst the majority just sit and consume.

The old expression "sometimes he sits and thinks and sometimes he just sits" comes to mind. Increasing true sadly but maybe I'm just another old codger bemoaning the change in the generations. Not like it was in my day etc.etc.

I'm go more for the performance side but still quite enjoy the scenery as well.

[JasonB]

Totally agree Gordon.

When something's broken, I always consider it an opportunity. Sometimes you can fix it, sometimes you can't, but either way you learn something.

My brother in law once asked me if I could fix his coffee jug (french press, cafetiere, whatever they're called). There are literally two working parts, the long rod that you push down on which had a thread on the end, and the wide circular grill that filters the grounds, with a thread on the inside of the spindle.

Well you know what's coming next don't you? Yup, a quick twizzle and it was fixed.

To bring this back to slot cars, I think whatever type of racing floats your boat, some sort of simple maintenance and repairs are inevitable at some point, even if you buy a brand new set. I'm not sure that the manufacturers make that clear, and I don't think the youngsters understand it.

[dvd3500]

Thanks for the first thoughts guys.
I ran my first ever event last year where I had kids I am guessing 5 -13 non-stop at the track.
It was an ARC PRO running both the Magic and the official app.

I had 6 cars running most of the time.
I had started with simulations on but soon turned them all off.
No-one seemed to be able to race and pay attention at the same time. Mind you it was loud and not a lot of space.

I ended up reducing the power to like 20% because they pretty much just slammed the trigger down all the time and only a handful grasped that you needed to lanechange to get around traffic.

There was one little bästärd that would not let others have a turn and was constantly complaining that other cars were faster when he was in the lead most of the time.

After nearly 12 hours of being there I was exhausted and we didn't get a single person signed up to the club or come back as a guest for any type of racing.

The experience did show though that you are absolutely right that things have to work all the time and in the end I wasn't doing myself any favors by using the most complex system in the most challenging of environments.

I would do it again but only under very different conditions.

One thing at our club is that the cars are not cheap. They are all scratchbuilt and I would guess the sink 200-300€ in each one. The controllers also start at 150€.
They argue that other hobbies are more expensive (radio controlled airplanes for example) but I think that cost might be a problem for some.

Another thing was until I became a full-fledged member (paying monthly dues) they were not super forthcoming with information. That might be a  German thing though as I have also had problems getting info out of people.

While I agree the breadth of the hobby is what makes it great, I am also thinking it might be TOO broad.

The very concept is hard for some to understand and when you add in all the various types of cars from ones that look like toys to the floppy lexan wing cars people don't get it.
As I said, the concept of digital also flummoxed some...

Finally, I also find the jargon tough on outsiders. Being a form of motorsport it shares a lot of vocabulary with other hobbies, not least of which radio controlled cars and real motor-racing.
Searching in google is almost useless so you have to go into forums and even then, when people start using jargon it is tough to understand what is going on.
Maybe I am especially thick (very possible...)

Keep the thoughts coming folks...

[Gordon Steadman]

I suspect that for most people, a start with analogue would be a softer and more encouraging way to start.

They could then, perhaps, get into the more complicated stuff once they have a better idea of what they are getting into. I have absolutely no interest in digital slot racing but still feel as enthusiastic about analogue as I did 50 years ago.

It's easy to be evangelistic about your chosen path but the complications might be just a little too much for some.

[woodcote]

I'm absolutely sure the barriers are not about slot racing per se. Put an attractive, functioning slot car set-up in front of anyone and encourage them to have fun and they'll get stuck in.

Barriers are things we create.

In my experience, keeping things simple, cheap and loads of fun is the best way to entice new people in. A big, friendly welcome helps too. Once new people are hooked, the complexity, costs and learning new skills (including maintenance etc) are negotiable - but it should always stay fun.

Building a great track for family and friends takes a lot of planning, hard work, learning new skills, problem-solving, plus the constant re-evaluation of aims and concentrating on the small steps to get you there. It's the same for starting and running a slot car club. To be honest, it's the same for anything in life!

Specifically on public events, I prefer a small layout with a fun competition - including the all-important leader board and prizes! I have a box with a Micro Scalextric layout and some carefully prepared cars and spare chassis, controllers and power supplies. I have another box with a small ARC Air layout and five Super-resistant Mini Coopers with magnets...

         

It's always the same small and simple layout for each. Always the same fun and competitive format for each. And always an attempt to make things look nice - a bit of a wow factor. Plus plenty of preparation beforehand to make sure everything works and that I know exactly how everything works and how to fix anything that might go wrong. If stuff gets trashed or worn out, I repair where I can and look out for replacements at swapmeets.

The final thing is that I only do a small number of non-club events a year. And I pick those events carefully - only if the club will benefit (funds and/or new members) and I'll enjoy myself. A hobby has got to be fun, otherwise what's the point?

[CMOTD]

In order to overcome barriers you first need to define what they are:

1) Slot cars, despite the views of us demented people on here, are toys first and foremost. They are marketed as such and share the attributes of other toys in that they are a passing fad. They hold the attention until another toy takes over or they break. Only a tiny percentage of people will progress beyond the initial Christmas present set and turn it into a hobby. In this respect they are no different to model trains, R/C toy cars and many others. A Thomas the tank engine set will not inevitably lead to a lifelong interest in railway modelling nor will a cheap R/C car automatically lead to competitive high end racing.

2) In the UK at least, most houses are not large enough to accommodate a permanent track and the pleasures of rug racing soon begin to pall when you have to dismantle everything on a regular basis. Constantly assembling and reassembling the track takes its toll on connectivity and the dangers of treading on the cars is very real. Eventually something breaks and, as mentioned above, few people can be bothered to mend things nowadays so the set is consigned to the loft.

3) Everybody loses interest in toys during their teenage years. 'Sex and Drugs and Rock and Roll' are a darn sight more tempting than toy plastic cars!

4) If someone stays the course and progresses to a permanent home track and/or club racing then it becomes a very expensive hobby, not as costly as choo choo trains but it does leave a large dent in the wallet. Assuming you can find one near you the average club has at least six different classes so that means a minimum outlay of £300 even before you start spending on upgrades or extra cars. Digital compounds the expenditure.

5) The majority of the population have zero interest in motor sport, full size or the small scale variety. Compare the viewing figures for various sports and you will see what I mean.  

How do you overcome these barriers? Answer, I haven't got a clue but would be interested in any solutions you can provide. We pursue a minority hobby and I don't think it has ever been any different. Everybody likes playing on a demo track like the ones that Andy sets up but the chances of more than 0.1% of them taking it further are very slim indeed.

[Gordon Steadman]

Back in the 60s when it all started, slot racing was new and different which may be why it went in and stayed. Nowadays, there is so much more choice and products after your time and wallet.

I'm surprised it's as popular as it is. T'would be interesting to know the split between generations. Looking around I see a large proportion of old gits but thankfully, a reasonable scattering of younger faces too. At Bordeaux, one of the kids is one of the fastest of all. I guess that's what it takes really, if you are not much cop, it may well be a good reason to drift away or not even start. Racers like winning after all, much as it's fun just taking part.

There is hope.

[dvd3500]

Yes those are all things to think about...but last night I was asking some people, why is a bunch of people chasing a ball considered "sport" and "professional" and controlling something that is actually very high tech not?