Main Track & Power

Basics

Transformer TR5

Ref: 2100 - Released 1985.

This produces 10.5V, which is less than is normally used for slot cars. It has two sockets to allow two controllers to be connected. As the system was never officially imported into the UK, all the examples seen are fitted with round, two-pin continental plugs. Transformers were also available separately as well as in sets.

Controller

Ref: 2300 - Released 1985.

These have been measured at 100Ω. They are blue with yellow triggers. A two-core lead runs to the controller from a polarised plug that connects to the transformer. A second two-core lead then runs to the track connector, which locates under standard straight sections of track. They also have a yellow levers on the top, which, when pushed forward, reverses the polarity of the output to the track making the car go backwards. (Note: the cars don’t go very well backwards.) The reverse switch has to be used when the circuit includes a 2152 pair of reversing straights. I am not sure whether the controllers incorporate a braking capability. Even if they do, it is irrelevant because the worm gears mean the cars stop very quickly anyway.

Two lane lap counter

Ref: 2125 - Released 1988. Includes start and half straight (both 130mm)

This lap counter draws power from one of the two transformer sockets via a “piggy back” connector, which allows the controller to be plugged in as well. The start section has a switch in each slot connected by a cable to the back of the counter. The action of the switch means that cars can only run in one direction as indicated by white arrows on its surface. As the guide passes through the slot, the switch closes and completes a circuit, which triggers the relay mechanism to increase the count by one up to a maximum of 99. There is a reset button above each counter. The lap counter comes in an illustrated box with an expanded polystyrene base. The box also includes an instruction sheet (in four languages) and a sheet of coloured stickers for lane identification. This was a later accessory so type 2 track sections were always supplied with it. (Top)

Standard Straight

Ref: 2150 - Released 1985. 260mm (6 per box, 2 types)

Half Straight

Ref: 2151 - Released 1985. 130mm (6 per box, 2 types

The standard and half straight sections have small holes on the surface to allow various small plastic obstacles (logs, barrels, sacks, etc – see 2302 below) to be fitted so that the cars have to drive over them.

Reverse Straight pair

Ref: 2152 - Released 1985. 130mm each (1 pair per box, 2 types)

The rails are cut in the middle of each track and wires are soldered underneath each rail and crossed over so that the polarity of the rails change. The driver needs to switch the controller to reverse to continue moving forward. These must be used in pairs but any number of other track sections can be put between these reversing straights so the reverse section of the circuit can be as long as you wish.

Reverse

Standard 90º Curve

Ref: 2153 - Released 1985. (6 per box, 2 types)

Curves

Exterior 45º Curve

Ref: 2156 - Released 1986. (6 per box, 2 types).

As the name indicates, these were designed to fit adjacent to the standard curves to make 4-lane circuits. They are more generally used to add variety to 2-lane circuits.

2 Concave and 2 Convex track sections

Ref: 2154 - Released 1985.

These are used to make elevated tracks, bridges, etc. It is possible to place straight tracks between them so that long inclines and high, elevated sections can be built. The concave tracks have holes at one end so that two adjacent sections can accommodate the Ford Crossing (see 2301 below).

Elevations

Rough Terrain Straight

Ref: 2155 - Released 1985. 260mm (4 per box).

These are the same size as standard straights but are a different moulding and have a bumpier surface for the cars to travel over. They have neither holes for small obstacles nor trackside accessories.

Rough