Today we are looking at our latest Retro-Review, covering the Micro-Scalextric Turbo GT Race Set. I had some challenges finding the release date of this set and posted requests for information in various slot forums and Facebook Groups. Many thanks to Michael Henderson for identifying the release date of January 2014 for this set. I was looking for the pair of Audi R8 LMS GT3 cars from the set, when the opportunity to purchase a new, unopened set became available. Perfect material for a Retro-Review! These types of reviews will be a rarity due to the nature of finding items in good condition and near as complete as possible. But as I run across items or if someone in my orbit has something I can borrow to photograph, I will add these to the Speed Inc website for reference and enjoyment. A quick disclaimer: These are older, out of production items and are not readily available for purchase. So let’s jump into the time machine and take a look at the Micro Scalextric Turbo GT Race Set, P.O. No. P92010, Item No. G1118TF.
I really like the Micro Scalextric line of 1:64th scale slot cars. I race all scales and have been a fan of their 1/32nd scale line of cars and appreciate the smaller scale they manufacture as well. Hornby Hobbies, the parent company of Scalextric, has been around for decades, in various hobby markets from model trains to slot cars to model kits. The 32nd scale cars are readily available in the United States, but the 64th scale line has a limited number retailers and are bit more difficult to find, but they are out there! Scalextric, including their Micro Scalextric lines are very detailed products and capture both the street and racing designs of the cars they offer. The cars are a bit larger than the “standard HO” scale slot car, but are able to pass cleanly on AFX, Auto World and Tyco tracks, as well as the Scalextric track we highlight in this article. Let’s get this party started and see what comes in the box.
The parts and pieces are nicely packaged and are secured well. Nothing arrived broken or missing.
The instruction sheet for the layout includes a clearly illustrated list of all the parts in the box.
The track layout has a footprint of 30 inches by 57 inches and the lap length is 13 feet, 7 inches.
The controllers and power pack have plug-in connections and are clearly marked on the terminal track. The power pack produces 19 volts with .5 Amp output.
The controllers have a cool feature for beginner racers. There is a dial that can be adjusted with a flat-tip screwdriver that limits the trigger position. The pictures above on the left side show the restricted trigger setting. The pictures on the right show the dial change and the full trigger range.
The race set comes with some special track sections. A tight hairpin curve and a fifty count, mechanical lap counter.
Audi R8 LMS GT3 – Flat Black/Yellow #1A (Kangaroo)
Audi R8 LMS GT3 – White/Black/Red #2A (Black Widow)
The Micro Scalextric chassis has braided pick ups and uses a similar motor seen in the AFX Turbo and SRT chassis. The 7 tooth pinion and 25 tooth crown make up a standard gear ratio of 3.57 to 1, the same as Life-like and Tyco. There is also the EMF interference filter circuitry present at the motor contacts. A pair of small dot traction magnets help keep everything drivable in the corners. The tires are rubber and are rather hard, not offering much grip. To check the performance level of these chassis, check the article comparing inline HO chassis: https://speedincslotcars.com/how-to-articles/performance-reports/2015-comparing-modern-ho-scale-inline-chassis/
Micro Scalextric Chassis Top View.
Micro Scalextric Chassis Bottom View.
The Micro Scalextric track is unique to the brand and does not connect to other brands (AFX, Auto World Tyco, etc.). The connections are tight and the rail contacts worked well in my set.
Here are a few action shots of the Audi R8 racers on the layout.
The Micro Scalextric Turbo GT Race Set was a very good beginners set. With the ability to restrict the controller settings and the size of the track layout made this a good purchase for beginners in the hobby. The detail and race liveries of the Audi R8 LMS GT3 cars make for excellent items to add to any collection. Overall, the track was easy to assemble and operate. A very good combination of cool cars and easy to use track and accessories.