Having Fun With HO Slot Car Racing

HO slot car racing is another type of scale-model or miniature car racing. Unlike other slot car scales, HO scale is a rather loose specification referring to the general size of the track. The track scale can range from about 1:87 to 1:64 scale. Thus HO slot car racing tracks can vary in size, so the proper scale slot cars must be matched to the track in use. HO is also a very popular scale for model railroads.

This range of scales falls under the heading HO scale. It is sometimes called H0 scale. It is interesting to compare the HO slot car racing scale to full sized vehicles. At the 1/87 scale, real racing cars 12 feet long would convert to HO slot car racing vehicles 1.7 inches long. A fictitious 6 foot tall driver of that car would be only 0.83 inches tall! On the other end of the HO slot car racing scale, the 1/64 scale car would be 2.25 inches long, with a driver 1.125 inches tall. A typical HO car is between 2.5 inches and 3.5 inches long. HO slot car racing vehicles of these sizes are very similar to the Matchbox brand of miniature cars collected by many children.

Older HO slot car racing vehicles usually have the smaller 1/87 scale. Newer models correspond to the 1/64 scale. Regardless of the cars' scales, HO slot car racing is generally conducted on the same size track. It is estimated that most HO slot car racing occurs on personal home racing tracks. Organized HO slot car racing competitions do exist, but the larger scale cars seem to be more popular with racers. Perhaps the larger cars reach higher speeds with their larger motors. It is also possible that the larger cars are simply more visible to the crowd than HO slot car racing cars.

HO slot car racing is a good scale for older children to begin using. The smaller track doesn't require large amounts of room to lay out a good design. The cars are speedy and racers must learn the same racing skills are the larger slot car scales. HO slot car racing beginners must learn how to accelerate down the straightaways and stop accelerating before a curve. They must also learn the fine line that is the difference between a HO slot car racing car staying on a curve and flying off with a spectacular crash. Finally, it should be noted that HO slot car racing parts are much smaller than the other scales. They may present a choking hazard for small children. Older children should be supervised until they prove that they can handle HO slot car racing responsibly.

The sport of HO slot car racing uses smaller cars and tracks than most other slot car scales. Typical cars are 2.5 inches to 3.5 inches long. The tracks are narrower and the curves are tighter. Despite the differences, the HO slot car racing experience can provide loads of fun for racing fans of almost any age.

Copyright 2007 James D. Sterling - All Rights Reserved

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