5 things about my new hobby.. Slot Cars!

[@andrewgreen1602]

Great work Marty. I started this hobby earlier this year when I joined a local club. The camaraderie is brilliant, so much encouragement and support. I’m 56 and and the guys range from mid 30s to mid 70s yet we all get along great. Keep racing!

[@twolinesslotcars]

I am hoping to start my own club..for that very same reason!

[@ccastaneda669]

Wonderful comment, perfect and exact. Happy racing!!!!

[@MrAlihawk369]

I started three years ago. Joined a club in the Tri-state area and developed great friendships as well. I’m 51 & this brought back memories. We race 1/24

[@All-ScaleSlotCarDen]

You have a way of perfectly articulating exactly how I feel about this hobby. Please keep the videos coming!

[@twolinesslotcars]

Thanks! I am really enjoying the hobby.. seriously considering opening a public track and club..

[@conquestracingclub]

Add a pitlane and fuel through smart race and your racing will turn to strategy as well, when to pit, how much fuel you will need, then add weather and level up!! Most importantly just enjoy the hobby and time with friends

[@twolinesslotcars]

Yes, I agree. I added a pit lane.. we have yet to add weather or damage..

[@greggmartin5830]

What is the name of the App / Software you two would recommend for adding Pit / Gas / Weather / Damage / and other variables

[@andrewbloggs2970]

Enjoyment is enjoyment….👍👀😎

[@twolinesslotcars]

You got that right!

[@Cad1900]

Loved the five and I agree with you. I’m new too and building my track and car collection.

[@oldhick9047]

This is my 56th year in the hobby. There are many ways to have fun, from building brass chassis from scratch to track scenery to collecting. I currently belong to a "Key club" for lack of a better term . We have been racing EVERY Wednesday night for 27 years. I am a newbie with only 15 years in the club. Check it out by Googling Pelican Park Speedway. The best part is the great people involved, I have friendships that are decades old, made through the slot car hobby. Have fun buddy !

[@twolinesslotcars]

Thanks! I love the hobby. Most of my spare time, I am researching to learn and grow in the hobby. It is amazing to see how many people have been racing through out most of their lives. I really enjoy exploring all that is Slot Cars! I appreciate the comment! Enjoy!

[@jimmyz2098]

Love this vid! A lot of fun, and I love your positive attitude, and easy-going nature. It's a funny thing. I've been on vacay 4 or 5 hours way with my Family this week. Came home last night, and I have a few days before going back to work. I do not know why.... but I started thinking pretty hard core about Slot Cars when on vacay. Even took my tablet, and could not stop looking at gear on line. Lots of KZbin vids last night when we got home. And damm if I didn't go out today and buy a set!! LOL My first set of 1/32 scale slots. I did some H-O stuff a LONG time ago as a Kid, with Grandpa and Dad. I'm 52 now, and just got the Carerra Evolution set. Analog. I'll prolly convert to digital at some point - or even run both. But I am so Stoked!! LOL Bought 3 extra cars too - b'c 2 of them were on clearance for $25 and $31 bucks, and are killer. Man.... so looking forward to doing a deep dive into this. Liked and subbed, and I'd like to see more stuff on your channel.

[@twolinesslotcars]

Thanks Jimmy!!! Enjoy your layout!! Slot cars are a lot of fun… and addicting lol.

[@MrBompadoedel]

Enjoy your hobby it’s Amazing!

[@twolinesslotcars]

Thanks!

[@mwayman69]

NO thumbs down. Thumbs UP all the way. Keep up the good work. Hope to hear how you get on.

[@twolinesslotcars]

Thank you so much!!

[@rhysthomas209]

G day Marty , yep it's beautiful hobby your first Aussie regards Rhys watsonia Victoria Australia

[@twolinesslotcars]

Thanks Rhys! I really enjoy the hobby!

[@ccastaneda669]

Wonderful video. Thank you for the information and your hard work.

[@FA-RACE-TEAM]

Glad to continue to follow your new journey in slot cars! Keep it up.

[@twolinesslotcars]

Thanks Shaun!

[@beatnickclassics]

i love your channel....

[@twolinesslotcars]

Thanks so much!

[@greggmartin5830]

Marty, This video is awesome. This is some of the stuff / topics I was talking about when I messaged you yesterday. I forgot I had watched this before. Your channel is really fun. Thanks for the fun content!

[@hobbitracing]

Marty, I'm just latching on to your stuff (as you know) I love your honesty and presentation. Funny that I dailed all the way back to watch this one!

[@twolinesslotcars]

Hopefully I have improved a little since that video.. I think that the content is still valid.. I should probably do an update.. the 5 New things about the hobby. Thanks for tuning in.. I really appreciate it. If you are ever up for joining the livestream... let me know!

[@hobbitracing]

@Marty Ford yup. Will have to join on those chats in the future. We can connect outside of comments

[@SlotCarMisfitsofallscales]

I started a few months back with the AFX International Set four lane four cars four controllers and off to the races we go ! Many groups on fb and live auctions for cars . Would love to go up to 1/32 scale but don’t have the space yet but 1/64 scale is awesome to.

[@calvincooley1074]

Slot cars are like a crack addiction. The difference is that you have something to show and use for decades if the track & cars are maintained. It sure beats lameO video games.

[@mikeluther60]

Facts! I still have my cars from the early 90’s mid 2014ish and recently I’ve been throwing money at it again.

[@harrymole7230]

Thanks Marty.. really good pointers.... I just love your passion for your hobby... I had a slot car set when I was very young... Im into aviation and in particular Flightsimming... but just had a thought to checkout what is out there... seems the digital platform is the way to go... keep going .. this hobby looks awesome

[@twolinesslotcars]

Harry, thanks for stopping by the channel! Yes, the hobby is really starting to come back around. Good luck if you decide to jump in! It is a lot of fun.

[@Graps2040]

Nice video Marty, You’ve got to keep playing. I got my Carrera digital set at 50, almost 7 years on I’m still loving it. Beers, trash talk and racing with your mates. 👍

[@twolinesslotcars]

Thanks Johan! Good to hear you are still enjoying the hobby! I can see this will provide some great times for years to come!

[@bradsanders6954]

Great video! I'm at the 2 month mark also with slots. And kinda lost it for awhile with buying cars, and track, and more cars and track..........but now there's enough for a good while. More track than I can fit into current layout....................some carrera cars handle so well and stick so tight to track........... 2 of those I pulled just the rear magnet out of and its really fun to get the hang of sliding them all around the track....I think it helps with learning to drive all the cars....................my 2 slot it cars...........dang its a trick to make them work....lowered the front on both.......taller rear quick slicks on both cause they drug too much.......replaced braids on both right away.........slottechnic chip in one...slot it chip in the other...........both are really too fast for my track but Im getting the hang of them.

[@twolinesslotcars]

Brad, it is so easy to fall into the trap of buying cars and more track.. because they are so cool!

[@jonhall6963]

When are we racing again??!!

[@twolinesslotcars]

Soon!

[@DustyFord]

Not soon enough!!

[@calvincooley1074]

Whenever we race at home with no marshals (2 lanes) or timer/counter, and one crashes, the other driver stops and resets the car the one of us tosses a small item into the air and when you hear it hit the floor you go.

[@twolinesslotcars]

Ahh that is a great idea.. with the software.. you can do a virtual safety car that sort of automates that..

[@bradsanders6954]

The hobby and time/money question............I have 2 motorcycles I get out very regular dirt and pavement, and 3 serious bicycles I ride 3 or 4 times a week..........and then the slots upstairs.................I try not to think of the cost of the 3 pursuits.

[@twolinesslotcars]

Sometimes we just don't want to know Brad...lol

[@thatslotcarguy]

Great video legend and I think you choose 5 perfect reasons to round off this hobby. Keep up with the good work legend

[@twolinesslotcars]

Thanks Travis!

[@Gale_Force_Raceway]

I'm in! Sub'ed and full bell'ed! We just built 4 X 16 sixty eight footer in our gutted and remodeled basement! I should probably stick my track in my KZbin or something. We just had our debut with 10 friends/rookies and what a blast! Jersey style, so homemade baked ziti and all sorts of goodies, with some racing inbetween lol

[@twolinesslotcars]

This is awesome!!you had me at Baked Ziti!

[@michaelnunez5701]

thanks for the info.keep up the great vids. just getting the slots also. going to purchasing this week

[@dewannclark3144]

Glad you have gotten so into this wonderful hobby! There are so many ways to enjoy it :) Still hoping you can chime in this Wednesday on the World Wide Slot Car Chat on Zoom! It will start at 11am PST or 2 pm EST ... links are on several forms as well as google search for it! any trouble getting on simply hit me up!

[@twolinesslotcars]

Thanks for the invite Dewann!

[@SlotCarWildman]

I started 3 yrs ago but just finally decided to put time into a layout and learning the hobby. Your videos definitely help keep me interested. Haven't gone digital yet but will be working towards it slowly.

[@twolinesslotcars]

Thanks Eric! Just trying to share my experience as a beginner. Happy to know you are enjoying the content. Digital is just a bit more “extra” for me.. but it locks you into one brand of car.. or buying additional digital chips..

[@bradsanders6954]

@@twolinesslotcars 40 bucks per chip per car is no joke. Im leaning towards just hopping up a few carrera cars instead of the chipping route.

[@kevoman2020]

Great video, I'm new to the hobby as well this is helpful.

[@twolinesslotcars]

Welcome aboard!

[@ThomasGaitherJr]

I'm thinking about getting back into slots. I had a few sets as a kid back in the day.

[@twolinesslotcars]

It is a great hobby. It has a lot of momentum right now. New cars being released all the time.

[@hobbying3d]

I just got into the hobby about two months ago as well. I can see how quickly this can snowball into thousands of dollars over the course of a couple years.

[@twolinesslotcars]

Yes, if you are not disciplined 😂, I have not had any trouble keeping the cost down. But because of that.. I don’t have the ability to show off a new car every week 🤷🏻‍♂️ which would be fun and great content for the channel.

[@olafjentzsch6759]

Hey Marty , Great video like I mentioned you have a great track. Welcome to the Slotcars community. I have be into slot cars for over 45 years . You can say I have a major sickness for these little electric cars. It brings back great memories of when I was younger . I can remember when slot cars faded away back in the late 70’s early 80’s but still held on. I grew up on AFX Ho cars but I got into the 1/32 scale and 1/24 as well probably about 12 years ago. Last time I checked I would have to say I have approximately around 100- 1/32 scale cars and over 100 Ho cars. My suggestion too you is don’t get the slot car sickness like i did . It’s hard to stop! Lol😂. Keep bringing great videos and keep it in the slot. I know it’s the best hobby around. I even have a few commercial slot cars that run on tracks you can fine in some hobby shops . Very popular in the 60’s.🏎🏎

[@twolinesslotcars]

Olaf! Thank you so much for the kind words! I think you might be too late… I am addicted!

[@davidwarr8600]

This is a great video and so true. I am so happy that slot car racing is making a come back. I grew up in Montreal in the 60’s and was always a car crazy racing enthusiast and luckily there were other kids in my neighbourhood that were the same. We had a few different board tracks in basements that we raced on weekly. We even held speed weeks and 24 hour races. We went from Strombecker cars to Monogram to Cox and finally home scratch builds. Strombecker actually had a factory in Montreal. I had to make a career move out of Montreal and the hobby seemed to die out in the early 70’s. About ten years ago I came across a Revell Lightweight E-Type that was so well done that I had to have it. I was looking for Jag parts on eBay for my real car. Anyhow one thing has led to another and since then I have bought about twenty new cars and even an original Strombecker set just like the one I had in the 60’s. Also I discovered a club in Edmonton that I joined so I was back on track after over fifty years. Unfortunately I don’t have a place to set up my own track but that is ok. Having a nice digital Sebring layout would be fantastic. BTW, those guys I raced with in the 60’s are still good friends. They don’t race slot cars now but they still follow full size racing.

[@twolinesslotcars]

Thanks for the follow! It is such a fun hobby. Would love to open my own track for the public. Start a club and bring more people into the hobby. We will see where it goes! Thanks for sharing your story!

[@robertsale6528]

Excellent video I agree with all you're saying as a relatively new slotter myself 👍

[@twolinesslotcars]

great to see all of the new people in the hobby..

[@greatnorthern706]

If there is a trade industry, they should hire you as a spokesman! I am almost sold. I have been watching the channels for a while now and am about to jump in. I just broached the topic with my wife about an hour ago. I really wish I could find an active community in the Twin Cities area. I probably just need to look harder. Has anyone ever told you that you look like the Late, Great Joey DeFrancesco? Man could he play the Hammond B3. Miss him.

[@twolinesslotcars]

Thank you.. you are too kind.

[@twolinesslotcars]

No.. I have never been told that.. but I can see the resemblance..

[@MrDarrenp40]

Hi Marty - I recall you chipped your Ford GT40 and so I guess all your cars are chipped to Carrera digital? Have you ever thought about running analogue? As you will know by now, this scopes out what you can run. Personally, I like the latest Frankenslot Speedflow Controllers wirelessly tethered to a Powerbase whilst running power to the rails through a decent lab, regulated adjustable power supply. I have not yet linked a timing set up into all this which is my next step. The great thing about these particular pistol grip controllers is that you can 'phone cord' them into your Carrera Digital power base and run digital this way too. More is the pity Carrera has not managed to run up a digital/analogue switch themselves but, for now, they certainly deliver my preferred choice in available track.

[@twolinesslotcars]

Darren, I am presently looking to make my own analog convertor, I have some ideas and think that it will be a fun project. I have chipped the only non carrera car I own. I need to try the Frankenslot wireless controllers. They have been sold out for a long time.. hopefully more stock soon. Thanks for the comment!

[@Clearwater124]

I purchased the Double Victory 1/24 Carrera digital in the fall of 2020 for my wife and I.....yuk yuk. I now have 90 ft, of track, 5 controllers, nine 1/24 cars, five 1/32 cars, SmartRace app, Ipad, tv to post the smart race. There is a rabbit hole, and it is apparently very deep!

[@twolinesslotcars]

It sounds like you found the rabbit hole 😂 but you probably had just as much fun the first night you set up the starter set.. Which is why you went down the rabbit hole in the first place.. 👍 have fun!

[@jeffprostar1909]

I've learned with the Carrera cars I take off the wings and mirror etc. so they don't get destroyed.

[@twolinesslotcars]

You speak the truth!

[@mwayman69]

Thanks Marty for your very informative, and may I say, humble video. I'm coming on 70 years of age and I used to race slot cars from a young boy. I'm really interested to get back into slot car racing, especially now with digital. I've been going back and forth whether to go with Scalextric, Ninco or Carrera. Scalextric cars are good, but the track is awful. I like Ninco, but no digital support. For me, Carrera is the Rolls Royce of tracks. Unfortunateley, space is an issue, especially living here in the UK. We don't have big basements or large garages for a man cave! Also, the cost and availability. I've watched many videos on KZbin regarding different companies and I know that Carrera is the way to go for me. If only it was easier to get it here in the UK. The Carrera website doesn't even list the UK as a country that they will ship to!!! Anyway, looking forward to your videos. Best wishes.

[@twolinesslotcars]

I will ask around.. I am sure there are online retailers that can ship to you!

[@THEDENDIECASTRACING]

Digital is the way to go it adds a different strategy. However, the old will not convert.

[@MovieGuy846]

All very good points. I got started over 10 years ago with SCX-Digital and it was great before the company started having financial issues. I kept my system but it has been stored due to space issues. So… if I had to give anyone any advice about getting into 1/32nd scale slot cars; make sure you have space. I do plan to get my track going again at some point when the space situation is resolved.

[@twolinesslotcars]

Yes David, I would agree. You have to have the space.. setting up and tearing down a layout is tough. I hope you find time soon to jump back in!

[@calvincooley1074]

Brands: NSR SIDEWAYS SCALEXTRIC (BEST PRICES GREAT CARS) MR. SLOTCAR PIONEER POLICAR FLYSLOT...To name some ...and several others

[@twolinesslotcars]

This is a great list.. I will eventually find my way to most of them.

[@sergiorti]

What made you choose Carrera for the track?

[@twolinesslotcars]

I felt like I wanted digital… and potentially 1/24 scale.. also.. during pandemic.. Carrera was more readily available..

[@chrisstallons]

What do you need to hook up the tv

[@twolinesslotcars]

To share the iPad which is running smart race onto the TV, I am using an Apple TV and mirroring the iPad. You could do the same thing on a chromecast, Roku, or smart tv that has Apple Airplay.

[@oldhick9047]

What type of music does your band play ?

[@twolinesslotcars]

We play christian rock/alternative music and I am also a worship leader at my church.

[@oldhick9047]

@@twolinesslotcars Wonderful ! I love music of all types.

[@richtorrey6457]

Great video Marty. I have been running analog for about 3 years. I am adding digital accessories to run digital also. Please do a video on the smart race app setup. Do you know if I can buy a Digital Racing Solutions adapter with the cable and run it to my PC? I know when I run analog I will need to remove the digital lane changes. I believe Tek-slots is my only option. Thanks for any help with this.

[@twolinesslotcars]

Rich, I am not familiar with The adapter.. Smart Race is an iPad app. I am considering the Tek-Slots switcher, with the switcher you would not have to remove your lane changers.. they just would not work when you are in analog mode.

[@brianjarred340]

Enjoy our hobby 👍

[@twolinesslotcars]

We will!! Thanks Brian!

[@brianjarred340]

@@twolinesslotcars and great to her your enthusiasm when you speak about your hobby . All my cars are Scalextric

[@twolinesslotcars]

@@brianjarred340 I have a Scalextric VW Bus! Love it!

[@brianjarred340]

@@twolinesslotcars G’day Marty , how I can I DM you as I will send you pics of my track 😁 BJ

[@twolinesslotcars]

@@brianjarred340 I am on Facebook and Instagram.. my email is [e-mail]

[@ronloftis9080]

Another great thing about the hobby is the ability to buy "dream" cars or "favorite" cars of cars you saw or had growing up...and only having to spend $50 to $100 for the thrill and memory.

[@twolinesslotcars]

I agree Ron! I would never be able to own a real GT40.. but I can collect them in slot car form! 😊

[@consco3667]

Digital is the way to go for realism. All hobbies are going to cost some bucks. When you get into BRM cars especially at the 1/24 scale they cost a bit. But holy crap is it worth it.

[@twolinesslotcars]

I’m looking forward to upgrading the power supply and jumping into 1/24 scale down the road..

[@consco3667]

@@twolinesslotcars we bought the heavy duty power pack as we plan to have a pretty large layout. As an electrician I have made my own jumpers. They are easy.

[@twolinesslotcars]

@@consco3667 I am adding jumpers to my track this week. We had some issues with 4 cars on the track this weekend and only one jumper..

[@consco3667]

@@twolinesslotcars perfect about every 30 feet Marty and you will be perfect!

[@richardlange9094]

I started 2 years ago. I am building my second track. Made so many mistakes on the first one. It was cool, but lots of errors fora guy who races most of the time by himself.

[@twolinesslotcars]

I am trying to start a club so I do t have to race by myself!

[@richardlange9094]

@@twolinesslotcars I am trying to finish the track to maybe do the same. At 78 working under the table is rough and slow. So many wires.

[@twolinesslotcars]

@@richardlange9094 you are routing a track? Very nice!

[@richardlange9094]

@@twolinesslotcars No it is Carra. Track. Lots of lights , signs and power taps.

[@twolinesslotcars]

@@richardlange9094 fantastic!

[@kevingates1815]

Hi Marty I'm struggling to understand what tires Wil fit on my 132 car like when you go on line they say 17.5×10 mm ore 20×10.5 ,,,now I don't understand how do I know if it will fit I understand the 10 mm and like the 10.5 but I do not understand the 17 and the 20 mm like how do I know the tires Wil go over the rims are all the rims same size I'm so lost with this and if you have just money not to wast you can't buy stuff that won't work ore like I don't want the tires to be loose like the 10.5 and 10 I understand it's the thinkness of the rims but the height is making me loose it

[@twolinesslotcars]

Kevin, I use the charts that the tire manufacturers post about what tires fit what cars specifically. Yes, don’t want to waste money. I would always check the fit charts. What type of cars are you struggling with?

[@kevingates1815]

@@twolinesslotcars I have Carrera cars I have a pdf file that show the factory numbers but here in south Africa they don't sell a lot of different ones for Carrera so they have silicon tires an slot it tires so on the online for hobby shops they just say 20×10mm ore 18.5×10.5mm 21×11 mm if I take my finer it shows the rim is it self is 16×11mm so the tires size they give me online shows the out side diameter of 18.5×11 mm they don't say whats the inside of the tires so I don't no if the tires will come of wen I take a turn because it's not tight on the rim

[@stevesweeney7892]

I Wrote a long reply to a no reply message from you tube. I hate typing on this tiny phone. Chris and I are heavily involved with the Fish and ,Game Dept fir the State of NH. I wrote this reply while getting ready to go for ashes this am. We would have missed as we stayed home Sun as Chris thought she might be getting a cold. Anyway we are very Active with Fish and Game. I am an Instructor as well and do alot with Predator control. I see Dusty makes calls. That is awesome. Chris is a multi time State and National SASS Woman's Champion (Don't worry no one knows what SASS is) I was New Hampshire Men's Champion in 22. Covid and Winters made us idle til we got back into slot cars. Always loved em. I just want to always remember this is for fun. I have raced real cars.....

[@twolinesslotcars]

Yes! All about the fun! My brother Dusty makes amazing calls.. look up Dirt’s Custom Calls.

[@stevesweeney7892]

Thank you. We will check them out.

[@kevingates1815]

I know it's a dumb question what tires and all that but if you don't ask you never know ore learn

[@twolinesslotcars]

No dumb questions, only the questions not asked. I am working on a tire chart to help you.

[@josephkool8411]

I remember TCR Total Control Racing. We used to call it total loss of control racing. Those old slot car track sets were absolute garbage. I got one on my Birthday when I was 10 and I told my parents to return it and just give me money because my friends had them and they all sucked

[@twolinesslotcars]

Lol.. yes, they were fun when the cars were new.. but it faded pretty quick

[@XA351GT]

The rule goes if you reach 50 YO and haven't grown up you don't have to. . I'm going to be 59 and my wife is cool with all my car related hobbies and passions.

[@twolinesslotcars]

I like this rule!