by LAMing » Wed May 01, 2013 7:38 pm
Add me to the list of still racing on plastic and still on the floor! (When we race.)
I love the way some plastic tracks handle. Several years ago, when I decided do redabble in "today's" slot cars, it was only natural that I go a 1/32 set. My first attempt was a Ninco F1 set. Didn't EVEN like the gritty texture of the track. Racing on it felt like racing HO cars... only bigger cars.
That's why I went with Carrera because it reminded of the smooth finish found on Strombecker, Revell, Aurora, Eldon, etc... all track systems that I've owned and used extensively. Next thing was to pull the magnets!
However, just so you know I'm not a total fuddy-duddy... my Carrera is the D132 system. I'm setting us up (the family and me) to race dirt-style 2 lane oval using the bigger Carrera curves, aprons, and 4-5 of us racing at once. Sort of like the 1/4 mile dirt bullrings that used to dot the countryside. Anyway... that's the plan.
Now, back to Strombecker:
Long story short... I discovered that the old Strombecker stuff was still available at very resonable prices back in about '1990 or '1991... so I got back into it in a big way. Back then you could buy the vintage stuff for a few dollars, refurbish it... and race the stuffin's out of it. There was also NOS leftovers from the French days of Strombecker. (I'm talking brand new in-the-box cars for about $20. I would purchase them by the dozen! I also stocked up on tires by the dozens and parts/etc.) I purchased almost everything available many times over through a local slot track (at the time.) Such as the Chapparal coupes, Ford GT's, J cars, Olds Specials, McLarens, etc, etc, etc. To me, the plastic chassis w/peanut can motors were actually prefered over some of the true vintage chassis and motors. I would use new chassis under restored vintage shells... had some GREAT looking and great running Strombecker cars.
It was fun while it lasted!