Hi

I found the new Mattell charger/superbird set at Big Lots for 17.99. Never seen them at the local TRU. I got a set for the cars, then noticed the box said "3 position controller". Sure enough, the controllers have a 3 position switch, which i suspect changes the ohm value of the resistor.

Anyone try these out yet? Do they work? I have a routed track and use parma controllers, and havent taken the time to frankenstein up a connection for the stock tyco/mattel controllers

Mike

Hi Mike, I think the 3 positions just restrict how far you can squeeze the trigger. A variable ohm controller would run into some dollars.

Not really,AFX did a vari-ohm controller,it was just a dial type potentiometer wired into the resistor.
Chris

The "switch" blocks how far the trigger can be pulled...

I bought the set. I tried to get my 3-year-old to use the controller with the switch, rigged to my regular layout. It works, but for him it just kinda pisses him off because he has already used regular Tyco controllers without the switch and Parma Econos, and he wants to know why the trigger won't pull all the way. After a few laps, he just diddles with the switch till he gets full power. (Last night, he actually seemed to have figured out nailing it on the big straights and releasing it in time for the corner. He's getting pretty good... :thumbsup: )

the point is, yeah, they work. They'd be good for slot newbies.

--rick

FWIW, just found this set at my local Big Lots too, along with the new Batman set for like $24.99. Just in time for Christmas. Start looking for them at yard sales next summer/fall... :thumbsup:

--rick