Hey Guys, I'm Hoping to get some help from all of you HO slotcar Hobbyists with regards to LifeLikes' future offerings. I organized and ran the LifeLike challenge at this years HOPRA Nats. I had the pleasure of working with some fine people at Walthers/Lifelike. I have since kept in contact with a number of these people. Today I was talking with A top developer and decision maker regarding the lifelike line. He requested some feedback from the racers. Your feedback is critical in deciding which way the company may go regarding future offerings. Here are his questions seeing that the company's Nascar line is pretty well set with the COT right now.

"My question is: Would customers prefer to see vintage cars, muscle cars,etc or go for the hot new cars like the new Camaro, Corvettes, ShelbyMustang etc. The 2005 Mustang GT did very well, so I know that has some appeal.

Second question is more open - what cars would you like to see from Life-Like in the long-term?

Third question - what track & accessories are most needed that people would buy? There are so many things we COULD do, I need the help in whittling it downto what would be best-sellers. Those successes would pay for futuredevelopment. Thanks again!

Thanks guys for any help you could offer.

"My question is: Would customers prefer to see vintage cars, muscle cars,etc or go for the hot new cars like the new Camaro, Corvettes, ShelbyMustang etc. The 2005 Mustang GT did very well, so I know that has some appeal.
I personally would prefer the newer cars, particularly racing cars such as the GT class cars that race in the ALMS series like the Corvette C6-R, Aston Martin DBR9, Ferrari F430, Porsche 911GT3, Ford GT, etc. etc. I think the vintage lines are pretty well represented in the hobby already.

Second question is more open - what cars would you like to see from Life-Like in the long-term? Aside from the new sports car mentioned, since Life Like is in bed with the NASCAR license, how about a historical series of stock cars with some old Chargers, Monte Carlos, Cutlasses, Torinos, Cyclones, etc.? A new narrow chassis for a modern Indy or F1-style car would be neat too. Tuner cars, although not my thing, would appeal to the younger set and they are the future.

Third question - what track & accessories are most needed that people would buy? There are so many things we COULD do, I need the help in whittling it downto what would be best-sellers. Those successes would pay for futuredevelopment. Thanks again! How about some wide radius banked turns, say a 21" & 24" set that can nest side by side for a 4-lane option, say at about 25 degrees of bank? How about better track connections for Life Like? How about scenery items like a modern aluminum-style grandstand? How about a 'fan pak' to populate said grandstands? How about little HO race car mechanics or turn marshals? Race officials. You'll get plenty of responses on this one . . . this is just what I thought of in about 30 seconds.

Thanks guys for any help you could offer.

How's that for a starter?

1:64 scale people would be cool. Walthers carries Preiser. They have 1:87 and 1:72 figures that could be produced in 1:64 for good results. Some slot heads are buying the existing Preiser figures now. However, the Lifelike (as well as Tomy and Mattel) line is 1:64. Mechanics, setting and standing spectators and track workers would sell. That would give Lifelike customers among racers that don't buy their cars. Some sample existing figures to produce in 1:62 are

http://www.walthers.com/exec/productinfo/590-72512

http://www.walthers.com/exec/productinfo/590-68212

http://www.walthers.com/exec/productinfo/590-68210

http://www.walthers.com/exec/productinfo/590-68203

http://www.walthers.com/exec/productinfo/590-68204

Modern and near modern street and GT cars would work. Mattel is not releasing new items and Tomy is limited to a few a year. There is a void to fill.

What doba said!

How's that for a starter?

Nuff Said !:woohoo::wave::thumbsup:

I would like to see LifeLike make some of these vintage Nissan 240Z bodies like Rokar made.
They were the most popular Rokar slot cars.

They have a real nice stance with their flared fender wells and spoilers.

http://i38.tinypic.com/2n6rne9.jpg

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I would love to see the old monte carlos, torino's, etc. running around the track, old school Nascar style as well.

Ditch the T and go back to the M chassis, something that can be a little more open in the upgrade department...

...Ditch the T and go back to the M chassis, something that can be a little more open in the upgrade department...

Yes. http://i33.tinypic.com/246rr13.jpg

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http://www.sloganizer.net/en/style8,SuperFist.png

M-Chassis, and how about a generally shaped Daytona Prototype that can be done in so many ALMS schemes that you'd never get tired of it.

Accessories: How about an old style lap counter/timer with a refueling function that brings in racing strategy. I had one of the old A/FX stations like that once, it was continually rebuilt until it finally died.

How about all the stuff Mattel is NOT doing?
So much mentioned before, scenery, people, old cars, new cars and BRING BACK THE M!!!
Does the guy you talked to know how much used LL track is going for on ebay? Nothing. Why? Because they don`t offer enough turn options to make a good four lane track. If they made the turns, we would find a way to make the connections work. Look at the poor quality coming from Tomy, and yet just because they offer more turn options, Tomy used track is worth more. Why kill the M?

Rich

Oh, and along with that seventies stock car stuff, I would like to see some eighties stuff to, like a better Tbird and an aerocoupe Monte Carlo.
ON AN M CHASSIS!!!!

por favor
Rich

#1 for me would be a bigger variety of turns, and get rid of that ridge in the middle of the track

#2 would be a chassis which is narrow, taking advantage of that unique can motor

#3 would be some IMSA or ALMS cars

Looks like you have a good start so far. One thing they might consider since their track has been it's weakest sales point. Redesign the earlier mentioned flawes out of their current product and consider making a 4 lane version as well. I'd consider a one piece 4 laner sectioned track to replace the current TOMY one I use if the quality was there. Would be nice not to have gaps to fill in on the turns. ;) rr

Good job Bob on keeping the dialog open.

Big, realistic banked corners are a no brainer. The only problem is that very few racers use LL track. If LL wants to cannibalize some of Tomy's market, just build these corners to the Tomy spec. AW did it but provided no new compelling pieces. Since the LL track has such low acceptance by racers changing over to Tomy spec track as a "Pro Series" line may make sense with a gradual replacement of the current LL track over time with the new Tomy-compatible format. They already make adapters. While Tomy track has some shortcomings it is very widely accepted and the defacto standard for racers building setups from snap together track. Having some compelling new pieces like realistic banks and larger nestable chicanes that I could drop into any Tomy layout would have immediate value. Designing an entirely new track format requiring all new molds would seemingly be cost prohibitive to LL and still have a problem trying to unseat Tomy.

Anything on the scenery front would be most welcome. When I look through the Walther catalog I'm always hoping to find RR structures that I can adapt to HO slot car use, mostly to no avail. Some purpose built HO slot car racing accessories and structures would be most welcome. We need more auto racing specific scenery and structures. Look at what the 1:32 scale guys have and give us the same. Putting some of the smaller items like pit crews, tool boxes, tools, tire racks, compressors, air guns and hoses, etc., in a premium "diorama package" option to sell through the car sales channel would be great. Branded haulers, while done before in small numbers by Tyco, would be be even better if done in modern forms and with current team colors, both for NASCAR and F1.

A combination scenic bridge with and integrated timing system would be most welcome. Something akin to the bridge structure at Dover with an integrated lap counter and timer. Simple, totally self contained, and geared for home use.

I brought up the cluster-of-fans thing to them earlier when they indicated to me that making individual scenic people is an expensive undertaking. (Unless you want a bunch of lime green and hot pink fans from a Hong Kong fashion show...). If Walthers would simply make some attractive, scenery quality, but still totally rugged racing style guard rails for HO they'd get 100% market share very quickly. Every one of the current HO guard rails look like a crude afterthought.

Changing back to the M chassis would be very cost prohibitive. The T chassis is obviously less expensive to manufacture. A compromise would be to slightly tweak the T chassis so the motor box can be snapped in and out easily by the customer. Make the motors boxes available separately. No soldering required. Offering up different grade motors would be interesting, but again could be a cost issue. Enabling the snap-in replacement motor box would spur aftermarket producers to come up with innovative upgrades. Also make the chassis electrical conductors available separately and perhaps in plated grades. The bottom line, stop treating the T chassis like a throw away. Beef it up and make it serviceable. It has the performance, it just needs work in the serviceability area.

Here's some quick hitters: Bring back the Rokar/LL open wheeled bodies painted in modern liveries. While these are not up to the precise modeling quality of the upcoming RaceMasters products, they are very pleasant to look at and to use. I would buy one of every color scheme offered. Walthers must have the molds for these so resurrecting them with decent paint schemes should be a quick hit. Same for the existing LL Porsche 911 body. Start cranking those out with nice, conservative paint schemes (no lightning bolts) and racers will snap them up in bulk. If the old Rokar 240z body mold is still laying around somewhere, please start using it.

Finally, keep doing what you're doing with the NASCAR line. Nobody else has that market covered and the quality of the LL cars in this area have just gotten better over the last couple of years, during the Walthers era. Keep 'em coming and expand the liveries.

Hot Rods and Mussle cars...Hot Rods and Mussle cars....Hot Rods and Mussle cars....
Hot Rods and Mussle cars....Hot Rods and Mussle cars....Hot Rods and Mussle cars...
Hot Rods and Mussle cars... Hot Rods and Mussle cars...Hot Rods and Mussle cars.....


uh, have I made my point?

hehehehe

Some nicer rims would be cool too!

Guys--- great suggestions--- keep-em coming. I too had inquired last year about the Datsun and Porsche bodies Rokar had. It seems the molds were not included with the Rokar sale to Life-like or never sold to Walthers if they were. A quick call to John Cukras had him confirm that the molds for these were originally Cox's property and he did not know thier whereabouts.

Vintage NASCAR bodies and paint schemes would be a HUGE hit. And dedicated race facility structures and accessories would also go a long way.

Good job Bob on keeping the dialog open.

Big, realistic banked corners are a no brainer. The only problem is that very few racers use LL track. If LL wants to cannibalize some of Tomy's market, just build these corners to the Tomy spec. AW did it but provided no new compelling pieces. Since the LL track has such low acceptance by racers changing over to Tomy spec track as a "Pro Series" line may make sense with a gradual replacement of the current LL track over time with the new Tomy-compatible format. They already make adapters. While Tomy track has some shortcomings it is very widely accepted and the defacto standard for racers building setups from snap together track. Having some compelling new pieces like realistic banks and larger nestable chicanes that I could drop into any Tomy layout would have immediate value. Designing an entirely new track format requiring all new molds would seemingly be cost prohibitive to LL and still have a problem trying to unseat Tomy.


Another alternative would be to adopt the old Tyco track design. Spend your dollars on developing track pieces that Mattel has dropped or never had. Buy the more mundane pieces from Mattel for sets. LL could even offer to sell Mattel some track, if they ever felt the need.

Old Tyco customers would want to buy the new pieces, as would new customers who want to build new tracks using your pieces. If it makes financial sense, start replacing the Mattel pieces with your own equivalents over time.

The person called 'Grandcheapskate' on this board has some already-made molds for some of the missing Tyco track pieces that I'm sure that he would be willing to part with for a reasonable price.

-- Bill

:thumbsup:Hot Rods and Mussle cars...Hot Rods and Mussle cars....Hot Rods and Mussle cars....
Hot Rods and Mussle cars....Hot Rods and Mussle cars....Hot Rods and Mussle cars...
Hot Rods and Mussle cars... Hot Rods and Mussle cars...Hot Rods and Mussle cars.....

Some nicer rims would be cool too!

Couldn't have said it better. As long as they continue to turn out jelly bean nascars with different liveries I will continue to not buy them ! I know a lot of you like nascar and that s cool but I'm not interested in them at all so my money will go else where until they come out with some other type of car.
Track has to be compatible with Tomy and or I am not switching to/ buying it either. And Yes if someone is listening make some track available in four lane sections ! If they did taht then I would probably TOTALLY switch !
Scenery , That was pretty well covered in a previous post ,and I will add Walthers has the capability to come up with this stuff so go for it ! Grand stands, pit shops, people, etc etc. Everything AFX too said !

Hi Guys!

I currently own and race on Life Like track and I really like it.

I have pretty much owned all other tracks over the years AFX, Tomy, Tyco.

I have found that I like Life Like the best but the only drawback is the lack of available different track pieces.

If Life Like would provide the same track pieces as Tomy does, I think you would have a much better track system just from the stand point of how the track pieces lock together alone.

My expreience with tomy was if you didn't nail or glue it down over a small time the track pieces work themselves apart.

Life Like stays together really well.

I would like to build a 4 laner with flat curves but it isn't possible currently.

Also I would like to see some vintage nascars brought out also from the '70's-'80's using the m chassis.

The t chassis are just too fast......

Just my 2 cents worth from a guy who races on Life Like track

Wayne :thumbsup:

Fire everybody currently involved with their slot car program. LOL!

Hire designers who have actually seen a car...or ...might actually be able to draw one.

The first guy who sez, "that cars wheel wells look like a rock crawler's" ...or "that A-pillar looks like a phone pole"....well that guy should head up the division! With a few exceptions, rubber stamping half arsed carp is what got us where we are today. If said model car was upscaled to 1:1 and yer grandson could then ride his big wheel under it then the guy who approved that design needs to be culled er killed.

Havent we suffered the four wheel drive ride height stickee outee wheel thing enough? Simply put, if it looks retarded it IS retarded. Find some person who knows the difference and has the hair to say "not no , but hell no!". Rather than some politically correct bobble head who sez "Oh lookee Johnny made poopy on a slot chassis, fetch him a gold star and lets box it up".

Track is track until someone makes straights that are straight and curves with complimentary radii that nest. Perhaps some rocket scientist could get rid of that track joint that looks like a jack-o-lantern mouth.

Accessories? How about decent clean power and a controller that didnt fall out of the gumball machine at Safeway. Do that first and then we'll talk bridges, paddocks, and luxury boxes.

From my perspective it's pretty easy to wish for pie in the sky for the near dead hobby I love. The cold hard fact is that until someone can do the basics right it's all gonna be Disney Pixar, Nasblobs, and Candy coated spoiler-mobiles to appeal to the broader kiddie market.

Prove me wrong ;)

Please prove me wrong!

If they really wanna research the slot hobby, invite them to join Hobby Talk, or any other slot board so they can see with their own eyes where they are and where they need to be. AKA the great divide.

Sorry guys, I need more coffee....maybe a bran muffin? ;)

Hands down Walthers makes the best structers imo. Just think of what they could do with grandstands, pit areas, concession stands, etc.

Guardrales are a must. Relistic rails would be a instant seller.

Going with the NASCAR theme, bring out some of the old cars from the 70s-90s.

Modern cars would be great as well....I want to line up a Bugatti Veyron against a Ferrari FXX.

As for the track, I currently have a decent size life-like set, but due to the lack of track choices; i.e curves; I am going to have to switch to Tomy when I build my new 5x10 layout.

... but it seems like they don't know a real lot about us either. I don't buy their stuff... it's always been too toylike and scale-wise too big (for my tastes). Tell them to look at Racemasters GT40's for starters. Producing cars with that level of realism would be the only way to get a guy like me to even think about buying their cars. More track choices and smooth quality is what will sell for them. Just different pieces with mediocre quality will not make their stuff fly off shelves. nd


BTW: Don't EVER do this again either. It was just wrong...

:eek:

http://i552.photobucket.com/albums/jj342/tjd241/LLikeTurquoiseSuperbird.jpg

Get the cars at race trim out of the box, (Ride hieght). Make them were the can pass on a straight without scrapin each other, the corner is one thing, but if you couldn't get down a straight with out swappin paint the black flag would be thrown fast. Instead of tow lane, how about four lane sections out off the box? How bout differant sets that make eight lanes? Big huge sweepers for corners, fast ones with a little banking built in. 36" straights 48"straights along the lines of the routed track sections (sorry about that max track, wiz track, bowman tracks) everything else someones allready posted. this might even be redundant.

So here ya go. Case and point.

Take this to yer NEW design team and ask them what's wrong with this picture?

I'll go ahead and start and wont go into a bunch of Mopar technicalities. We'll save that for the diehards if the designers ever even come within a handgrenades toss of something representational.

1. The rear fenderline is straight at the top ! She'll make a dandy 'Camino trash hauler. One could utilize the rear wing to roll yer tarp on when not in use. Dont want yer garbage blowin' up and down the interstate. Ya might get a ticket for littering. Perhaps we can send one to this car after the fact. :p

Clearly an attempt was made at duplicating the nose but they picked up their ruler instead of their french curve when it came time for the rear portion of this car. Shhhhhhh. Nobody will notice. ;)

2. Along those lines. Note how delightfully the rear wheel well is cut well above the hip. This bikini cut will require a Brazilian wax to keep my interest. Looks like something I did in third grade. Not to mention how the forward part of the rear arch falls away at the straight angle? ...instead of rounding down and back as it falls under....well that is what left and right handed tin snips are for....sheesh! :rolleyes:

3. Is that chassis even centered in the wells? The front tires say no!

4. So tell us Mr. Design-o-guy is that roof something left over from yer Elvis impersonation days?...or did yer rug fall into the injection molder?

5. Nice trim! Are those 2x4's spray painted or were they plated with gumwrappers?

6. Dont think that glass will pass DOT inspection in my state. Either that or ya better give those kids in the back seat some water. Judging by the fog content they appear seriously dehydrated.

Nuther Dave went straight for the throat of the issue here. If yer gonna make more of this stuff...how about "let's not and say ya did"! Somewhere we went from Model Motoring to "Buy our junk because that is all there is".

Again, with a few exceptions, the soul of slots has been stripped away into a black line redline battle at the bottom of some spread sheet. I wouldnt go so far as showing them a Racemasters offering....that'd scare them away for sure. Perhaps show them some of Harrison Woodrow's finely detailed bodies, or even some of the nicer AW offerings to show them where the bar really is.

If ya can get halfway between the aforementiond and this pile pictured below...we may have something to talk about.



http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f30/modelmurdering/whatamess.gif

Bill you crack me up!! Well said!!
I vote for Bill to head up the new design team!!

[QUOTE=Bill Hall;2526934]So here ya go. Case and point.

Take this to yer NEW design team and ask them what's wrong with this picture?

I'll go ahead and start and wont go into a bunch of Mopar technicalities. We'll save that for the diehards if the designers ever even come within a handgrenades toss of something representational.

1. The rear fenderline is straight at the top ! She'll make a dandy 'Camino trash hauler. One could utilize the rear wing to roll yer tarp on when not in use. Dont want yer garbage blowin' up and down the interstate. Ya might get a ticket for littering. Perhaps we can send one to this car after the fact. :p

Clearly an attempt was made at duplicating the nose but they picked up their ruler instead of their french curve when it came time for the rear portion of this car. Shhhhhhh. Nobody will notice. ;)

2. Along those lines. Note how delightfully the rear wheel well is cut well above the hip. This bikini cut will require a Brazilian wax to keep my interest. Looks like something I did in third grade. Not to mention how the forward part of the rear arch falls away at the straight angle? ...instead of rounding down and back as it falls under....well that is what left and right handed tin snips are for....sheesh! :rolleyes:

3. Is that chassis even centered in the wells? The front tires say no!

4. So tell us Mr. Design-o-guy is that roof something left over from yer Elvis impersonation days?...or did yer rug fall into the injection molder?

5. Nice trim! Are those 2x4's spray painted or were they plated with gumwrappers?

6. Dont think that glass will pass DOT inspection in my state. Either that or ya better give those kids in the back seat some water. Judging by the fog content they appear seriously dehydrated.

Nuther Dave went straight for the throat of the issue here. If yer gonna make more of this stuff...how about "let's not and say ya did"! Somewhere we went from Model Motoring to "Buy our junk because that is all there is".

Again, with a few exceptions, the soul of slots has been stripped away into a black line redline battle at the bottom of some spread sheet. I wouldnt go so far as showing them a Racemasters offering....that'd scare them away for sure. Perhaps show them some of Harrison Woodrow's finely detailed bodies, or even some of the nicer AW offerings to show them where the bar really is.

If ya can get halfway between the aforementiond and this pile pictured below...we may have something to talk about.



I couldn't agree more , infact I thought some of the Nasblobs looked wrong too but with them all being inverted bathtubs I couldn't tell for sure.If I would buy any of there products they would have to improve there cars looks

Fire everybody currently involved with their slot car program. LOL!

Hire designers who have actually seen a car...or ...might actually be able to draw one.

The first guy who sez, "that cars wheel wells look like a rock crawler's" ...or "that A-pillar looks like a phone pole"....well that guy should head up the division! With a few exceptions, rubber stamping half arsed carp is what got us where we are today. If said model car was upscaled to 1:1 and yer grandson could then ride his big wheel under it then the guy who approved that design needs to be culled er killed.

Havent we suffered the four wheel drive ride height stickee outee wheel thing enough? Simply put, if it looks retarded it IS retarded. Find some person who knows the difference and has the hair to say "not no , but hell no!". Rather than some politically correct bobble head who sez "Oh lookee Johnny made poopy on a slot chassis, fetch him a gold star and lets box it up".

Track is track until someone makes straights that are straight and curves with complimentary radii that nest. Perhaps some rocket scientist could get rid of that track joint that looks like a jack-o-lantern mouth.

Accessories? How about decent clean power and a controller that didnt fall out of the gumball machine at Safeway. Do that first and then we'll talk bridges, paddocks, and luxury boxes.

From my perspective it's pretty easy to wish for pie in the sky for the near dead hobby I love. The cold hard fact is that until someone can do the basics right it's all gonna be Disney Pixar, Nasblobs, and Candy coated spoiler-mobiles to appeal to the broader kiddie market.

Prove me wrong ;)

Please prove me wrong!

If they really wanna research the slot hobby, invite them to join Hobby Talk, or any other slot board so they can see with their own eyes where they are and where they need to be. AKA the great divide.

Sorry guys, I need more coffee....maybe a bran muffin? ;)

Don't apologize , your right on buddy

4 lane track that is tomy compatible and vintage nascars.

First of all, get this through your thick skulls: While NAStyCAR is incredibly popular here, it is not the only racing that Americans are interested in. And even NAStyCAR bodies that look like the blow up displays at the local carry-out are not going to appeal to anyone but the most diehard Earnhardt fan.

You people put incredible detail into train engines, cars, people, buildings. Hell, even your scaled vehicles for the train hobby look fantastic compared to what you offer in your slot cars. Is it that difficult to see? Your trains sell because they are detailed to the nth degree. Why aren't you slot cars selling? Because they look like cheap cracker-jack toys, that's why. Sit down and compare some of your slot cars to their 1:1 caounterparts and ask yourself. "If this was one of our trains, would this be acceptable?" And be honest with your answer.

Let me tell you this; I, for one would have gladly paid double what I did for the SRT GT40s I bought. Why? because they were WORTH that.

Here's another point to bake your noodles on: Why do I keep seeing the same thing offered over and over and over and over again? Where's the variety? The newness? Ok you're doing NASCAR. Four bodies with 43 different paint schemes. Well whoopity-ping-fizz!!!

Do you know why HO slot racing was popular in the '60s and '70? I'll tell you. Every time I walked into the local hobby shop there was something new. Something different. Something I wanted and HAD to have. By the time I was old enough to drive I had hundeds of cars. Not just a few different bodies with hundreds of different paint jobs. In fact I don't think I bought the same body in more than two different colors and in most cases only one color.

And back then they didn't have the rapid prototyping technology and CAD/CAM that you have available to you today. I would think it would be far easier today to pump out a new design once a month than it was then. So why is it when I go into the local hobby shop I don't see the new designs like I did then. Now I look at the HO slot car case and say, "Yeah, I got those. Oh! Look! More new stuff for 1/32!!! I wish they made THAT one in HO."

Maybe that's why 1/32 has remained popular even after all these years.

Look, you can do it with trains. Do it with cars and you'll be surprised at the results.

The Walthers-era NASCARs in no way resemble the jelly-beaners that LL was cranking out under previous ownership. The previous generation Dodge COYs and latest round of COTs are much more than respectable, they are pretty darn nice and do justice to the genre whether you like NASCAR or not.

One key component that Walthers must recognize, something that Aurora had instilled in their culture when they were on top of the HO slot car world, is the mutually beneficial relationship between real racing and slot car racing. Anything Walthers can do to forge a relationship with the racing organizations and racers who have a large following in the slot car buying demographic will pay off in the long run in slot car sales. Having the popular team logos on the boxes and on the cars is a good first step, getting a top shelf driver to promote the LL product during holiday buying season would take it to a whole new level. Yeah, that kind of promotion does not come cheap, but sometimes you have to spend money to make money.

I dont have to many LL cars,but the ones I do have I have run a LOT.
I like the fact that pretty much straight out of the pack,with maybe just simply dialing in a rear tire size,these babies can GO!!!!!

I hope that LL takes in you guys suggestions and continues to move forward with their slot car line.
I would definitely add more to my box down the road if they were to do some interesting body styles.

Mike

Walthers knows the train market very well. In some ways, we aren't all that different than train heads. Many of us want a complete, realistic experience. Trains are very detailed and there is a plethora of products to make a layout literally come alive - figures, animals, structures, vehicles, landscaping materials, etc. Those are the things that elevate a train set from a simple toy to something people will enjoy for a lifetime.


Walthers could do well to look at 1:32 racing to learn what works in the slot car arena. Scalextric has been around about forever and one could use their business model for building up the HO market. Just look at their site:

http://www.scalextric.com/

Look at Trackside Accessories. You will find figures, buildings and other items that are not that different that what train enthusiasts use except the items are focused on auto racing versus city or rual scenes.

Check out their track. They have 4 radius options. They offer 22.5 degree curve sections which really allow more variation in a layout than 45s do. Every radius has a corresponding corner apron. Offer turns in 22.5, 45 and 90 deg sections.

All of these things allow a 1:32 slot head to build a realistic looking layout. Walthers would know how well trains would see without the scenery - poorly would be my guess. All the add ons wouldn't be out there if nobody wanted them - supply and demand. They could prove how well HO slot cars would sell with scenery.

They could start with a simple part. Make turn aprons that would work with the Tomy range of curves. I would buy these. Make people and buildings. I would buy those as well. Sitting people could come in groups of 4 or 6. There are a couple of dozen manufacturers making 1:72 and/or 1:32 military figures - the technology is out there. That would appeal to all HO racers what ever track they own. Use the profits to revamp their own track offerings.

Try adding a couple of decent GT cars with M chassis to the market. If the 240Z and Carrera aren't available, offer something similar. Offer up the open wheel car. Sell some with white bodies and stickers. Kids can use the stickers to dress up the car and adults can paint them to thier liking.

Just some thoughts...

I forgot turn aprons, turn aprons, 4 lane track that is tomy compatible and old time nascars

I have to agree with Dragon here. Nascar is not the only racing out there and I want some other cars before I let go of the money , period.
AFX I think you also have a valid point about being linked to a real racer as well that should seem like a no brainer in fact.
And Resin says a mouth full here to. Infact I think we should bombard Racemasters , Mattel with emails stating our wants. If they came out with just one product that we wanted and it did well then the snowball effect would begin.

You don't need to bombard Racemasters. Steve Russell is out there, tuned in and receptive.

As for Walthers, whilst I have no trouble believing that they would undertand 'we' would lap up new body styles, I don't know how much that matters to them.

You don't need to bombard Racemasters. Steve Russell is out there, tuned in and receptive.

I didn't mean it in a negative way. Anytime I have called there for help his people have been EXTREMELY helpful . I want them to succede . I just would like them to know what we really want but if he is listening I'm gonna send him my list of wants now, 'cause I got lots of 'em ! LOL :thumbsup:

ScottD,

I did not mean to imply you were being unduly negative. I was not sure you knew what an open door policy Racemasters have, because lets face it it is somewha unusual.

Superb, but unusual nonetheless.

No worries Montoya I knew what you meant . I've alweays liked Racemasters and it's good to know that he is watching and listening. Does he come here to check this site out too? I f we could get just one new item a year , I would be happy ! Turn borders , bigger turn radius curves, grandstands, Tower, pit buildings .... List could go on forever ,LOL !:wave:

I think from a discussion I had with Steve he is aware of and has respect for HT but due to time constraints only really uses SCI.

As for Walthers, it is encouraging that they seem to be trying to tap into our existance, but I won't get too excited about that until there are some tangible results.

After all, AW had a tonne of advice, solicited and unsolicited, but.....

http://photos.hobbytalk.com/data/500/Deckertring2007-_160b.jpg

These are Walthers HO scale train station platforms along my pit lane.

Doba Lookin good man ! Are the pit buildings more of the lego's ? Did you paint them? I like the train station platform on there. I think a lot of train stuff could be easily converted over. Awesome job though

I think from a discussion I had with Steve he is aware of and has respect for HT but due to time constraints only really uses SCI.

As for Walthers, it is encouraging that they seem to be trying to tap into our existance, but I won't get too excited about that until there are some tangible results.

After all, AW had a tonne of advice, solicited and unsolicited, but.....

yeah I can imagine he is a busy guy. I'll try to post some wants on SCI .Like you though with Walthers but would like to see some results.
AW , I know , I know ! LOL
I still buy his stuff though.

Doba Lookin good man ! Are the pit buildings more of the lego's ? Did you paint them? I like the train station platform on there. I think a lot of train stuff could be easily converted over. Awesome job though


Yep - The garages and media center are all Legos. Standard colors, nothing painted except for a handful of orange tiles in the way way back of the orange garage (not a lot of orange tiles in existence, only in Halloween themed sets usually). :freak:

Again guys thanks for the input. I will tell you that i've already recieved an e-mail as of friday from LL and they are listening with the best of intentions. Hopefully you guys will remember that Walthers has only had the slot-car line for about 3-4 years, so please don't hold the current crew responsible for the sins of the past. Also if possible if any of you have photo's of suggested cars or body styles you like feel free to post them as part of your suggestions. THanks again!!

Again guys thanks for the input. I will tell you that i've already recieved an e-mail as of friday from LL and they are listening with the best of intentions. Hopefully you guys will remember that Walthers has only had the slot-car line for about 3-4 years, so please don't hold the current crew responsible for the sins of the past. Also if possible if any of you have photo's of suggested cars or body styles you like feel free to post them as part of your suggestions. THanks again!!

Hey neo if it helps the slot cause I / we are all for it. Hopefully Walthers will really revamp the line.

Okay, let's start with seventies Nascar. (Note the stance of the body on the chassis. The more real they look, the better they'll sell.

Early Seventies

1972 Chevy Monte Carlo
http://www.modelroundup.com/images/y-7212.jpg
http://www.firstgenmc.com/museum/nascar/Nascar72a.jpg

1971 Plymouth Road Runner
http://www.dasautoblog.com/images/2007/07/23/426_nascar_petty_rr_1971.jpg
http://www.mlodeent.com/OLDSTOCK/43cwrr72.jpg

1971 Mercury Cyclone
http://www.gt350h.com/pearson/71merc_riverside.jpg
http://www.gt350h.com/pearson/pearson_cutaway.jpg

1972 Ford Gran Torino
http://image.motortrend.com/f/concours/monterey-historics-a-few-of-my-favorite-things/6951473+w315+cr1+re0+ar1/nascar-1972-ford-torino.jpg
http://images.mustangandfords.com/featuredvehicles/p63340_large+1972_NASCAR_Torino+Passenger_Side_Vie w.jpg

The Mid Seventies

1974 Dodge Charger
http://daytona500.com/uploads/1973D500Petty-AC.jpg
http://www.modelroundup.com/images/pl6607.jpg

1974 AMC Matador.
http://www.javelinamx.com/JavHome/race/mata02.jpg
http://static.howstuffworks.com/gif/1974-nascar-5.jpg

1975 Chevy Laguna S-3
http://daytona500.com/uploads/1977No11HollyFarmsChevy-AC.jpg
http://static.howstuffworks.com/gif/1976-nascar-5.jpg
http://static.howstuffworks.com/gif/1976-nascar-2.jpg

1975 Chevy Monte Carlo(same as the 77, but with round headlights)
http://tbn0.google.com/images?q=tbn:se-wcN8Gpvt5YM:http://www.atthetrackracing.com/racemall/images%2520drivers/darrell%2520waltrip%252005-2.jpg
http://nashville420.com/edited/yarborough%20-%2075%20chev%20NASH.JPG

1974 Mercury Montego
http://www.gt350h.com/pearson/dpearson.jpg
http://www.gt350h.com/pearson/73pearson.jpg

1975 Ford Gran Torino
http://static.howstuffworks.com/gif/1976-nascar-3.jpg
http://static.howstuffworks.com/gif/1976-nascar-4.jpg

The Late Seventies

1977 Oldsmobile Cutlass 442
http://static.howstuffworks.com/gif/1978-nascar-4.jpg

1978 Dodge Magnum
http://www.mopardealer.com/petty78.jpg
http://www.mopardealer.com/78petty43magnum2.jpg

1978 Ford Thunderbird
http://www.onebadwheel.com/images/15C_BobbyAllison_Lg.jpg
http://www.dasautoblog.com/images/2007/07/24/1978_bobby_allison_ford.jpg

1977 Monte Carlo(same as the 75, but with square headlights.)
http://nashville420.com/edited/petty%20-%2077%20chev%20MC.jpg

I would say that about does it for most of the bodies in the seventies. My favorite series would be the mid seventies. Although there have been some attempts by other manufacturers, they haven't been good, and no one manufacturer has done a complete set. The best, of course, was AFX in the seventies. By the way, original AFX stock car bodies are very collectable nowadays, so you don't see anyone racing them. We need something we can race! If Walthers/LL could reproduce these bodies with the detail and stance they have with the recent Charger body, and current COTs, I think you would have a hit. A few years ago, Parma did a lexan set with a 71 Monte Carlo, 71 Road Runner, 71 Cyclone, and a 71 Charger. They sold a ton of them around here. I bought many myself. Make some blank bodies, and test market them here.

Thanks,
Rich
www.myspace.com/northtexasslotcars