Getting the slot bug! Want to get a ho scale track for my son and I. Growing up my buddy and I used to like the afx cars.( the 1,s with the motor spinning like a watch on top. They seemed to have weaker magnets,which made them funner to run than the cars with the powerful magnets.Maybe it was just us? What brand track/ cars do u guys suggest we get? Bang for the buck,fun factor,compatable with,ect

I,m thinking somthing new maybe 2 cars around 70.00 or so.
thanks

Because Mattel (which bought Tyco years ago) has been issuing almost nothing over the past couple years, your choices for track really come down to Lifelike and Tomy (AFX).

While I use Tyco/Mattel myself and will continue to do so since I have a huge inventory of new track, Tyco/Mattel is not a good choice if you are just getting started today - simply because Tyco/Mattel isn't producing HO race sets and cars like in the past. Therefore, you don't want to start with something that isn't being made in great volume at the present time.

Of the two remaining choices, Tomy track will probably be recommended by at least 95% of those responding, mostly because of the wide availability and variety of track sections.

As to cars, if you want to go with Aurora-like pancake cars, and not the super sucker magnet cars, your only real choice is to go with the Johnny Lightning or Auto World cars. These replicate, to a great degree, the Aurora Thunderjets and Magna-Tractions. All other widely available cars - Tyco, Tomy and Lifelike - use far heavier magnetic downforce than your old AFX cars.

Joe

As Joe stated, slim pickins out there on tracks. IMO Tomy would be a better choice, I'm just not sure you're gonna do it your budget.

And as far cars, he's dead on. Go with the AW/JL to relive your Aurora & AFX days, then the mag cars for all the kids and if you really get into this. You can still find original Aurora TJets and AFXes all over the internet. So jump in and have a ball! :thumbsup::thumbsup: rr

Thanks guys. huge help
braaaaaaaaaaaaaa

Noticed tower hobbies has some nice stuff.Found a afx giant set for sale locally.62.5ft..

For track, go with Tomy. It's better electrically, and there a better selection of track pieces.

For your budget, though, you'll either have to buy used, or buy Tyco.

You should also consider 1/43 scale. If I were just starting out and interested only in a track for me & my kids, I'd go 1/43. SCX is marketing sets through Target (at a loss I suspect) for around $90-$100, and the bang for the buck looks better than anything in HO or 1/32.

i have had really good luck at thrift stores buying used track,it's worth a try,and then with the money you save,you can afford some awesome cars!

Tomy all the way. The have the most variety of curved track available. Most cars will work with that track and the now have the new terminal track (power pack for each lane) and new power supply.

HO is the way to go.Try to buy a spare motor for
a 1/43 car.Lifelike track has heavy rail and a shallow
slot.AFX is the way to go.If you can't find enough
used track then Tomy is the next choice.The rail is
a little on the light side and the track joints are a
little bumpier.