I am a houseparent for an Christian organization that operates group homes for children. We raise them in a family Christian environment.

Currently, I am very into RC car racing, and have always had a fondness in my heart for slot cars. My dad bought us a few sets growing up.

We had tried going the ultra cheap method of buying no-name brand slot car sets and trying to modify the controllers. I found they were always very inconsistent and the cars would fly if anywhere beyond mid-throttle. This made racing with little kids impossible.

Yesterday, on a whim while at the RC/Slot race track I picked up a Scalextric Mini Cooper set. WOW!!! What a difference. The cars are still way too fast for the little kids, but they are learning VERY quickly. The controllers are much more consistent and work well with their little hands. When I say little kids I mean from 3-7 years old. Currently that is what we have in the house.

What I need, is a source of basic, inexpensive cars that I can buy and present one to each child. That way they have "ownership". Many times with ministry, kids can be harsh on things if the item is not "theirs". Does any one know of a good source for inexpensive 1/32 slot cars? Even slow shipping is not an issue and this can give the kids something to look forward to and learn patience.

And if anyone has any donations.. The gift will be tax deductible and we will send you a receipt for your gift.

Thank You!

Your best bet would be the classifieds type section on forums like this one.

You could also get the kids minds going and look at some of the info here for modifying models and other toys into slot cars.


Flea markets is another good place!

I found my SCX set at a Good Will shop the other week but chances on that are slim. Childrens consignment shops sometimes have them and if you talk to the manager usually they can put you on a list and keep a eye out for you.

thrift stores are a great source,i have had good luck...an inexpensive brand is artin.also the older types(eldon strombecker,etc...)can be found for cheap aswell.good luck!

Hi,
Scalextric makes some cheap cars with blacked out windows (those Mini Coopers may be that type). They are good for kids since they don't have small parts that break off. They retail for less than $30 each.
Greg

Hello! We maybe able to get you some nice cars, cheaper than $30.00. Please email us....just, so that we can get back to you.....when we find a deal. Please indicate, the amount you are wanting.

Repost - Posted this in the other thread you posted in:

Railroader,

As far as an inexpensive, yet durable 1/32 slot car, to me there is one brand that comes to mind - Artin. Artin makes decent to good, durable 1/32 slot cars that would be perfect for this age range! This will give you an idea of tracks and cars and the prices:

http://www.slotcarworld.com/Artin.htm

If you want to stick with the Scalextric line, keep looking at and purchasing what we commonly call the "kids" line or "basher" line of the Scalextrics. These are all of the Scalextric cars that are made from the Hot Wheels partnership. The cars typically have blacked out windows with no driver or interior detail. They are supposedly made a bit more durable for kids that may be a bit rough on them. Here are some examples:

http://www.scalextric-usa.com/index....LEMENT_ID=1457 (http://www.scalextric-usa.com/index.php?CURRENT_PAGE_ID=135&PARENT_ELEMENT_ID=1457)

http://www.scalextric-usa.com/index....ELEMENT_ID=910 (http://www.scalextric-usa.com/index.php?CURRENT_PAGE_ID=135&PARENT_ELEMENT_ID=910)

http://www.scalextric-usa.com/index....LEMENT_ID=1438 (http://www.scalextric-usa.com/index.php?CURRENT_PAGE_ID=135&PARENT_ELEMENT_ID=1438)

http://www.scalextric-usa.com/index....LEMENT_ID=1546 (http://www.scalextric-usa.com/index.php?CURRENT_PAGE_ID=135&PARENT_ELEMENT_ID=1546)

http://www.scalextric-usa.com/index....ELEMENT_ID=888 (http://www.scalextric-usa.com/index.php?CURRENT_PAGE_ID=135&PARENT_ELEMENT_ID=888)

Hopefully that gives you some ideas. I'd say between those two types of cars you will have what you are looking for.

Good luck and God bless!
PD2:thumbsup:

Little guys racing slot cars can be more like - big people putting slot cars back on at every corner. Here is what I did to make the cars stay on the track for the wee ones. Really, the cars go too fast - so I slowed the whole system down. I took the element out of an old clothes dryer that someone threw out. (free) These elements are made of resistor wire. Put the element between the power supply and the controller. I stapled the element to a piece of wood and hooked it up with an alligator clip. The alligator clip allows you to have an infinite adjustment of how much resistance you want. The farther down the element the clip is, the farther the current has to push its way through the wire, and the more it is slowed down. I had one hooked up to each lane so I could control them all. It worked great. The elements don't get extremely hot because there is only low voltage running through them, and they last forever. Kids don't mind racing a little slower - sometimes with really little ones I would slow it down so much that the car would never come off even with the controller on full all the time.

jeff!thats genius!it's good to have you on board,once again.that's a really neat idea!