What a great set. Alas, I never had a slot car set, although I always wanted one. I have seen pictures of the Tri-ang Captain Scarlet set before, but have only just realised that there only seems to be one slot in the track. Which I assume means the cars could not be raced against each other, but only chase each other around the track ?
These were called magicar Paul, Rovex Triang's version of slot cars. Not sure what magicar meant in practise. And yes, they must have been in pursuit on one track as the name suggests.
I agree Zigg, it looks cool. I never had one and don't recall mates having it either. there are more of these around than I'd thought certainly from my googlings this month. No footage though on the ever faithful YouTube!
According to this site that I just found, the Magicar part of the name refers to the ability to turn the power to the car motor on or off by pressing the model, as if by magic. My original guess had been some sort of magnetic adhesion to keep the car on the roadway, as I remember either Tri-ang or Hornby railways had such a system, but they of course ran on metal rails. https://www.brightontoymuseum.co.uk/index/Category:Magicar_Motoring
As much as I LOVE the Spectrum SPC, I think if I had the choice, I would turn down this set in favour of the Gilbert 007 Road Race set with pre formed and painted landscape! The following link describes how this toy destroyed the Gilbert company!
Thank you, Lewis. That site contains by far the best photos I have seen of the magnificent James Bond slot car set. What a wonderful toy, if only it had worked as intended. I wonder if it was sold outside the USA ? I very much doubt any would have made it to New Zealand, given the import controls on toys at the time, and its very high price.
What a great set. Alas, I never had a slot car set, although I always wanted one.
ReplyDeleteI have seen pictures of the Tri-ang Captain Scarlet set before, but have only just realised that there only seems to be one slot in the track. Which I assume means the cars could not be raced against each other, but only chase each other around the track ?
These were called magicar Paul, Rovex Triang's version of slot cars. Not sure what magicar meant in practise. And yes, they must have been in pursuit on one track as the name suggests.
DeleteThe has to be the coolest licensed toy set I have ever seen in my life! A Yellow SPC, how cool can you get! That sucker must go for a King's Ransom!
ReplyDeleteI agree Zigg, it looks cool. I never had one and don't recall mates having it either. there are more of these around than I'd thought certainly from my googlings this month. No footage though on the ever faithful YouTube!
DeleteAccording to this site that I just found, the Magicar part of the name refers to the ability to turn the power to the car motor on or off by pressing the model, as if by magic. My original guess had been some sort of magnetic adhesion to keep the car on the roadway, as I remember either Tri-ang or Hornby railways had such a system, but they of course ran on metal rails.
ReplyDeletehttps://www.brightontoymuseum.co.uk/index/Category:Magicar_Motoring
As much as I LOVE the Spectrum SPC, I think if I had the choice, I would turn down this set in favour of the Gilbert 007 Road Race set with pre formed and painted landscape!
ReplyDeleteThe following link describes how this toy destroyed the Gilbert company!
https://www.dbl07.co/vintage-sears-james-bond-007-road-race-1965-set-by-ac-gilbert/
Poor Gilbert! Bet all on a road race with James Bond and lost. What a sorry mess. A sobering tale for sure Looey!
DeleteThank you, Lewis. That site contains by far the best photos I have seen of the magnificent James Bond slot car set. What a wonderful toy, if only it had worked as intended. I wonder if it was sold outside the USA ? I very much doubt any would have made it to New Zealand, given the import controls on toys at the time, and its very high price.
ReplyDeleteThis is my first time pay a quick visit at here and i am genuinely happy to read all at alone place.
ReplyDelete