Find answers about SirSlotsaLot products, custom builds, ownership, and care.

ABOUT THE CARS

I've never owned a 1/24-scale slot car. Are these cars for me?

Absolutely. You don't need to be an experienced slot-car racer to enjoy a SirSlotsaLot car. If you're attracted to the automobile first, that's actually the point. I build cars for people who appreciate great cars, craftsmanship and automotive history - and like the idea that their collectible can also be driven.

What type of chassis do you use?

I use a wide variety of high-quality chassis depending on the particular build, including components from respected global manufacturers such as Plafit, Schöler, Scaleauto, Motor Modern and others. Sometimes the dimensions of the car will dictate what type or brand of chassis I use.  And sometimes chassis selection is driven by availability, since modern chassis in 1/24 scale are essentially boutique items that are not widely produced.  The goal is always a solid, dependable running car that complements the model without compromising its appearance.

Are SirSlotsaLot cars built for competitive racing?

Generally, no. While these are fully functional slot cars and are built to perform well, SirSlotsaLot cars are not intended primarily as competition race cars. My emphasis is on craftsmanship, appearance, uniqueness and enjoyable performance. Think of them as automotive art you can actually drive.

Are these converted model kits or traditional slot cars?

It can be either - and that's part of what makes SirSlotsaLot different. Some builds begin with bodies designed for slot racing, while others start with scale-model bodies that I adapt into fully functional slot cars. This provides access to a much broader range of car choices than you'd typically find in a conventional slot-car catalog.

Are the bodies hand painted?

Most builds involve hand painting, detailing, decals, finishing and other custom work. The exact process varies depending on the body and project. Because these are individually built rather than mass-produced cars, minor variations are part of their handmade character.

Are your cars one of a kind?

In most cases, yes - or very close to it. I may build the same type of car more than once, but differences in paint, livery, wheels, chassis, interior details and other components mean individual builds are rarely identical.

Will my car look exactly like the photographs?

The photographs in an individual inventory listing will represent the actual car being offered. Because SirSlotsaLot specializes in individually built cars rather than mass-produced inventory, what you see is the car you are buying.

Are these toys or collectibles?

They're really both, but are intended for adult hobbyists and collectors. Each car is designed to look good enough to display while remaining a fully functional slot car that can be enjoyed on the track. Built to Display. Ready to Run.

TRACK & MOTOR COMPATIBILITY

Will these cars work on analog and digital slot-car tracks?

SirSlotsaLot cars are intended for traditional analog slot-car tracks. They will NOT operate on a digital track. 

What brands of slot car track will these cars fit on?

SirSlotsaLot cars are primarily built in 1/24 scale, with a typical length of about 8 inches and width of 3-4 inches.  Tracks made by Carrera and Scaleauto are a safe bet, with 4 in of lane spacing, which supports two 1/24 cars racing simultaneously.  But 1/24 cars can sometimes be too big to fit on tracks made by brands such as Scalextric, Ninco and Policar, which are engineered primarily for 1/32 scale.  You may be able to run a single 1/24 car on those tracks (you’ll probably need shoulders/borders), but the lane spacing generally doesn’t support two larger cars at the same time.  Note that some 1/24 cars are inherently small…think Mazda Miata…and may work fine on all tracks.  A 1/24 NASCAR racer likely would not.

What's the difference between a 12V and an 18V motor?

The voltage rating helps describe the motor's intended operating range, but higher voltage doesn't simply mean better or faster. A 12V motor may provide lively performance on a typical home layout, while an 18V motor typically has more torque and provides more progressive performance. If you are only running 12V of power to your track a car with an 18V motor will seem slow.  This is where investing in an adjustable power supply is helpful – it can deliver the higher voltage needed for those motors to perform.  In general, I choose motors with the goal of making the car enjoyable and controllable rather than chasing maximum speed.

How fast are the cars?

Performance varies by motor, gearing, tire diameter, chassis weight, track voltage and the particular build. Rather than trying to make every car as fast as possible, I build for great aesthetics and smooth, enjoyable performance appropriate to the character of the car.

TIRES & PERFORMANCE

What type of tires do you use?

Tire material varies by build. Depending on the car and intended use, tires may be a rubber compound, urethane or foam. Tire choice has a significant effect on how a slot car behaves. Softer or higher-grip compounds generally provide greater traction, while harder compounds allow more movement and can make a car more entertaining to slide. The best tire also depends on the track surface – urethanes work well on home plastic tracks, foam is ideal on a wood track, and rubber compounds do well on both wood and plastic.

Can I change the tires?

Generally, yes. Many of the wheels and tires used on SirSlotsaLot cars can be replaced or changed. Because wheel diameter, axle size, tire dimensions and chassis clearance vary between builds, I recommend contacting me before ordering replacements.

CUSTOM BUILDS & OWNERSHIP

Can you build a slot car that looks like a real car I own - or used to own?

Yes. This is exactly what my Custom Builds service is intended for. Send me photographs of the vehicle and I'll work with you to reproduce its appearance as closely as practical in slot-car form, subject to availability of a suitable scale body, chassis, wheels and other components.

Can you reproduce any car?

Not always. The biggest limitation is usually the availability of a suitable body or model in the correct scale. If an appropriate starting point exists, however, I can evaluate the project and explain what's realistically possible before you commit to the build.

Where do your parts come from?

Many of the chassis and specialty components I use come from European slot-car manufacturers and suppliers, particularly Germany, where 1/24-scale slot racing has a strong enthusiast and engineering tradition. Other components are sourced based on what works best for a particular build. I often incorporate quality used parts into my builds to help keep the costs manageable. 

Do the cars require maintenance?

Like anything mechanical, occasional basic maintenance will help keep it performing well. Depending on use, this may include cleaning the tires and pickup braids, checking screws and fasteners, cleaning the chassis, and applying a very small amount of appropriate lubricant to specified moving parts.

What happens if I need a replacement part?

Contact me. Because I build the cars myself, I can usually identify the components used in a particular build and help determine an appropriate replacement or alternative.

What if I have issues with the car that I can’t fix?

For any mechanical issue that you can’t resolve, you can send the car back to me and I’ll repair it free of charge and return it to you.  This applies to any car purchased on this website.  If you just need some advice for tuning or simple repairs, you can contact me at info@sirslotsalot.shop and I’ll guide you through it.