Configuring Downhill 1:64 Scale Diecast Hot Wheels Racing Course Chapter TWO Classic Track

August 19, 2020

#400

Gentle reader,

When I typed "400" just now, I thought, "Wow, who knew I would still be writing this blog, let alone 400 times?"

To get you caught up, here is the first chapter of this series:

The Robb Collections: Configuring Downhill 1:64 Scale Diecast Hot Wheels Racing Course Chapter One

We scored a major find at a local thrift store when I found this plastic bin marked $7.99:

There were several cars inside the bin as well. I knew immediately that this was original or classic Hot Wheels track as there are no holes or notches in the ends for the new, easy to remove blue connectors.

Here's most of what was inside of the bin. Nancy began researching some items to see what they were and we were able to put together some, such as the long black piece and others.

Some of it is high-walled track, three pieces, the walls are painted silver. 

In building downhill race courses for 1:64th scale cars, generically referred to as "Hot Wheels" although there are many makers of these iconic toys, there are choices as to what to build it from: 1, Hot Wheels Sizzlers "Fat" track which many use although some cars tend to spin even on straight sections. 2, Far Out Toys Crash Racers track. And/or a combination of both and Hot Wheels orange track and pieces with Crash Racers and/or Fat Track.

The problem with new Hot Wheels track is the blue (why blue?) connectors with their three blue round faces at every connection as seen above in our test drag strip.

These are photos of all of the Classic Hot Wheels track we have found either on eBay or in stores.

The "S" track, called esses or chicanes in the racing world are from Hot Wheels 1969 Sizzlers electric powered cars track sets. The white device attached to one is a pneumatic braking system to slow the cars before the esses. 

The second esses and thirty feet of 24 inch long classic track is from another eBay find.  

The two lane track 180 degree curve is Sizzlers track as are the three narrow pieces (one came with each curve set originally) with which one can change the angle of the curve.

We have never seen the track with arrows in it before. They have unique joiners with a raised dot on one end. 

The rubber band powered drag launcher has track with one hole to attach to the launcher. 

Not sure yet as to the age of this "D" cell battery powered motorized unit that speeds up cars passing across it. We already had two new ones, this one still works.

I just searched for some still shots of 3Dbotmaker's courses, but there don't seem to be any. You can view the races here:
(36) 3Dbotmaker - YouTube

The reason we are excited about using classic Hot Wheels track is the smoothness of their joints and lack of blue dots at every connection. 

Now, as a bonus, here are some cars that just came our way:

The ones above are from various makers, below are what we call, "Cheap Chinese" cars. Note Trans Am with opening doors.

Some unsuspecting parent stepped on the Jeep and bent the windshield frame. I hope they were wearing shoes.

"FIRE BIRD TRANSAN"

These five and the NASCAR at the bottom I got last night along with a bunch of stuff to sell on eBay for a friend.

I particularly like the 1980's Dodge Daytona coupe in the middle.

This Racing Champion's card has seen better days, but it's all there.

Thank you SO much for reading this blog. Take a moment to click FOLLOW to the right a few inches above these last photos. Also feel free to leave a comment below or on Facebook.

Scott & Nancy

August 19, 2020

#400