Controllers
There has been many different types of slot car controls made over the years. I will touch on some of the ones that I have.
Aurora Model Motoring
Aurora Model Motoring controls were some of the first conrollers used by Aurora with the Vibrators and Thunder Jets (T-Jets) slot cars.
Note the OFF SLOW FAST speeds.
Note the OFF SLOW FAST speeds.
This is a different version of the Model Motoring control. Note the Speed Scale. These controllers were used in the early to mid 1960's
Aurora Plunger Control
In the search for a better control, Aurora released the plunger controller. This was an improvement over the steering wheel controller. The problem with this control was that it would heat up and get very warm in your hand. These controllers were used in the mid to late 1960's
Aurora Pistol Grip Control
The pistol grip controller was released around the same time as Aurora AFX cars, early 1970's.
Note the difference in size of the controls pictured.
Right; larger adult size, early to mid 1970's
Left; small in size and is the more common of the controls made, mid to late 1970's. Present day Tomy AFX sets have this small controller.
Note the difference in size of the controls pictured.
Right; larger adult size, early to mid 1970's
Left; small in size and is the more common of the controls made, mid to late 1970's. Present day Tomy AFX sets have this small controller.
Aurora Name Stamp
This is a picture of the larger control. Aurora's name was molded into the head. Also note the screws used to assemble the control, unlike the later small version that is glued together.
Different Version's
These controls are different in color and in design! Starting with the yellow control, 2 wire design with Aurora's name stamped on only one side of the control. The red control , 2 wire design with Aurora's name stamped on both sides of the control. The orange control, 3 wire with the brake curcuit and Aurora's name stamped on both sides of the control.
I would say that these controls are not that common, but the yellow control is the more common of these controllers.
I would say that these controls are not that common, but the yellow control is the more common of these controllers.
Variable Resistance Control
Lets talk a moment about resistance. It is said that you should use a controller that has the correct resisance for the car you are racing. This would make the car easier to control.
T-Jets 90 ohm's
AFX 60 - 70 ohm's
High Power Magnet Cars 45 ohm's
The controller in the picture has an adjustable resistance dial so you can dial in any resistance to match your driving style.
T-Jets 90 ohm's
AFX 60 - 70 ohm's
High Power Magnet Cars 45 ohm's
The controller in the picture has an adjustable resistance dial so you can dial in any resistance to match your driving style.
Aurora AFX Specialty Controllers
The following 2 controllers where released around the time Aurora moved the company to Canada, early 1980's
The controller in this picture is the more common of the 2 controls and was also used with the Ryder truck sets.
The controller in this picture is the more common of the 2 controls and was also used with the Ryder truck sets.
AFX Specialty Controller With A Shifter
This controller featured a Hurst shifter with back and forth movement. What these 2 controllers do is reverses the polarity of the motor (turns it backwards) activating the added function of the car, turning the headlights on or off, or slowing the motor and turning on the brake lights, or reversing the motor and causing the car or truck to go in reverse, or switching to the other rear end gear for more top speed. Just some of the neat features!
Parma Economy Controller
This is the controller of choose for my race tracks. Large size, reliable and great control. There is alot of quality built in these controllers for the money.
Track Repair Section
Recondition Your Race Track
Old race track sections get dirty, oily, and rusted. Here is the steps to recondition your track to new condition.
Clean The Rails
Using a hobby knife, scrap the top of rails. Be careful not to scrap to hard or you my damage the rails.
Clean The Surface Of The Track
Use a medium scotch brite pad. Clean the surface of the track and rails.
Remove The Dirt
Clean all the track sections in warm soapy water. Dawn dish soap works well for removing dirt and oil. Rinse well with clean water.
Remove The Water
It is very important that you remove all the water from the track sections. Make sure all the water is gone! You don't want the rails to start rusting.
Shining The Track Suface
In this step the track will come to life. Using a cotton rag, apply Armorall or Pledge furniture polish to the rag. Rub all of the track and allow to soak in well.
Prepare The Track For Use
The final step. Use a firm pencil eraser and go over the rails. The track surface may be to slick to race on at this point! Wipe the track down with 409 degreaser and remove any left over eraser from the track surface. This can be a lot of work, but the end product is well worth it!