Scalextric - 2

You Steer and James Bond

Another failure is the "You Steer" system, which was introduced in 1970. With this system it was possible to steer with the wheel on the controller. The cars did not actually steer but moved sideways (just two centimeters) across the track. The cars were running on the standard 1/32 scale track. Scalextric manufactured five cars for this system. The five collector's items are the Javelin, Ford Mirage, Ferrari P4, Lamborghini and Ford 3L. The production ceased after two years.
The designers of Scalextric have always been very creative. A perfect example is the James Bond box set. The Aston Martin DB5 was offered together with a Mercedes 190 SL in the box set. Although the set was amusing it had nothing to do with slot car racing.
In the beginning of the seventies the Lines Brothers and the Tri-ang Company were declared bankrupted. The Dunbee Combex Marx group saved Scalextric. Scalextric was forced to reduce the line of products. The famous Goodwood chicane, the Grand Bridge and Le Mans start went out of production.

The eighties

The Dunbee Combex Marx group collapsed as a result of financial troubles due to the American branches. Hornby trains (later transferred to Rovex Ltd.), a company that was a part of the D.C.M. group, became independent and saved Scalextric. Later Hornby Hobbies Ltd. was formed and is still the manufacturer of Scalextric.
The eighties and nineties were very difficult for Scalextric. Some of the competitors, like Fleischmann and Märklin, were not able to keep on producing slot cars. At the end of the nineties slot racing became popular again. Some new competitors (such as Ninco and Fly) entered the market.

Scalextric Sport System

After more than thirty years Scalextric announced at the beginning of 2002, a new type of track, the Sport system. The old track system is called "Classic". The new system is compatible with the Classic system. A special adapter section is offered to fit the Sport track to the Classic track.
The new design is moulded from linear low-density polyethylene, which keeps the track from undulations and bumps, unless they are put there on purpose, according to the press release of Scalextric dated 4 January 2002.
The deeper groove between the conductive rails helps the cars stay on the track. Scalextric will offer a wide selection of track pieces. New curves enable 8-lane racing and feature new combinations of curves. The overtaking corner chicanes will be a big hit.
With the new track system and the highly detailed slot cars Scalextric will have a great future.

More information

Scalextric slot cars
Scalextric (part 1)