About the Slotraccoon Scalextric Slotcar Collection
The Slotraccoon slotcar collection concentrates on the Scalextric and SuperSlot cars produced by Hornby or their forefathers (Mini Models, Exin, Triang, etc) including those made in France, Spain, Mexico, Hong Kong, Australia and New Zealand, Canada and Argentina. I do have a small collection of more modern Spanish
Scalextric and SCX models (Matchbox, Tyco, TecniToys, etc) and other Aston Martin related
slot cars by other manufacturers.
Most of the cars illustrated in Roger Gillham's excellent books, including the latest
50th Anniversary book are from my collection and we are working together on the
8th Edition at present.
My passion for Scalextric startred in the 1960's when I was given two new Formula Junior
cars and a big box of second hand track. I remember vividly paving the front room carpet
with track and a further box emerging from the loft, where it had been hidden away as a
future birthday present, when we hadn't the right bits to complete the circuit. Collosal
tracks were built with my best friend and my Formula Juniors were faster thgan his Power
Sledge cars but didn't go round corners as well - happy days!
The Scalextric went with me to University where we would race it all night and then to my
first flat where we would prove that drinking and driving don't mix after evenings down the pub.
The exisitng Formula Juniors were retired and replaced with Shadows, Ferraris and McLarens
bought second hand from the local paper.
In about 1990 I went to Farnham toyfair with a friend who bought diecast Alfa Romeos. I
discovered that I could buy all of thecars I couldn't have as a kid and that there was
even a collector's club - the NSCC. When the first display cabinet was full Lorraine made
me promise that I wouldn't get carried away. 2000+ cars later perhaps I ought to rethink
that one! Lorraine doesn't approve of the expense but she did buy me my green C69 Berlinetta
for our 10th wedding anniversary and we are celebrating our 20th this year.
Many cars were bought very cheaply from bootsales in the early 90's before eBay took off.
Collectable items are bought from eBay, preferably in person from a slot-specific swapmeet or
through one of the expert dealers such as Scale Models. I buy all of the new stock as it is
released through a trade account with a distributor whenever possible. Chasing down special
models for different retailers and different countries is a great deal of fun.
Through my role as Factory Liaison for the NSCC I have developed a good relationship with
the team at Hornby and enjoy meeting them to discuss future products and the success of
existing items. I often help at roadshow events and repsond to queries about old products.