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We visited from Melbourne, and yes the numbers were low. It's a decent track, though. We bought some cars and plan to race once a month or so.

Hi all, this is my first post here and what a great place to start! I've been back into slots for about 2 years after a 25+ year absence, returning now with kids of my own - 4 & 7 year old girls. We run AFX gear and for what it's worth this is what I did to ease the kids into it. When I first got the set I had all sorts of ideas about how to tame the cars, the power supply etc etc but in the end I just decided to leave everything as it was and just spend the time teaching them. The first thing was obviously speed control and that "pedal to the metal" was not going to work for them. Gently working the control with their finger and mine on it, taught them quickly that easing the power on worked best. Our 4 year old can run up 20-30 laps on a very large layout with SG+ cars without a deslot (I realise the SG+ has great traction mags but full throttle will still send it off). Our 7 year old can do the same and is now exploring changing speeds for various sections of the track. Next came respect for the gear. When deslots happenened "don't throw the controller to the floor and stomp all over the track to fetch the car". They have both learnt to place the controller down gently, and carefully negotiate the track to fetch the car while the other driver ceases racing and waits for them to re-slot the car. I guess after that they were pretty right to race for themselves so next came simple trouble shooting. Assuming the track and cars are in pretty good condition to start with, and put together properly there's only so much that can go wrong (usually). I might be in the kitchen making a coffee and hear "Daaad, the car's not working!!". I would ask if the car was actually in the slot properly. If the answer was yes I would ask if the power plug or controller plug had slipped out from the track. 9 times out of 10 these were the problems and I don't get asked anymore unless there is a problem they can't sort out yet, such as a popped axle etc. I think Mexico2000 put it best in the 4th post by saying "calm" voice instructions. Teaching kids slot racing could very easily become frustrating if you let it. If you want to enjoy it, and want them to enjoy it, staying calm is the key. They will send the cars off the track at a million miles an hour, they will stomp on the track (assuming it's on the floor like ours) and they will argue. Expect it. You did it, I did, we all did. However, calm patience will win them over and teach them. To sum it up, I reckon I spent about 6 hours in total, over numerous sessions, teaching them the basics. But that 6 hours was 100% dedicated to the task. Think about it, 6 hours of speed control and gear respect really sinks in. Going over and over and over the basics. If you freely give up the time, it will more than pay off. Give them stacks of track time and keep your best cars out of sight. Hope this helps someone, cheers Michael

My theory is get them an older brother 'cause they don't want to be humiliated! My boy is about 2 & a half and a bit. His brother is 8ish, Luke had one go & wouldn't try it again 'cause of that factor until he'd sat & watched how we drive so he wouldn't lose & feel stupid. When he decided he wanted his next go he whipped my erm.. bottom? I figured him out though - had to wait to get lapped & try to hang about long enough to get him confuzzled about which is his car! (but seriously :( ) My plan is to get something cheap & indestructable like the Audi / Boxster Scaley have bought out for the digital sets or artin cars look similar. Not too much cost - not too much detail & if you can't superglue it back together you have a donor motor for some kit-bashing. (Although the last car I bought him was a fly Panoz on sale for forty bucks. It flew off the end of the straight the other day & tried to insert itself in the cat's arse. Luke was annoyed 'cause he crashed. The cat was somewhat annoyed having been stretching at the time - yes - the cat stretch front legs forward bum in the air. I was lying on the floor in tears. It's a tough life but someone has to do it!)