Scalextric Race Set Transformer Applications

Sometime back Scalextric changed the specifications and plug configuration of the transformers and power bases in its Sport race sets.  Since sometime in 2012 all the newly released Sport race sets have used the same P9403 transformer and rectangular plug as used in  the Start sets.  This chart shows the transformer and plug shape for all the sets, Sport, Start, and Digital, as of September, 2013.  All Sport sets with stock numbers above C1310T (the highest number shown on the chart)  will use the P9403 transformer with rectangular plug.  All Sport sets with stock numbers below C1200T (the lowest number shown on this chart) T use the P9203 (formerly C996) transformer with a round plug.

Unfortunately, when Scalextric switched its Sport sets over to the P9403 transformer with the rectangular plug, they made the stupid-beyond-belief move of eliminating the separate-power-to-each-lane feature from the new power base theyintroduced to go with it.  Compounding the retrograde step even more, they have quit making the C8217 power base that had the separate power feature, so you can’t even b uy it as an upgrade item.

Until we have proof otherwise we will attribute the elimiation of separate power capability to something other than sheer, brain-dead cluelessness on the part of Scalextric’s product planners and designers.  Maybe non-American Sport set purchasers don’t use the separate power feature, and Hornby reckons it can save a few pennies cost per unit by eliminating it.  More likely, however, at least in our view, is that some nanny-state bureau in Brussels or perhaps in London has somehow determined that owners of slot car race sets are too incompetent to handle and use a set  with two power packs safely and will surely kill themselves in droves if this threat to public safety is not eradicated. Therefore separate power has to go for the sake of all those poor, ignorant consumers who can’t be trusted to use any product more complicated than a Nerf ball safely.  Never mind that we here in America (and probably most people outside government in the rest of the world)  have a higher view of the intelligence of the typical consumer; we still get separate power taken away from us, also.

We hope we are wrong about all of this and there really is an intelligent reason for this development, but we’re afraid we’re not. We will look into this and see what we can find out.  We’ll pass on to you anything we learn. Meanwhile, this chart will tell you which power supply goes with which set and whether or not that set you sre thinking of buying has the old power base with separate power capability.