My First Scalextric - any good?

[kindersurprise]

I am thinking of getting this for DS, 3.6 yo for Christmas.

Anyone have one? Is it worth the money?

Oops, meant to do this

Oh yes- ds2 had one- its perfect for that age range.

We bought it for DS years ago and it wasn't very good, the cars didn't go around the track properly and kept getting stuck.

Hmm, thanks, that has been a big help

Even less sure now. Anyone got a better idea? I wanted to get him a remote control car, which I mentioned to SIL. Guess what she got him?

Same as MrsSnape - bought it for DS1 a few years back. Cars kept getting stuck and the underneath bit (where the "connection" of the car meets the track) was easily bent and broken and got hairs/fluff/muck stuck in it when (as little boys often do) DS decided to push it off the track. Also the connections on the track didn't always fit together well. And when it did decide to not get stuck the cars flew off the track very easily.

I wish we'd bought a "normal" Scalextric for him TBH as it would have lasted longer.

my ds2 loved his 'buzz lightyear pinball machine' last xmas ( he was same age as your ds)

will see if I can find one. hang on

sorry looks as if it no longer on sale anywhere.

We have the first scalextric, its ok but the track is small and the cars come off easily if you go too fast.

Like Kerymum bought it half price in Argos last year.Kept getting stuck and the controls are very sensitive so it is easy for the cars to fly off the track.The barrier bits are fiddly to and keep coming undone.In the end had to hide it as I was on call every 2 seconds to repair the bit on bottom of the cars and the barrier.OK if you are very patient and have loads of time.:O

Just got it for DS2 - for his 4th birthday and everything everyone says is true. Saying that, it has been a great hit - he loves it . I didn't the first time I had to put it together, but when it worked (finally), I felt like a genius .

Would I recommend it? Yes, if you have a son, who loves cars, all cars. DS also got a hot wheels crash thing - not quite as horrible to put together. He loves that, too, but usually, just carries all the cars round in his pockets, in a box, in a bag.

Hmm, I am not at all patient. But I am tempted by Boysandbeaches recommendation for a car loving boy.

He recognises loads of different makes of cars and gets really excited if he sees a sportscar. Quite funny when he jumps up and down and shouts "a rarri car! a rarri car!!"

Can you find somewhere to have a go on it? Actually, I am not at all patient but we are all surviving. I am taking it as a learning curve (for him and me) and sometimes, he has to wait for me to be free to fix the blasted thing. Yes, it is definitely a blasted thing - but he still loves it. Bet I have confused you further, haven't I ?

I had almost decided against it, but thanks to bloody lovely Boysandbeaches I am thinking again.

It is the thought of his wee face lighting up on Christmas morning. I know he will love it. The question is, will we?

I will definitely be in hiding on Christmas Eve when you have to put it together . Oh, by the way, one of the controls frequently doesn't work - and it is just being temperamental. Then, it kicks in - no rhyme or reason.

Boys
You are supposed to be PERSUADING me that that this is a good idea

I did say that all the critiques were valid but he still loves it. Yes, his face WILL light up. DS2 actually said, "Wow" and DS2 hardly talks. No, I just wanted to warn you that putting it together is no fun and then, the controls can be a total pain. Then, it works and it is great. Our cat even likes it .

I thought it was crappy. cars kept getting stuck or just not working, barriers hopeless etc
have a look at the fisher price speedway shake and go something or other on elc. I've just ordered one with 20% off (code 2080066150954) and I hope it is better than the my first scalextric...

Oh, the courier is coming tomorrow to collect the control that doesn't work - they will fix it or replace it. Customer service , or what? Mind you, I moved the track today and it took me forever to get it back together. If you are getting it, there are alternative layouts on the net; she says with great relief, having lost the paper.

Just ordered the Fisher Price one from Amazon. Was cheaper than ELC and the postage to Germany is reasonable.

It looks sturdy and there dont seem to be so many fiddly bits and wires.

Thanks for all your help.

oh good
lets compare notes post xmas as to whether we think its good or not

I have banned amazon because they have failed in TOO MANY ORDERS including last xmas when everything I'd ordered on 24 hour delivery was pushed back and pushed back until after 6 weeks I gave up, cancelled everything, and had to then dash round the shops 2 weeks before xmas.

grrrr

Hope yours turns up!!

Well, ordered it this morning and had an email at 5pm to say that it has been dispatched and should be here tomorrow. I cannot imagine that they will manage that, but we shall see.

I have never had any problems with Amazon, although I normally order on the German site. How annoying to think that you had your Xmas shopping all done and then have to run around after all.

It is here! That is what I call fast delivery.