I do not know the exact date these pictures were taken, but stylistically they are latter half of the 1960’s. They show what I presume to be one of the many clubs on the station that were run by RAF personnel but which also welcome youngsters from Watton.
These pictures show what is a very sophisticated layout of slot car track – originally tagged as Scalextric but see comments below – which I am told was housed on the upper floor of the Airman’s Mess across the road from the main gates. This is the building that is now Reads of Watton Home Furnishing Superstore.
If you can correct or add further to the information here please leave comments below.
I helped build this track and layout of scenery. I am 3rd from the left in pictures 8 & 9. The track was 171ft long and it was made from hardboard with copper tape as the pickup for the cars.
We made our own cars from bought kits and I still have mine from when I moved from Watton to Cottesmore, in ’69. We also used to ‘tune’ the electric motors, by removing approx. 10% of the windings from the commutators. It certainly made the cars faster!
Now in my 80’s these pictures bring back some very happy memories.
Hi Alan – thanks for dropping by and commenting! It is always great when people spot themselves and add to the story.
Much appreciated.
Julian
In the last year or so Andy Smith at Leicester has started a new race series for ‘classic’ slot cars from older eras, though the oldest ones being run are probably mid 1970s. They have to be run on modern club tracks of course, which are simpler, smoother, and faster.
That’s a big track, even for the late 60s when they tended to be bigger, but I don’t think it is Scalextric – looks like routed hardboard and copper tapes to me. I started racing in the area at about that time but didn’t know about this club.
Very happy to accept what you say John – on very close inspection of the build bench I think you are right!
Thanks for your input.
Julian
This is as i remembered it ! You used to make your own cars from kits of parts ! Lovely days gone for ever !
I left in January 1970!