What
a beauty, 1958 Plymouth Fury, low miles, runs great, new tires and two tone paint
job. White over yellow
51 years ago when I was 15, my brother Guy and I decided we needed some weekend entertainment. We lived 8 miles from town and there was very little to do on the farm on our days off. We decided that a Thunder Jet 500 slot car set would be just the ticket. Great idea, however neither one of us had the money to make the purchase. All of our earnings from working on the farm went towards paying the family bills. (Just the way it was, French custom)
A
year earlier when I wanted to buy a new bike, I had discovered how to scrounge
up extra cash. I would walk along the country roads and collect soda pop
bottles, which were worth 2 cents each. Littering in those days was not against
the law. In 1964 I had collected enough to purchase a new Schwinn Coppertone Jaguar
Mark V 26” coaster brake Bike for $76.95 (today’s value would be approximately $2,600).
The empty Ginger Ale bottles that my mom drank (she was unable to drink water,
kidney disease) was a gigantic boost to my stash, they were worth 5 cents a
piece.
In
my way of thinking, it would not take long to save up $15.00 (plus some), so I
hit the country roads of Fort Fairfield, Maine. Before long I had my Thunder Jet 500 slot car set plus enough
cash for 2 additional cars, they were about $2.50 in 1964; today they run up
over $35.00.
We
were able to obtain a 12 X 12 storage shed from one of our neighbors for free
(my kind of deal). The farmer we worked for had some extra plywood so we were
able to build our tabletops. I found an old wood stove in my neighbor’s junk
pile. Heck now we could play during cold weather.
Guy
and I spent hours racing each other. I have to admit it wasn’t always “Good
Times”. For some reason my cars tended to be a little faster then his, oh yeah,
I was also a better driver. (At least that’s the way I remember it. Since it’s my story, it’s got to be
true). On some occasions he would resort to knocking my cars off the track as
they went past his station, which would lead to an argument or fight. Now
fighting Guy wasn’t the smartest thing I ever did, he out- weighed me by at
least 40 pounds and was much taller then me. For some reason, I always ended up
getting my ass kicked. I didn’t really care. I knew when we raced again, I
would beat him. So the end result was I still won.
"Guy is on the right, I told you he was bigger"
52
Years later I’m still playing with my Thunder Jet 500 slot car set. One of my original
cars was white; I quickly painted it orange using my mom’s “ color by number “
paints. I still have that orange beauty.
"Not sure what make or model it is. Has orginal engine"
Occasionally
throughout the years around Christmas time I would unpack my Thunder Jet 500
set and race my daughter (Michelle) and son (Andre’). I will admit they were never as inspired
as I was but at least they were willing to entertain the idea. For me, I was
reliving my youth.
"Currently running 35 feet of track"
"Currently running 35 feet of track"
The
years have seen numerous changes in the slot car racing world. Current cars are so fast they have
magnets attached so they will stick to the metal rail. The old cars would just drift around
the curves. Drifting is much more fun.
My
car collection has grown substantially from 1965; my 4-car set has grown to 44
cars, 2 pick-up trucks, 1 dump truck, 3 vans, 1 woody, 2 semi-trucks and 2
motorcycles. All of them are working and ready to race. I also have in excess
of 85 feet of track.
Time for some fun, The running of the "Oak Harbor 400"
If
there is one thing I am sure of is that my kids (Michelle, Andre) and
son-in-law (Chris) will respond to a challenge. They are extremely competitive.
We will hold the “Oak Harbor 400.” My plan is to hold back at first, let them get
ahead and then drop the hammer and come out the overall winner. I have one car
that can’t be beat, plus there is also skill needed to stay on the track. I
figure they will be over anxious
(it’s just human nature). Hey, slot car racing is serious business. Time
will tell if my plan works.
Though I would practice just a little
Who
knows, maybe Morgan (my granddaughter, 2 ½ years old) will want to get in on
the fun. Just in case, I’ve taped down the wires to the table top so she can
power up her favorite car and take it for a spin with a little help from
Papa. I’m confident that within a
few years she will be an “
Oak Harbor 400” champion. She sure looks like a Champ, don't you think?.
The competition:
(Left) Andre' (Right) Chris) (Left) Michelle (right) Morgan
