It might be boiling at the moment, but Santa’s workshop is already stockpiling what are sure to be the hottest Christmas gifts for this December - for kids and kidults alike! Expanding on the success of the new Film and TV category introduced last year, Scalextric have produced the iconic Time Machine from Back to the Future Part II; a Batman vs Joker racing set; as well as a set featuring the Aston Martin DB5 and Jaguar XF from the eagerly-awaited new Bond film No Time To Die.

Great Scott! Prepare to go Back to the Future with this new release of the most famous time machine to ever grace the screen! In Part II this time Inventor Doc Brown's time machine is used to take Marty, the Doc and Jennifer into the future (2015!). The car features detailed decoration including the ‘Mr. Fusion Home Energy Reactor’, and, being somewhat more affordable than the real thing, the slot car model replica is sure to be one of the biggest hits of the year! Grab it now, before it disappears into history. Please note: This slot car does not actually fly.

The Caped Crusader takes on the Clown Prince of Crime himself in this Batman vs Joker battery-operated Micro Scalextric set. Featuring two character cars modelled on Batman and the Joker, this set features over four metres of track, with 9 track layouts which includes a loop-the-loop and a half pipe.

The latest James Bond film, No Time To Die, the 25th instalment of the franchise, features both classic and modern vehicles driven by the villain as well as 007 himself. This set features an Aston Martin DB5 taking on the Jaguar XF, and includes over four metres of track, with 9 track layouts, and speed limiting hand controllers that ensure the cars will be shaken and stirred but won’t fly off the tracks!

A BRIEF HISTORY OF SCALEXTRIC

Production of Scalextric products began in 1957 in Hampshire, England, and 1960 saw the introduction of the plastic range of cars as the tinplate cars ceased. Through the years Scalextric has been owned by companies such as Tri-ang and Rovex Ltd, and in 1971 production of Scalextric and Hornby trains began from Westwood, Margate.

In 1982, an independent company was formed – Hornby Hobbies Ltd (later Hornby Plc) – and during the late-1990s production of Scalextric was transferred to China. The accuracy and detailing of today’s Scalextric models remain second to none.

As the world turned evermore to digital technology, Scalextric was not to be left behind and in 2004 introduced its first fully digital racing set (multi-car racing with lane changing functionality). Scalextric SportWorld was also introduced to allow racers the ability to hook their Scalextric sets up to the internet to create a global community through on-line racing.

Today Scalextric offers a slot car system for all ages. For the younger driver there is ‘My First Scalextric’ which is an easy assemble and operate 1:64 scale track system, this is followed by Micro Scalextric which uses the same track system but with larger layout options including special track features. Then for the more experienced racer there is the commonly recognised and loved traditional 1:32 track system which offers a multitude of car, track and accessory options. More recent developments include ARC, a Scalextric App based race management program and Spark Plug which offers the chance to control your Scalextric Car with your phone or tablet.

About Hornby Hobbies Limited

Hornby Hobbies Limited is a toy and hobby product manufacturer that was founded in the early 1900’s. Hornby Hobbies Limited portfolio of brands include: Hornby – model trains, Scalextric – slot car racing, Airfix – plastic model kits, Humbrol – paints and craft product, and Corgi – die-cast models. In addition to these iconic British brands Hornby Hobbies Limited also owns several in international brands including: Lima, Rivarossi, Jouef, Pocher and Arnold.