Slot Mods: It's All In the Details

In things of quality, the difference lies not in the materials, but in the details. While a slot-car track from Slot Mods that can run from $10,000 to $500,000 has its share of styrofoam and construction-grade lumber, in addition to materials like marble, leather or exotic hardwoods, the magic comes from the smallest of details.

"Every track we build presents its own challenges," says Slot Mods USA founder and creative director, David Beattie. "We strive for heirloom quality, so for every detail you see, there are as many you don't see."

Delivering a dream slot car track begins with the drawings that guide the finished process.

It takes a range of talent to produce a Slot Mods track, from fabricators to model artists. The process involves personal consultations with the client, a visit to the installation site if possible and then a series of drawings prior to beginning the build. If a client wants a section of the Targa Florio, Beattie has to deliver the dream, while also grappling with the physical limitations of the installation site.

"Even with all the planning and detail, it's when we are nearly done that the inspiration goes into overdrive with all the small details that add to the joy of experiencing the track," says Beattie.

When it’s called for, Beattie brings in artist who specialize in carving figurines to produce life-like replicas of historic figures that give track scenes a real sense of authenticity.

The Lowes Hairpin on the Monaco Grand Prix Circuit is among the most recognizable in all of motorsports. Slot Mods model builders study an array of detailed photographs from a variety of angles to ensure that all of the architectural details are as accurate as possible in order to recreate the iconic vista.

A section of the classic Targa Florio road circuit in the works reveals some of the extraordinary detail. Terra cotta roofs are created from photographs to get the details just so.