Slot car racing is one of the great lost hobbies from the past. Extraordinarily popular in the 60s, and a better, more creative, magnet for teen crowds than video arcades, they sadly dropped out of sight due to space requirements and the presence of new fads.
This piece visits the Slots of Fun track in Maine, and interviews both adult and child practitioners of the hobby. Everyone seems to be having a good time, and the hobby's appeal is well-explained. Perfect for father-son outings, and yet competitive enough to encourage trash talking, slot car racing should make a comeback just to provide a creative outlet for the perennially bored.
This short radio piece is an effective intro to the hobby, and could be used as an example of unusual things, and quirky, fun stuff to do. The sound's a little echo-y at times, but has a nice, light, engaging tone.
Well-produced, fun piece about a quirky topic. I know so many people like the focus of this story, people can carve wooden horses for carousels, people who race belt sanders, people who like to windsurf. It's great to hear about these people. It's a slice of life. Salt always does a great job, so this is a safe, fun bet for a time slot that needs a little life.
Comments for Slots of Fun
Produced by TK McGuirt
Other pieces by Salt Institute for Documentary Studies
Rating Summary
2 comments
Mark Rose
Posted on February 01, 2005 at 12:46 PM | Permalink
Review of Slots of Fun
Slot car racing is one of the great lost hobbies from the past. Extraordinarily popular in the 60s, and a better, more creative, magnet for teen crowds than video arcades, they sadly dropped out of sight due to space requirements and the presence of new fads.
This piece visits the Slots of Fun track in Maine, and interviews both adult and child practitioners of the hobby. Everyone seems to be having a good time, and the hobby's appeal is well-explained. Perfect for father-son outings, and yet competitive enough to encourage trash talking, slot car racing should make a comeback just to provide a creative outlet for the perennially bored.
This short radio piece is an effective intro to the hobby, and could be used as an example of unusual things, and quirky, fun stuff to do. The sound's a little echo-y at times, but has a nice, light, engaging tone.
Hans Anderson
Posted on February 04, 2005 at 07:51 PM | Permalink
Review of Slots of Fun
Well-produced, fun piece about a quirky topic. I know so many people like the focus of this story, people can carve wooden horses for carousels, people who race belt sanders, people who like to windsurf. It's great to hear about these people. It's a slice of life. Salt always does a great job, so this is a safe, fun bet for a time slot that needs a little life.