For many it started with a Christmas Scalextric set and a big imagination. But while some boys put away childish things as the teenage hormones kick in, others never lose the bug.

Yesterday the Wolverhampton Slot Car & Scalextric Club held its first bring and buy sale of model cars and for members it was a chance to show off their skills to visiting enthusiasts. The club meets at Claregate Youth Centre at Aldersley Leisure VIllage where two elaborate tracks are permanently laid out, providing 10 lanes.

Scalextric is not used at the club but the name is used to give outsiders an idea of what slot cars are.

Members build and race scale-model cars, some from scratch, others modified from a basic kit, buying and fitting miniature motor spares such as axles, gearboxes, motors and tyres.

Chairman Malcolm Scotto, who started the club in 1990, says: “The car arrives as a toy and we turn it into a very efficient, high-speed racing machine.”

The club has around 30 senior members and at least 16 juniors.

Computerised races feature Murray Walker voice-overs.

Dealer Derek Cooper, 57, of Nuneaton, took time off from his stall to race his sleek model 1966 Lotus BRM which he built from balsam wood, plastic card and tubing.

The former national champion was selling model cars worth up to £450, the price for a 1963 classic Morgan.

Lewis Gough, of Low Hill, believes he has the same winning qualities as the racing champion Lewis Hamilton.

The 13-year-old Northicote School pupil is able to out-manoeuvre most of the adults. He has built about 10 cars and whittled a basic lap time of 10 seconds down to a flat six, setting a club record. • For more information call 07740 717140.