The Generosity Of Others

I got in a conversation over at the SCI forum with a couple of people regarding controllers. My primary gripe has been that the ones I currently have are thumb controllers first and foremost, and I prefer the finger-trigger kind. Secondly, the stock Carrera controllers are very rough and not responsive at all. Naturally, wouldn't you know that there is a plethora of controllers on the market, with prices ranging from six bucks to hundreds.

As we were talking and I was asking questions, trying to keep them on the cheaper side of budget restrictions, we came to the conclusion that a Parma analog controller would probably be just fine, although if I really just wanted to get it done, I'd step up to one of the hundred dollar controllers, which have separate dials for tuning in the power, as well as interchangeable cartridges for running on different systems. I, being my ever thrifty self, pressed on until I was approached and offered a nice controller for about the price of a cheaper analog: A Slot.it SCP1. 30 bucks and it was mine.

Problem is, I don't have 30 bucks. But it was such a good deal, I had to at least tell my wife about it, in case she thought it was worth doing. I tried buttering her bread a little, but didn't quite get an answer from her. I wrote to the guy [who shall remain nameless for privacy reasons in case anyone comes across this] and told him that it was likely going to take awhile, and if he can remain patient, I'd love to do it eventually. It's pretty close to the holiday season, and I don't know about you, but there's an unwritten rule around my house that you don't go spending money on yourself around the holiday season. This is especially doubly important now as we just yesterday signed for the house we've been waiting on for over a year.

So a couple days roll by, and there's a message in my inbox. The guy writes and says, hey, why don't you send me your address and I'll send you the controller. Call it a housewarming gift.

I am amazed when people do that sort of thing. That controller new costs a hundred bucks. He didn't have to do that. It's a tremendous offer and I'm very thankful for it. He said he had upgraded to a better one and wasn't using it anymore.

I know it's just a hobby accessory, but it's not about that. It's more about the friendly, helpful people that are involved in slot car racing. I meet more and more of them each day, each with different ideas and opinions, but all completely hooked on the hobby.
And maybe it's because the hobby has such a particular clientele, one that knows that we're all in the same boat. Sure, guys have their racing secrets, but general, and often particular information is willingly given. I get contacted directly by people offering to help quite often, and it's a great feeling. I value that information, and it's all going to a good place.

Thanks Guy. I'll call you Guy for now. I really appreciate what you did. Thanks very much.