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What is AMT Model Turnpike?

AMT Authentic Model Turnpike is basically a 1/25th scale slot car set but with many unique differences.  Size alone makes it unique among other sets but other differences include a steer-able front end and the ability to run both cars on the same side of the track, in the same groove at the same time, in opposite directions, if desired!  A ball joint-anchored "wishbone" holding the pickup shoe allows the car to move a little side-to-side to partially block a passing car.  All of these features, using 1962 technology make this a complex set and can be rather finicky at times. 

The chassis uses an AMT Promo car body but many other 1/25th scale model bodies can be adapted easily, even those other than AMT brand.  Even newer ERTL/AMT bodies can be used.  I have adapted a Hubley body and most other 1/25th scale bodies can be adapted.

This was a serious race set.  Physical size was a limiting factor for many potential buyers.  The picture above illustrates the size difference between Model Turnpike and an Aurora HO scale 9" 1/4 turn section.  The set required a 4 ft. by 9 ft. area, which would take up too much room in many houses.  The cost was another limiting factor.  At $49.95 for the TR-190 set, which came with one car and controller, it was beyond many people with modest incomes in the early 1960s, compared to an Aurora HO scale set which was priced an half that amount and could be set up on a table top.  Add the $13.95 for another car and controller and you were over $60.00 for a two-car set-up.  The price for two extra pieces of track was $9.95.

The set was introduced around 1962 and featured 1962 Ford and GM product cars but seemed to be off the market by 1965.  I bought a boxed 62 Ford Galaxie which had been modified by AHM by removing the wishbone assembly and added a standard 1/24th scale slot car pickup shoe.  Obviously an attempt to dispose of excess inventory at the time and was still in the hobby shop in the 1980s.   It was easily converted back with original parts.

Extra boxed track, controllers, cars and parts were available but the short lifespan of the system left a shortage of spare parts which is plaguing the hobby today.  Dealer service kits were available but I suspect that not many exist and are well worth the investment.  A few collectors have accumulated inventory and are selling it, largely through ebay, which has been a godsend to collectors of obscure items.