7 replies to this topic

[Russkid]

This controller was produced by Gosen, which was, I think, a Japanese manufacturer. Here it is in its styrofoam crate.



It is in excellent condition. There is the control lever with acrylic ball, and on top is the black BRAKE button for quick response. It takes two hands to operate this controller.



The case is cast metal with vents on front and back. This was the finest pro-racing control unit of the day.



Just not sure which day it was.

[Mike Patterson]

Any ideas on how the unit was held and operated? And how about a photo of the vented side?

[fast gizmo]

I got same Gosen controller. My old raceway (1960s) in Tokyo had them as rental controller. It was one of the best controller at the time.

[Michael Rigsby]

I had one of these, circa 1966 or so. Didn't like it that much because the cord seemed very short, it did require both hands, and the response on it was not as good as an MRC. It was neat to look at, but there were other options out there that to me worked better. I never took mine apart to see what was inside and don't even remember what happened to it after I quit using it.

I held mine in my right hand with my thumb on the brake button and used my left thumb and index to work the throttle lever. It took awhile to get used to it, but it could be done. The MRC was a much better option though. As I remember, the raceway in Satellite Beach, FL, had a ton of these things they picked up and were selling really cheap.

Gosen also made some decent quality hard body slot car kits and models if I remember correctly. I can remember seeing quite a few Lotus 30 cars made from their kits that ran rather well.

Michael Rigsby

[TSR]

We have a mint one at the LASCM. I tried one quite a few years back and was impressed by its quality (it is really well made) but far from impressed by its action. Driving a fast car with it is very difficult and requires serious concentration. It is OK for slow 1960s cars.

A nice shelf piece...

[Russkid]

Any ideas on how the unit was held and operated? And how about a photo of the vented side?

Yes, Mike, you hold with right hand with thumb on brake button and use left hand to operate throttle lever.

[stevefzr]

That famous issue of the Japanese magazine Model Cars #12, devoted to slot cars, has a picture of a number of racers and they're all using that style of controller. That picture was from the '90s when the magazine was printed, not an archive photo from the '60s.

It seems that style of controller is de rigueur in Japan possibly even today, at least for the vintage racers. I've got a similar controller of a different make. I'll try to get some pics tonight plus a scan of the Model Cars #12 page.

Regards,

[stevefzr]

OK. Got it done.

First is a similar controller I have called a P.B.C. Pro Power Brake. It's made by Seiko Electric Labo. Anyone know of any other slot car stuff made by Seiko? It doesn't look as substantial as the Gosen, by has a lovely anodised finish.









These next are some pictures from Model Cars #12 showing these controllers still in use in Japan.





Finally, a big picture of the Gosen from the same magazine. I supect the article was about the Gosen controller, by as I can't read Japanese I have no way of telling.



Regards,