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Gimbal General Explanation

A gimbal is a pivoted support that allows the rotation of an object about a single axis.

A set of two gimbals, one mounted on the other with pivot axes orthogonal, may be used to allow an object mounted on the innermost gimbal to remain vertical regardless of the motion of its support. For example, shipboard compasses, stoves and even drink holders typically use gimbals to keep them upright with respect to the horizon despite the ship's pitching and rolling.

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First Use in Slot Cars

Scalextric (then Scalex) produced a clockwork powered race car system that first appeared in 1952.
Their inventor Mr B Francis showed Scalextric ("Scalex" plus "electric") cars at the annual Harrogate Toy Fair in 1957. While witnessing a demonstration of electrically operated cars running on a track Francis instantly recognised the potential for his own products and modified his cars to take an electric motor. He also devisied a rubber based track system with two parallel grooves in which metal rails carried electric current thus guiding the cars by means of a "gimbal" wheel suspended beneath them.