Monday August 04, 2003

Running Mates!

The Auto Art

Mitsubishi Lancer WRC 2001

Our Rally racing interest has been growing for quite awhile now, and this new addition from Auto Art has fueled that interest even more. The first release of the Subaru was one we enjoyed a great deal and now it was time to break-in its new running mate!

First and foremost this model has the same running gear and virtually identical chassis as the Subaru, so if this is your first glimpse at these models, make sure you check out our Subaru Review for a more detailed look at the inner workings of these models.

Just as its predecessor before it, this model is striking to say the least. A smooth, clean, and durable clear-coat seals all the Tampo-markings and body evenly. As so often I like to do, I will let the photos try and do most of the talking for me in this regard.

Looking at prototype photos seem to indicate Auto Art has captured this model very accurately in 1/32nd scale. Body mold lines are very smooth with detailing at a very high level. Items such window Tampo work, spare tire and roll cage along with decent driver detail really adds to the scale appeal of the model. This shows once again a half-tray interior is really all you need to create a very detailed model to satisfy most scale enthusiasts. Sometimes "less is more" in our hobby...especially when added interior detail that for the most part is hidden, adds nothing more than extra work for you when it comes time for maintenance or tuning.

Gearing, motor, tires...and sadly the front guide, are all identical as well. I had hoped Auto Art would have made a new design change on the front guide to allow it a deeper presence in the groove, but such is not the case. The wheels are of course unique to this model with detail such as the brake rotors adding excellent scale appeal. I guess I am getting spoiled with this type of detail in our hobby, but small items like this just add to the overall appeal of the model for me.

Although this model does have the slightly adjustable magnet assembly, I freely admit that I remove mine totally for a more prototypical driving characteristic. These models just seem more appealing when they are getting some "tail-out" action in the corners. I have found that simply adding some lead weight makes for a much more enjoyable slot car. 

I was still very happy with this model just as I was with the first release. These releases need a good amount of break-in to get them to smooth out some, and once they do these cars perform quite nicely for 4 Wheel Drive equipped models. Although my Rally knowledge in the 1:1 world is quite small, it seems to be growing here in 1/32nd scale. This release provided exactly what I wanted: A running mate that performs identical to my current model and Auto Art has accomplished that with this release.

For fans of the Rally scene and those that are looking for something different in their current collection, this model deserves your attention. With a little work it can be made to run smoothly and efficiently as well as provide some very fun, rewarding Rally racing!

- Harry

For a great background on this model check out the WRC website!

As always feel free to contact me about this article or just the hobby in general, or better yet drop into our Message Forum and share your thoughts with other enthusiasts!

Thanks go to Slot Car World  for providing us with this model!