Saturday August 16, 2003

Fly Porsche GT1 EVO2R

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I have to admit that when the first "Racer" versions appeared by Fly, I was less than impressed. However, I have to be fair because these models were not built really for my home racing, rather for larger club tracks, and for those looking for higher performance in competition, especially without the magnets. The lack of 1:1 prototype detail just didn't appeal to me, and since then I have not bothered to acquire more.

Yet, when I seen the EVO2R I was curious to say the least. Not so much as to the body, but the chassis and running gear. It really doesn't matter about my scale preferences, for everyone has their own, and it is up to them whether or not it is important to race more prototypical scale replicas. Although this model is far better in the scale respect than some of the Lexan "Doorstops" that in my eyes don't seem to resemble any 1:1 prototype. Missing of course is the increased detail we might be used to, with an interior made of lighter PVC/Lexan to reduce weight. Given the fact of the intended use of this model, I would think this is more than enough.

The body is kind of a novelty really, being made of glow in the dark ABS plastic. My youngest son found this to be amazing, and now loves to see it go around the track when we turn down the lights. It is more of night racing missing 2 sets of lights, the ones above the track, and the ones in the car. It doesn't seem to glow as bright as you might expect, but enough to pilot when the sun goes down. Will this appeal to everyone? Of course not. Again this all personal preference, and on that note I will move on to why I have this model in first place: The running gear in the chassis.

Underneath it all, Fly has certainly made some improvements and seems to have put forth a strong effort. The first thing you might notice is the wheels they have chosen to equip this model with. They are all aluminum, with set-screws for mounting (wrench is included) and are not only very round and true, but look beautiful. I was impressed by these wheels, not only on the styling, but detail as well. The photo-etched visible brake rotors really stand out, along with rivet detail, and they certainly attribute to the handling and performance of the model as well.

The rubber Fly uses is again a different compound than what you may be used to. Up front we see a solid axle front end design with higher grade silicone tires. This compound has a high amount of grip and very durable. The rear tires are different than the front, not only in size, but in compound as well. They are closer to the standard rubber found on "regular" models. I could not help but wonder to myself why they would not include the same tires as the front, given that I have tested tires like these on the rear of other models here with great results. But, this seems to be the type of tire most enthusiasts who race these cars want, at least according to the feedback I have received. In fairness, once they are sanded, provided a good increase in grip, and of course aided this car in a smoother drive.

This car comes with plenty of power as well. The Fly EVO2 motor in the inline position is if course of Mabuchi heritage with a rating of 22,000 rpms @14.8 volts. Gearing is provided by a 10 tooth pinion driving a 27 tooth crown gear. The crown itself seems to be of a higher grade of plastic and gear mesh was very smooth. The exact specifications according to Fly are that the axle is 61.5mm long and 2.5mm in diameter, with the wheels 13.5mm wide and 8mm in diameter. I have also been informed that new EVO2RS will come equipped with a new pinion and guide. The axle is held in place with brass bushings, and although a tight fit, decided to add a small drop of Super Glue on top of them to make sure they stay securely in place.

How does all this relate to performance? Well, according to my simple home racing standards, this car certainly is one of the smoothest models I have tested. Given the fact it has no magnet, this model still can hit the curves with more speed than I thought. And this maybe where this car impressed me the most. I liked the fact how well it ran without the magnet, and I wish that I had a routed track close enough to further these tests, and not just give conclusions based on Carrera or Artin track. I can say that a little lead up front helps level this model out, although I am not sure on the restrictions in using weight in the various classes or clubs that you might be running it in.

This model will slide smoothly in and out of the corners, and to be honest, was quite fun to do so! Braking is present, however lighter due to the fact there is no magnet. I found you could ease through the corners quite easily without too much feathering of the throttle, and if there is there is one thing this car enjoys most, it is the long straights.

Of course, one may ask what this model has to do with average home racing. Well to be honest, when I look at the upgrades some enthusiasts perform on regular RTR models, this car seems to have these modifications already installed for you. I have to say in closing that if you are one of those people who enjoy non-magnet racing and want good running gear to start with, you might give this model a closer look. I am still glad I took the chance on this model, the fun factor it has delivered was well worth the price.

Harry

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

Thanks go to FLY CAR MODEL for providing us with this Review Sample!

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