If there is a racing series that takes full advantage of turning left, certainly Sprint cars do! Life-Like has released new models based on this series, and when I first seen them, I just had to grab a couple.

These cars are quite eye-catching to say the least, and Life-Like has done a fantastic job in creating these little gems in HO Scale. Coming in a simple blister pack, both of my models showed no signs of rubbing from the inside, and all parts were intact.

Tampo markings here are crisp, clear and opaque, with no runs, fades or peeling. In fact, Life-Like has really done an excellent job in this department, and they should be commended for it.

Wheels and tires are true and clean, with no signs of cracking and initial gear mesh appeared smooth and trouble-free.

The body also has some features I thought were a nice touch. Life-Like has produced these models with "break-away" wings. They simply snap into place, and can withstand VERY hard crashes without breaking as I soon discoveredJ . I can certainly think of some 1/32^nd-scale manufacturers that might want to look closer at this feature!

The chassis is nothing new to most of you, and Life-Like has certainly produced a sturdy, dependable one. Simplicity is the key here, and this chassis employs this quite well in my humble opinion. Missing are the old style springs under your brushes, replaced with metal spring tabs that also conduct power. I really like this feature, for I can remember all too painfully losing those tiny springs in my older cars, and having to wait to race them until I could get back to the hobby store and buy replacements.

The motor snaps in place, however you must solder and de-solder the tabs to complete assembly. Given that the average user won’t be changing motors frequently, I found this to be a durable and acceptable solution. Those that are hardcore racers are already well versed in the art of using a soldering iron, so this added step should not hinder them in their tune-up procedures.

Gearing was smooth and both cars ran flawlessly on my initial test runs. The gears, small as they are, surprised me in their performance. Of course, there are upgrades for this chassis, but for box-stock they seemed to work quite well, and should provide you with many hours of racing.

Gearing was smooth and both cars ran flawlessly on my initial test runs. The gears, small as they are, surprised me in their performance. Of course, there are upgrades for this chassis, but for box-stock they seemed to work quite well, and should provide you with many hours of racing.

The small post magnets that Life-Like uses certainly work well, keeping this car glued to the track. Now, depending on how you prefer your cars, you are either going to enjoy them this way, or you won’t. Personally, these cars would simulate their 1:1 counterparts a great deal better without these magnets, allowing the cars to slide through the turns. We still enjoyed racing them however, and after getting used to them, we found we could get these cars to slide a little, albeit at a faster paceJ

To even have these series produced was a sight for sore eyes, and recommend them to any racer or collector. I certainly look forward to each and every release, as they are simply fun cars to race, and fun is what it’s all about. Adding a pair to your current stable should compliment your racing schedule nicely. Grab a pair and find out for yourself!

I want to thank Frank at Slot Car World for sending me these great cars!. I recommend you check out his website for these and other great cars.

 

As always feel free to email me at wiseone@yhti.net or drop me a line in the Slot Car Illustrated Message Forums!

Harry