January 13, 2003
Scalextric KnightHawk MG Lola
This
car has been one model from Scalextric that I was very curious to test. How was
it going to match up with other models already available? Well race fans, this
car certainly can hold its own, at least in my
testing, and for most of you, this car should be a welcome addition.
Arriving it is Sport presentation box, this car cannot help but catch your eye. I found the contrast of colors striking to say the least, and according to prototype photos, Scalextric has done very well in this 1/32nd scale effort. Visiting several websites (listed at the end of the review) it seems we can look forward to other liveries in the future as well. (Look forward to the Hot Wheels version)
All the paint and Tampo-markings were excellent on my model, along with a dust-free, even clear-coat. This has become the Scalextric Standard, and it continues here with this release. All along the model, the overall fit and finish is excellent. Mold lines were crisp and clean, and I found no signs of excess flash moldings or gaps in the body panels. As with the Scalextric Cadillac, the rear of the body can be removed to expose the motor and rear gear detail. You may notice a small hump in the rear of the car to accommodate the crown gear. Given the low profile of these models today, this is really a non-issue for me. It is hardly noticeable, and at least for myself, does not take away from the overall scale appearance. These areas where they are joined are very well done, and not really noticeable either. Scalextric should be commended on the fit and finish.
A nice interior is employed as well, having a fair amount of detail given for such a small space. Fine paint work on the steering wheel and fire bottle, along with the detailed driver add to the realism. The wheels and tires are nicely done, and capture the overall look and feel of the prototype. Detail such as the visible brake rotors really add to the overall appeal as it did when these appeared on the Caddy. I was pleased that the wheels were of a finished aluminum instead of a chrome-like finish. The tires are of the new, softer compound and provide a decent level of grip, at least on the Artin/Carrera and Scalextric Sport tracks we are testing on. I only lightly sanded the rear tires for a few seconds to get them as true as possible. For those with more abrasive track systems, or routed tracks, I look forward in hearing your findings.
The body is held to the chassis by 6 screws as shown in the photo. Underneath we find the familiar Sport wrapped Scalextric stock motor, (same motor as found in standard versions) self-centering guide and strong bar magnet. The bar magnet is the thicker version (identical to those found in the Trans-Ams) and mounted to the rear of the motor. This motor is in the inline drive configuration, and although some feel it should have been a sidewinder, I have always found this set up to very reliable and smooth. The rear of the model contains the 9 tooth pinion and 27 tooth spur gear driving the precision ground axle and metal bushings found on all Sport Models. If you decide to remove this magnet from the pocket, take car while bending the mounting tabs so you do not break them. If you do go to far, your favorite adhesive will secure it in place nicely.
Up front we find the self-centering guide system, solid front axle assembly and LED light connections. Some have had issues with this guide system, but to date I still have not seen where this hurts your lap times or performance in any significant way. The light system seems rugged enough, but a few crashes (maybe) and time will tell. Also there is the front pocket for the additional button magnet that is provided in all Sport versions. I can say that with this model, you should not need this magnet in combination with the rear bar magnet.
All I can say on the performance level is that I hope you like your models FAST. This car with its strong bar magnet really sticks to the track. Driving it was as fun as you might expect. Crisp braking and smooth acceleration soon revealed itself, and I was pleased with incredibly quiet and smooth gearing. This car looks perfect slicing and dicing through a series of esses, and it does it very well. Even on my smaller Sport track, without all the borders (under construction) this car felt right at home. This car can still be a challenge to drive, however as with most heavy magnet models, even when fitted with a wider bar magnet your correction time is not a great deal. I found I could hang the rear end out a little before she finally broke loose.
But are there any cars that can keep pace with it, at least close to its class? Not in my arsenal. The new Spirit Lola is a decent match, closest so far, but in the hands of a good driver (not me) the MG will take the honors. It was still a challenge to match these cars against it, and I am sure that enthusiasts will discover ways of making the field more even. I look forward in hearing how you tune this model for your home or club racing.
My
final thoughts are that Scalextric did a great job once again. Regardless if you
are a magnet fan or not, you should find the overall fit, finish and smooth
operation to your liking. This model should please most of the fans of the
series, and I can safely recommend this model racing car to anyone. Nice work
Scalextric!
Harry
As always, feel free to email me at wiseone@yhti.net about this article or just the hobby in general.
Or better still, drop into the Home Racing World Message Forum and let us know your thoughts.
A thanks goes to Slot Car World for providing me with this excellent model.
Check these links for prototype information:
http://www.lola-group.com/site/index.cfm?directory=motorsport
