Monday May 10, 2004

New SCX Dome Judd - Kondo Racing

Masahiko Kondo / Ian McKellar / Fracois Migault - Le Mans 2002

This recent release by SCX has had many fans of the model waiting since the first Dome Judd was released back in October of 2003. After all, a good model needs a running mate right? Well it is finally here and we decided that it deserved a closer look considering the popularity of the first release.

Mechanically, this model is identical to the first release so we won't bother repeating all the technical information here. It is worth taking a closer look at this release as not only has the popularity with other enthusiasts been strong, the quality control and attention to detail that SCX is accomplishing is as well.

The paint and Tampo stamping accuracy compared to prototype photos is certainly close enough to please most enthusiasts. Ever since the release of the Crocodile Audi R8, SCX has impressed me with the level of detail they put into the paint work, and such is the case with this model.

Detail level is where you expect it to be on these types of models. For what could be accomplished, I think SCX has done well enough for most fans of the series. Durability is always a factor, and so far this model has held up extremely well even under the hard racing we have put it through the last week. The side mirrors will break if you crash hard enough but the rear wing has plenty of flex to it and should withstand many crashes before breaking.

Performance out of the box is also a strongpoint. We took this model with us on a recent trip and allowed other enthusiasts to test it box stock. All of them said they felt the model ran very well and although it needs more break-in, was respectfully smooth. The magnet system that SCX uses can be adjusted by turning the screws that mount it to the chassis and lowering it to increase magnetic down-force.

We left ours in the stock position and it hooks up fairly well. Lowering it does help in the cornering department, but it was non-magnet operation we really wanted to see. Without the magnet this model is just as smooth and fun to drive as it is with it. Even without added lead and silicone tires, it still managed to hook-up well enough for power in the straights with some great tail-sliding action in the corners. This lets you know that with good after-market tires and some fine tuning in the weight department, you can make this model very competitive.

This really doesn't let you know how much fun we have had with this model. Over the past week since SCX delivered this model we have put hundreds of laps on it and every single one of them has been fun. Night racing is something we really enjoy and these lights just add more fun factor to an already nice model. Regardless on how you prefer to tune your models, I would venture to say that it would fit nicely in just about any enthusiasts' stable.

And with that said, I have to admit that in the past I didn't have much good things say about SCX models due to how they ran and the series of models they released. However, I will be the first to say that this model, along with other recent releases has made me look at them differently. It ran well out of the box, needed no modifications and represents the prototype VERY well. If your a fan of the series, I think you owe it to yourself to give these models a closer look.

- Harry

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

Thanks go to SCX for providing us with this model.