Wednesday July 23, 2003

More Monogram!

The 1965 Shelby Cobra Daytona

Since the first release, the Monogram Cobra has been one hot topic in our little hobby. It combined excellent detail along with whisper smooth operation making it an instant favorite among many enthusiasts. One thing about a model like this is that you can't wait for the next one to become available! Well the new Cobra has finally arrived here and I personally could not be happier.

This model is mechanically identical to the release before it, so this quick review is focused on the livery itself. Make sure you check the first Cobra Review for information on the rest of the model. This release is based on the car driven by Jo Schlesser and Hal Keck at Daytona in 1965. As with the first release, I was immediately impressed with this model upon first laying eyes on it.

Body fit and overall shape capture the prototype very well in my opinion. Tampo-stampings were all clean and opaque, with no signs of fading throughout the model. Where the number is located on the side, the white circle behind it doesn't run into the door mold line, and this makes the car look more realistic in my eyes. In fact, the mold lines themselves seem to add depth to the model, and an even dust free clear coat seals it all very nicely.

It seems since its first appearance that enthusiasts have concluded they prefer this shade of blue, and I must admit I agree. The color does look fantastic on the model and the thicker white stripes down the center provide a great contrast, making it very eye-catching. Just on looks alone, it makes me have to think that Monogram is taking their foray back into the slot car world very seriously. I did notice some very slight bleed on the rear striping, but nothing too glaring really, and at speed you will never see it:)

The detail Monogram brings us is more than adequate, in fact I think they have achieved an excellent balance of scale detail and performance with both releases. Interior work here is very well done in our eyes, and items such as the spare tire and the detailed driver figure just add to the realism of the model.

Wheels and tires were all found to be very round and true. Again, I think they have done some great work in the wheel detail department, and this release is no exception. The white and chrome on the wheels are very well done, and really seem to make this stand out even more. I have seen that the rear tires needed some sanding to get them perfect, although this model needed very little. I know that new compound after-market tires are being produced by a joint venture of Professor Motor and Indy Grips, so those looking for even more grip should be very happy. I prefer the standard rubber myself, as the grip is more than enough yet still allows a little cushion for recovery in a slide.

Driving this model was enhanced due to the recent acquisition of the Professor Motor Controller, and I found myself happily sliding it around our Artin road course. I prefer the magnet to be pushed all the way forward, as it just seems to give me a little more tail-out action, and I fully admit that this type of racing is the kind I like best. My reflexes sure aren't what they used to be, and the ability to float the tail through a corner is one the finer things about this hobby I enjoy. Perhaps this kind of driving isn't "prototypical"...but it sure is fun:)

Monogram has produced a winner in my eyes. I have heard a few complaints here and there from other enthusiasts, mostly due to the tall gearing and the lack of working lights, but overall we seem to be happy with their product. In our hobby it is almost impossible to please everyone, all I can say is that we are very pleased here and this model will soon have company as more releases arrive. This slot car is FUN like it should be, and whether you are a veteran or just starting out, I highly recommend you grab a pair of these for your stable.

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!

Click below for first review!

              Thanks go to Motor City Toyz for providing us with this excellent model!