Scalextric START Endurance Twin Pack - Homne Racing World & Slot Car Garage

09/01/2011

#C3140 - 1/32nd Scale Beginner Series

The day we finished the review on the first series of START models from Scalextric I wanted this set. After enjoying these first releases I feel this is a series that brings a breath of fresh air to our hobby. Now here we are with "LMP" versions and if they are anything like the first models we are in for a treat.

If you are just joining us in this hobby, this new series from Scalextric is aimed at the younger/beginner enthusiast. They are NOT exact scale models, rather a likeness of certain cars. These models come in a set of TWO for a price point around $44.95.

With that said, as the scale purists presses the X to close this review the rest of us can take a closer look at what Scalextric has created. They (Scalextric) refer to these as "Endurance" cars, but I simply call them "LMP's" as I feel it better describes them.

So what ARE these cars anyway? I see a little Audi R8/10 in there with some Peugeot to spice things up what about you?

I have to say the designers are very creative. They look pretty good to me regardless of what they might be made of.

Looking around you see no headlights or tail lights, antenna arrays or fine screen mesh. The mirrors are molded bumps which is a great idea and the rear wing is a one piece section that should hold up to some very hard crashes.

Let's take a closer look at this wing. It is molded as one section and it snaps into the chassis as shown. It has some free-play as well that will allow it to absorb some very hard hits. The main reason I feel this is something to highlight is look how easy it is for you to remove it. If you want to keep it intact, snap it out and allow that newcomer/young driver to race it as hard as they can. It will never break sitting on the bench. After the racing you can snap it back in place. No removing any screws or the body, just a quick snap out/snap in.

These cars come with 2 sets of peel and stick decals. I like using my Exacto knife and press a small part of the decal on the edge of the blade. This gives me a decent view on getting them on as straight as possible.

I am not the best decal person in the hobby but these will work for me. For the abuse these cars will take, these decals are just about perfect.

Looking underneath we need to focus on one item: The bar magnet pocket. This pocket has a small "bump" to it that appears to be a molding defect. Both of our models have it and reports from other racers confirm that this might be an issue. The reports I read said it can cause the car to bottom out on some track surfaces and designs such as hills/ramps.

But not here. I tested these cars on both our wood tracks and Carrera with no signs of rubbing. I also set the car up on Scalextric SPORT track and it has plenty of clearance.

Removing the 4 screws exposes the top side of the chassis.

A simple and clean design. I like the reinforcing ribs down the center. It has standard gearing of a 9 tooth pinion and 27 tooth crown gear.

*Advanced modelers please take notice. This is a nice platform with plenty of room for weight.

Box Stock Track Testing
New Ozark Speedway
5 x 16 - 4 Lane Carrera Track OVAL
Aftermarket Power @ 12 Volts PARMA 25 OHM Control

As with the first set of cars, I have to report that most of you out there will be very happy. For those that race with magnets you are going to find one quick slot car. No, it won't break any records but these models can hold their own.

I can easily see some serious slot fighting going on with these models. The bar magnet gives you a little more time to recover a spin than you might think. Gear mesh is smooth enough and will smooth out a little more over time.

For the newcomer out there I can easily say I think these models, along with others in the START series are very good choices. I cannot even think of a reason not to try at least one set of them. At this great price you simply cannot ignore the value.

Advanced Testing
MidMo International Speedway
4 x 16 - 3 Lane MDF Routed Wood Road Course - Flat Latex Surface
Copper Tape Conductivity - Aftermarket Power @ 12 Volts PARMA 25 OHM Control

Although these cars are designed for the beginner, do you think that will stop most of us "old timers" from tinkering with them? Of course not.

One of the first things non-magnet and wood track owners will like is just how smooth these cars are out of the box. There is a slight wobble here and there but nothing major. In other words they are an excellent platform to work with.

The second thing we would look at is a tire change. Not everyone will change them, but most of you advanced enthusiasts do.

I like a sandable tire such as the YELLOW DOG tires from Slot Car Corner.

Tire fits very well. A little sanding and contouring of the edges and we are ready to go.

These wheels are the same as the "Viper" twin pack cars so if you already have tires for them, they will work on these new models.

Data sheet if spare parts.

With just a simple tire change and a little sanding these cars are just fun to drive. Adding some lead here and there really helps plant this chassis and you will be surprised how well they run.

I am really enjoying this new series. It has all the running gear of standard models at basically half the price. No, there are no scale awards to be handed out here but that is ok. We have literally 1000's of high detail scale models out there to choose from to satisfy our scale desires.

What we have needed is an inexpensive beginner class of cars that run great right out of the box. These are it in my book.

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!

Check Out The First START Review!

Thanks Go To Chicagoland Toys & Hobbies For Providing Us With This Sample!
Be Sure To Click The Banner Below - Support Those Who Support YOU!