SCX AUDI R8

22 January 2003

In all the excitement over the new releases lately, once again a car seems to slip past me that I wanted. Since first seeing the SCX Audi R8, I wanted one to see how it would compare and fit into our current selection of models.

After arriving safe and sound, I started to look this model over, and can only say SCX did a decent job on the body and overall fit and finish. This car certainly has a great history, and at first glance, I thought SCX captured it in 1/32nd scale very well. The clear-coat, what little of it there is, was clean and even, and all the markings were crisp and opaque. However there were some areas on the body, particularly the yellow paint, that had some fading and fuzziness near the edges and near the cockpit were jagged and not even with the body. Mold lines seemed fair, yet there were a few that seemed to stand out, especially near the front nose piece. Nothing major, and certainly not enough to detract a great deal for the overall appearance.

There is a fair effort in the detail department in the cockpit, however there some paint issues with the drivers helmet and safety belts that might need some touching up. Basically it appears to be over-spray from the top of the drivers helmet. When it comes to an extreme level of detail here, I am all for it, but if the model presents a fair representation on the 1:1 counter-part, I don't really complain too much.

The wheels and tires on the model were fine enough, and although the compound of the tires are a little harder than what I have been seeing from companies like Scalextric, they still provided decent grip. They needed very little sanding to get them true to the track, and after sanding, they were even better. I have never been much of a fan of ribbed or rain-tires though, and I am sure new rubber will find its way here soon. There is some excess side-to-side fee-play in the front axle, and if you want to take the time to eliminate it, take a look at the photos below. Cutting it where shown improved matters a great deal, so grab that trusty Moto-Tool and give it a try:) I didn't notice a great deal of performance difference, but appearance was greatly enhanced.

5 screws hold the body to the chassis and were easily removed to expose the inner chassis. If you are not familiar with SCX, you might find some surprises. Up front you will notice that the guide blade has the braid wrapped around it, in effect acting as 2 braids on the track. This is a self-centering guide system, and from my testing works flawlessly. The spring used allows a smooth action to it, and I give SCX high marks on this design.

Also you notice the wireless electrical system SCX employs. This system does work, and so far during all my testing hasn't failed. To the rear you find the standard RX-41 motor fitted with a 9 tooth brass pinion. The motor simply snaps in place and was easily removed. The rear axle is held in place with brass bushings which should score points for those who feel these are superior to plastic or nylon bushings. Underneath you can see the bar magnet that is held in place with 2 very small screws in the bottom. Removal is easy for those who wish to run this without the magnet, or to do modifications.

Now I have to tell you, that the first time I pulled the trigger on this model, I thought the gears were stripped. They weren't however, but you will find this model not to be the smoothest, nor the quietest model racing car made today. Upon close inspection, the rear bushings are loose and spin inside the chassis. I used Super Glue on the tops of the bushings and this toned down the excess noise considerably. Back to the track we went for extended running, and after awhile, the car did seem to smooth out with break-in. Still not the most quiet car I have driven, but solid where it counts.

This model is quick, but not as stuck down as prior models as the magnet is a little further from the rails, this helps the motor from not getting as hot as it did on previous releases. The car is fun to drive, and has more recovery time in a spin than I had anticipated. Pacing this car against the Scalextric Lola was a challenge, yet still great competition. The Lola is quicker, then again it has a wider magnet to help it a little more in the corners when you begin to drift.

Bottom line? It is a decent slot car. It doesn't set any benchmarks in performance, nor in scale detail, but still a fair effort by SCX overall. This would be a perfect car for the younger enthusiasts as the rear wing and mirrors are pretty durable, and can withstand some pretty hard tumbles. I'm pleased this model is available in this scale, and if your a die-hard fan of the series, then you might want to grab one.

Harry

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.