Thursday October 23, 2003

SCX DOME JUDD

This recent release from SCX is one that I really looked forward to. Not only because it was another addition to the growing LMP class but because this release was to be a new design geared directly for better performance. Arriving safe and sound from SCX it was time to put this new competition model through its paces.

SCX has been bringing us some very nice models in the past few years with the Audi R8 being one of my favorites. I enjoy that model a great deal so when I first glanced at this release at the recent Hobby Expo in Chicago I looked forward in adding it to the current field. It was then I learned that this release would be different, that it would be a new Competition model that was to include the following: New lighter body, swing-type rear suspension, Xenon light system, "Pro" Silver braids, new RX-62C motor and new tires.

The first impression I had when I opened the box was favorable. SCX has captured this livery and overall shape of the prototype very well. There might be a few purists out there who will find some body shape or Tampo issues, but for my un-calibrated eyes they hit the mark nicely. Tampo stamping is excellent as far as my model goes with no fades or runs and being very crisp in the color.

Overall fit and finish of the model is very well done. I have in the past noticed excess flashing around some of the body parts but not so in this release. A clean, dirt-free clear coat seals all these markings in place and I could not find any signs of orange peel effect or fades. Detail here is at a minimum but still includes a decent driver figure with light cockpit detail.

It was now time to get the first glimpse of something new. As I mentioned earlier, these are supposed to be all new tires but I can't tell a difference between these and the ones found on earlier releases of the Audi. Both are exactly the same in dimensions and from what I can feel with my hands they appear to be the same compound. However, SCX has informed me that they are a new tire...so I have no reason to doubt them. When it comes to tires such as these with the grooves or rain tread in them, the first thing I do is begin the tire truing process to get them as even and smooth as possible.

I have to give SCX high marks on the quality of the wheels and tires, and for the axles as well. My model arrived with all of them being as straight and true as you could hope for in a ready-to-run model. No, these wheels do not have the usual high detail such as visible brake rotors as we have been seeing from other brands, but this isn't really an issue for me. I like that sort of detail but missing brake rotors won't stop me from enjoying a good slot car.

From underneath you also see the bottom of the new motor pod assembly and the rear bar magnet that can be lowered by simply loosening the screws. This new mount is a little more robust than the previous mount used on the Audi. 4 screws were easily removed to expose the new drive-line and it was time to see just what SCX has created in this swing-type rear end.  However, the first thing you might notice is the new wireless Xenon light system and how SCX has used a strap-metal system in the body to rout power to the lights. I thought this was a nice idea, and for those who hate fumbling with wires inside your model to get the body on smoothly, SCX has done the work for you.

The problem was that on my model the rear lights worked fine, being very bright with little bleed through around the lenses. But the front lights would not function at all. I decided to take a closer look to see why, and discovered the problem. There are 2 small pressure straps that make contact as shown in the photo. Make sure these are making contact and the area there is clean of any arcing that might have occurred from the straps not being firmly pressed against the light surface. I am convinced after reading other enthusiasts comments that my model was just a very isolated case, and I doubt you will have the same problems.

Inside you again see the SCX wireless power system which has always worked flawlessly in the past and so far on this release as well. Up front we see the familiar self-centering guide system, but the braids are changed to the Pro Series Silver braid.

When it comes to suspension...or any form of it in our slot cars, I have to admit am just not impressed by it. Actually, I am one of those racers who want as little body roll as possible. I will say that at least SCX designed this system so that it would not compromise the gearing system such as the Ninco Clio does. The motor and rear axle assembly is a one piece design that snaps into the chassis and pivots on two points as shown in the photo. This allows a slight suspension, or swing effect, when you head into the corners letting the car lean slightly. It also keeps the relationship of the pinion and crown gear secured which is the way I personally feel it should be.

The rear axle is held in place by 2 new brass spherical bushings that snap in place. These bushings are very tight in these mounts and you should not need any adhesive on them. I did find that one bushing seemed very slightly off-center in the mount so I used a small screwdriver to gently get it true. The motor according to SCX is the new RX-62C motor with 18,000 rpms equipped with a 9 tooth pinion turning a 27 tooth crown gear just as the Audi R8.

Performance of this model is what surprised me the most. Immediately I noticed a much smoother and quieter gear mesh than I had previously with the Audi. The Audi eventually smoothed out with break-in, but this model seemed like it was already there. The new motor certainly provides you with enough power and soon I was really punching this model down the straights.

But how does this release compare to the Audi and other brands in this series? Perhaps it just the fact that I am racing on Carrera, Artin and Sport track which does not have the abrasive surface of SCX but I can't say it is any clear advantage over the Audi. Both posted lap times around the 3.1 second range...with no advantage either way. The Scalextric Lola is faster of course due to the larger bar magnet but if your running non-magnet all this can be evened out quickly, especially if you change to silicones or Supertires.

SCX has made some good improvements over the years on their line of models and I for one could not be more pleased. I think this is a very nice model and fans of the series should give it a second look because it runs nicely, has plenty of power, decent sticker price and most of all it is FUN.

- 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.