SCX NASCAR 2009 - Home Racing World & Slot Car Garage

Thursday March 19, 2009

Some of the most anticipated models of the year have arrived here at HRW. Of course not everyone is as happy as I am, but if there is one thing I have learned over the years in our hobby it is not to take releases like these for granted.

Many of us keeping wishing for new models. We cannot help it of course, it's just our nature. But as much as I see and hear people asking for models to be produced, when they actually do make them you hear very little from those same people who asked for them.

Well, this quick overview of the latest paint schemes from the SCX NASCARS is more of a thank you than a review. We have looked at the first release of the COT and for the most part nothing physically has changed. That is fine by me. Of course nothing is perfect but SCX has done a decent job on these models in 1/32. Some may complain about a few scale issues here and there which is fine. The claims are accurate and for some it is very important. Every racer has their own tastes. For me, these have been good enough, and I have to say for many of us the judging is already over. We have been racing them now for about 7 months and have had a blast doing so. None of the scale issues have stopped that.

Our first fresh paint is Jeff Burton. Here is an all new scheme that just widens the field even more.

As with all the cars shown here the paint and markings are about as nice as you could ask for. They did really well on the Caterpillar watermark tread on the sides.

The markings are very close to the those I have seen of the car that raced in the recent Daytona 500. A few are very slightly off, but certainly done well enough for me.

Next up we have my own personal favorite: Carl Edwards. As I stated above I really appreciate the fact this model was made as I could most likely never paint it myself any better.

Yes, the wheels are the wrong color. They should be black. Why the team signed off on this is a mystery. SCX knows it was a mistake and does not hide that fact. Still, they are easily enough painted black as I did with the first model. Do I wish it was correct? Sure I do. But a few minutes of painting wheels is a lot better than the time it would take me for the whole car.

Up next is a car I was surprised to see. I knew more Kevin Harvick was coming but I did not expect this scheme.

I liked seeing this as the first version was the standard Shell/Pennzoil scheme. This gives those fans of this driver more than one choice. I like that.

Finally we have what is most likely the most popular car. Not only because it is Dale Jr. but also the scheme they chose to produce. I for one was very pleased.

This was a very special car last year when he raced it and SCX knew that. I knew they were going to do a special car but I thought perhaps they would shy away from this model due to the complexity of the paint. Not to go off topic, but this car reminds me of an old LMP model they released many years ago. When the "Croc Audi" arrived many racers back then were very impressed how well SCX presented the livery. They tackled another livery in the Dome Judd as well. Well, here it is 2009 and to my eyes they have done it again.

Again it is not perfect but there is no mistaking this car.

There is one change under the hood that enthusiasts need to be aware of, especially those in club racing using these models. SCX has outfitted all of these cars with the standard RX-42 motor. These motors are slower than the RX-42B and to have even racing with some prior models you will need to replace them. This is the only bad thing I can really say about the models. SCX Worldwide has asked for our support to convince SCX in Spain that the RX-42B should be the standard motor and I cannot help but agree. Here is where YOU can make a difference and cast your vote.

I also noticed some differences in the tire markings. To the casual eye they look well enough. Not sure why the smaller markings on the 29 car but still they are there and have a decent effect. Also The Burton and Harvick models have directional markings on the wheels while the other two are blank.

My overall thoughts are that although I wish they would have included the right motor, I am still happy to see the models. Most of them I could never paint myself and if need a motor swap, well, even that is easier then trying to paint most of these models, at least at my skill level. With the PRO car and Toyotas coming later in the year my choice for modern NASCAR is solid. SCX has made a great effort in bringing us a very wide variety of models to choose from and has even expanded on new licensing for more.

- 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!

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