Monday August 04, 2003

The Scalextric

Pennzoil Panther Dallara IRL

This recent release by Scalextric is one that has had my curiosity peaked for some time and for good reason. Not only are they bringing us new Indy Racing League models, but they are delivering them to us at a great price as well. It has finally arrived here safe and sound from Slot Car World and it was time to get a closer look at this value priced IRL machine!

Right out of the box this model pleased me. As I looked around the model for the first time, I was impressed by the Tampo-stamping and overall finish. Looking at prototype photos told me that Scalextric has made a decent effort in capturing the essence of this car in 1/32nd scale. Of course fine scale enthusiasts are surely to find a few scale discrepancies, yet in my eyes this model looks just fine. I admit that I do not follow the 1:1 series as some Motor Sport enthusiasts do, so I look forward in hearing the opinions of those with increased passion for the series.

It was soon after we removed the model from its case that I decided to switch gears with this review. This model went from the case to the track immediately for testing. I have heard many opinions on doing this, but I think this model is a perfect candidate for this quick run. After all, given the price of this car and the fact that many of them will be in latest budget-priced INDY 500 Sport set might tell you that many newcomers to our hobby will have their first experience with these models.

From the box to the track this model functioned as intended....it passes with flying colors:) This may sound trivial to some of us, yet very important to the new enthusiast. Having a model perform smoothly right out of the box will most likely give them a good first impression...and as they say, the first impression is a lasting one. This car was very smooth to operate and the standard Scalextric bar magnet (same as found in the Sport F-1) certainly helps keep it in the slot for those newcomers in the hobby, or for those who enjoy the speeds magnet racing can provide.

Among many things about this model that I liked were the very soft compound tires that provided excellent grip along with decent prototypical detail. The tires really didn't need much truing, in fact I sanded my models tires mostly out of habit. Along with this, the front height of the model is about as perfect as you could ask for with the guide sitting flush with the rails and the front wheels just barely raised off the track. Although the front suspension detail is rather flexible, I would prefer a stiffer design to minimize the body roll. This is of course just my personal preference, and for most enthusiasts it isn't an issue. I will say that I was happy to once again see a solid front axle design as it aids in the durability factor of these sometimes fragile front ends and this flexibility helps provide a little cushion up front.

And with the subject of durability raised, how does this model rate? Well all I can say for now is that it has shown itself to be more bullet-proof than I first imagined. During testing this model has seen many hard crashes, and so far not one part has broken away or any edges of the wings  or front nose assembly fallen victim to chipping. In fact, the rear wing will pop out rather easily and this aids in it lasting a little longer if you decide to race with it attached. Of course damage will eventually happen, especially at the speeds this model will see due to the strong bar magnet, however this can be said for just about any slot car released today.

So, now that we have covered this model in its ready-to-run format, lets get inside and take a closer look at the rest of model...

5 screws are easily removed to expose the driver detail, stock Mabuchi motor in its inline configuration, wiring, gearing and the front spring-loaded self-centering guide. Another thing that you may or may not see is the amount of room that is available inside, particularly behind the driver. I mention this for those who might want to remove the magnet and tune with lead, or for those looking for space to add an additional magnet. It also allows you to remove the bar magnet from the rear and place it closer to the center if you prefer a your models in this fashion.

The motor is equipped with a 9 tooth pinion that is driving a 27 tooth spur gear held in place by plastic/nylon bushings. These bushings were nice and snug in our model and I didn't notice them to spin under load, so I didn't bother to glue them in place. I have always been a fan of these new bushings as they are basically maintenance free and the amount of lubricant Scalextric has added is enough to last quite a few laps in the hands of younger or beginning enthusiasts before any real harm can result from neglect.

As we already discussed, performance of this new machine is pleasing. A smooth, quiet drive-train coupled with the strong bar magnet provided us with some very satisfying racing. In fact this car is a virtual bullet, posting lap times in the 2.35 range on our DS Timer! This car is simply blistering in its box-stock form and sure to please those looking for overall speed. Braking is crisp although acceleration with stock controllers is lacking just slightly. Using our new Professor Motor controllers really woke this car up and we soon were realizing what great fun this model truly is.

* I decided to take more time with this car, allowing a newcomer to our hobby take control. As I watched the action I noticed how much fun he was having...blasting down the straights and diving into the corners with the whole time having a smile on his face.  Not only did this little IRL work hard this afternoon, it helped convince one more "innocent bystander" that this hobby is the best there is.  As I finish the review, he is downstairs shopping for more cars and plans on setting up his own track VERY soon...Mission Accomplished! *

I feel Scalextric has brought us a very nice slot car, not only in quality but in value as well. For $29.95 I feel your getting a great bang for your buck and you should seriously consider adding one to your current collection. Once more our hobby has made me a fan of a racing series that before I hardly noticed in the 1:1 world, but now in 1/32nd scale I anticipate that our home racing has just added another favorite...nice work Scalextric...I thank you...and so does my wallet!

- 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 SLOT CAR WORLD  for providing us with this nice model!