Wednesday July 23, 2003

Vanguish MG McLaren M8-D Kit

Vic Elford - 1971 Laguna Seca

Not only has Vanquish MG brought us something different in the RTR (Ready To Run) slot car scene, they also planned on releasing kit versions as well. I was excited on hearing this news, as I was not involved with the hobby back when kit versions of slot cars were common place. I looked forward to a new experience in my modeling, and VMG has certainly delivered.

According to the history inside the kit, this model is based on the McLaren M8-D ex-factory of 1970, that during the 1971 season ran for Woods Racing Team with several drivers, and amongst them, the British driver Vic Elford, that couldn't finish the Laguna Seca circuit due to start contact problems. Elford finished that same year in the 9th overall position of the CAN-AM general classification with 25 points, with a best race finish of 3rd at Elkhart Lake.

This history is the only text you will find in the instructions aside from it stating you need to provide your own glue. There is one typo in the beginning where it states the series started in 1996 instead of 1966, but I can't say it bothered me. The rest of the instructions are about as simple and easy to follow as you could ask for. Many of you have built static models before, and seeing that this slot car model is better suited for the intermediate or advanced racer, I feel VMG did a acceptable job in the included instructions aside from a few small issues, that for some will most likely mean nothing at all.

The kit arrived without harm from Slot Car World as usual, and we were anxious to begin construction. It was at this same time my 16 year old son decided would help build it, and promptly walked away with it to the basement. (How could he do that?) He then placed the kit on our workbench and we began to inspect the contents. This kit comes completely painted and Tampo-stamped, with the running chassis assembled as well. In other words, the hard part is done for you, all you must do is add the detail.

Upon our inspection we found all the parts were already separated (no sprue or "tree") and neatly placed inside plastic bags including the display stand (no lid of course) and chassis complete with motor and wiring already completed. Each step of the construction coincides with the contents of each bag, and this was a nice touch in my opinion as I have sometimes spent more time than I care to admit hunting for the right part on a conventional sprue.

Step 1 is to mount the windshield glass, mirrors, rear wing and front fender moldings. We found that although these parts were separate, that some of you might come across some excess flashing. We used fine grit sandpaper for our model as the flashing was very minor, and in seconds we were ready to test-fit the parts. All of these parts test-fit nicely, and we were ready to begin gluing them in place. We chose Testors Liquid Cement for plastic Models #3507C in the Precision Applicator. We chose this as we have used this before for precise gluing and it works very well and provides a strong bond.

Step 2 is the assembly of the engine details and upper suspension. The instructions again are very clear and assembly went smoothly. Assembly of the intake and velocity stacks was simplified by the mounting holes being different sizes so you cannot install them backwards. Some of you might have trouble understanding the spring mount assembly, as at first my son was a little confused. The instructions show the mount and spring, however it would have been easier if they had chosen to enlarge this diagram and show these parts with more detail. It takes a little elbow grease to get this mounted, but it went on without any damage to it, or the mount.

After we let this assembly dry for about 1 hour (Testors advises 2 for maximum strength) we moved on the Step 3, which covers the rear exhaust detail assembly. There are 7 individual pieces to this step, but assembly was very simple and once attached to the chassis pan, we again waited another hour. Now I HIGHLY advise that before you attach the engine detail to the body, that you take the time to perform the Differential Modification shown in prior reviews. This modification has had great success in our basement of keeping the working differential...working!

Now is the time to add a small drop of oil to the motor, right between the pinion gear and motor itself, and a small drop on the pinion as well. Once you perform this modification, then attach the engine detail as shown and move on to Step 4. This step is simply taking the button magnet and adding it to the pocket on the chassis frame, and then placing it on the chassis pan.

Step 5 is the interior assembly, which is broken down in 2 steps. First we added the driver figure, then we moved on to the dashboard assembly. Once this was completed we began on the roll bar assembly. On the dash assembly, make sure you install the red clear part first behind the dash, and the last item to install would be the seat belts. The roll bar supports just attach to the roll bar and will swivel for a flush fit and we did not glue them in place.

Now you have completed the actual "modeling" part. All you have left to do now is attach the interior sub-assembly and secure it with the 2 Phillips head screws provided through the underneath of the chassis pan as shown in the photo. Now, just flip the model back over, attach the body with the 4 other screws provided and you are ready for the track!

In closing, I want to stress how much fun this was to accomplish, even given the fact there really isn't that much to do. The first thing my son announced was that this one was his, and he took great pride in telling his friends that HE built it. I fully understand his feelings, and its possible that actually having to build this slot car, just might give you the same satisfaction. This makes the investment you made in the kit seem to deliver an even higher return. I would imagine those of you who enjoy the tuning aspect of this hobby should certainly appreciate it.

Of course the best part about this model is that it can be DRIVEN, not just sit lifeless on a shelf. Our home racing here definitely includes the VMG models, and now there is just one more added to the stable.

More releases are right around the corner from them, and I actually hope some are available in kit form. As strange as it may seem, I would choose these kits over the RTR version any day. As much fun as these models can be in RTR form, this kit version just increased it for us, and I have to recommend getting one if you have not done so already.

Harry

As always feel free to contact me about this article or just the hobby in general at wiseone@yhti.net, 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 excellent kit!

Check their website for all the latest information often!

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