Tuesday December 21, 2010

It seems every year at this time we have a car arrive just in time for Christmas. This year we have a great classic in 1/32nd scale from Scalextric.

We want to take this opportunity to wish all of our readers a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

This classic Lotus is one of the most anticipated releases of the year for Scalextric and rightfully so. The initial releases of this model were quickly sold out and left many enthusiasts wanting more. Finally it has arrived and I think many of you will like what you see.

Of course not all of you will like this model. However, even if the series or time period is not something you care for I think you can appreciate this effort.

As usual I will let the photos do most of the talking for me but I have to warn you: Photos simply do not do this model justice.

This is the kind of slot car that really grabs a hold of you when you first pick it up. Your eyes begin to scan over all the intricate details and one word seems to sum it up: WOW! That is what the Postmaster said when I showed it to him. Even someone who is not in our hobby (yet) is impressed by this effort.

Is it perfect? No. Is it more than close enough for me? You better believe it. As with any other slot car either it is good enough for you or it isn't.

The detail level is fantastic in my eyes. From not only the engine and suspension to the paint and driver. It all comes together nicely and certainly captures this iconic classic nicely in our scale.

The wheels and tires are equally nice and appear very round and true. I also like the rubber compound of these tires. My first model has kept the original tires for the occasional racing but this release might motivate me to change things soon.

Looking underneath we see the standard guide and button magnet. This magnet is strong enough for most, but do not expect this smaller magnet to keep you pinned hard to the track.

Box Stock Track Testing
MidMo International Speedway
4 x 16 - 3 Lane MDF Routed Wood - Flat Latex Surface
Copper Tape Conductivity - Aftermarket Power @ 12 Volts PARMA 25 OHM Control

Since our plastic track is still under construction, we will test on our "old reliable" routed track. If there is one item about this model I personally do not care for it is the motor. Yes, it works fine but it simply is too much power for such a small, light car. The sensitivity of it is also a factor and prevents decent control.

In their defense, this car was not made for my routed track nor our controllers. And some enthusiasts want all the speed they can get. On a plastic track with the magnet in place it is a nicer drive. But the speeds this model can attain can lead to one other thing: DAMAGE. The intricate exhaust and front end will not hold up very long once the magnet gives way and the car sails off the track.

My solution? Turn down the voltage. This is one of the advantages of investing in a quality power supply that is adjustable. At 10 1/2 volts this car is MUCH improved both in handling and sensitivity. For me, models like this should not be a high speed blur on the track. It is simply to nice of a slot car not to see it negotiate the turns. Of course this is just my opinion, but slowing things down truly doesn't take away from the fun factor for us.

The important thing to mention is just how smooth this model is. I have not sanded the wheels or tires and this model acts like it has aftermarket aluminum wheels on it. This speaks volumes on the quality control at Scalextric. Braking is crisp and gear mesh is very quiet and smooth. Of course good break-in time will even increase the smoothness.

Looking Closer

There are 5 screws that hold the bottom assembly with the top. I can advise you that unless you simply have to, leave it alone. It is a very fragile assembly and you could break some parts if you are not careful.

Inside we see the "slimline" motor that is standard for these models. I will likely do a motor swap so it can run with the original releases I have stored away. These were converted with a slower motor back then so I want them to be matched as close as possible.

The gearing (9 to 27) is fine for my track. Other than that there is nothing much to do aside from a quick tire sanding and adding some lead here and there to fine tune.

Final Thoughts

We come to the part where this release has even more meaning. As I just mentioned, I have the original set that has basically sat on my shelf shortly after getting it. Why? Because it was a limited edition and they sold out rather quickly. With most of my racing friends not having them at that time they sort of ended up being shelf queens. They did end up as regular releases but not many seemed to get them. But now that this Lotus has arrived along with a new version of the Eagle Gurney-Westlake, it appears we have the makings of a decent series of racing.

This is one fine little classic. I have to advise you to think hard about adding at least one to your stable if not a pair of them. It captures the essence of this time period well and the performance matches it's appearance.

- 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 Chicagoland Toys & Hobbies For Providing Us With This Sample!
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