Thursday July 24, 2003

Vanquish MG McLaren M8D

Not long after the release of the Lola T-260, I was anxiously awaiting the McLaren M8D. These hot rods have a history to them in the CAN-AM that for some fans epitomizes the series, and for a good reason too. So of course this car as long been on my wish list, as it is with many enthusiasts, and I looked forward in seeing just how well the VMG version would perform.

I chose both liveries available of Denny Hulme, the 1970 CAN-AM Champion and the Penske Racing 1971 car as driven by Chuck Parsons, as I like to get pairs of my models when I can for even closer racing. Well they finally arrived here, and it was time to get a closer look. As I expected these models were stunning to say the least, and was pleased with the way they looked on the track.

The first thing that was different, was not so much the cars themselves, but the packaging. VMG has chosen to add clear plastic molded sleeves for both the front and rear of the model, to help keep it secure inside the case. I mention this as it seems some companies are having a hard time delivering the models without damage. This would be a welcome addition for the Lola, and apparently VMG is at least attempting to remedy this issue with these sleeves, which seems to be working as both my models arrived perfectly intact and ready for the track.

My first opinion of these models were somewhat the same as the Lola before it. These models are beautiful indeed, perhaps the fact that I am a fan of the 1:1 prototype interferes with my opinion, but I couldn't help but sit back and enjoy them for a moment. As I compared these to some prototype photos, VMG has closely matched the markings and colors. I have not had the privilege to have seen one of these in person, but some enthusiasts have and I look forward to their opinions a great deal. My knowledge is limited to the internet, for the books that I ordered have yet to arrive. At the end of this article I will include some links to both internet, and printed publication information for those who want to learn more about the series, and these awesome machines.

All of the Tampo-markings were clean, crisp and opaque except for the number markings themselves. The white used seems a little thin in areas, and you can slightly see some of the color of the body coming through. In addition, although the rest of the model is protected with a dust-free, even clear-coat, these number markings seem to have been applied after they shot it with the clear-coat. If I am wrong, then what clear-coat is present is very light. I know to some people this is just being "nit-picky", but I bring this to attention as there are enthusiasts out there that these things mean a great deal indeed. For myself, it doesn't bother me as I can easily clear-coat and seal them myself. I have had to do this on many other models, so I don't feel it is a major issue.

Looking closer at the model, VMG has also managed to capture the distinct shape of the prototype well, along with a decent overall fit. Mold lines were clean and smooth with the fit of the body and chassis nicely done. I did notice some excess flash moldings in small areas along the edges of the body, but it was most noticeable on the rear view mirrors. These mirrors are most likely going to be your first victims in the event of a hard tumble, and since they are melted in place, you would have to sand away the underneath to remove them before racing if you decide to. I decided not to, and leave them in place, however one did fall victim in the first hour of testing. It snapped flush with the body, and using a very small amount of clear silicone, I re-mounted it with no visual difference or signs of gluing. I avoided using Super Glue here as it does dry with a light haze, so the silicone works better in my opinion. The rear wing most likely will be a little loose as well, and adding some silicone adhesive here cures this quickly.

Wheels and tires were nicely done, with all the tires being very round and true. A solid front axle snaps in place and I was happy to find less side-to-side free play than on the Lola. Still, they are very close to rubbing the front of the body, but on one model, all it took was to press the wheels on a little tighter and they ran clear. On another, it still was too close for my tastes, so I sanded the edge of the axle with my Dremel Moto-Tool using a cut-off wheel. It doesn't take very much, and after I re-installed them, they ran perfectly. You can see a small mold line present on the tires, but these are easily sanded away in a few seconds. Sanding these tires really helps this car hook up a lot better in the corners for us, and I think you owe it to yourself to try this if you have not before.

As far as the detail concerned, there is certainly enough present to satisfy most enthusiasts. Some might feel it is too much, but VMG has at least managed to apply all this detail without major interference to the maintenance of the model. I like the level of detail here, as for me it adds a great deal to the overall scale appeal. The detail that isn't visible when the model is assembled does seem to be over doing it for many enthusiasts, this matter is of course your personal preference. Speaking of scale appeal, the first issue some will notice is that the driver sits too high in the cockpit. Prototype photos clearly show that they didn't sit this high, and as stated, some enthusiasts will not be pleased with this. I won't begin to question why it ended up like this, or how they should try and fix it, as I am far from an engineer. Perhaps the use of the interior tub is the answer? The rest of the interior is nicely detailed and our drivers are seat-belted in, with individual helmet markings and colors, along with the a detailed dash assembly and fire bottle. The roll bar behind the driver has 2 braces going back onto the motor, and these braces are moveable to allow easier disassembly.

If your looking for my findings on the body dimensions with my micrometer and ruler you won't find it. I haven't taken this approach with other models, and I won't start now. Simply put, these models are most likely a little larger than 1/32nd scale, at least appear to be, but not enough to discourage me in purchasing, driving, and having a blast with them on my home plastic track. They fit nicely on my 1/32nd scale Artin and Scalextric Sport tracks with plenty of room for racing. I pointed out the driver as it really stood out for me, but the rest of the models' size just doesn't. I have heard the complaints from some enthusiasts, and for them it is clearly a serious issue. However, regardless of what some might say, there are plenty of folks who just don't care that much. There is an endless "laundry list" of models currently produced that are not to scale, some being worse than others as well, but it didn't stop me from having hours of fun with them, and won't stop me with the VMG line either. Do I hope they correct some of these scale issues? Of course I do, however only time will tell in this case.

The rest of this model is pretty much the same as the Lola before it. Underneath you see the 4 screws for removing the body from the chassis, and then the 2 screws for removing the interior tub from the chassis as well. They were easily removed, and the interior, along with the engine detail assemblies simply lifts off to expose the chassis components.

As before, this chassis is very flexible once you remove the 2 interior screws and end up in 2 parts. The motor sits again in a inline configuration with a 9 tooth pinion driving the 30 tooth crown gear. And of course, this model is equipped with the differential, that has had its share of criticism, yet VMG shows no sign of changing it to a more conventional design. I have to say that I would like to see a standard rear axle assembly at least available in the event this system fails or as an option for the enthusiasts who prefer the standard assembly.

However, with this said, all 3 of our Lola's are still running strong, with no signs of differential failure. As in my first review, I found that the differential would tend to spread apart due to the chassis flex, causing the inner gears to lose full contact, and thus damage to them occurs. After looking at a few ways to fix this, I simply applied some Super Glue or similar adhesive around the differential seams, and this has worked perfectly in preventing it from spreading apart. I tested another model without this modification, and although it ran many laps, it did begin to produce the tell-tale signs of gear failure. Sure enough, I opened the differential and the gears were beginning to have flat spots on them from breaking contact.

Thankfully I stopped it in time, and after applying a small amount of white grease on the inside, then gluing the differential halves, after awhile these gears broke into shape, and is still running today. Of course these results are found strictly in our home racing, where these cars see track time at least weekly. We run 50 lap heats with them, and the feature is usually 100. Some clubs or individuals might run these longer and harder than we do, and some have expressed differential failure, while some have not. Actually, as I stated before, I have cars with the standard rear axle design, and they too are prone to failure, with some of them failing after only the first few laps. So with this being the case, I find it hard to be that negative about the system VMG utilizes.

It is hard to be that negative when we find these cars so much fun to drive as well. After all, that is one of the reasons we are in this hobby, to have fun...well at least it is in our basement. These models come with a button magnet that is identical to the Fly magnet sitting in mid-chassis position, and magnetic down-force is not as strong as you would think. We find these beasts are easy to slide around our corners, and that recovery from a little too much spin is easier than we thought. Acceleration and braking are very good, with the braking being a little lighter than compared to other models, but most of that increased action is due to the heavier magnets they use.

On our new Artin road course, these cars have been all the fun we expected them to be. They slice and dice nicely against each other, and once we find our racing groove, it becomes very close, satisfying competition. Sometimes pure top speed doesn't always dictate the most fun, and such is the case here. We would rather have close racing with the cars practically side by side, as most of you likely do, and these cars are easily raced this way. Lap times on our Carrera track were an average of 3.5 seconds, with the Fly 917/10 having only 3.2. They are happily a perfect match with the Lola as they should be and with 4 of these models now in available, it makes racing this class even more satisfying. With more on the way, the field will continue to grow.

In closing, I have to say I am pleased with their efforts and enjoy these models. There are some issues that a number of enthusiasts would like to see changed, however I have to recommend this slot car, not only because of the model chosen, but because they are fun...pure and simple. Of course these models might be better suited for the adult enthusiast, or modelers who don't mind doing a little tuning here and there. If your a fan of the series, and the McLaren, you owe it to yourself to give them a second look, you might find that they will be nice additions to your current stable.

Harry

As always, feel free to contact me at wiseone@yhti.net about this article, or just the hobby in general. Or even better, drop into our message forums and share your thoughts with other enthusiasts.

Great links for prototype and CAN-AM info:

http://www.mathewscollection.com/McLaren_M8D.htm

http://www.bruce-mclaren.com/cars/can_am_cars_history.htm

http://www.mlodeent.com/CANAM/dhulme.htm

http://www.grandprix.com/ft/ftjs049.html Tribute to Denny Hulme

http://www.vintagerpm.com/can-am_history.htm Nice History

Thanks go to Slot Car World for these models. They should have these models in soon, so make sure to get your pre-orders in soon.

Thanks also go to Eagle Distributing for bringing us these nice models.