05/17/2014

Sometimes just looks alone is enough of a reason to choose a model for your collection. Such is the case with this classic from Scalextric. Although not a new mold,  fresh paint gives me one more reason to look closer at this classic.

And a classic is certainly what it is. So is the race in which it participated. The 12 hours of Sebring is one of the "big three" races in sports car competition that has a history and following that has defined auto racing for many. This model is the 3rd in a series Scalextric has produced commemorating the 1964 event.

Although I have passed on prior versions this car, this new paint reminded me that this model is a nice effort by Scalextric. Harsh rivet counters may not be pleased but then again they rarely are. Although not perfect, the model is a very good representation to my eyes. And from the feedback I have had it seems most home racers are also happy enough.

Paint and markings are also well done with a very nice overall finish. Sometimes we simply judge the paint based on photos but there is more to a good finish than looks alone. Not only do I want crisp and opaque markings, I also want them to be durable. There is no bleed through on the roundels but they appear to be void of any clear coat. Not a big issue really, I can seal them with Pledge (Future) easily enough.

Interior detail is also done well enough or at least for my hobby dollar.

The wheels have been changes but not a perfect match to the 1:1 car. They are close but scale detail enthusiasts might not be as forgiving. For me they work just fine. Tires should work well enough for most of you on plastic tracks but they will need some sanding to clean up the edges. I will swap out the rears with Paul Gage as we intend to run magnet on wood.

Another item that adds value for me is that the model is lighted. Since I enjoy the scale aspect that lights add to our racing, they are welcome sight.

The front lights seemed a bit dull to my eyes compared to the rears. The rear lights are much brighter and I wish the fronts were the same. It is not just my car as some people have written in and told the same story. They still work and add realism but a brighter light could have been chosen.

Looking underneath we see a basic chassis that is digital ready. You can also see the bar magnet that should be more than enough to pin this little car down.

Removing the screws allows a peek inside. The standard slimline motor is here and it has plenty of speed. In fact too much for my taste in car like this. But we all have our personal taste and that will dictate if you car for it or not. I will be swapping the motor out to a MT SL-1 for a milder approach. Gearing is also the 9 tooth pinion mated to the 27 tooth crown gear standard. The bar magnet is the "stepped" design which comes in handy. Not only does it increase magnetic downforce when the car begins to slide out, it allows this motor to sit pretty snugly in the chassis.

In fact, right on top of it. This heavy magnet seems to work well on the motor magnets as well.

I did notice the rear axle bushings rocking in the chassis. After a truing session on the Tire Razor I will add some adhesive on the tops of them. While the axle is out of the car I will also glue the wires to the rear lights flush to the bottom of the chassis. They are too loose for my taste and could start rubbing on the axle or gear.

Routed Wood Track Test
MidMo International Speedway
4x16 - 3 Lane MDF - Satin/Flat Latex Surface
Slot Car Corner Braid/Flush Mount - Aftermarket Power @ Volts
Professor Motor 2110 Low Voltage Electronic Controllers
TrackMate Timing

Initial laps indicated we had some work to do, but it did function. On a plastic track with the magnets the car is a SCREAMER. The heavy magnet and motor really scoot this car around. On our track there was plenty of wheel hop and chatter that told me wheels and tires needed attention. Gearing sounded fine though and I felt we had a good platform to work with.

Tuning Options

For my model I will change the following:

Motor swap to MT Racing SL-1

Paul Gage Tires PGT 20062V

Aside from some chassis trimming and discarding the interior mounting screws, that is pretty much all that was done to our first model. The results were pleasing and it is one of the nicest running classics in our series.

So the paint attracted my attention and it caused me to look at the other releases. It occurred to me that I could create a great 3 lane IROC type of class with them. Not only is red, white, and blue some of my favorite colors they also match our lane colors.

Usually this type of model is not my first choice but when you look at the possibilities the model offers, it really increased my interest.

In my opinion this is a nice enough model that should make most enthusiasts happy. It works well enough for the track system it is designed for and that is how I feel it should be judged. Advanced enthusiasts that have wood tracks or desire non-magnet action will tune it to their liking easily enough. I look forward in racing this series here at home and think some of you would too.

-Harry

As always feel free to contact me about this article or just the hobby in general at harry@homeracingworld.com

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Thanks go to Chicagoland Toys & Hobbies for sponsoring this review.

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