Team Slot Ford Escort MKII RS2000 - Home Racing World & THE Slot Car Garage

April 2016

TEAM SLOT
1/32nd Scale
Ford Escort MKII RS2000
"Auesberg '81"
#12704

This is a unique model from Team Slot of Spain. They make a very small number of models but have a sizeable fan base due to the unique offerings they have produced. This model interested me not only because of the famous livery, but also what was underneath. Sometimes it isn't just the outside that creates appeal.

Quick Tech Specs

Length: 128 MM
Width: 51MM
Height: 43 MM
Wheelbbase: 73.50
Weight: 81g
Configuration: Inline Pod
Gearing: 9/27 (3.00)
Non-Magnet Model

Now the car itself isn't going to have all of you swooning. Unless of course you are a huge Rally fan and also have a taste for the early 80's. This car is modeled after an actual car that raced in 1981. Here is a quick link to learn more.

Overall the model is nicely done. The markings are actually VERY well done and opaque. The clear coat that seals it is clean and no shortage of gloss.

Detail level is more than acceptable for me. Half tray or not, it has a well detailed driver figure, roll bars, fire bottle and even seat belts.

HRW VIDEO

The more interesting aspect of this model is the chassis and running gear. It has a full pod system employed with fully adjustable front axle system if you install M2 set screws. The gears seem very durable and have acceptable mesh qualities for right out of the box.

I personally admired the chassis as it seems a simple approach. It's also a non-magnet car that might turn away some of you, but I applaud the choice.

The rear axle is held in place with a somewhat odd bracket that can be a bit of a challenge to remove and install. Do NOT over tighten the mount screw as it will bind the assembly.

The rear axle and gear and good quality. Bushing to axle fit is very precise with little if no free-play.

There is one screw securing the motor and it IS needed. I like this. Instead of the cradle having a more traditional "snap" fit approach, the motor rests easily in the mount. I like this as the snap design lends itself to cracking and more often than not, just increases the difficulty of removal/installation.

Wheel Dimensions
14.90 MM Outer Diameter
5.20 MM Width

The rear wheels are aluminum and very round and true. The design will be odd to some of you as it does not have the rib design we are more accustomed to. The tire slides over the wheel and actually acts as the seal for the insert. So when removing them, be careful. Your insert will drop out easily. The tires grip well enough but they WILL need sanding. Very heavy mold lines down the center will need sanding to get them true.

As the video shows, the car runs reasonably well right out of the case. Sanding the tires is almost a must however, but this is a standard tuning task and cannot really find any fault for it. Gear mesh was smooth and the motor is very appealing with a smooth power range and speed to spare. I was very impressed with this little chassis and the motor choice. Too often we are seeing more and more RPM motors when many of us do not need it. Most home tracks are smaller and milder motors like this are a welcome sight.

Overall I am pleased with the model. Most of the appeal for myself is under the hood, however the sight of this paint job makes it one of the best looking Escorts I have ever had in this scale.

It has a lot going for it mechanically speaking. Even if the car itself does not appeal to you, you have to give credit where it is due. Acceptable scale detail, excellent paint finish, quality drivetrain, and adjustable pod chassis.

Well done Team Slot.

-Harry

Feel free to CONTACT ME about this review or just the hobby in general.

Thanks go to POWER HOBBY for sponsoring this review.