03/17/2013

Slot.it Sauber Mercedes C9 - 1988 Presentation Deco - #CA06f - 1/32nd Scale
*Wrench for wheels/axle collars/gears/lead wire located under base.
*Spare/Optional wing also under base.

Slot.it has made a name for themselves in more than just Group C models, but this particular car has always been a favorite. When this scheme was announced I realized that resistance was futile and made plans for it's eventual arrival. Funny thing about some releases, they actually remind you of other models that you had planned on getting but it seemed other releases took priority. Thanks to this new effort that happened here and we have a great rival to go with it.

I am no expert on Group C. Only thanks to this hobby have I learned about what a truly great time it was. I am not ashamed of this either. I was a young serviceman during those years and needless to say, coverage of this series was not on every channel back then.

Then Slot.it began the series in scale. For this slot car enthusiast, Slot.it has made their own history in doing so. Over 10 years these cars have been coming to us and providing the racer and collector a whole lot to choose from.

If you are new to our hobby, you can start getting a few of these models and be right at home next those veteran friends of yours. So this series in scale truly is a legacy.

With today's technology you can find out what this series is all about and you can do it just like the cars: FAST. I highly suggest you do some "Googling" and research the history of this model and the series it competed in. By the way, do not be surprised to see models from Slot.it pop up all over the place. Like I said, they have created a little history of their own.

Now that you have done your research, what do you think about the 1/32nd scale effort here? Overall fit and finish of this slot car is about as good as it gets in our hobby. Clean markings as well as an equally clean clear coat seal this model nicely. Maybe the colors do not attract you, but I think it makes the car very appealing.

Hopefully the photos allow you to decide if Slot.it has created this model in scale well enough for you. I know they have for me. Easily. The detail level is more than enough for me. Also the little things like the spare wing under the base that adds value to the car. It is plain black, so you could just swap it out for racing and leave the painted original for show time.

That may not seem like much. Until you break a wing and do NOT have another. Maybe you are lucky and you can actually buy one, but sometimes even that is no option.

Wing will take a few good hits, but will break eventually. Spare is provided under the base.

Rarely is a model perfect in every regard and it is something that I do not get too upset about. Yet, there are some that do nothing else but critique every model that comes along. Reading one of my reviews, you might want to know that I am an enthusiast who accepts balance. I desire a car that has as much scale accuracy as possible, but I also enjoy a model that runs well.

When I look at a model on our race track and it resembles the prototype so well that there is no mistaking what it is, I am usually happy. Most racers we congregate with are pretty much the same. Your taste might be very different. So between these photos and the ones found at the Slot.it website, I think you can determine if what they have produced is good enough for your collection.

So from our view, if you are looking for that balance between scale authenticity and performance then you might as well start giving Slot.it models a close look.

Wheels and tires are standard Slot.it fare. Plastic wheels up front and aluminum in the rear with detail inserts. Rear tires are the C1 compound and work well on surfaces like NINCO/SCX and Scalextric Classic that have an abrasive surface. For your track you will likely choose your current favorite brand.

Interior is the new "lightened" version. Just a little material has been shaved off the bottom but every little bit helps. You can order a spare interior and it is compatible with your older Mercedes model. Part# CH80.

As with other offerings in this series we see the familiar inline motor configuration. GOOD. I want compatibility with my older models as much as possible and keeping it inline is how I like them. I am not concerned with how much better an anglewinder system is for "performance". The new chassis is fully compatible with anglewinder components if you decide to change it so I cannot see much to complain about.

I asked about the future of Group C and Maurizio of Slot.it was happy to share his answers for our review:

As of this writing we are designing a totally new Group C car while at the same time updating existing models with the latest technology that we are putting into production. Investing in tooling (e.g. the new cockpit and rear wing for the Sauber) and all future Porsche 956/962 will come from new body and cockpit (interior) molds.

We plan to keep all current and future Group C INLINE with the 0.5mm offset pod and 16.5mm diameter rear rims.

There you have it. So for those that like the current configuration, you can rest easy. If this news is not to your liking then you will simply have to convert them. A company cannot please everyone but I think Slot.it again delivers balance. About as fair as it gets in my book.

Up front we see the newer guide and it uses the set screws to secure the wires in place.

Removing the 2 screws that secure the body to the chassis, we see the rest of the model. Everything here is standard components for this series. MS06 motor with a 9 tooth brass pinion turns the 28 tooth crown gear. The pod is 0.5 MM offset meaning the motor is slightly recessed.

The front axles is adjustable in height if you add the grub screws top and bottom. These are standard features found on most Slot.it models.

Speaking of the same series, let us look at the new rival that accompanied this Mercedes: The Toyota 88C.

I have also liked the looks of this model since the first release. When this scheme was added I wanted it, but other new models seemed to keep bumping it out of favor. Slot Car Corner had a great price on it so it was simply time to get it and glad I did.

Again the paint work is exceptional. Some models just seem to grab your eye and you cannot exactly explain why. This is one of those cars for me.

With both of these cars arriving here at the same time, I thought why not put them through a little challenge?

BoxStock Testing MidMo Speedway

Professor Motor Control - Aftermarket Pyramid 26KX Power

First I tested each out of the box. I always check the tightness of the screws for the wheels and gear before it ever sees power. Then I add a drop of oil to the axle, gears, and each end of the motor.

Both cars made an average time of 3.850. The only real difference was the driver. Each car is well balanced and super smooth to operate. The motor is a little touchy for my taste but I dialed the PM controller down to where it increased the smoothness.

Data At A Glance:

After these initial runs it was time to do a tire swap. On these cars I chose the new Yellow Dog 1403RY (.777" O.D. .340" Wide). I like Urethane based tires better as they can be easily sanded and contoured to my liking.

After the tire swap things improved of course. Lap times for both car now dipped into the 3.630 ranges. I had a best lap with the Mercedes of 3.611 but then I almost tied that with the Toyota with a lap of 3.613.

At the end of the day I am very pleased. But that has become normal when dealing with Slot.it models. There are more tuning methods to use than just a tire change but this was a great little duel as it was. Later I will change out the motor and add some sheet lead here and there to really dial them in for our layout.

Seeing this series continue is one thing, but seeing it improve with the new technology is icing on the Group C cake. Your taste in models may not include cars such as these but if it does, rest assured Slot.it delivers a great product.

- Harry

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