Racer Sideways BMW 320 Gr. 5 - Home Racing World & The Slot Car Garage

February 2016

1/32nd Scale Racer Sideways BMW 320 Gr. 5

Here is a BMW that I could not wait to arrive. This Group 5 series from Racer Sideways has become one of my personal favorites over the last couple of years and having one more competitor in the mix is always a welcome sight.

Quick Tech Specs

Length: 152 MM
Width: 66.50 MM
Height: 40 MM
WheelBase: 80.50 MM
Weight: 84g

The Sideways line has gone through some changes and some of us were concerned about the future of the line. But it appears things are business as usual (almost), at least from where I am sitting on this side of the big pond.

In any event, this new BMW arrived safe and sound from Cloverleaf Racing as usual. Judging by the prototype photos that are plentiful around the web, it appears Racer has done a good job overall. Of course we all have our own tastes in scale accuracy and only you can determine if Racer has produced a model well enough for you.

Driver and interior detail are an ideal balance for me. How about you?

When judging the appearance on these models it's a fine line to walk. On one side there are many of use that desire scale accuracy and without at least a very close rendering, we pass them up. On the other side is who Racer Sideways is targeting for these models: The Scale Racer. These models are made for the competitive club/home enthusiasts who not only want an attractive model, but require performance as well.

I feel this Group 5 Sideways series achieves a good balance of the Scale/Performance ratio. Others of course disagree. The wheels are the focus for many enthusiasts, especially myself. I am not a diehard "one size fits all" fan, but I understand the approach.

They utilize wheel sizes that have already been established in our hobby and for many that makes perfect sense. The molds made to cast the wide variety of aftermarket tires is one of the leading advantages. And then there are spare parts which again, are already well established in our hobby. In some cases this means the appearance of the models are not quite what some of us hoped. Although I want accuracy as much as the next enthusiasts, I also want quality and easily attained parts for tuning.

In the case of this BMW, I think they work very well. It's a compromise that for my home racing is easily accepted. Is it for you? I did notice some flash molding areas that appeared to be trimmed away rather hastily. The above photo should show you all you need to know.

On the outside, this brand has been reasonably consistent in pleasing the scale enthusiasts in the past. Excellent overall finish with clean and crisp marking are usual traits.

However this release is not at that level. The markings and colors appear to be fine, but the lack of a clear coat to seal and protect them is non-existent.

This is disappointing for me. I expect a little more quality control from this brand. Yet, mistakes happen.

On the other hand I can and will address it myself. A couple coats of acrylic Pledge FloorCare and a good buffing with wax will take of this easily enough. Yet I should not have to and hopefully future releases show improvement.

HRW CHANNEL

THE REAL DEAL

The real news on this release is the introduction of the new and improved pod system. This new pod has addressed the weak area in the rear of model that has caused some issues with racers. One item it addresses is the now familiar "AngleWinder Hop" or chatter. Many of us have resorted to using tape and even custom supports to help strengthen the rear as well as dampen the movement of the pod.

Standard Flat 6R and 11/28 gearing.

The new axle carriers have a notch type design that is also supported by the pod. This strengthening measure is something I have seen many racers comment on and is very welcomed.

This view above shows how the new carriers fit into the pod cradle.

On the left is the latest Porsche with the old style system. On the right is our new model.

Another area it focuses on is the motor mount itself. The new mounts help address the movement of the motor.

Each end now has tabs across the top as well as a dual pin design in the front mount.

Underneath the base you will find the bag that contains the additional parts. There new designs for the axle supports that allow you to change the offset of the car as before, optional front fork to replace the single post design that model comes with, new motor tabs, and even a new front fork assembly that allows this pod to be used in other chassis such as Slot.it.

We could spend pages discussing the different approaches/setups. And that can easily happen in our forums, but for now we will focus on how well this new pod functions OUT OF THE BOX.

ROAD TEST
MidMo International Speedway
4 x 16 - 3 Lane MDF Routed Wood Road Course - Satin Latex Surface
Slot Car Corner Braid - Aftermarket Power @ 12 Volts
DiFalco Controllers

HRW CHANNEL

The operation out of the box proved to me this new pod has promise. Much improved handling in the corners with an overall smoother drive. And this is our of the box with stock tires and NO tuning.

Lap times were a 3.6 average which is excellent time for our small track.

Of course aftermarket tires will find their way on these cars. The top 2 brands in the hobby are Quick Slicks and Paul Gage. Each tire size I chose fit very well and provided much improved performance over the stock tires as expected.

I am pleased with this release overall. Although there is some issue with the lack of finish, this improved pod system makes up for it. Seeing improvements that enthusiasts have asked for is a rare trait in our hobby and not to be taken for granted. I commend Sideways for listening and implementing this much needed improvement.

Just one more great car for this series. Not only do I plan on getting more of this model, the new pod system will also be on my list to upgrade the others in my fleet over time.

- Harry

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

Thanks go to cloverleaf racing for sponsoring this review.