Flyslot Brabham BT 44 - Home Racing World & The Slot Car Garage

March 2016

FlySlot Brabham BT 44 - Austrian Grand Prix - 1974 #062103

Depending on your taste in slot cars, this might be the first important release from Flyslot in quite awhile. Since I am rather a hopeless addict to these classic F1 models, this model certainly qualifies. I did not really expect anything new other than the bodywork and I am happy to report that is exactly what Flyslot has delivered.

Quick Tech Specs

Length: 146 MM
Width: 66.20 MM
Height: 44 MM
WheelBase: 80.50 MM
Weight: 40g
Gearing: 9t Pinion / 27t Crown
Motor Configuration: Inline

As far as my eyes are concerned, Flyslot has made a nice effort. Searching our great web will result in many images and references. Here is a quick shot of the 1:1 car in action and here is an interesting article worth your reading time if you want to learn more about the car.

Our own David Reinecke did a nice review on the first version back in May. I passed on that version and wish now I did not. Having this one just makes you want even more.

Everyone has their own taste on scale accuracy. To me Flyslot has done a reasonable job. The markings and clear coat are nicely done as well with very few issues.

The tires on the model are not really suited for anything but display in my opinion. If you are running on very abrasive track such as NINCO or Scalextric/SCX Classic track they might be just the ticket. Mold lines and blemishes are present however and will need some work. Markings on the tires are there but not very durable. Clear coating them with some "Future" (Pledge Floor Care) might protect them a little longer but still won't last long if used often.

The chassis is the same as found under the MARCH models and that is the bright spot for me. I much prefer the inline versions over the offset motor versions such as the Williams shown here. These inline models at least can be repaired if need be by using standard aftermarket parts. However, it is worth mentioning that I have not had to repair or rebuild any of the models in my collection.

Of course I am not racing these models in any heavy competition either. They see action and quite a lot more these days than ever before, but it's all non-magnet and at a milder voltage to tame the high RPM motor down to a manageable pace for our smaller track.

Video Overview

In my view, Flyslot models need some tuning to them before they hit the track. I used to show them in out of the box form but truth is that they usually need some work here and there on a wood track before you can really give them a fair view. On a plastic track with the magnet in place the models run fine.

Tuning Tips

Here are a few tuning tips for those on wood tracks. Just small things that go a long way in smoothing these models out.

Some have asked how to install the rear axle system in the Tire Razor for truing both the wheels and tires. The challenge is that the brake rotor parts are installed onto the axle and then the wheels are pressed on.

To avoid twisting the wheels off the knurled axles, which is the opposite of what you want to do, I decided to simply notch the rotors from underneath. Cutting a notch allows you to remove the rotors and when you reinstall them the section you cut out is virtually hidden since it is located at the bottom. Not everyone will want to do this, but my models are not destined for the shelf. They are destined for combat and tuning them is that important. I cannot see the notches unless I really look for them and feel they still retain the scale appeal.

Once I trued the wheels I mounted the PG tires as usual. Another truing session for the tires and simply re-install the assembly.

The wheel insert covers will likely fall out as they are just pressed in. A little adhesive will fix that easily.

The second item is the front guide. The front guide is now white as is the gears. It is not physically any different from the prior versions. Also present is the "steering" mechanism that fits over the guide. This part is what creates the steering action. For me it's useless.

The steering effect on these models is far from ideal. It is very fragile and the small amount of movement it creates does nothing to increase the scale appeal to me. In fact, it takes away from it most of the time as the steering linkages are very weak and actually flex during racing. it creates an almost toe-out look to the model. I have removed this guide mechanism in the past and will do so here.

One main reason to also remove this mechanism is to lower the guide into the slot. In stock form, the guide is literally only half way into the slot. The guide blades Flyslot uses is shallow enough and certainly does not need to be elevated.

The approach I take is to simply utilize the parts given. This same steering mechanism seems to be the culprit as the way it is mounted prevents the guide from lowering itself in the chassis.

After I cut and remove the part, I trim off the excess tabs to create a round shim. You can them mount the shim onto the guide first and install the guide. This now lowers the guide into the slot and on most flush rail tracks the result is very close to the ideal height. You will of course adjust this height depending on your own track surface.

After the guide is installed, I center the steering and add a drop of hot glue to secure it. REMEMBER this is just my approach. If you want what little steering there is left in place, skip all of this.

Testing/Tuning Video Summary

In the end I am very pleased with the model. Lowering our voltage tames the car down enough for my kind of taste and the action is about as smooth as it gets.

How does it fit into our home racing with models such as the recent offerings from Scalextric? Very well. I realize the years of the models are not the same and that might offend some scale purists. Yet, for our racing these are close enough in configuration to do battle.

Close enough that there is no clear winner when I tested these models in a shoot out. Each one has stock running gear with just PG tires and some lead added. The Scalextric model has a slightly higher RPM motor but on our smaller track it doesn't really get a chance to use it all. The Flyslot has the guide mounted a little more forward making it just a bit better through the corners. Lap times were an average of 3.70 through 3.65. In other words it's a close call and we will leave it to the driver.

Flyslot certainly doesn't make the best out of the box models, but there are a few that are simply worth the tuning effort and this inline classic F1 series is one of them for me. They look great at speed dicing through our road course and are just plain fun to drive. It's well worth the price of admission.

-Harry

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

Thanks go to POWER HOBBY for sponsoring this review.