Finally getting my hands on this model has been nothing short of exciting. When I first learned about this project early on, it was all I could do to contain my enthusiasm. Following it from the early concept drawings to seeing it track side has been one heck of a ride!
1/32nd Scale – Inline Configuration
NOTE: This is a prototype. There might be some changes to the actual model upon release.
My excitement over this release might seem odd to some, but for those of you who identify with it?
Yes, I am sure you understand.
So to be very clear, this model is based more on the NASCAR/Stock Car trim than standard street. I have noticed some early comments about the car, but some of them are not really fair. The enlarged wheel openings and missing street trim items such as side mirrors and emblems are just appropriate for the intended model.
It also means comparing the data to street trim will be off. This car is lower, slightly wider, and longer than a scale street car. Wheelbase is almost dead on the factory though. Given it’s a race car I fully accept the differences. Either you will or you won’t.
The Data
Height: 37.85 MM
Length: 165.20 MM
Width: 58.60 MM
Wheelbase: 86 MM
Front/Rear Track: 55.60 MM
Guide Center to Rear Axle Center: 109.65 MM
Guide Depth: 7MM (6.25 From Braid To Edge)
Body/Interior Weight: 31 grams
Chassis Weight: 52 grams
Weight Total: 82 grams
Motor: Standard Scalextric Tested: 21,700 @ 12 VDC
Wheels and tires look just fine to my eye. The wheels might be slightly smaller diameter than used on the 1:1 cars but I understand the reason why: After-market tire compatibility.
Tires such as the Quick Slicks silicone SC01 and Paul Gage urethane 21105 fit this wheel as good as it gets. The Quick Slicks fits very evenly and that is what you want in a silicone given the very difficult task of sanding.
What I hoped for in this wheel was that the shoulders would be evenly matched. Unlike the recent Javelin wheel where due to slightly off dimensions, most tires do not fit properly. I checked all 4 wheels and they seem as even as it gets. The appearance of the Quick Slicks tire tells most of the story. Even and true.
NOTE: The chassis ground clearance is rather low at about 1.5 MM. This means installing tires with a lower diameter will lower even more and you might drag the track if you have uneven sections or sharp inclines. I have posted the clearances measured with the two tires I tested.
The interior is more than enough for my taste. In fact the added roll bar work here adds a lot of depth. As a racer, the tray type interior is more than a welcome sight.
The chassis is inline as expected. I am more than happy with that. Some will not. I just know my older inline NASCARS run just fine on our oval and I expect the same here.
Stock motor, gearing, bar magnet, and digital compatibility are all here.
How does it run?
Not bad in stock form. There is the usual slight hop due to tires needing sanding/truing. The stock rubber actually hooks up pretty well on my track surface but after-market tires are always the first thing I change. For the road test I did sand the stock tires and lubricated the appropriate areas.
The stock rubber on this car hooks up rather well on my surface. I have noticed this with other releases in the past year. Not sure if they changed much in the compound, but the grip is surprising when cleaned.
All in all I am very pleased. Nothing is ever perfect and for some it will not impress. For my eyes and my oval racing? More than good enough. From the generic painted versions to the white kits, I see quite a few of these in my collection. No other company is bringing us fresh American molds and certainly not those intended for oval racing.
-Harry
Special thanks to Scalextric/Hornby USA for allowing us a sneak peek at this model.
