These photos were taken during my recent trip to Spain. The new Sloter Zytek is a real looker!
Monday, January 21, 2008
New Sloter Zytek
These photos were taken during my recent trip to Spain. The new Sloter Zytek is a real looker!
Lexion 590R - diecast review
The Lexion 590 R is a large scale model offered by Norscott. When the model arrived I was impressed by its shear size. The detail on the railings, lights, and decals looked extremely realistic even at the 1:50 scale.
The amount of moving parts on this model was very limited with only the grain tank extension opening and the feederhouse raises and lowers. Other than these two parts along with the wheels this was a pretty static model. I was also not impressed with the design of the feederhouse as it came apart the only two time s I opened it. The plastic pins on the metal doors were very well designed.
After attaching both the flex head and the 16 row cornhead it was obvious that a huge display area would be necessary to show off this model. Without either one of the attachments the Lexion 590R looks rather ordinary and plain. Once they are attached the model takes on the true nature of its character. I liked the design and detail included in the model and for someone who has the space this would make a nice display model to own.
Sunday, January 20, 2008
Cat GP25N Lift Truck
The 1:25 scale Cat GP25N Lift truck from Norscott is a model that would appeal to a limited amount of collectors. Having driven this exact model for several years I can tell you that the layout and design is almost perfect and that the designers at Norscott added a lot of detail to make it this way. The movable forks and lift assembly works well and even contained the authentic wobble which you get when driving the machine empty.
I liked the brass fittings holding down the rear tank (to limit sparks) and the tilt control on the entire lift assembly.
I liked the brass fittings holding down the rear tank (to limit sparks) and the tilt control on the entire lift assembly.
This model although having many nice features does contain the overall appeal of some of the other pieces offered by Norscott. The rear wheel steering did not function properly on this model making it difficult to maneuver. If you have an interest in small industrial equipment then this might be a piece you would like to add to your collection.
FrankRegards
Saturday, January 19, 2008
There are motorbikes and then there legends. This is the latter. The detail of the motor is wonderful. The level of detail is on par with everything that AUTOArt makes.
N-Scorer from Ninco - newsletter
News from Ninco...
"You're looking at one of the finest and most "user-friendly" Slot Car Lap Counters available today. The NINCO 10409 N-Scorer has a suggested retail of only $87.98 and is one of the handiest accessories available for standard (Analog) slot car racing. It's battery operated, so it can be put almost anywhere on a two lane track and racers can put it in their pit box when going to a friends house."
• Completely wireless setup: Uses four (4) AA batteries*
• “Straddles” the track, car "triggers" an invisible light beam to count laps
• Use with NINCO & and most other 1/32 scale track
• Carry it with you
• Simple three button control panel
• Two program modes: Set number of laps or Set length of race time
• Set up to 999 laps or up to 99 minutes
• Displays laps; displays minutes and seconds to 2 decimal places
• Five LED’s and sound signals
• Fastest lap & laps completed by each driver can be recalled
• Automatic shut down after three minutes of inactivity
*Batteries not included
Cars not included
"You're looking at one of the finest and most "user-friendly" Slot Car Lap Counters available today. The NINCO 10409 N-Scorer has a suggested retail of only $87.98 and is one of the handiest accessories available for standard (Analog) slot car racing. It's battery operated, so it can be put almost anywhere on a two lane track and racers can put it in their pit box when going to a friends house."• Completely wireless setup: Uses four (4) AA batteries*
• “Straddles” the track, car "triggers" an invisible light beam to count laps
• Use with NINCO & and most other 1/32 scale track
• Carry it with you
• Simple three button control panel
• Two program modes: Set number of laps or Set length of race time
• Set up to 999 laps or up to 99 minutes
• Displays laps; displays minutes and seconds to 2 decimal places
• Five LED’s and sound signals
• Fastest lap & laps completed by each driver can be recalled
• Automatic shut down after three minutes of inactivity
*Batteries not included
Cars not included
Friday, January 18, 2008
SCX's 10100 digital set
The SCX Digital PitBox 10100 sets are in the USA now. The suggested retail price is $429.99. Photo and info from SCX.
DaveK
1972 Chevrolet Chevelle SS 454
The Special 1:24th Edition 1972 Chevy Chevelle SS 454 from Maisto is a great looking model. The red car with the white hood and trunk stripes is classic Chevy muscle car. This convertible has a bright white interior which stands out as much as the red paint job. I found the white dash and white steering wheel took a little bit away from the overall appeal of the interior. If you were to see this car on the street it would most certainly get a second glance. The factory rims had the bow tie in the middle and the rest of the decals were in their proper locations.
The interior of this car was entirely made of plastic so it did not have that authentic feel some of the others cars have. I did notice that there was not a rear window crank on the driver’s side in this model like there was on the passenger side. I liked the amount of detail that was included in the door panels and seats on this model. The arm rest and window cranks were clearly visible and designed Justas s they were in the original car. The center console shifter fit nicely in this car
The engine in this car was also entirely plastic but did contain a decent amount of detail for this level of model. The air cleaner had the original turbo jet 454 stickers as well. The plug wires were hard to see at first as they ran underneath the rocker covers but they were all there. The steering worked remarkably well on this model and the wheels turned crisply and smoothly with only a minimal amount of effort.
The underside of the car was rather simple and only contained a small amount of detail. The dual exhaust was included but it did not connect directly to the engine which was a little bit of a disappointment. I liked the front independent suspension and there were springs included on the rear wheels to give the car a little more feel while moving it across the floor. This car certainly has curb appeal and would make a nice gift for the younger generation. If you are looking for a good looking car with a small price tag then the 1972 Chevy Chevelle SS from Maisto is just the model for you.
Frank
Regards
Thursday, January 17, 2008
Larger scale cars afford the benefit of adding much more detail and the detail that AutoArt added in this car is tremendous! I have seen many 1:24th diecast with less detail.
Wednesday, January 16, 2008
Porsche hybrid? Evidently so...
ATLANTA--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Dr. Ing. h. c. F. Porsche AG, Stuttgart, announced today that it is developing a hybrid drive version of its highly anticipated four-door Gran Turismo. The Panamera Hybrid will utilize the same gas-electric drive concept as the Cayenne Hybrid that comes to market at the end of the decade and will claim a remarkable 30% reduction of fuel consumption.The full parallel hybrid system of the Panamera will be configured with the battery unit positioned below the luggage compartment, and hybrid module, comprising of an additional clutch and electric motor, will be between the engine and transmission. Depending on driving conditions, the hybrid module has the ability to disengage either the combustion engine or the electric motor, or to combine both drive systems as one joint power unit. This flexibility results in benefits such as a zero emissions driving mode, fuel savings in both city and highway driving and maximum performance when desired.
The Panamera, which represents Porsche's fourth model line, will make its world debut in 2009 and promises to redefine the Gran Turismo category by featuring a unique design package that will afford equally generous front and rear space and seating comfort for four while retaining the sporting and unmistakable driving dynamics of every Porsche. Introduced initially with traditional drivetrains, the hybrid version of the Panamera will be offered at a later date.
Zonda kit from MB Slot
Photos from REH Distributors today of the MB Slot Zonda kit. 
The first version of the Pagani Zonda F 2005 of MB SLOT (Art. A0701), a white kit with the small parts of the body shop from to climb on for facilitating the personalization of the livery.
Chasis with support motor with suspensions in three points (Art. 19111 kits suspensions), or the possibility to fix it with three screws (Art. 19300 or Art. 19301 Kit screws)
Motor SONG-NA (Art. 07009) with pinion from 9 T, 21000 rpms with a big magnetic strength and power motor.
Crown from 26 T (Art. 17026) with crown separated by guide I plant with trees motor in ergal.
The fixing of the motor on the support motor is very simple, fast and sure, with two screws from the part of the pinion.
The car has sold with support motor in line, but from on January 15 it will be in commerce the chasis and the support motor anglewinder (Art, A0719 chasis Art. A0721 support) for motor to long box, that with a particular adapter (Art. 07030) it will allow of to also climb on motor to short box either in line that anglewinder.
Axle in steel from 3/32" from 54 mm.
Bearing in bronze (Art. 0732) or the possibility to replace her with balls bearinga (Art. 07020) for axles front and axles rear.
Front axle has climbed on on a support independent from the chasis and fixed on the same with 4 screws or the possibility to replace her with 4 suspensions, to improve and to regulate to liking the position of the front axle.
Pick up (Art. 17030) with screw and advanced blade and modeled.
4 wheels in plastics with passing hole, hub, disk brake in fotoincisione and pliers of the brake applied.
4 tires in natural rubber from the low profile.
On the chasis and on the support motor I have a lot of points to position of magnets in neodidmio, (5x3 mms).
The cables of the motor, can pass through the support motor, and under the support of front axle, in way from not to be of obstacle in the assemblage of the body.
The body has fixed on the chasis in 3 points, very light and flexible, still more replacing the base of the pilot and the glasses of the cabin with the kit in lexan (Art. A0733).
This version they will follow varied version with body pre paint with some limited editions, very particular.
The first version of the Pagani Zonda F 2005 of MB SLOT (Art. A0701), a white kit with the small parts of the body shop from to climb on for facilitating the personalization of the livery. Chasis with support motor with suspensions in three points (Art. 19111 kits suspensions), or the possibility to fix it with three screws (Art. 19300 or Art. 19301 Kit screws)
Motor SONG-NA (Art. 07009) with pinion from 9 T, 21000 rpms with a big magnetic strength and power motor.
Crown from 26 T (Art. 17026) with crown separated by guide I plant with trees motor in ergal.
The fixing of the motor on the support motor is very simple, fast and sure, with two screws from the part of the pinion.
The car has sold with support motor in line, but from on January 15 it will be in commerce the chasis and the support motor anglewinder (Art, A0719 chasis Art. A0721 support) for motor to long box, that with a particular adapter (Art. 07030) it will allow of to also climb on motor to short box either in line that anglewinder.
Axle in steel from 3/32" from 54 mm.
Bearing in bronze (Art. 0732) or the possibility to replace her with balls bearinga (Art. 07020) for axles front and axles rear.
Front axle has climbed on on a support independent from the chasis and fixed on the same with 4 screws or the possibility to replace her with 4 suspensions, to improve and to regulate to liking the position of the front axle.
Pick up (Art. 17030) with screw and advanced blade and modeled.
4 wheels in plastics with passing hole, hub, disk brake in fotoincisione and pliers of the brake applied.
4 tires in natural rubber from the low profile.
On the chasis and on the support motor I have a lot of points to position of magnets in neodidmio, (5x3 mms).
The cables of the motor, can pass through the support motor, and under the support of front axle, in way from not to be of obstacle in the assemblage of the body.
The body has fixed on the chasis in 3 points, very light and flexible, still more replacing the base of the pilot and the glasses of the cabin with the kit in lexan (Art. A0733).
This version they will follow varied version with body pre paint with some limited editions, very particular.
Tuesday, January 15, 2008
Hello Japan!
It seems there are a few readers of Slot Car News in Japan. What is the slot car scene like there? Are there clubs? Anyone have a blog they would like to see added to the SCNews blogroll?
DaveK
Also if there are ANY slot car bloggers out there let me know if you'd like to be added to the SCNews blogroll please! Also if there are any clubs anywhere that would like to be added let me know.
DaveK
Also if there are ANY slot car bloggers out there let me know if you'd like to be added to the SCNews blogroll please! Also if there are any clubs anywhere that would like to be added let me know.
Photos of EVERY slot car by SCX...ever!
Neldo.net has the definative collection of photos of SCX (Scalextric Spain and SCX brand) on the web as far as I know...check it out at this link.
Monday, January 14, 2008
Carrera's red guide
On a recent trip to slot-car-crazy Spain, I saw a Carrera slot car with a red replacement guide in the back panel of the case. When I asked the shop owner what that guide was for, he said it's for replacing the long...long... standard guide to use with SCX/Scalextric track!
The car was at a store called Poly, the car with a special edition Tuner 350Z, the guide was red and clearly smaller than the standard guide.
DK
**edit** I would like to be clear that I don't know if this is a new thing Carrera is doing or something that it's always done in the Spanish market due to the prevalence of Spanish brands of track being dominant in Spain.
The car was at a store called Poly, the car with a special edition Tuner 350Z, the guide was red and clearly smaller than the standard guide.
DK
**edit** I would like to be clear that I don't know if this is a new thing Carrera is doing or something that it's always done in the Spanish market due to the prevalence of Spanish brands of track being dominant in Spain.
New BMW F1 launch
Munich, 14th January 2008. The BMW Sauber F1 Team took delivery of the fastest car in the BMW range at BMW Welt in Munich today (Monday). The team was presented with the BMW Sauber F1.08 against the futuristic backdrop of the brand’s new vehicle delivery centre. The presentation, which took place before an audience of several hundred media representatives from around the world, included a spectacular cameo from Nick Heidfeld. As the longest-serving F1 driver in the BMW ranks, the German took the new car for a spin inside the vast building. The serious testing, however, will begin tomorrow (Tuesday) with the roll-out of the car at the Valencia race circuit in Spain. The BMW Sauber F1.08 is eye-catching with its imposing front wing and extremely slim rear, and boasts a wealth of innovative technology. 
The BMW Sauber F1 Team has completed its development phase, motivation is strong and its plans are ambitious: in what will be its third season on the Formula One grid the team is aiming to close the gap to the leading teams and has targeted a first race win. “We’re setting our sights high,” admits BMW Motorsport Director Mario Theissen, “and we’ll have to make further improvements in all areas to achieve what we want to. However, the past two years have instilled confidence within the team. We met our goals in both 2006 and 2007, we are heading in the right direction, and everybody in Munich and Hinwil is focused on the job in hand. If we continue our progress along this path we will also fulfil our aims for 2008.”The team will take on the challenge with the same race drivers as in 2007 – Germany’s Nick Heidfeld (30) and his Polish team-mate Robert Kubica (23) will be at the wheel of the BMW Sauber F1.08 for the 18 grands prix which make up the 2008 FIA Formula One World Championship. The team will not name a test driver until the end of January.
“It is generally very difficult to define expectations and make prognoses. But I hope that our plan works out and we are able to win our first race in 2008,“ said Heidfeld, who once again accounted for the largest share of the points earned by the team in 2007 and finished on the podium twice. “I expect us to move forward in all areas – particularly as far as reliability is concerned – and to learn from our mistakes. This development process is essential in what we’re trying to achieve.”
And Kubica adds: “I will also be looking to achieve greater consistency in my results during my second full season in Formula One. Retirements and that crash in Canada – which also prevented me from starting in the USA – cost me points in 2007. We all need to take further steps forward in 2008 and make maximum use of every opportunity that presents itself.”
Images and news used with permission from BMW Motorsport.
Grand Am TV Schedule
DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (January 14, 2008) -- The Grand-Am Rolex Sports Car Series presented by Crown Royal Cask No. 16 will continue its relationship with SPEED for 2008, with the motorsports channel broadcasting 62.5 hours of Rolex Series competition in the U.S., Canada and Mexico and the Rolex Series broadcast around the world on a variety of major networks - complete with the Rolex Series debut in high-definition television.Beginning with an opening 90 minutes of the Rolex 24 At Daytona broadcast over-the-air by FOX Sports and topped by an additional 15.5 hours of coverage of the race on the cable network, SPEED cameras will roll at all 15 events on the Rolex Series calendar. For the second consecutive season, FOX Sports will open the Rolex Series season with the opening coverage of the famed twice-around-the-clock race from the "World Center of Racing" before making a driver change of its own and passing the coverage to SPEED.
For the first time, the coverage of the Rolex 24 At Daytona will be broadcast in high-definition on FOX Sports and SPEED HD, where available.
Internationally, coverage of the Rolex Sports Car Series will be broadcast in Europe, Latin America and South America on SportKlub and SPEED Latin America. The ESPN family of networks will distribute the Rolex Sports Car Series around the world with one-hour highlight programs on ESPN Latin America, ESPN+, and ESPN Dos throughout Latin America and the Caribbean, ESPN Atlantic, Israel and Orbit, and ESPN Pacific Rim and Australia.
Air Date Venue/Event Length
Jan. 26 Rolex 24 At Daytona - part 1 (LIVE) 7.5 hrs
Jan. 27 Rolex 24 At Daytona - part 2 (LIVE) 8 hrs
March 29 Homestead-Miami Speedway (LIVE) 3 hrs
April 19 Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez (LIVE) 3 hrs
May 3 Virginia International Raceway 3 hrs
May 18 Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca 3 hrs
May 26 Lime Rock Park (LIVE) 3 hrs
June 7 Sahlen's Six Hours The Glen - part1 (LIVE) 2 hrs
June 7 Sahlen's Six Hours The Glen - part2 (LIVE) 3 hrs
June 21 Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course (LIVE) 3 hrs
July 3 Daytona International Speedway (LIVE) 3 hrs
July 20 Barber Motorsports Park (LIVE) 3 hrs
Aug. 1 Circuit Gilles Villeneuve (SAME DAY DELAY) 3 hrs
Aug. 8 Watkins Glen International (SDD) 3 hrs
Aug. 24 Infineon Raceway 3 hrs
Aug. 31 New Jersey Motorsports Park (LIVE) 3 hrs
Sept. 20 Miller Motorsports Park (LIVE) 7 hrs
TRU-Grip Tires and Classic F1 cars
Some of my favorite new cars are the classic F1s from the 1960s and 70s made by Fly and Scalextric. They are absolutely beautiful, but the way they run leaves a bit to be desired, in my opinion. This is due to the high torque, “slim can” motors, hard tires, and relatively light weight of these gorgeous cars. When I first got the Scalextric Ferrari and McLaren set, I ran them stock, but found the magnets too powerful and resultant speeds too high. The Fly March was the same story. I tried smaller magnets, no magnets, even with lead weight, but could not find a happy setting until I received some replacement tires from TRU-Grip!
TRU-Grip tires are molded from Urethane, similar to the infamous Ortmans from Germany, but are made right here in the USA. They are a new company, but have many applications available and if they don’t have the tire you need, they may just make some for you!? This is the reason I contacted them about the classic F1s, I hadn’t been able to find tires for them anywhere else. But I was pleased to find they had tires for the 312 Ferrari, McLaren M23, Fly March, and the ‘60s Cooper and Ferrari 156!
I was skeptical after all the trouble I had with these cars, but after installing the TRU-Grips, the cars were transformed! They are now great fun to run non magnet, while before they had been virtually undriveable, and this is with no added weight. They will still spin the tires, but now transmit most of the power into forward thrust. This is on my painted Scalextric Sport track, but they also should work well on other tracks, including rough ones like Ninco because they are very soft. They almost feel like the motor has been changed to a more controllable one. Also, although most TRU-Grip tires require gluing to the rim because they are so soft, the thick profile of the F1 tires seems to make this unnecessary.
I also got some for the little Scalextric 1.5L Cooper and Ferrari 156. These are much thinner, but still grip great, however the motors were just a little too powerful, so on these I changed out to a milder slim can motor. These also did not need glue to stay on the rim. The TRU-Grip tires are molded right from the original tires, so they are very similar in appearance, except the back sidewall has some irregularity since these are hand poured into molds. I think this is not very noticeable and they look great to me.
So if you have some of these wonderful cars or some other cars which are in need of some more “Grip”, try some TRU-Grip tires. They have a brand new website:
http://www.kellystrugrip.com/
TRU-Grip tires are molded from Urethane, similar to the infamous Ortmans from Germany, but are made right here in the USA. They are a new company, but have many applications available and if they don’t have the tire you need, they may just make some for you!? This is the reason I contacted them about the classic F1s, I hadn’t been able to find tires for them anywhere else. But I was pleased to find they had tires for the 312 Ferrari, McLaren M23, Fly March, and the ‘60s Cooper and Ferrari 156!
I was skeptical after all the trouble I had with these cars, but after installing the TRU-Grips, the cars were transformed! They are now great fun to run non magnet, while before they had been virtually undriveable, and this is with no added weight. They will still spin the tires, but now transmit most of the power into forward thrust. This is on my painted Scalextric Sport track, but they also should work well on other tracks, including rough ones like Ninco because they are very soft. They almost feel like the motor has been changed to a more controllable one. Also, although most TRU-Grip tires require gluing to the rim because they are so soft, the thick profile of the F1 tires seems to make this unnecessary.
I also got some for the little Scalextric 1.5L Cooper and Ferrari 156. These are much thinner, but still grip great, however the motors were just a little too powerful, so on these I changed out to a milder slim can motor. These also did not need glue to stay on the rim. The TRU-Grip tires are molded right from the original tires, so they are very similar in appearance, except the back sidewall has some irregularity since these are hand poured into molds. I think this is not very noticeable and they look great to me.
So if you have some of these wonderful cars or some other cars which are in need of some more “Grip”, try some TRU-Grip tires. They have a brand new website:
http://www.kellystrugrip.com/
Sunday, January 13, 2008
For the love of the sport
I love racing, any form, anywhere. I was lucky enough to attend a monster truck show Saturday night in North Carolina.
I was surprised how grass roots this form of racing still is. The pits are nothing more than loading docks and parking bays, not some huge operation. I was shocked to see the drivers working on their trucks just as hard as the crews.
The drivers then stand in line for hours signing autographs and getting their photo taken with Johnny and dad, all with a smile on their face. These drivers set a very high standard. I wish all motorsports treated their fans with such open arms. I asked several why they do all these extra steps for their fans, and their answers were all about the same . . . “We love to do this and the fans come with it.”
Well, call me a redneck from the South…I loved it……
With Kind Regards,
Frank
I was surprised how grass roots this form of racing still is. The pits are nothing more than loading docks and parking bays, not some huge operation. I was shocked to see the drivers working on their trucks just as hard as the crews.
The drivers then stand in line for hours signing autographs and getting their photo taken with Johnny and dad, all with a smile on their face. These drivers set a very high standard. I wish all motorsports treated their fans with such open arms. I asked several why they do all these extra steps for their fans, and their answers were all about the same . . . “We love to do this and the fans come with it.”
Well, call me a redneck from the South…I loved it……With Kind Regards,
Frank
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