SLOT CARS

Slot cars and economic crisis

2011-12-01T11:37:00.002-05:00

In times of crisis, hobbies are one of the first things people usually stop and dedicate the money to more important things. It is the right thing to do, but then, what are you going to do with your free time, with those long winter afternoons? Then it is when you think you are smart and decide to buy a piece of junk because it is cheaper... Yes, you know, Carrera, SCX, Scalextric...they are not so cheap, you can´t spend much money, you need it for something else....WRONG ANSWER!!!! You are just sending your money thru the drain. It is time for bold moves, maybe you discover Compact or GO!!! are not just toys, maybe it is time to take bcak all the cars with small problems you kept apart some time ago, or to decide going all the DIY way... It is time to think and use what you have around to keep your hobby up and running and it would be even better if you could share your ideas with everybody else around, it is time for sharing...Xmas is coming!!!

Good links:

http://www.outriggercanoe.com/mypics/2005_1.html

http://www.centerfirecentral.com/slot%20car/Track%20Shots/Track%203.htm

http://home.cogeco.ca/~amcewen2/Trmanual.html

http://www.hoslotcarracing.com/WoodenTrack.html

http://www.finkbuilt.com/blog/slot-cars/

SCX new track, original and digital compatible ...

2011-10-01T09:17:00.004-05:00

As you already now, SCX used to have a different track for original and digital systems. This made things complicated if you wanted to evolve and improve from the old fashion way of playing to the amazing new one. That problem is completely solved now. SCX has developed a better track and made it compatible for original and digital. They have even made adaptors so you can still use your original tracks with the new one.

This is the original information in www.scx.es

(This is one more reason for buying SCX, one less for NINCO. One of NINCO advantages was its superior track quality and size, now, they are getting closer...do you think so?)

Awesome web

2010-12-29T17:28:00.003-05:00

This is something you must see if you like slot cars, awesome cars made in limited quantities and highly detailed, you won´t be disappointed...

Check it here http://www.hobbyclassic.net/htm/catalogo.htm

Best 1/32 digital set for 2010

2010-12-21T17:09:00.002-05:00

Best 1/32 set for 2010

2010-12-21T17:02:00.001-05:00

BEST 1/32 SET

NINCO STARTER PRO V.09 (NINCO)

LENGTH (m):: 7,89
MINIMUM AREA (m x m):: 2,08 x 1,23
Num. of TRACKS:: 30
CAR INCLUDED: NO
SYSTEM (ANALOGICAL or DIGITAL): ANALOGIC

Best 1/43 set for 2010

2010-12-21T16:38:00.003-05:00

And the best 1/43 set for me is:

Best HO set for 2010

2010-12-19T17:00:00.005-05:00

And here we are with the first set. In the favorite scale in the US, HO and of coursem it had to be from AFX Racing . This year my proposed set is this one: Super International Our Most Popular Set Gets Even Better!

You'll notice the new look of the box, sure, but the big news is the cars. Four cool new bodies with new liveries – all mounted on our newest, fastest, best handling Mega-G chassis.

No one can match the Mega-G for speed or fun. As for realism - just compare our Formula bodies to any other HO car, you'll see what we mean.

All of this just adds to the already fantastic value. With 86 pieces of track you can make at least 18 different layouts in 4 lane configuration! Of course you can design your own layouts too. You’ve got everything you need to build almost any kind of track in 2 or 4 lanes – all in one box.

Five different types of curved track and 4 different straights, two power packs and four controllers, 6 bridge sections, the list goes on and on. If you wanted to buy all the track, cars and accessories in this set separately, you could pay more than twice as much. That’s what we mean when we are talking about value.

And don’t forget, this is AFX, the highest quality best performing HO slot racing system you can buy anywhere. After all this is the brand that created the hobby and spent almost 60 years improving it. would you expect less? Quality, performance, innovation and value, that’s why AFX is the leader in HO.
FEATURES

• More different types of curve – You can build almost anything you can imagine
• Build at least 18 different tracks – Layout instructions and enough track to make some of the most challenging race tracks in the world
• Brand new, blazing fast Mega-G chassis – The lightest, lowest, fastest HO chassis made
• Most powerful HO Set you can buy – Compare the AFX 22 volt power pack to the 17 volt versions in other people’s sets
• Directional Power Pack – Let’s you change track direction with a flip of the plug
• Easy plug, ProClass Controllers – Plug in or swap controllers in a snap
• Tune-up Kit Included – Keep your cars running strong
Mega-G Chassis

Made small to fit more realistic bodies; made light, low and powerful to handle the curves and smoke the competition: the new Mega-G chassis is a winner!
• Up to 30% lighter than any other HO chassis - Way more fun to drive.
• Lowest and narrowest chassis ever made - Much more realistic bodies.
• Lowest center of gravity - Corners better than any other chassis
• Longest wheelbase available - Better proportioned bodies
• Fastest production chassis made - Smokes the competition
• Exclusive extra long tapered guide pin - Car stays in the slot longer
• Unique Monocoque Chassis - Lighter, stronger, out-handles the competition
• Level 30 Neodymium ground effects magnets - Stays glued to the track
• High conductivity phosphor bronze pickup shoes - Gets more power to the motor
• Nylatron Chassis - Super strong and durable
• Precision balanced armature - Revs to the moon, reliably
• Polymer Motor Magnets – Up to 20% more powerful than larger ceramic magnets
SPECIFICATIONS

Running Feet (2-lane): 50
Running Feet (4-lane): 25
Floor Space Required for Primary Track: 4’ x 11’
Number of Cars: 4
Number of Controllers: 4
Number of Power Packs: 2
Number of pieces of track: 86 (including terminal track)
Number of Bridge Trestles: 6
Number of Terminal Tracks: 2
Type of Chassis: Mega-G
Guard Rails: 20
Buildings: Pit (1); Grandstand (1) cardboard
Other: Sheet of Colored Lane Stickers (1); Tune Up kits (2)
Box Size: 19.5” x 16.5” x 6.25”
Weight: 13 lbs

(Information fron AFX Racing web page)

Christmas time. Best slot cars sets for Christmas. 2010

2010-12-19T16:48:00.003-05:00

And here we are again, 2010 is getting to its end, and the time of the year comes for fathers, uncles, grandfathers ... to find a nice slot cars set for the beloved family...

And I will give you my wish list if I could choose.

There will HO, 1/43 and 1/32. They are my favorites, but you can send me your proposal and we could even vote for the best idea.

Merry Christmas to everybody and good races...

Ninco World Cup 2010

2010-11-19T15:55:00.003-05:00

This weekend we`ll dispute the final of the NINCO World Cup 2010, the largest international event of slot competition ... and we want to tell you everything!
The NINCO World Cup 2010 final will be the first to offer live coverage for all those fans who can not be living in Teror (Gran Canaria) this great competition. Thanks to the collaboration of Hobby Slot Toñi Ponce Sport and the Canarian motor magazine A todo Motor, from the website of this online publication may follow the development of the NINCO World Cup 2010 minute by minute, with webcam images, results, standings, interviews... Also, remember that by Twitter, NINCO will also explain everything that happens during the most exciting weekend of NINCO Sport and Xlot racing.
And more... Find here the NINCO World Cup 2010 commemorative car which will be available at the usual worldwide hobby shops. A fantastic ACURA LMP2 ProRace featured with equippement ready to compete. What better present of the biggest event in the world of slot racing

Vodafone McLaren Mercedes 2010 SCX

2010-09-19T08:25:00.003-05:00

Enjoy driving this F1 car and feel the speed of this Vodafone McLaren Mercedes driven by Luis Hamilton in the 2010 F1 Championship.

Sport Table of Measurements

Wheelbase 96,5mm Transmission type 4x2 Rear
Car length 152,9mm Transmission ratio 9/27 = 3
Wheel track 56,4mm Guide type ARS
Rear tire diameter 20mm Screws 3 (1+1+1)

Motor RX-4
Traction Rear
Body shell weight 10,8g
Car weight 67,3g

Aston Martin Vantage. New SCX car

2010-09-19T08:18:00.002-05:00

Aston Martin Vantage N24 Ref: 64530
This Aston Martin Vantage N24 participated in the Aston Martin Asia Cup in 2006 and driven by Turku Hamman. The shape of this Aston Martin is just perfect as it makes it very easy to drive when you compete in GT races on your SCX tracks.
Sport Table of Measurements
Wheelbase 81,3 mm, Transmission type 4x2 direct rear
Car length 135,8 mm, Transmission ratio 9/27 = 3
Rear wheel track 58,3 mm, Guide type ARS
Rear tire diameter 19,8 mm, Screws 3 (2+1)
Motor RX-42B, Traction Rear
Body shell weight 25,7 gr,Car weight 81,8 gr.

www.scx.es www.scxworldwide.com

Guide with suspension
Removable and Adjustable Magnet
Xenon-effect high-intensity headlights
ARS Guide (automatic return system)
Tilting chassis

New SCX: Porsche 911 GT3 Cup

2010-09-19T06:55:00.002-05:00

The English racing driver Matthew Marsh drove this Porsche 911 GT3 Cup during Mobil Supercup in 2006. The main detail we can notice on this car`s decoration is the famous Michelin Bibendum that stands out nicely. Again, another nice decoration by SCX.

Wheelbase 73,6mm Transmission type 4x2 direct rear
Car length 138,5mm Transmission ratio 9/27 = 3
Wheel track 57,4mm Guide type ARS
Rear tire diameter 20mm Screws 5 (2+2+1)

Motor RX-42B
Traction Rear
Body shell weight 25,4g
Car weight 82,5g

Good luck!!!

2010-09-17T13:52:00.005-05:00

I have been thinking about the best set for me now. Kids are growing and Compact (SCX 1/43) is getting small for them. I had some options:NINCO, SCX, SCALEXTRIC, CARRERA ..., of course all of them 1/32 (I am in Europe now). But destiny has decided for me. I sent my ticket for a raffle ... and I GOT IT!!!!! I have received and amazing SCX C3 set. You can see the picture here...I will post more comments soon. Thank you HERO (http://www.hero.es) for making me happy...

JJ Slot Cars

2010-07-25T12:54:00.004-05:00

I was surfing the net when I found this interesting slot cars producer, a chinese company named Jin Jun toys .
If we check some of their slot cars sets the boxes are amazingly close to ??? Yes, maybe they built them in China for the Euroepean company and now they are using the know-how. Has anybody tried them? how do they work? I´ll try to get a set and post about it.

From their webpage:" Taking Quality and Innovation as the best marketing means, we strive to supply to all clients with hot-selling products.

Jinjun Toys Factory established in 1996, specialised in manufacturing B/O toys and R/C toys.

Since year 2000, we have been focused on the Slot Racing Car items. So far we have developed a wide range of Slot Racing items covering scale 1:32, 1:43, 1:64, with almost all kinds of vehicles such as Rally Car, F1 Car, Motorbike , Quad Bike, Kart, Truck, Off-road Car, City Car, Police Car."

2010-07-24T13:01:00.000-05:00

New SCX 1/32 Citroen DS 21

2010-07-24T12:39:00.002-05:00

Citroën DS 21 Ref: 64610
SCX is proud to launch another brilliant reproduction of classic car: the blue and white “shark” Citroën DS 21 driven by Pauli Toivonen.
With this car the Finnish driver was awarded a controversial first place on the 1966 Monte Carlo Rally after a protest by the Citroën team manager against the top finishing British cars.
Sport Table of Measurements
Wheelbase 97,6 mm
Transmission type 4x2 Rear Direct
Car length 150 mm
Transmission ratio 9/27=3
Front axle dimension 56 mm
Guide type ARS
Rear axle dimension 44,3 mm
Front wheel diameter 20,9 mm
Screws 5 (2+2+1)
Rear wheel diameter 20,9 mm
Motor RX-42B
Traction Rear
Car weight 87,1 gr.
Body shell weight 29,2 gr.
Digitalizable Yes with Ref.20320
www.scx.es www.scxworldwide.com
Detailed Chassis
Guide with suspension
Xenon effect high intensity headlights
emovable and Adjustable Magnet

Brawn GP Jenson Button Commemorative Limited Edition

2010-07-23T12:47:00.000-05:00

The Scalextric Limited Edition model is fitted with a high performance 20,000 rpm motor and a hardened rear axle to ensure smoother running, plus enhanced decoration detail to the driver’s helmet.

History

Jenson Button completed a sensational year to become the 2009 FIA Formula One World Champion for the Brawn GP Formula One team in only their first competitive season.

Son of former Rallycross driver John Button, Jenson began his racing in a kart at the age of eight. After a distinguished early racing career, Button moved into Formula One in 2000 with Williams, progressing onto Benetton and Renault over the following two years.

In 2003, Button move onto the BAR team, which later became BAR Honda, where he took the first win of his career at the 2006 Hungarian Grand Prix. On 5th March 2009, it was announced that the former Honda Racing F1 Team would become Brawn GP, following a buy-out led by Ross Brawn.

In a scintillating first season for Brawn GP in 2009, Button won the Driver’s Championship with an incredible 95 points, including 6 victories.

Scalextric announced an exclusive worldwide license deal with the Brawn GP Formula One Team in June 2009.

With information from www.scalextric.com

Enquiries results

2010-02-07T13:42:00.003-05:00

Not such a huge participation, but as you can see, the results are interesting. Having a digital system is worth it and the best companies are AFX/Tomy http://www.afxracing.com/ (many HO fans voting!!!) and SCX http://www.scx.es/. Congratulations for them...

New SCX 1/32 Plymouth AAR Coda

2010-01-13T13:35:00.003-05:00

Plymouth AAR ‘Cuda
Ref: 63580 January 2010
The All American Racers (AAR) ‘Cudas competed during the greatest year in the Trans Am racing
series. Legendary racer Dan Gurney drove the #48 ‘Cuda to 1 top 5 finish during the 1970 season.
Sport Table of Measurements
Wheelbase 86mm
Transmission type 4x2 direct rear
Car length 151mm
Transmission ratio 9/27 = 3
Rear wheel track 60mm
Guide type ARS
Rear tire diameter 21mm
Screws 3 (2+1)
Motor RX-42B
Traction Rear
Body shell weight 26g
Car weight 84g
www.scx.es
www.scxworldwide.com

In February of 1970, Plymouth announced addition of the AAR 'Cuda. Available mid-year, production started March 10, 1970 and ended five weeks later on April 17, 1970. While not the most powerful Barracuda in Plymouths 1970 lineup, it was the most unique. The street versions of the Plymouth AAR ‘Cuda and the Dodge Challenger T/A were the results of Chryslers involvement in the Sports Car Club of America (SCCA) Trans Am auto racing series. These E-bodies were different from any other high performance car built by Ma Mopar. You could not order a Plymouth AAR 'Cuda, Chrysler informed each eligible dealer of the number of cars they would be allotted. Only 2,724 examples of the All American Racers Plymouth 'Cuda were produced. The Plymouth AAR ‘Cuda and the Dodge Challenger T/A are very sought after and also very valuable these days.

Best 1/32 set

2009-12-24T10:12:00.004-05:00

For me, the best company in slot is NINCO, so the best set is the NINCO Starter Pro V 09. You can find more information in www.ninco.com. They have the best tracks and they even have the XLOT cars, with a 1/28 scale that can run in the 1/32 track and with so many details you will be amazed.

Carrera GO!! Disney Cars

2009-12-21T13:33:00.001-05:00

The best 1/43 set

2009-12-21T13:19:00.005-05:00

This used to be a scale clearly controlled by Carrera Go!!, but two years ago SCX launched Compact, with good cars and tracks. It is an interesting competition, but the prize for this year goes to Carrera Go!! and its Disney Cars Set.

Contents:
1 “Lightning McQueen”
1 “The Chick Hicks”
6 Straights 13.46 in. / 342 mm
3 Straight 3.94 in. / 100 mm
2 Curves 1/45°
2 Curves 2/45°
2 Lane change sections
4 Fly Over sections with supports
1 Connecting track section
1 Straight with lap counter
2 Speed controllers
1 Transformer
Track section boltsGuardrailsReplacement contactsSpare guide keelsInstructions
Dimensions when assembled: 8.30 x 2.33 ft. / 253 x 71 cmTrack length: 17.71 ft. / 5,4 m

* With information from http://us.carrera-toys.com

Best HO track

2009-12-19T14:06:00.002-05:00

This is, for me, a real curiosity or bizarre thing. HO cars and tracks are "big" in the US, and once you know them you have to love them. But in Europe they are almost unknown or taken for toys (as far as I know Scalextric, with the micro name, is the only european company working with this scale). I can´t understand why this scale is not more known and recognized in Europe. Maybe it is a question of time.

And now, the best 2009 HO track for me is:

The "Mother of all Slot Car Tracks"!With more track pieces, more track length, more levels, more banks, criss-cross tracks, squeeze tracks, sheesh! There just isn't another track like it.The Giant squeezes an amazing amount of action into only 4' x 8' of floor space. And as if that wasn't enough you get two super fast Super G+ Formula cars. They rock!And now, the Giant becomes the first AFX set to get the Tri-Power Pack. The only power supply available in any slot car set that lets you learn to race at your own pace. Great for young kids!Leave it to AFX to bring you the biggest, baddest set on the planet.

FEATURESLargest slot car track available – More track than you can get anywhere in one setTri-Power Pack – Even young children can learn without frustrationThe best track you can buy – AFX track is easy to use, high quality and reliableColorful, highly detailed Formula bodies – Unmatched realismBlinding fast Super G+ Chassis – The most advanced chassis you can buy; you can even adjust the motor’s torqueMost powerful HO Set you can buy – Compare the AFX 22 volt (at Expert level) power pack to the 17 volt versions in other people’s setsDirectional Power Pack – Let’s you change track direction with a flip of the plugEasy plug, ProClass Controllers – Plug in or swap controllers in a snapTune-up Kit Included – Keep your cars running strongLap Counter – Race with your friends
SUPER G+ CHASSISSuper G+ is probably the most famous chassis in HO slot racing. Its predecessor, the G+ revolutionized the hobby with stunning performance that flattened the competition. Using patented design innovations it was the first HO chassis to include dedicated “ground effects” magnets. It took years for the competition to get close and by then AFX had “left the building” with the next generation Super G+. Here are some of the reasons why Super G+ still sets the pace:Unique Monocoque Chassis: Motor is part of the chassis – Lighter, stronger design means better handling and higher speedsMotor: Cantilever brush design with precision armature (Only AFX has it) – Higher RPM and more responsiveMotor: Adjustable motor timing (Only AFX has it) – Let’s you change torque to better tune the power to different tracksPick-Up Shoes: High conductivity Phosphor Bronze – Gets more power to the motorGuide Pin: Exclusive extra long tapered design – Keeps the car in the slot longerGround Effects Magnets: Extra long polymer magnets – More rail coverage in the corners for better handling
SPECIFICATIONSRunning Feet (2-lane): 62.5Floor Space Required for Primary Track: 4’ x 8’Number of Cars: 2Number of Controllers: 2Number of Power Packs: 1Number of pieces of track: 68 (including lap counters and terminal track)Number of Lap Counters: 1Number of Terminal Tracks: 1Type of Chassis: Super G+Guard Rails: 32Buildings: Pit (1); Grandstand (1) cardboardBox Size: 29.375” x 17.5” x 5.375”Weight: 15 lbs.

With information from AFX Tomy slot cars http://www.afxracing.com/

Best slot cars track for Christmas

2009-12-06T13:23:00.007-05:00

Christmas is coming again and before we realize it will be the time for Santa to bring presents for the kids (and the not so kids)...and the same question as every year, what track would be better for my kid...or me? So I will start a series of posts about what I think could be the best tracks for them. There will be HO, 1/43, 1/32 and 1/24. See you soon...

2009-11-07T07:15:00.002-05:00

From the official Scalextric web page http://www.scalextric.com

New SCX Digital cars NASCAR

2009-11-05T15:50:00.003-05:00

Ford Fusion #16 “Greg Biffle”
July 2009
Greg Biffle has finished in the top of the points in recent years in the Sprint Cup. Behind the
wheel of the Ford Fusion with sponsors Sherwin-Williams and 3M he’s a proven winner with 14
career wins and an average finish in the top 20.
Sport Table of Measurements
Wheelbase 88mm
Transmission type 4x2 direct rear
Car length 159mm
Transmission ratio 9/27 = 3 to 1
Wheel track 60mm
Guide type Classic pivoting
ARS
Rear tire diameter 21mm
Screws 3 (2+1)
Motor RX42
Traction Rear
Car weight 92g
Bodyshell weight 29g

Toyota Camry “Kyle Busch”
July 2009
Ref: 13980
Kyle Busch is one of Nascar’s most talented drivers and when he gets behind the wheel of the
M&M’s number 18 he’s sure to give the fans a good show. Busch finished the 2008 season with
a career-high 8 wins and finished 10th in the points.
Sport Table of Measurements
Wheelbase 89mm
Transmission type 4x2 direct rear
Car length 160mm
Transmission ratio 9/27 = 3 to 1
Wheel track 60mm
Guide type Classic pivoting
ARS
Rear tire diameter 21mm
Screws 3 (2+1)
Motor RX42
Traction Rear
Car weight 92g
Bodyshell weight 29g
http://www.scx.es/
http://www.scxworldwide.com/

First SCX flagship store

2009-10-18T08:55:00.005-05:00

The Spanish firm Tecnitoys/SCX® opened the first shop of its own in the world yesterday, Thursday 15th October, in the Times Square shopping centre in the city of Shanghai, China. http://www.shtimessquare.com/en/shopping/main/aboutus/index.htm. With this the Spanish brand has finally arrived on the Chinese market, where it will be expanding gradually with shops of its own or franchises, first in Shanghai, to be followed by Beijing and Hong Kong. The aim of all this is to situate its product at the premium end of the consumer market.
With 70 square metres (over 750 square feet) of floor space, the shop will stock all the SCX® product lines, with demonstration tables inside the shop and a larger permanent track outside.
With this new business model involving shops of its own, Tecnitoys/SCX® is making clear its interest in the Chinese market, which has an estimated potential of $1 million even at this early stage. The SCX® shop is the first SCX® outlet in the world, part of a strategy of premium positioning which has already been successfully piloted in the United States, where the product is exclusive to FAO-SCHWARTZ, the world's most legendary toy shop, and to TARGET superarkets.
Tecnitoys/SCX® has a range of products to suit all ages and consumer profiles, including SCX® Compact for children from age 4 upwards; SCX® Original for the over-6's; SCX® The Digital System, the digital version for the over-8's; and SCX® Pro for adults and competition.
Tecnitoys/SCX®, a Spanish firm specialising in the toy sector, operates on the international market for scale model slot racing cars, tracks and accessories, particularly in the countries where this kind of toy is most popular such as Germany, Mexico, Australia and the United States.
Shanghai Times Square is one of the newest shopping centres in this Chinese city. Housed in a vast building, it takes up seven storeys with 40,000 square metres (over 430,000 square feet) of floor space, filled with over 100 top-brand shops from all over the world, together with restaurants and leisure facilities.

* With information and images from SCX/Tecnitoys.

The future of slot cars?

2009-07-01T14:27:00.001-05:00

or another failure?

2009-07-01T14:26:00.003-05:00

A wise move?

2009-07-01T14:25:00.003-05:00

or a stupid one?

2009-07-01T14:24:00.000-05:00

A milestone?

2009-07-01T14:23:00.000-05:00

or a stone in your shoe?

2009-07-01T14:22:00.000-05:00

The last move of NINCO

2009-07-01T14:20:00.000-05:00

SCX Ferrari 360 GTC

2009-06-20T22:20:00.001-05:00

The RSV Motorsport Ferrari 360 Modena is presented here by SCX in a striking flash of silver. Driven by Domingo Romero and Peter Sundberg in the Spanish GT Championship the car produces 430 hp from the 3.6 litre V8 engine.

Sport Table of Measurements:
Wheelbase 81.5mm
Transmission type 4x2 direct rear
Motor Rx42
Distance 101mm
Transmission ratio 9/27 = 3
Traction Rear
Classic pivoting
Car Weight 100.6g
Wheel track 62.5mm
Guide type ARS
Bodyshell weight 34g
Wheel diameter 22mm
Screws 5 (2+2+1)

2009-06-19T17:23:00.002-05:00

In memoriam of a good man killed by fanaticals (Terrorist, not separatist, group ETA) in my country.

SCX car, Morgan Aero 8

2009-06-19T10:58:00.003-05:00

Morgan Aero 8
Ref: 64000
The DeWalt Morgan Aero 8 was raced in the 24 Hours of LeMans in 2002 by the trio of Richard
Stanton, Steve Hyde, and Richard Hay. The 4 litre car also competed in the British GT Series.
The classic styling of the car makes maybe the most unique GT sports car being raced today.
Removable ARS Guide
Tilting chassis
Xenon-effect
Guide with and Adjustable (automatic high-intensity suspension Magnet return system)
headlights
Sport Table of Measurements
Wheelbase 79mm
Transmission type 4x2 direct rear
Motor Rx42
Distance 82mm
Transmission ratio 9/27 = 3
Traction Rear
Wheel track 56mm
Guide type pivoting ARS
Car Weight 71.5g
Rear wheel diameter 19.5mm
Screws 3 (0+2+1)
Body shell weight 21.5g

FOR MORE INFORMATION WWW.SCX.ES

2009-06-18T16:11:00.000-05:00

BBC shows Jenson Button Racing Scalextric11/06/2009

He may have won six out of seven of this year's Formula 1 races. He may be 26 points clear at the top of the standings in one of the most competitive motorsports in the world. But can Brawn GP's Jenson Button win at Scalextric?
Click here to see BBC video
Courtesy of the BBC

Scalextric have recently announced an exclusive worldwide license deal with Brawn GP.
Click here for full story

Courtesy from Scalextric

Lancia Delta S4, new in SCX

2009-04-15T21:33:00.002-05:00

SCX® presents the Lancia Delta S4 which was driven by the Italians Luciano Tedeschini and
Fabricio Tabaton in the 1986 Costa Brava Rally and with which they took the championship. A
car with a highly original colour black and gold scheme, naturally carrying the leader’s number
1. The front of this Lancia Delta S4 has a very prominent gold-coloured bumper with the Rally and Esso logos together with the Italian flag. Above them are various air vents and four round
headlights, two on each side. The Michelin logo is in the centre.
The bonnet of this SCX® model is black with two diagonal gold stripes. In the centre is the
Lancia crest, and next to it the Costa Brava Rally logo and the number 1, and in front of it, at
each side and in the centre, the Esso logo appears again. This bonnet has a rather unusual
system for opening it, with a black fitting sticking up, and two air vents at the top.
In front of the driver, the windscreen has a pair of wipers and a black strip at the top with Esso
logos on it. The black rear view mirrors can be seen at each side. Seen from above, the roof is
gold-coloured and is fitted with two small black spoilers. An aerial is located on the Lancia crest
and the Esso logo appears yet again right at the back, along with the name of the model:
Lancia Delta S4.
The sides of this Lancia are plastered with logos, especially under the windows, which feature
air vents and underneath which the driver and co-driver’s names appear, each of them together
with the Italian flag and their blood group. On the side door is a large number 1 on a white
background. Slightly further back is a large Esso Super Oil logo.
The wheels are entirely white in colour and the Michelin logo appears on the tyres. The side
view of this SCX® car reveals that the chassis is higher than usual at the back. Another striking
feature here at the back is the size of the rear window, with its air vents. Above it the Costa
Brava Rally logo appears once more along with the race number 1 and an Esso sticker on each
side. The Michelin logo is in the centre, over a diagonal gold stripe which runs across the black
background.
The large aluminium-coloured twin exhaust pipe, the number plate on its white background, the
red tail lights and the highly visible mud flaps are other noticeable features of this Lancia Delta
S4. Here too are the anti-roll bars and the figures of the driver at the wheel and the co-driver
holding the route plan. Both of them are wearing gold tops to go with the car’s colour scheme.
Not a detail is missing in a SCX® model which will certainly be one to watch.

Track Trials
Like all the all wheel drives with double pinion motors, the Lancia Delta S4 displays excellent,
evenly-distributed traction, with no power loss on any of the wheels. The gearing on the two
axles gives equal power to each of them, although the difference between the front and rear
tyres gives the back wheels a touch more traction.
The tires have good grip, keeping this SCX® car on the road on the bends. It is not a very long
model in terms of either guide distance or wheelbase, so you will need to control effective
traction by taking bends carefully and putting your foot down as it comes out of them. A lack of
attention to this will see the car tending to skid out of control, dragged by a high, rather heavy
bodyshell which generates excessive inertias – and it is on bends in particular that these make
themselves felt.
The ARS pick-up guide with its flat blades has a very smooth feel to it, so that the car fits snugly
into the slot without too much pressure. It stays in there well and makes contact without any
difficulty. The motor, well mounted on the chassis, starts up well and piles on the revs fast. It
transmits power to the ground well thanks to a set of pinions and crown gears which, with a little
running in and relubricating, prove to be very smooth.
Overall, the Lancia Delta S4 performs on a par with the other SCX® all wheel drives, in a way
which has proven a lasting success over the years, by fulfilling the proper function of all wheel
drive: transmitting motor power to the ground in the most efficient possible way.
* Tests conducted without extra magnet and following a slight tune-up.
Sport Table of Measurements
Wheelbase 76mm
Front bearing Double-wall, metal
Guide distance 91mm
Front crown Scalextric grey plastic
Virtual chassis width 31.5mm
Rear wheeltrack 54mm
Chassis clearance 2.5mm
Rear wheel diam. 19mm
Motor clearance 3.5mm
Rear wheels Plastic 16.75x8mm
Pivoting arm No
Rear tires Type 058. 19.5x11mm, grooved
Adjustments No
Rear bearing Double-wall, metal
Front wheeltrack 56mm
Rear crown Scalextric grey plastic
Front wheel diam. 19mm
Car weight 88g
Front wheels Plastic 16.75x8mm Bodyshell weight 29g
Front tires Type 016 19x10mm, grooved
Lights Yes
Digital chip Not possible
Motor Rx91
Motor type Open compact
Motor mounting Fixed to chassis
Transm. type 4x4 Direct
Transm. ratio 9/27=3 rear
Guide type Pivoting ARS, flat blades
Guides Double, copper
Screws 5 (2 +2+1)
Ground effect mag Yes, adjustable
Others Covered motor
Product reference no.: 63780

The Real Lancia Delta S4
The real car reproduced here by SCX® is a 1,759cc model, with a power rating of 400
horsepower and an engine with 4 in line cylinders, supercharger and turbocharger. Its top speed
is 225km/h and it can get up to 100km/h in 6 seconds.
Having said that, thanks to the permissiveness of the International Federation rules on adapting
cars in the different groups to competition, the Lancia Delta S4, in group B, in the 20 “adapted”
cars became a racing thoroughbred. The spoilers were designed to exploit ground effect, the
car was slimmed down to 1,050kg. The engine, with both a turbocharger and supercharger,
could deliver more than 500 horsepower depending on the pressure of the turbocharger.
Lancia, under the orders of Cesare Fiorio, came up with an ambitious plan for this car (the
production model of which sold for around a hundred thousand US dollars) for its official teams.
The Jolly Club had the task of defending the manufacturer’s honour in the Italian championship
and the Italian Open, while the Grifone team of Genoa, with Fabrizio Tabaton, was to compete
in the European championship, which it won after a final victory in Catalonia.
SCX® brings you the model driven by Fabrizio Tabaton and Luciano Tedeschini in the 1986
Costa Brava Rally. Tabaton made his rally début in San Remo in 1979 and, 20 years later, took
part for the last time in the World Rally Championship, specifically at the 1999 Monte Carlo
race. Behind the wheel of the Lancia Delta S4 he won the European Rally Championship in
1986. His co-driver was Luciano Tedeschini, who accompanied him on nearly all his outings in
this competition between 1982 and 1987.
The Delta S4 achieved major triumphs with different drivers until its withdrawal from the
Portuguese rally and, above all, the tragic events which cost the life of Henri Toivonen as he
was well on the way to winning the Tour of Corsica. This led the FISA to ban Group B cars for
1987 and drove the Lancia team to a psychological low point which cost them the 1986 World
Rally Championship. Despite its short life – by 1987 it was only taking part in a few exhibition
races – the Lancia Delta S4 was a monster in the competition, and one which it is very hard to
forget.

Scalextric Road Shows around the UK

2009-03-05T18:36:00.003-05:00

Information for the next show:

Scalextric at the Ideal Home Exhibition London

The Ideal Home Exhibition will be home to two Scalextric features.
Visit these areas:
The Games Lounge where Scalextric, the world famous slot racing brand, will be one of the main features.
Come and race against the clock on the incredible 18ft long Scalextric replica of Silverstone track. Some amazing prizes are up for grabs and will be awarded to the 10 quickest racers at the show. The top three fastest will win the Scalextric boxed sets, Digital World Championship, (worth £260), TopGear
Powerlaps (worth £100) and Street Sliderz worth £91.50.
Smarter Living has pride of place at the Ideal Home Exhibition and in its 'master bedroom' area will feature a Scalextric Digital layout as an integral part of the special feature that this room holds. We can't say anymore at this point, you will have to visit the show to see what happens!

Visit us from Friday 20th March to Monday 13th April 2009 at Earls Court, London

* With information from scalextric.com

Hummer from SCX

2009-03-03T22:25:00.002-05:00

SCX® presents the imposing Hummer H3, the third civilian version of the popular four-wheel drive from the American manufacturer. This five-door model keeps the charismatic lines of its predecessors, but with measurements which are more in line with European standards.
The model brought to you this time by SCX® is large in size with a blue and black colour
scheme, with the darker part highlighting an aggressive design which is highly appropriate to a four-wheel drive. The spectacular front end has a pair of headlights at the sides as well as the two usual ones, in addition to which four more are fitted below the radiator. All the lights are in eye-catching silver and all of them light up on this model. In the place of the front number plate
is a “Mile Marker” logo.
The bonnet of the Hummer H3 has a black air intake, alongside which is the car’s race number (760) and above it the word “HUMMER”. There is no windscreen and above the drivers there is a grey structure with four large lights, which you will also see lighting up on the track. Under these the name of this four-wheel drive’s American manufacturer appears once more.
The rear view mirrors are silver in colour and the side windows on both the driver’s and co-driver’s side are covered by grilles. The race number takes up nearly the whole of the small rear side windows. On the doors are the names of the vehicle’s two occupants, Rod Hall and Mike Winkel.
SCX® reproduces the different sponsors’ logos all over the side of the vehicle, especially
towards the back, which also features the silver-coloured petrol cap. All the logos are in silver or white, except “Score International”, which combines black, red and white. The wheels are eye-catchingly large in diameter.
The only logo at the back of this Hummer H3 is that of the manufacturer, above the rear
window, accompanied by the car’s race number. The rear lights are rectangular and vertical to take up the minimum of space, and there is a silver-coloured protective bar under them.
The only decoration on the roof is the car’s race number. Inside a spare wheel can be seen,
along with anti-roll bars and the figures of the driver and co-driver. All of this packed into this little monster from SCX®.

The Real Hummer H3

SCX® has reproduced the Hummer H3 driven by Rod Hall and Mike Winkel. The H3 is a
medium-sized utility vehicle, the little brother of the imposing H1 and H2, and is made in
Colorado. Compared with the H2, the H3 is rather lower, but it keeps the Hummer personality at a more economical price, depending on the package of options it comes with.
The engine in the Hummer H3 is a Vortec 3500, with five cylinders in line and a twin camshaft on the cylinder head and variable valve timing, delivering 220 horsepower and 225 pounds of torque. One of the H3’s main new features is that it is the first member of its family to come equipped with five-speed manual transmission. It also comes with electronically-controlled 4-speed automatic transmission.
The model brought to you here by SCX® is the one driven by Rod Hall and Mike Winkel to win the Baja 500 in California in the year 2006. This competition is an international off-road race held in the desert on the peninsula of Baja California, Mexico. It traditionally starts and finishes in the port city of Ensenada, Baja California. The race is over around 500 miles, which varies every year depending on the route chosen.
Rod Hall, leader of the #760 team in the Mini-Stock class, is a living legend in the world of off-road motor racing, as his skill and persistence have led him to notch up a record 19 wins in the Baja 1000 race.
Hall is the founder of the HUMMER team, which dates back to 1993. Since then, Rod and his sons Josh and Chad have achieved wins in 11 categories in the Baja 1000 and five
championships in the BitD class. The HUMMER team competes with different Hummer models, including the Hummer H3 brought to you here by SCX® to expand our range of competition vehicles.

New SCX NASCAR car, Dale Earnhardt Jr.

2009-02-27T15:40:00.003-05:00

Dale Earnhardt Jr.'s Impala takes the pole position in NASCAR's Car of Today field.
SCX is proud to present the Impala SS driven by the most exciting driver in the 2009 Sprint Cup Series, Dale Earnhardt Jr. The National Guard Impala SS slot car is the second to be released by SCX for the son of the legendary driver.
The patriotic National Guard camouflaged decoration makes Jr.'s car stand out in the field of C.O.T. bodies. Striking white lettering on the hood of the #88 National Guard car grabs your attention as it circles the track.
Earnhardt Jr., who was voted the most popular driver in Nascar in 2007 for the fifth consecutive year, joined with Hendrick Motorsports in 2008. After a top 30 finish in the 2009 Daytona 500 Jr will be motivated to take his Impala SS back to the top 10.
The RX-42 powers Jr.'s car around the high banks of the Superspeedway's and a tilting-type motor pod assures a steady ride even while bump drafting the competition.
The common body is checked against body templates before each race to make sure it conforms to the standards for aerodynamic contours that Nascar has mandated. A standard body for the teams was put in place to help keep the costs of racing down and to try close the gap between the top 10 teams and teams that struggle to compete.
Modifications teams are allowed to do, but are more restricted than in the past. Suspension modfications and engine modifications are areas that the teams are having to use creativity to find speed especially since there are only minor adjustments to the front splitter and rear wing allowed.
The new body used the in Sprint Cup Series also provides a more secure environment for the driver. The drivers safety was a major concern when Nascar designed the body. The driver sits slightly closer to the center of the car and there is more head room which gives more of a buffer around the driver during a crash.
All of the changes have meant that racing is closer as all of the teams have been starting from the same place to try and learn what to do to the cars to gain speed and stay within the new, tighter rules.

Wheel base 87,2 mm
Transmission type rear
Distance 161.7 mm
Transmission ratio 9/27=3
Wheel track 61.4 mm
Type of Guide Pivotant ARS
Wheel diameter 20.6 mm
Front/RearFront/Ø 20.6 x 9.8 mm
Car weight 90 gr
Motor 19000rpm

A new slot car scale

2009-02-05T19:12:00.002-05:00

Now, we have four different scales. The one that used to be the most important in USA (HO) 1/64 with companies as Auto World, 1/32 the most popular in Europe and the one with more cars and sets (and companies like SCX, Scalextric, Ninco or Carrera), the 1/24 with huge cars and tracks (Carrera) and the affordable and every time more competitive 1/43 one (with Jiada, Artin, SCX - Compact and Carrera - Go). And now, the company, that maybe is the one with the best quality, Ninco announces a new scale and a new brand, the scale, a surprising 1/28 (not 1/24, maybe they do not want to share anything with Carrera or make the life easier to the fan) and the name Xlot (I suppose from XL or extra large). You can find more information in their official homepage http://www.ninco.com/ . Surprising move when its Spanish rival, SCX had moved to 1/43. Do you think it is an intelligent move, will they succeed? At least there are many things moving in the slot world...But the new scale is only for cars, it means you will be able to use it in your "1/32" Ninco track... The first ones in the second quarter of 2009 and they will be the Ferrari 340 and the Porsche 997. Price, less than 100 Euros...

IN THIS BLOG

2008-12-06T21:39:00.000-05:00

If you want to see my slot cars collection or the links to the posts about the different slot cars companies I have written, clik here http://slotcarsworld.blogspot.com/2007/10/in-this-blog.html

1/43 scale, rising or shooting star?

2008-12-06T21:28:00.007-05:00

If you have followed the slot cars world during the last years, you will have realized how the 1/43 scale is the one with more "news" lately. For some years it "belonged" to Carrera (I don´t count Artin, its second name Fast Lane or Jiada, please if somebody knows what happened to jwlslotcars let me know). But two years ago SCX appeared in the business with a different approach, they are exclusively sold in Target, there are three different tracks (two the first year) and four different blisters of two cars at a very good price $19.95. What way will be the best one? Will any of them prevail or there will be business for both of them? with the ongoing crisis, 1/43 will increase its sales as a haven for lovers of this hobby that can pay the high prices of 1/32 or the even more exclusive 1/24? Is this scale just an introduction to the hobby or you think it is a good option?

I would like to read here about your opinions and your ideas so we could improve our understanding of this new "world".

In this post you can see the pictures of a F-1 (SCX) and a police car (Carrera)

New SCX Skoda Fabia WRC

2008-10-27T21:17:00.001-05:00

SCX® presents the Skoda Fabia WRC Red Bull
THE REAL CAR
The Red Bull version is the one shown off by the semi-official Skoda team at the end of the 2006 season. The Czech manufacturer presented the Fabia WRC at the 2003 German Rally, and officially dropped out of the competition at the end of that year. Three private teams carried on developing the cars for three more seasons. The Czech Kopecky team was the most closely-linked to the manufacturer, while First Racing supported François Duval and Armin Schwarz's Red Bull Team fitted out Fabias for drivers like Panizzi and Ekstrom, as well as the driver of this model, Harry Rovanperä.
The Fabia met the requirements to take part in the WRC: a run of at least 25,000 units of the production model, no longer than 3,750mm, plus another 2,500 units from which the competition car was to be developed. With the basic model approved, the little Fabia was widened up to 1,770mm. The capacity of the fuel tanks was doubled to 90 litres and a 4-cylinder 2-litre engine was fitted, developed from the Czech manufacturer's classic 5-valve 1.8 turbo design. Four-wheel drive, with central and front differentials fitted in the same gearbox together with the rear differential, all electronically-controlled. Unlike the usual 6-speed gearbox, this one has 5 speeds. Skoda is currently focused on the Fabia Super2000, entrusting its preparation to Kopecky.

TEST BENCH
Built with the usual mechanics for Scalextric WRC rally cars, the Skoda Fabia is a model which, although its small size puts it at an initial disadvantage compared to its direct competitors in the paddock, ends up performing like one of them, making up for its theoretical lack of size with some very nippy engineering. Its motor is the double-pinion Rx91b, the same as in the Lancia Delta, with a shorter wheelbase but the same torque and potential as other double-pinion motors. The Fabia displays classic Scalextric 4x4 behaviour, moving smoothly thanks also to a fine standard transmission that once again deserves congratulating, as it ensures smoothness on the track. There can be no doubt that both this model and its performance on the track serve to update the already crowded Scalextric rally paddock. A new car which fits into the usual performance bracket for its type, one with which to win on equal terms, which means a wider choice for your races.

Sport Table of Measurements
Wheelbase 77mm
Rear wheeltrack 56mm
Guide distance 95mm
Ø rear wheel 19.5 mm
Chassis height 2mm
Rear wheel Plastic 17mm
Motor height 3mm
Rear tyre 18.3x9.8 type 016 ribbed
Swivel arm No
Rear bearing Twin-wall brass
Adjustable No
Rear crown wheel Scalextric grey plastic
Front wheeltrack 56mm
Car weight 85.5g
Ø front wheel 19.5mm
Bodyshell weight 29g
Front wheel Plastic 17mm
Lights Yes
Front tyre 18.3x9.8 type 016 ribbed
Digital chip Possible
Front bearing Twin-wall brass
Motor Rx91b
Front crown wheel Scalextric grey plastic

* Tests conducted without supplementary magnet.

Ninco new releases 2008

2008-10-17T20:16:00.003-05:00

Here you have the new Ninco cars for 2008. For many people Ninco is the best quality in slot cars, some posts about that coming soon...

Besides, there is already a Team USA for the NINCO World Cup, http://nincoworldcup.blogspot.com/2008/10/usa-equipo-formado-team-ready.html

Good luck !!!

More Mini Replicas - For Luciano

2008-10-09T21:30:00.004-05:00

Three more pictures of these interesting spanish slot cars,
Mini Replicas, soon also in 1/24 scale, http://www.minireplicas.com/

Interesting slot cars video

2008-10-08T21:35:00.002-05:00

Although it does not look like that, just wait until more or less the first minute and it becomes an interesting slot car video,

New SCX release (Original and Digital)

2008-10-07T21:22:00.002-05:00

Ref. 63480 Dale Earnhardt Jr.'s Impala takes the pole position in NASCAR's Car of Today field.

SCX is proud to present the Impala SS driven by the most exciting driver in the 2008 Sprint Cup Series, Dale Earnhardt Jr. The National Guard/Amp Energy C.O.T. is the first slot car to be released for the son of the legendary driver.
The patriotic National Guard blue and white decoration makes Jr.'s car stand out in the field of C.O.T. bodies. Striking white lettering on the hood of the #88 National Guard car grabs your attention as it circles the track. And white side panels on the car gives you a high visibility car that is easy to follow even in a pack of stock cars drafting at 200mph.
Dale Earnhardt Jr., who was voted the most popular driver in NASCAR in 2007 for the fifth consecutive year, joined with Hendrick Motorsports in 2008. And has driven the #88 Impala to 6 Top 10 finishes through the first 8 races of the 2008 season.
The RX-42B powers Jr.'s car around the high banks of each Superspeedway, while a tilting-type motor pod assures a steady ride even while bump-drafting the competition. For the 2008 season NASCAR is using a standard body for the series, and the Car of Tomorrow is now the Car of Today. The common body is checked against body templates before each race to make sure it conforms to the standards for aerodynamic contours that NASCAR has mandated. A standard body for the teams was put in place
to help keep the costs of racing down, increase safety, and to try close the performance gap between all
competitors.
Modifications that teams are allowed to make are more restricted than in the past. Suspension modifications and engine modifications are areas in which the teams are having to use creativity to find speed - especially since there are only minor adjustments to the front splitter and rear wing allowed.
The new body used in the Sprint Cup Series provides a more secure environment for the driver. The drivers safety was a major concern when NASCAR designed the body. The driver sits slightly closer to the center of the car and there is more head room which gives more of a buffer around the driver during a crash.
All of the changes have meant that racing is more competitive - as all teams have been starting from the same blueprint to try and learn what to do to the cars to gain speed and stay within the new, tighter rules.
#88 Chevrolet ® Impala SS TM “Dale Earnhardt Jr”
Wheel base
Wheel base
87,2 mm
Transmission
Transmission type
rear
Distance
Distance
161.7 mm
Transmission
Transmission ratio
Ratio /27=3

Wheel track
Track 1.4 mm

Type of Guide
Pivotant ARS

Wheel diameter
Diameter 0.6 mm

Front/Rear
Ø 20.6 x 9.8 mm

Car weight
Weight 0 gr
Motor
Motor
19000rpm
http://www.scxworldwide.com/ - usa-service@tecnitoys.com

New SCX Compact at Target

2008-08-29T21:58:00.005-05:00

The new tracks and cars from SCX Compact have arrived to Target. You can check their web http://www.target.com/gp/search/602-2382664-6901431?field-keywords=scx+compact&url=index%3Dtarget&ref=sr_bx_1_1 or just here for the basic information. There are three tracks, DTM, NASCAR and Formula 1, and three blisters of two cars (Nascar, Tuning and Formula 1). I expect all the others new items will arrive soon. Check my previous posts about SCX Compact for further information about things to come. Prices range from $99,99 to $79,99 for the tracks and the cars are all $19,99

SCX Compact and Carrera GO on an Artin track

2008-08-04T15:53:00.002-05:00

The advantages of Artin, cheap and you do not have to worry if the kids "play" with it, while they get used to slot cars...

SCX video viral marketing

2008-08-02T20:22:00.001-05:00

A different way of doing marketing for slot cars...

Mazdaspeed commercial

2008-08-01T21:37:00.001-05:00

An awesome commercial from Mazda... Mazdaspeed 3 the wild child every family has...

SCX Compact set, Tuning

2008-07-24T19:27:00.006-05:00

Last week I bought a SCX Compact set, the tuning one in Target. It was on clearance, about $28. It is a nice set, and my kids love playing with them. i let them do it with the Artin cars I have. I prefer to reserve the SCX ones (NASCAR, Formula 1 and tuning) for the time they get older. Here you will find some pictures of my 1/43 cars, the track and a video of the SCX Compact tuning BLUE car against a CARRERA GO GREEN car. Of course, the SCX one look better and runs much better...

Mini Replicas

2008-07-22T08:07:00.002-05:00

Another spanish company. This is specialized in old, and not so old, rally cars. You buy the kit and build the car, an interesting option. The main page is in spanish, but you can change the language choosing from "idiomas" (languages). Very interesting... http://www.minireplicas.com/

News from Carrera

2008-07-13T17:18:00.005-05:00

Carrera store in the United States!

Dear Carrera Fan, Do you want to see some great pics? The new "G. Willikers - Specialty Store" in Old Sacramento, California has its own little Carrera-world. The store's concept is to sell toys that have an intrinsic value and have been proven winners in the past. The store is laid out so the children and parents can actually play with the toys they may want to buy. The Carrera display there is a spiral that starts on the bottom goes to the top - similar to a spiral stair-case and then decends back to the bottom. It is about 20' long (6.66 m) by about 10' (3m) wide and shaped like the letter T. ...but just look through the pictures - you'll like them!

Information from Carrera-USA http://us.carrera-toys.com/

News from Scalextric (July/08)

2008-07-12T13:25:00.007-05:00

The 2008 Scalextric range is shaping up to bring you some fantastic releases.

C1218 Top Gear POWERLAPS ready to race set.
Have you got what it takes to tackle The Stig and push your driving skills to the limit around Gambon corner in a super car? Well now you can have a go yourself as the award winning BBC show is recreated in a special Scalextric Top Gear ‘Powerlaps’ set. £100 Available Now

C2871 PORSCHE 997 GT3 RS ORANGE car.
The ‘Super Resistant’ rugged, light-weight bodies of the Porsche 997 sports car ensures hours of fun for the novice driver looking for fun and durability in a lot car. The enthusiast will also appreciate the light weight and high top speed of this pocket-rockets. £18 Available Now

C2904 Maserati MC12 Scuderia Playteam car.
Produced by Scalextric as a rear mounted, in-line rear wheel drive chassis. Fitted with lights front and rear. Ideal to race against all of the GT cars. This car has excellent road handling characteristics due to the separate engine mounting sub-frame Easy tuning using the SCALEXTRIC PERFORMANCE parts such as quicker motors and adjustable gearing options is easy with this motor sub-frame. £32.50 Available Now

OUTDOOR SCALEXTRIC ROAD SHOWS
Our often seen Scalextric Road Show lorry has started its summer tour. Next show is at the Goodwood Festival of Speed on the 11-13th July and the Silverstone Classic on the 25-27th July. Come onboard and try your hand at our Power Laps Challenge where the fastest recorded lap of the day wins a Top Gear Power Laps set. We've devised a cunning twisty circuit to push your driving skills to the limit in your time trial.

SCALEXTRIC SHOPPING MALL ROAD SHOWS
A range of demonstration road shows around the country is underway. Take part in our competitions to win a Scalextric set and take advantage of our special promotional discount offer.
Shopping Mall Road Show calendar is as follows:
12-13 July - Metro Centre, Gateshead
18-19 July - Queens Arcade, Cardiff
28-29 July - Mill Arcade, Solihull
6-7 August - The Centre, Milton Keynes
23-24 August - Harrods, London
21-22 October - Harrods, London
1-2 November - The Centre, Milton Keynes

Note that road shows can be added, postponed or cancelled without notice.

SCX Compact, new prices at TARGET

2008-07-12T13:09:00.002-05:00

It is time for clearance of the SCX Compact at TARGET, at least the one in Marter Avenue, Mount Laurel. The pack of two cars is $10.49... So hurry up, it is time for shopping...

Another NASCAR commercial with slot cars

2008-07-09T20:33:00.001-05:00

SCX Stand at FAO Schwartz

2008-07-08T16:05:00.008-05:00

These are some pictures and a short video of the SCX stand at FAO Schwartz in New York, http://www.fao.com/home.jsp . A pity there was no demo track available!

New SCX FERRARI 360 GTC

2008-07-08T15:27:00.002-05:00

The Ferrari horse and the Red Bull beasts
team up on the Italian “azzurro” blue background
SCX® PRESENTS THE FERRARI 360 GTC
Experience the lightness of the Ferrari from the 24-hour Daytona race on your SCX® tracks.
This time SCX® brings us the Ferrari 360 GTC, a racing car which is absolutely up-to-the-minute in both lines and decoration, with a largely metallic blue “azzurro” background and the striking Red Bull beasts featuring even more prominently than the Italian manufacturer's very
own prancing horse.
There are four air intakes to be found at the business end of this Ferrari from SCX ®, two large ones at the front and two rather smaller ones at the sides. Between the two front air intakes is the “Be Racing” logo together with the race number 73, and above them a small Dunlop logo.
The two bulls head to head in the Red Bull logo loom large on the bonnet, with the car's race number appearing once more at the side. The orange headlights grab the attention immediately.
At the top of the windscreen of this Ferrari 360 GTC is a dark blue strip with ACXIOM on it in white letters, and below this is the single windscreen wiper. Almost all of the roof is taken up by a large number 73 in red, except for a strip advertising CASTILLO in yellow just in front of the rear window.
The Red Bull once again dominates the side view of this SCX ® model, in this case facing the number 73, both motifs in red on the drinks brand's yellow background along with other smaller logos. On the side, underneath the bull, is a large air intake and the Ferrari crest appears just in front of the door.
The wheel feature the Dunlop logo and grey spokes. The names of the four drivers in the team are shown in a discreet size over the side window, together with the flags of each of their nationalities.
The rear end of this Ferrari 360 GTC is also highly attractive. In addition to the powerful spoiler with the words ‘...gives you wings’ there are four round lights, and between them a large number 73 in yellow, with the prancing horse in the centre.
At the bottom of the bumper are two Red Bull logos at the sides and a Remus one in the space for the number plate. A look through the rear window of this SCX ® car reveals the engine, and in the cabin itself the driver is featured, together with the anti-roll bars protecting him. Overall,
this is a Ferrari packed with detail, one to enjoy before you even put it on the track. It looks as good as it performs.

Track Trials
The Ferrari 360 GTC is a spectacular gran turismo which fully meets the expectations which are always aroused by cars from this Italian manufacturer. A wide rear end, a generous chassis length and no rear overhang (i.e. the car ends at the axle assembly) make every part of this car
useful in performance terms.
The overall weight is the factor which makes some control necessary in driving; taking bends at high speed may be risky if you are over-eager.
Driving with the car centred in the lane and keeping an eye on how the rear end behaves are the keys to clocking up the best times with a GT which certainly meets requirements in terms of pace and a safe drive. A well-balanced model which is enjoyable to drive.
* Tests conducted without supplementary magnet.
Sport Table of Measurements
Product reference no.: 62940
Wheelbase 82.5mm
Transmission type direct rear
Distance 101mm
Transmission ratio 9/27 = 3
Wheeltrack 62mm
Guide type Pivoting ARS
Wheel diameter 21mm
Screws 5 (2+2+1)
Car weight 93.3g
Others Tilting cradle
Bodyshell weight 28.3g
Motor RX-42 B
Traction Rear
Front Ø 20.9 x 9.5mm
Rear Ø 20.9 x 11.5mm

The Real Ferrari 360 GTC
The Ferrari 360 GTC is approved by the Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA) to race in the GT Championship. It weighs 1100kg, the minimum allowed. This lightness is achieved by using different composite materials to cut down the weight of the original parts without sacrificing strength.
The Ferrari 360 GTC has a centrally-mounted 3.6-litre 90-degree V8 engine delivering 445 horsepower at 8,750rpm. The six-speed sequential-type gearbox and rear-wheel drive make this sports car a fearsome opponent on the racetrack.
The model reproduced here by SCX ® belongs to the ‘Be Racing’ team, which finished sixth at the 24 hours of Daytona in 2004 and was driven by the Austrians Philipp Peter, Dieter Quester and Klaus Engelhorn and the Italian Andrea Montermini.
The 24 hours of Daytona is a GT endurance race held on a mixed route at the Daytona International Speedway in the United States. The race has been held since 1966, in late January or early February.
The 24-hour format has been used ever since 1966, except in 1972 when the length was cut to six hours due to the oil crisis. The 24 hours of Daytona has formed part of the World Sportscar Championship and the IMSA GT Championship, and is currently part of the Rolex Sports Car Series.
Ferrari, Ford and Lexus have been the most successful manufacturers in this race, with five, four and three wins respectively. The driver who has won the most times is Hurley Haywood, who came first in the race in 1973, 1975, 1977, 1979 and 1991.

Lastfm

2008-06-24T20:40:00.000-05:00

Slot cars at home video

2008-06-20T09:49:00.001-05:00

New SCX Nascar car: Juan Pablo Montoya

2008-06-10T16:45:00.003-05:00

The first slot car for Juan Pablo Montoya is here for you to drive from SCX. The intimidating black and gray decoration for the #42 Havoline car is sure to grab attention and get to the front of the field of your slot car race.An adjustable magnet and tilting motor pod will have your stock car stuck down in the corners to give you the potential to pass your competitors when you'd like. The power of the RX-42B gives the Juan Pablo all the power he needs to pass anyone on the track. Details like the holes in the rear window for suspension adjustment and roof-top aerodynamic devices set this slot car apart from the rest. The details don't stop on the outside of the slot car, there is a fully detailed interior with gauges and a driver as well as a full roll cage to add that extra bit of safety in case "the big one" happens during your race. Montoya is the first driver in the Nascar Sprint Cup to be born in Colombia. In his first season racing in the 'Cup Montoya finished 20th in point and won a race at Infineon Raceway after starting 32nd on the grid. He liked the style of racing that stock cars provided because of the close racing. The Colombian had previously raced in Formula 1 from 2001-2006 for both BMW Williams and McLaren Mercedes. In that series he had won 7 races, had finished on the podium 30 times and had 13 pole positions. The highlight of that career had been the win in 2003 at the Monaco GP, which is the premier F1 event.Before his racing career in Formula 1 he had won the 2000 Indianapolis 500 while driving for Chip Ganassi Racing. Not to be overlooked are his 10 wins in CART during his two seasons in that series.No matter what Montoya has driven he has won. His determination and driving skill have brought him to the top of every racing series he has participated in, now you can bring that racing-drive home with you for your SCX racing track!
Wheel base 87 mm
Transmission type4x2 rear
Distance106 mm
Transmission ratioratio9/27=3
Wheel track 59.5 mm
Type of Guide Pivotant ARS
Wheel diameter21 mm
Front/RearØ 21 x 10 mm
Car weight90 gr
Motor19000rpm

*With information from SCX

Nascar Nationwide series commercial

2008-05-30T21:49:00.002-05:00

I like this commercial. Anybody knows the company that built the cars and the track? It looks like 1/32 scale...

Good news for open wheel fans in USA

2008-05-16T21:53:00.003-05:00

This is good news for the fan of open wheel races in USA, first and then, maybe in some other places around (and more after the only Formula 1 race in USA has disappeared):
"
IRL, Champ Car entities sign merger deal
By John OreoviczESPN.com(Archive)
Updated: February 22, 2008, 4:47 PM ET

The Indy Racing League and the Champ Car series have signed a deal to unify the two American open-wheel series.
IRL spokesman John Griffin said Champ Car co-owners Kevin Kalkhoven and Gerald Forsythe signed the agreement with IRL founder Tony George on Friday.
The deal that reunifies open-wheel is finally at hand after the deeply damaging 12-year split between the IRL and Champ Car came in the form of a press release from Andretti Green Racing. The three-time IndyCar Series champion team announced Tuesday that they have hired Paul 'Ziggy' Harcus, who has served as Champ Car's director of racing operations for the last three years, as team manager.
The consolidation of American open-wheel racing under the IRL umbrella comes on the heels of almost two weeks of painstaking negotiations between the racing entities. Last week, after the sides were believed to be close to announcing a merger, Champ Car issued a statement claiming the talks had stalled.
At that time, sources at Champ Car and the IRL familiar with the negotiations revealed that the chief hang-up centered around the IndyCar Series race scheduled for April 19 at Twin Ring Motegi in Japan. The preference of the merged series is to honor Champ Car's contract to run the 34th annual Long Beach Grand Prix that weekend.
It is still not clear whether officials from Motegi, which is owned by exclusive IRL engine supplier Honda, have agreed to postpone or cancel this year's race to speed up the unification process.
As many as six of the nine teams expected to compete in Champ Car in 2008 could field cars in the IndyCar Series, including Newman/Haas/Lanigan Racing, PKV Racing, Forsythe/Pettit Racing, Conquest Racing, Walker Racing and Dale Coyne Racing. The addition of up to 10 regular entries from Champ Car teams would increase the size of the IndyCar field to more than 25 cars for the first time since the late 1990s.
John Oreovicz covers open-wheel racing for National Speed Sport News and ESPN.com. Information from the Associated Press was used in this report."

Information from ESPN.

I am sure we will see several Indy-Champ slot cars very soon...

New SCX car: Ferrari F2007 1/32

2008-05-09T20:00:00.003-05:00

Take Felipe Massa right to the top at the controls of your SCX® in digital format

SCX® PRESENTS THE FERRARI F2007
Get the Ferrari that was the key to Kimi's victory in the 2007 World Championship SCX® brings you the Ferrari F2007 driven by Felipe Massa, the perfect number two for Kimi Räikkönen, who took the Formula 1 World Championship with a lot of help from his Brazilian team-mate, who in the final race gave no openings to the McLarens who were aiming for the
title. The car boasts a highly aggressive, sporty look, keeping the passion red colour scheme which is typical of Ferrari. Striking at the front is the double spoiler with its aerodynamic lines, the different sponsors' logos and Felipe Massa's race number, 5.
In the side view of this SCX® model you can see the eye-catching air intakes and the different logos, with those of Shell and Ferrari standing out because of their size. Other features include the aerial, the different spoilers and fins designed to enhance the car's aerodynamics and the
raised rear-view mirrors which were introduced for the first time in the previous season. Also worth a special mention is the system supporting the wheels and the wheels themselves.
At the back of this Ferrari F2007 are to be found the brake light and an accurate reproduction of the double spoiler, with logos at each end and with the twin exhaust pipes well-concealed with black paint. This Ferrari model sports a largely red and black colour scheme rather than the white which was more prominent last season.
Inside this SCX® vehicle the reproduction of the pilot is the main feature, with decorated overalls and helmet. The blue, yellow and green colours of the Brazilian flag brighten up the helmet worn by this driver, who finished fourth in the 2007 Formula 1 World Championship and proved to be the key to the victory of his team-mate, Kimi Räikkönen.

Track Trials
The SCX® the digital system Formula 1 models are very much the same as in the SCX® the original range, but with some adjustments. They have a narrower wheeltrack and their overall length is greater, featuring a generous guide distance. They are more stylised cars, in scale
proportion to modern F1 vehicles. The low weight also does its little bit to help in the dynamics,enhancing the results of the changes which have also been made to the motors.
Another technical aspect worth highlighting is the new SCX® the digital system chip. It works in the same way as the others, but is extremely small so that it fits into the restricted space available in a single-seater, so that you can run F1 races with all the authenticity of the real thing. Pit stops, refuelling and overtaking tactics, all accurate to scale. All of it as real as what you see on TV on a Sunday.
In terms of the design of the cars, they are longer and narrower than other SCX® models and can race side by side without any risk of colliding. Overtaking a slower car is not hard, and you need not worry whether its wheels touch your own a little. There is plenty of space to get past
the “moving chicanes”. On the track, the F1 cars look very fast as they get ahead flat out, with good straight acceleration due to their length and a healthy skid when the magnet loses its grip. Light and agile in their movements, they are highly sensitive to the fuel load they are carrying and pit stops seem faster than with other Digital cars. Their behaviour overall is very similar to the other SCX® the digital system cars, and it is probably their single-seater appearance that gives them that edge of intensity that they exude.
* Test conducted with factory settings. Supplementary magnet fitted. Screws adjusted to be closer to the track.

Sport Table of Measurements
Wheelbase 96mm , Transmission type Direct rear, Distance 103mm, Transmission ratio 9/27 = 3, Wheeltrack 59mm, Guide type Black Digital ARS
Wheel diameter 20mm, Screws 4 (1+1+2), Car weight 72.6g, Bodyshell weight 10.2g, Motor F-1, Traction Direct rear.

The Real Ferrari F2007
SCX® brings you the car which finished fourth in the 2007 Formula 1 World Championship, and in which Felipe Massa ended up becoming an absolute nightmare for Alonso and Hamilton’s McLarens, taking vital points off them to stop them coming out on top. The Italian team is the
oldest in the championship and the one with the best-stocked trophy cupboard, with no less than 14 world drivers’ championships and 14 world manufacturers’ championships.
The “scuderia”, as the general public refers to Ferrari’s sports division, took part in the first Formula One World Championship in 1950, in the first year of its existence. The Argentinean José-Froilán González brought it its first win in the 1951 British Grand Prix and the Italian Alberto Ascari gave the firm with the “prancing horse” logo its first world championship just a
year later.
Ferrari signed Felipe Massa in 2006 to replace his compatriot Rubens Barrichello as Michael Schumacher’s number two. The new Ferrari driver achieved several podium positions and two wins, in the 2006 Turkish Grand Prix and the 2006 Brazilian Grand Prix (so becoming the first Brazilian since Ayrton Senna to win in his home country), as well as three pole positions (in Turkey, Japan and Brazil).
Massa finished third in the 2006 F1 World Championship, and in the following season in his Ferrari F2007 he played a decisive part in the final victory of his team-mate, the Finn Kimi Räikkönen, so regaining the title for the legendary Italian manufacturer. The Brazilian finished fourth, just behind the two McLarens, who saw the title slip from their grasp in the last race of the championship.

Slot cars on a cruise

2008-05-09T19:47:00.002-05:00

Interesting story from Scalextric:

"SCALEXTRIC GETS SET TO FLOAT ON BRITAIN’S LARGEST SUPERLINER!
April 3 2008:- P&O Cruises Ventura, Britain’s latest superliner, is set to become the UK’s biggest floating entertainment centre, with a gigantic Scalextric circuit set to rev-up the on board excitement.Designed by the experts at Scalextric this mammoth digital racing circuit will take pride of place among a number of high profile entertainment features on offer to passengers.
Officially named on the 16th April by Dame Helen Mirren, Ventura’s onlookers will be treated to a fantastic spectacle as iconic F1 commentator Murray Walker adds his legendary voice to the atmosphere.
Located in the stylish Havana Bar, this super digital circuit will be surrounded with video cameras and plasma screens to capture all the turbocharged racing action for enthralled onlookers, providing friendly rivalry and fast-paced fun for the whole family throughout their cruise.
For the ultimate racing experience, the mammoth 16’ by 8’ Scalextric circuit offers enhanced digital racing, allowing competitors the option to change lanes, overtake and pit in a fast and furious multi-car action. Fans of the action can even purchase their own sets onboard to take the adrenalin fuelled excitement home with them.
Ventura provides the perfect setting for this gigantic set as it becomes the largest cruise ship ever built for Britain, accommodating 3,100 passengers. It contains 1,550 cabins, of which two thirds will possess private balconies. The superliner will transport its passengers to numerous destinations including the Atlantic Islands, the Caribbean and the Mediterranean.
Featuring fourteen public decks, eight restaurants, six boutiques, five pools and three show lounges, including the largest theatre on a British ship, Ventura’s passengers will be constantly entertained.
The ship is designed with the family in mind, offering toys and games, mp3 players, and appearances by the children's character Noddy. It also includes children's play areas and two pools specifically for families. For more information check out http://www.virtualventura.co.uk/
10 Apr 2008 © Scalextric 2008 "

With all the information from Scalextric

New SCX worldwide webpage

2008-04-25T09:31:00.001-05:00

Here, you will be able to find all the information about one of the three best companies of slot cars (being the others, for me, Scalextric and Carrera), its new releases, latest information...

http://www.scxworldwide.com/

New set of SCX Compact cars (II)

2008-04-23T13:26:00.003-05:00

And a Ferrari (Kimi Raikkonen) and Mac Laren (Lewis Hamilton, yellow helmet)

New set of SCX Compact cars (I)

2008-04-23T13:25:00.002-05:00

The new tuning cars for 2008

New SCX Digital Car, Chevrolet Corvette C6R

2008-03-31T17:04:00.002-05:00

SCX® reproduces the Chevrolet Corvette, the flagship of the Corvette Racing fleet, a car characterised by its sporty, aggressive and aerodynamic lines. Regarding the decoration on this SCX® model, the American manufacturer Chevrolet has given the car a strikingly sober look, mainly through the use of just two colours: blue, which is the dominant colour on the whole car, and yellow, which makes the car more eye-catching. Seen from the front the Chevrolet Corvette has a wealth of air intakes, which are particularlywide on the bonnet. The car is covered with logos all over its bodywork. This view is finished offwith a pair of highly attractive headlights and a front spoiler which adds to the sporty, competitive look of the nose and helps to enhance the car's aerodynamics.
The side is divided into two colours – blue and yellow – along the whole of its length. The side doors feature the race number 34, and the grey spoked wheels with Michelin tyres are particularly eye-catching, once again adding to the car's sporty personality. There is a small window in the driver's door of the Chevrolet Corvette with openings at the front and back, and over the doors are the names of the drivers and co-drivers: Menten, Belloc,Bornhauser and Bouvy. As usual, SCX® has gone to great pains with the detailing of the driver and co-driver's gear (helmet, gloves and overalls). In the back view of the car the black spoiler stands out, with the name of the sponsor Dunlop inyellow. This, along with a ground-hugging bodywork, make it a highly sporty, competitive car.
Track Trials A model with highly acceptable vital statistics in 1/32, fairly light and with a low centre of gravity, built on a completely flat chassis with proportions which are well-suited to competition. All in all,it promises a high-performance response with the classic, tried and tested SCX® mechanicaldesign. The tilting motor cradle breaks up the rigidity of a frame with a surprising degree of flexibility. A little bit of running-in to tune up the gears and bearings, fit the pick-up braids untwisted and ofequal lengths and lubricate all the moving parts and you are ready to hit the track, at low torquerates at first before building up steadily to a racing pace. First impressions are confirmed as soon as you get it onto the track. The Chevrolet Corvette gets ahead with precision thanks to its length, a rear end withpractically no overhang and a wheel track which gives adequate support on wide bends. It takes parabolic bends on a racing circuit very comfortably and negotiates tight bends without too much trouble. It is focused in its performance on straights, and the ease with which it brakes hard rounds off a performance which should provide some great afternoons. The model's main trump cards are its stable, comfortable running, making it a car to drive and tune up to become one of the stars of the different SCX® paddocks. * Tests conducted without extra magnet.
Sport table of measurements Product reference no.: 6295 Wheel base 84.5mm Transmission type4x2 rear Distance 101.5mm Transmission ratio 9/27 = 3 Wheel track 63mm Guide type Tilting ARS Wheel diameter21.5mm Screws 5 (2+2+1) Car weight 89.8g Bodyshell weight 27.9g Motor RX-42 Traction Rear Rear Ø 18.3 x 9.8mm Front Ø 18.3 x 9.8mm.
The Real Chevrolet Corvette The Corvette Racing Team was 50 years old in 2004 and constantly proves that it is still at the top in international endurance races by winning the GT1 category in the last five editions of the 24 Hours of Le Mans. The Chevrolet Corvette is the most technologically advanced sports car ever created by the American manufacturer, and was the winner of the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 2005. This timeSCX® has reproduced the exact same model which competed in the Spa 24 Hours, driven bythe team made up of the Frenchmen Belloc and Bornhauser, the Dutchman Menten and theBelgian Bouvy. The Corvette is equipped with a V8 engine delivering 600 horsepower. Based on the Corvette C6-Z06, this vehicle features carbon and Kevlar bodywork; these lightweight materials cut its weight down to just 1,162kg. The Spa 24 Hours is an endurance race held every year at the Spa-Francorchamps circuit in Belgium. It was conceived by Jules de Their and Henri Langlois Van Ophem just after the first 24 Hours of Le Mans, and the race is run under the auspices of the Royal Automobile Club Belgium.

(With information from SCX, http://www.scx.es/)

New SCX car Porsche 911 GT3

2008-03-24T21:38:00.003-05:00

SCX® presents the Porsche 911 GT3 Cup. One of the most prestigious cars from the great German manufacturer, with a uniquely elegant, exclusive design.
The most striking thing about this model is its white colour scheme with the GT3 Cup logo in different colours running along both sides of the vehicle, as well as its sporty lines. The classic Porsche style is retained, but with all today’s aerodynamic features.
At the front are the characteristic headlights of this German car, with prominent air intakes, as on the bottom. The Michelin and Mobil logos in the centre, together with the detail of the hook in red, add colour to a nose which naturally features the Porsche logo, located between the bonnet catches. On top of the bonnet is the Carrera Cup Deutschland competition logo. The German manufacturer’s name appears at the top of the windscreen, along with the single wiper.
The GT3 Cup logo appears three times on the side, first in red and then in two shades of grey underneath. The web address www.porsche.com above the wing mirror and the rear side window with the unusual openings in it are other distinctive details featured on this Porsche 911 GT3 Cup. As far as the wheels are concerned, they do not let down the car’s overall appearance in any way. They are grey and highly sporty, including the bolt in the front wheels and the Michelin logo on the tyres.
The back view of this model is also highly attractive. The characteristic Porsche spoiler, with the manufacturer’s name on the top and only visible from the front, is probably the most eye-catching feature, though the silver-coloured twin exhaust at the bottom in the centre is not to be missed either. Above them is the Mobil 1 logo in the space for the number plate, and above that the Michelin one, both largely blue but with touches of red and black in one and yellow in the other. At boot height, in the centre like the above-mentioned logos, "GP3 Cup" appears in relief letters. On either side are the rear lights, red and elongated in shape, and nearer the middle are the silver-coloured security locks. The effect is completed by two further details: the red rear hook and the white interior of the car, this time without a co-driver, this being the rule in the competition in which the Porsche 911 GT3 Cup takes part.
Track trials
Driving on the track at racing (or sports) speeds, it displays a very similar performance to the other Touring-type cars in the SCX® the digital system range. In terms of size, weight and mechanics the Porsche 911 GT3 Cup is very much in line with what you will be used to in the cars which have already raced on your digital circuit.
Its strong point is probably its trim lines. Not too wide at the rear, slender at the front and not too heavy, this is a car which changes lane smoothly, nips neatly into the box and is manoeuvrable in the constant search for the right line to follow. Overtaking is no problem, and it slips comfortably through heavy traffic.
What we do recommend is that if you use the extra magnet (as in this test) you should set it very low down, between 1mm and 1.5mm from the track surface, in order to take maximum advantage of the ground effect. You can adjust it with the two screws that come with the magnet. The trick is to set it so low that you practically ground on the track. Trying it out over a couple of laps is the way to find just how low you can go.
The Porsche 911 GT3 Cup from SCX® the digital system is suited to several types of competition. You can line it up against the other Touring cars or against the WTCC GT’s, where this type of car in this size with this performance is up there with the pack. However, you can also perfectly well start a new category with it, none other than the Porsche Cup. The car’s perfect responses on the track provide the perfect excuse to take several of them and set up races between competitors with the same technology. The only thing you have to be careful about is identifying them differently – so that you don’t end up in the Pit Box with your competitor's car!"

Sport Table of Measurements
Product reference no.: 13550
Wheelbase 74mm
Transmission type 4x2 rear
Distance 95mm
Transmission ratio 9/27 = 3
Wheel track 57mm
Screws 5 (2+2+1)
Wheel diameter 19.5mm
Other Front semi-axles
Car weight 87g
Bodyshell weight 25.5g
Motor RX-42 2007 version
Drive Rear
Front wheels Ø 18.3 x 9.8mm
Rear wheels Ø 18.3 x 9.8mm

The new Porsche 911 GT3 Cup is designed for the Porsche Mobil1 Supercup competitions and the Porsche Carrera Cup and GT3 Cup Challenge championships, so don’t expect to come across it on the streets of your neighbourhood any time soon. This new model from the top German manufacturer has increased its power rating to 420 horsepower and taken on the contemporary style of the Porsche 911 GT3 in an effort to update its lines and make it much more dynamic.
The real car reproduced here by SCX® is fitted with a six-speed sequential gearbox, allowing the driver to change up without needing to use the clutch or take his foot off the accelerator, as it features a system similar to that used in MotoGP bikes.
The GT3 is the sportiest model in the 911 range, and the first irresistible feature of this vehicle is its powerful sound, which changes with the different phases of the variable admission.
Gear changing is fast and precise when taken to the limit, reaching 132km/h in second and up to 181km/h in third. Its hard feel calls for a decisive touch, and it has a very short distance between gears. The hardness of the clutch pedal is a feature of sports cars.

With information from SCX http://www.scalextric.es/

SCX 1/32 new car SEAT Leon

2008-03-03T11:35:00.002-05:00

SCX® presents the SCX® Racing Team SEAT León Super Cup 2007 driven by Luis Carlos Maurel during the 2007 edition of the super cup.
This is a car in a new mould, with changes which are especially visible on the nose, featuring the logo of the manufacturer SEAT in the centre of the radiator grille. The small logos of the team's different sponsors appear on either side of this front section.
The first thing that catches the eye about this SCX® model is the large chequered flag, a
symbol of the slot racing manufacturer. The team name appears in large letters on the bonnet, accompanied by the other partners in it, Auto Equip and Monlau Competición.
This windscreen of this SCX® Racing Team SEAT León displays its number just underneath a large yellow and black GALFER logo which covers the top of the glass
In the top view, the roof features the logos of the SCX® Racing Team's main sponsors. These are SCX®, Galfer, Monlau Competición, and Auto Equip. In the centre there is a black telecommunications aerial.
The most eye-catching feature in the side view of this SEAT from SCX® is its striking silver wheels. The doors are decorated with the car's number, on one side of which the different sponsors' names appear, apart from the two main ones which are printed in large letters further back on the bodywork. As is now usual, the rear side window has the driver's name, L. Carlos Maurel, together with a flag showing his nationality.
Inside the cabin, the driver's suit and helmet are fully detailed. Other highlights are the inside anti-roll bars, painted in the same red as the majority of the decoration.
The tail end of this SEAT León from SCX® continues the decorative theme with a chequered flag. The logo of the manufacturer, SEAT, stands out in red on a black background, with two large Repsol logos at the sides and a Dunlop logo in the centre over the boot. An aerodynamic rear spoiler, fitted just over the back window, gives an even sportier air to the model's already aggressive lines. Finally, there are twin exhaust pipes at the bottom of the bodywork.

Track Trials
The 1/32nd scale SEAT León is a road car with the geometry of a Rallyslot model. Shorter, narrower, higher and lighter than other sharks of the circuit, this is a model whose small size gives it sensitive reactions, while its low weight means it accelerates powerfully.
The tilting of the motor-rear axle assembly also works actively to stop you coming off the track in circumstances when it would be unavoidable with any other chassis. You need to accelerate at the right time; skids are short and impulsive, and the car tends to follow the slot pretty well.
Once you have got used to its behaviour and after the usual running-in and tune-up, this car will give you hours of enjoyment, helped of course by its bright colour scheme, which adds to the fun of driving it.
* Tests conducted without extra magnet.

Sport Table of Measurements
Wheelbase 82mm
Transmission typeDirect rear
Distance 96mm
Transmission ratio 9/27 = 3
Rear wheel track 58mm
Guide type Pivoting ARS
Rear wheel diameter 19.5mm
Screws 5 (2+2+1)
Front wheel track 58mm
Front wheel diameter 19.5mm
Car weight 83.3g
Bodyshell weight 29.5g
Motor RX-42 B.
Drive Rear
Front Ø 19.5 x 9.8mm
Rear Ø 19.5 x 9.8mm

The real SEAT León Super Cup 2007
The new SEAT León Super Cup is the competition version of the 185hp TFSI. The intention was to bring its performance closer to that of the SEAT León WTCC. Compared to the production model, the SEAT León Super Cup has a wider wheel train and specially-designed suspension with two-way adjustable shock absorbers, adjustable drop and convergence on both axles. The braking system features 360mm self-ventilating disc brakes with six pistons on the front axle and 256mm discs on the rear axle.
The power rating has been pumped up to 280hp, a hundred more than the production TFSI, thanks to work done on the turbo compressor and developments in electronic control in co-operation with Audi. This is the first SEAT to combine DSG with a petrol engine, in co-operation with Volkswagen. It also has the gear controls on the steering column.
In terms of aerodynamics, it has a low, flat bottom, a front spoiler, a rear diffuser, a 16-position adjustable spoiler (the same as on the WTCC version) and special fins.
In 2005, SCX®, together with Monlau Competición and Auto Equip, set up the Scalextric® Racing Team, which takes part in the SEAT León Super Cup with a car driven by Luis Carlos Maurel. This driver, who has already achieved some great results in previous years, is managed by Carlos Povedano, the general manager of Auto Equip.
The SEAT León Super Cup currently has 41 participants in its Spanish competition, which consists of six events in two rounds: May (Jarama), June (Estoril), September (Catalonia), October (Valencia), October (Jerez) and November (Catalonia). Also, one of the events coincides with the DTM in Barcelona and another with the WTCC in Valencia.

(With information from SCX)

SCX Compact track vs Artin track

2008-02-26T11:28:00.006-05:00

When I got my SCX Compact F1 set I thought I could build a huge track using also my Artin tracks. But I was disappointed, they can be put together. In these pictures you can see the differences in connection, width and texture (you can even bend it a little bit). One question, can you see which is the Artin and the SCX Compact or you need me to tell you? I am not sure, but I think you can use Jiada with Artin and SCX Compact with Carrera GO, can anybody confirm it?

Thank you,

SCX cars

2008-02-25T13:03:00.003-05:00

You can check, in these two pictures, the technology of SCX digital and original cars. It is an interesting information. And more, if you compare it with Scalextric and Carrera, no need to talk about Artin or Jiada.

SCX Compact news V

2008-02-25T08:55:00.002-05:00

And the last one, the SCX Compact DTM, the cars are an Audi and a Mercedes, here you have some information about this championship:"The Deutsche Tourenwagen Masters (DTM, German Touring Car Masters) is a touring car racing series based in Germany, but also with rounds elsewhere in Europe.
From 2000 onwards, this new DTM continued the former Deutsche Tourenwagen Meisterschaft (German Touring Car Championship) and ITC (International Touring Car Championship) which had been discontinued after 1996 due to high costs.
Audi joins DTM in 2004
After their successes with the Audi R8 and the official support of the Abt-TTRs at the Nürburgring, Audi finally joined the DTM as a factory entry in 2004. The three constructors involved decided to switch to saloon bodies. The road models used as patterns since 2004 are the Audi A4, Opel Vectra GTS and the Mercedes-Benz C-Class. All dimensions, like wheelbase etc., are made the same in order to provide equal opportunities without the actual design of the road cars having any influence, as in NASCAR.
DTM in 2005-2007
The championship suffered a setback in 2004 when long-time also-ran Opel decided to pull out of the series at the end of the 2005 season, as part of a large cost-cutting operation in General Motors' European division. Initially the gap looked set to be filled by MG Rover, however their plans to enter the series were cancelled after the company collapsed in April 2005. Audi and Mercedes fielded 10 cars each in 2006, but the important television deal required three marques in 2007. It had been rumored that the Gumpert Apollo would take Opel's place, but the 2007 season began with Audi and Mercedes once again entering 10 cars each.
Rumours surfaced that Alfa Romeo would return to the DTM in 2007. These rumors were helped by Alfa Romeo Sport boss Claudio Berro being seen in the Barcelona paddock. It was also thought that Alfa's possible return could be the reason why the 2007 DTM calendar started one month later than normal, to give Alfa Romeo extra time to make a DTM car. However, this did not happen."

With information from Wikipedia

SCX Compact news (IV)

2008-02-22T14:35:00.003-05:00

Another new set for 2008, the MotoGP one. The bikes have no official names or sponsors on them, may be a problem with the licenses. But one of them is very similar to the famous Repsol-Honda team. Here you have more information about Moto GP from its official Web page http://www.motogp.com/en/motogp/motogp_about.htm?menu=about

SCX Compact news (III)

2008-02-20T13:43:00.005-05:00

And one more set, the GT, with two Porsche Carrera from the Carrera Cup. The Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup (known as Porsche Michelin Supercup prior to 2007)[1] is the international motor racing series supporting the FIA Formula One World Championship organized by Porsche AG.
In Porsche Supercup, drivers in identical Porsche 911 GT3 Cup (Type 997) based on Porsche Carrera compete on asphalt road circuits. On average, 24 race cars take part in each race.
The race
2006
The new points race in Bahrain opened the season 2006. From 13 races overall, two races took place in Indianapolis (Saturday and Sunday). Races were contested over 70 kilometres, and take off from a standing start.
2007
Like in 2006, the race in the Kingdom of Bahrain opens the new season. Two classification rounds will take place there. The 2007 race calendar comprises eleven championship rounds. New on the schedule is the classification race in Istanbul, Turkey.
Racing car
In Porsche Michelin Supercup the 911 GT3 Cup type 997 is deployed - a car based on the Porsche 911 Carrera. All vehicles are technically identical: 400 hp, sequential six-speed gearbox, Porsche Ceramic Composite Brake (PCCB), 1,120 kg. The PCCB is deployed exclusively in Porsche Michelin Supercup.
Tires
Michelin is exclusive tire supplier for the teams. Two sets of slick tires may be used per car and weekend. The number of wet tires is unlimited. The tires are identical for all competitors and are not permitted to be pre-warmed or chemically treated.
Championships
Driver championship
Points are assigned to the first 15 finishers of each race as follows: 20-18-16-14-12-10-9-8-7-6-5-4-3-2-1. All races count. To receive points a driver must contest at least eight races per season.
Team championship
The points of the two best drivers of each team are added up. At the end of the season Porsche rewards the three best placed teams with prize money.
Prize money
In 2006 and 2007, Porsche AG pays out around 820,000 Euros to drivers and teams. Per race the winner receives 9,000 Euros, the runner-up 7,500 Euros and the third placed driver 6,500 Euros. For a 15th place 1,400 Euros are paid out. Additionally, the 2006 or 2007 champion receives a Porsche road car. The driver with the most fastest laps will be given a premium watch from Porsche Design.
Winners
As the first Italian in the history of Porsche Michelin Supercup, Alessandro Zampedri won the championship in 2005. 31-year-old professional racer from London Richard Westbrook won the 2006 season.
History
Since 1993 the Porsche Michelin Supercup has run as support to the FIA Formula 1 World Championship, however the number of races has grown from the original nine to total 13 in 2006, although decreasing to 11 in 2007.

With information from Wikipedia.

SCX Compact news (II)

2008-02-19T14:00:00.002-05:00

And a new picture of the Formula 1 set, the new one with the Fernando Alonso Renault 2008 and the Kimi Raikkonen Ferrari. Let us hope they will be the ones fighting for the World championship this year!

SCX Compact news (I)

2008-02-19T09:06:00.007-05:00

SCX is going to release their new SCX Compact sets for 2008. They are packed in a different style, with a more square box and with nice drawings. There are five new sets. The first one is the F1 with the same cars as the former one, but with a reduced track that fits almost anywhere. Here you have a picture of the set,

And these are the advantages SCX Compact has, according to Tecnitoys,

Ford GT 40

2008-02-06T21:51:00.000-05:00

This is the Ford GT40 used by Jacky Ickx to win the 24 hours of Le Mans and this is the story of that incredible victory:"In 1969 Jacky Ickx raced in the 24 hours of Le Mans for the first time. This race also saw the first appearance of the Porsche 917 in Le Mans, which was regarded by far as the favourite. The Ford GT 40 that Ickx drove with Jackie Oliver appeared at that time was an obsolete car, outperformed by the new Porsche 917 but also by the older Porsche 908 and the new generation of 3-liter prototypes from Ferrari, Matra and Alfa Romeo.
As Ickx was opposed to the traditional Le Mans start which he considered to be dangerous, he slowly walked across the track to his machine, instead of running. He locked the safety belt carefully and thus was the last to start the race, chasing the field. In lap one, a tragic event proved that Ickx was right: private driver John Woolfe had a fatal accident in his new and powerful 917 and fellow countryman Willy Mairesse had an accident which ended his career. Neither of them had taken time to belt himself in.
During the race the Porsche 917 proved unreliable, and none was to finish. The last four hours of the race turned into a duel between the Porsche 908 of Hans Herrmann/Gerard Larrousse and the Ford GT-40 of Ickx/Oliver. In the last hour, Ickx and Herrmann continually leapfrogged each other, the Porsche being faster on the straights owing to having less aerodynamic drag, while being passed again under braking as the brake pads were worn and the team reckoned there was not enough time left to change them. Ickx won the race by the smallest of competitive margins ever, with less than 100 meters between the two cars, despite having lost a bigger distance intentionally at the start. He also won his case for safety: from 1970, all drivers could start the race sitting in their cars with the belts tightened properly.

Carrera, the german giant

2008-01-31T11:35:00.000-05:00

In my opinion there are three big companies in this hobby, SCX, Scalextric and Carrera. I have already posted about the first two, so it is time for the third. Carrera is a german slot car company and this is their history:

"In 1920 Josef Neuhierl started manufacturing tin toys in the Franconian town of Fürth. Little did anybody know at the time that these toys actually marked the beginning of long road to success, or that the Carrera racetrack, which was being born in Neuhierl’s workshop, would one day be one of the world’s most popular toys. But, in 1963, all the pieces fell into piece: together with his son Hermann, Neuhierl launched the “Carrera Universal” system, the first electronic 1:32 scale Carrera racetrack. It was an overnight success. In 1969 the "Carrera 124" caused a further sensation on the market, with its larger scale of car. Then, as now, Carrera had all the ingredients for a recipe of success: excellent level of quality, a wide range of accessories and a steady flow of innovative products. Quickly, the terms Carrera and racetrack became synonymous with one another. Today, Carrera’s brand recognition rate is way over 90%; and it is associated with action, fun and motor sports. Generations of fathers and sons have had and continue have fun together with spectacular power slides and breathtaking battles for victory. By the way, the name Carrera comes from the Spanish word for "racing". In the 1970s and 1980s, the Carrera racetrack made great advances, with several contemporary and historical automobile vehicles added to the range. Even the advent of the video games in the 1980s and 1990s couldn’t dampen enthusiasm for Carrera motor sport action. Unfortunately, in 1985 the vast success was overshadowed by the tragic death of Dr. Hermann Neuhierls. Following internal restructuring in the late 1990s, the Stadlbauer Group from Salzburg (which had been responsible for distributing Carrera in Austria since the early 1970s) took over the family company in 1999. With its unique combination of tradition with innovative products and use of high-tech, Carrera was set to embark on yet another road to success, with steady growth at home and abroad. The "Carrera 124" line was relaunched as a premium product range Carrera Exclusiv. For beginners and the young, an action track was developed in 2001 called Carrera GO!!!, ready to withstand the toughest demands for quality in a 1:43 scale. The traditional 1:32 vehicle scale, Carrera Evolution, was also further improved and enhanced. But, to top it all, it was the digital racetrack sector that Carrera revolutionised. With Carrera’s new Digital 132 technology, up to six vehicles can overtake each other at high speeds. A pace car function lets pilots race against a remotely-piloted car that completes laps at a pre-programmed speeds by itself. However, the real value is that all Carrera Digital 132 vehicles are ready to use on both our digital and analogue racetracks. Carrera Digital 132 is the first system to combine the world of traditional, analogue racetracks with the fascinating opportunities of the digital era. For 40 years, Carrera Exclusiv, the premium product line in a 1:24 scale, has been at the forefront of what the slot car racing scene has to offer, combining in a very unique and special way design, dynamics and a passion for motor sport. Deluxe cars are available with real Xenon headlamps and rear lamps, multiple tuning options and even the possibility of entering new digital worlds – Carrera Exclusiv leaves nothing to be desired and meets the highest requirements of quality and design. For Carrera, safety and quality have always been highly important. Which is why the company works closely with the State Trade Agency (Landesgewerbeanstalt) in Nürnberg, constantly checking all products to ensure that required safety standards are met. All Carrera products fulfil current European legislation safety norms. Through its close cooperation with the automobile industry, Carrera today sports a whole host of exciting and authentic licence deals from the world of motor sport. Whether in the area of Formula 1, the world of classic cars or from the touring wagon scene – the beautiful top-quality vehicles are a real eye-catcher. Top licenses include Ferrari, Porsche, Audi, BMW, Bentley as well as Nintendo and Nascar, which all add up to even more fun with Carrera racetracks. No wonder, then, that so many young pilots are discovering Carrera for the first time, and that so many fathers are rediscovering it at the same time. They all share the enjoyment and excitement these unqiue brands and car models convey and just can’t stop getting together to compete for victory. Not just in Germany, either. Carrera now operates around the world, and its car model policy is designed to satisfy all international tastes. Fans from New Zealand to Cyprus and from Portugal to the United States are equally spellbound by the legend of Carrera. On January 1, 2005, Carrera opened an own subsidiary in the United States, "Carrera of America Inc.", has been operating a distribution company in France since 2006 and also runs subsidiary companies in Poland and Hungary. Today, Carrera is available in more than forty countries around the world and has long become the globally leading manufacturer for racetracks and accessories. Continuous marketing campaigns, brand management and country-specific marketing concepts all ensure that this success story will persist for some time… In 2006 Carrera held its very first Carrera World Championship, with Andreas Loth from Vienna winning against a master class of international pilots in a gripping final. Once again, 2007 will see Carrera World Championship heats taking place around the world until the spring of 2008, when the Carrera World Champion will be announced. The starting shot for the Carrera World Championship was fired in September 2007 at the International Motor Show in Frankfurt, where Carrera had their own large stand, much to the pleasure of all fans.
http://www.stadlbauer.at/ - Website of the Stadlbauer Group
http://www.carrera-toys.com/ - Official Carrera Website of Stadlbauer M+V GmbH
http://www.carreraclub.com/ - Website of the offical Carrera Club (german-speaking)
http://www.carrerachallenge.com/ - Website of the Carrera Challenge Tour
http://www.carreraclubzone.com/ - Website of the Carrera ClubZone
http://www.carrera-exclusiv.com/ - Website for the Carrera Exclusiv Digital Limited Edition Set
http://www.carrera-maennerhort.com/ - Website of the "Carrera Männerhort" in 2006"

And the picture of my Carrera go 1/43 slot car...

My F1 SCX Compact cars

2008-01-28T20:54:00.000-05:00

I have been playing with my two new cars and I do like them, they run smooth, without any stop or interruption, they keep on track easily although if you push them hard or hit the turbo boost button too close to a bend, you are out. They are not just toy cars as the Artin ones, impossible to take them out of the track. They run better on the SCX Compact track but their performances are also good on the Artin track I have. But, you can also find some problems. If you look close enough to the Mc Laren picture you will realize the paint is not so perfect and the car can even look¨"old". It is better in the Ferrari. And you can also appreciate how "high" the guide is. This keeps the front wheels from touching the tracks, what make them a little bit "weird". The front axle is different from the 1/32 cars, in these smaller cars it is fixed, it does not move. But, in spite of these details, I like these cars and enjoy a lot of hours playing with them,what I think, it is the important thing...

SCX Compact F1 set

2008-01-19T19:35:00.000-05:00

And I finally got a SCX Compact F1 set. Everything is good quality inside. The cars are wonderful, small because of its scale but highly detailed. The only problem I found is that the front wheels do not touch the track, maybe because of the brushes, and of its small weight. The same happen to the Nascar cars, but when you try them, you forget about the problem. They go incredibly better than the Artin cars and much better than the Carrera GO I have. I cannot talk about Jiada because I have not tried one yet, but I would like to try and compare. The decoration in the cars is also much better than the one in Artin or Carrera GO. And the power is much better, 12V, than the Artin one, 7.5V. So cars run better and smoother. And the tracks, the difference is so huge that I don´t recommend what I told in a previous post, to have and Artin track, cheaper. Once you have tried these tracks, you don´t go back to the others. SCX Compact tracks fit better, electricity is not lost and the cars have a better grip. So, what I recommend now is ... go and get your SCX Compact set, you will be delighted...

SCX Compact F1, offer in Target

2008-01-11T12:34:00.000-05:00

Yesterday (01/10/08) I saw a SCX Compact F1 set in Target with a reduced price $62.90. In my "normal" Target, Centerton Square in Mount Laurel, there was no one; in Route 130 close to Delran there was no one either, but there was one in Route 541 between Mount Holly and Burlington (close to I-295). So if you are interested in this wonderful set, come on, run and get one before it is over....

New Jiada 1/43

2008-01-09T08:52:00.000-05:00

Good news for the 1/43 scale. JWL slot cars is already selling the new Jiada sets and cars in this scale. I have not tried them yet, so I can not compare the quality of the tracks and the cars with SCX Compact, Carrera GO or Artin, but I will try to get some information as soon as possible. Until then, you can visit JWL web page for more data, http://www.jwlslotcars.com/Jiada143.html

Cartrix Slot

2008-01-08T13:53:00.000-05:00

This a small spanish company that makes slot cars and accesories with a very good quality, here you have their web page http://www.cartrix-slot.com/ and their distributor in USA

http://www.slotcars.org/reh/index.html and this is what they say about themselves in their web page

"Mecánica del Modelismo, S.L. it is a small company devoted to the cars and spare parts manufacture for slot (1/32) that sells under the brand CARTRIX.
CARTRIX it is a dynamic brand that directs their products to user as to other companies.
In this page you can see all the products that CARTRIX sells for the slot enthusiasts. If you are a manufacturer or club and need special quantities or even custom parts; not doubt in consulting us, perhaps we could help you.
Mecánica del Modelismo, S.L. Polígono Industrial Carrús C/ Segorbe, 37 03206 Elche (Alicante) España Telf: (+34) 96 666 13 69 Fax: (+34) 96 545 88 99 e-mail:cartrix@cartrix-slot.com http://www.cartrix-slot.com/ "

Here is the picture of one of their nice cars, a BMW-Z3 Roadster Soft Top.

And some of their other products,

SCX Compact, news from SCX

2008-01-08T12:20:00.000-05:00

Here you have two pictures, in one of them you can compare the size of a SCX 1/32 Nascar car and the 1/43 one. In the other one, there is a proposed SCX Compact layout for an Indy track, with all the components you need. And besides it fits in a 4X8 plywood. Hope it is useful ...

Interesting article about SCX

2008-01-06T21:34:00.000-05:00

This article appeared at the end of last year in an important spanish newspaper "El Mundo" and talks about the future projects of SCX, especially in USA, sorry it is in spanish : "Scalextric busca la 'pole position' en el mercado estadounidenseTecnitoys, licenciatario de la marca, venderá los legendarios circuitos en la Quinta Avenida. Quiere multiplicar por 10 sus ventas en dos años y facturar 44 millonesDani CorderoSergi Pastor tiene una teoría acerca de Scalextric. Desde que llegara a España hace 45 años, la marca de slots «siempre ha llamado la atención de los españoles». En ocho de cada 10 hogares hay o ha habido un circuito. Cada año se han vendido entre 80.000 y 100.000. Y si preguntas a los ciudadanos, el 89% de ellos sabe lo que es. ¿Es una leyenda? «Pues sí», asevera Pastor.El problema radica en cómo hacer negocio de una leyenda. El dirige Tecnitoys, la licenciataria de la marca en España desde hace 10 años, donde tiene un 75% de la cuota del mercado de los slots y factura el 75% de sus ingresos, un total 31,9 millones de euros este año 2007. Con esas cifras, a Pastor únicamente le quedaban unas pocas alternativas para mejorar. Ampliar las edades de sus clientes, mirar a otros países y explotar con fuerza la marca.Además, «presentar como mínimo un producto de mucha innovación cada año».El primero de esos pasos lo dio en alianza con la cadena de juguetes Imaginarium, cuando lanzó My First Scalextric, que le ha permitido vender 40.000 circuitos para niños de entre 2 y 4 años y entrar también en Francia con FNAC.El siguiente paso era el desembarco en Estados Unidos, que ha conseguido gracias a un acuerdo con la cadena de distribución Target, si bien el punto diferenciador para la marca es su presencia en los prestigiosos almacenes FAO Schwarz, en la Quinta Avenida de Nueva York, un auténtico escaparate del sector. «Teníamos que demostrar que hacíamos los circuitos de más calidad y así lo demostramos».EEUU es un mercado importante en esa senda de crecimiento. Este año está previsto vender 180.000 circuitos en todo el mundo, 15.000 de ellos allí. En las previsiones de la compañía consta que esa cifra se multiplique por cuatro en 2008 y alcance ya los 120.000 circuitos en 2009. A partir de esa cantidad, todo se complica. «Una vez tienes el 25% de la cuota de mercado, todo es mucho más difícil», explica Pastor, que considera que la rentabilidad del negocio se sitúa en la fabricación de 200.000 circuitos al año.De hecho, la entrada de Tecnitoys en EEUU no será con el Scalextric que se ha visto siempre en España, si bien éste lo complementará.Aunque también pretenden vender los slots de escala 1:32, a ese mercado han ido con su nuevo producto Compact, cuyas reproducciones respetan una escala menor (1:43).Pastor conoce bien la marca. Explica que, tras su fulminante cese de Applus+, cuando le preguntaban dónde le gustaría trabajar, él respondía que en el acuario o en Scalextric. Y Tomás Fornesa, consejero delegado de Tecnitoys e hijo del ex presidente de La Caixa, le ofreció el cargo. Colecciona minis y descapotables de la marca, es sobrino de un modelista de la firma cuando ésta pertenecía a Exin y desvela que él protagonizaba uno de los primeros spots de la empresa.Así que esa convicción le ha dado facilidad para potenciar el lanzamiento de marca. Un «renacimiento», admite, que deberá ofrecer a Tecnitoys una cifra de negocio de 44,23 millones de euros en 2009, un 40% procedentes del exterior.El último de los escalones es la explotación de la marca. Cascos con el logo estampado (7.000 vendidos en 2007), acuerdos con otras compañías para actuar en colaboración -el último es con Vodafone- y el diseño de un juego para teléfonos móviles que ha conseguido 50.000 descargas en pocos meses.«Nosotros no competimos con las consolas», señala Pastor, quien confiesa que Tecnitoys no puede rivalizar con los grandes fabricantes y sus multimillonarias campañas de lanzamiento. De ahí que vayan a la cúspide de la pirámide de EEUU como paradigma de su proceso de crecimiento: demostrar a los bolsillos más holgados que dan la calidad para después ir bajando como una mancha de aceite.Aunque respetuoso con el mundo de la tecnología, Pastor no esconde cierta sensación de orgullo cuando destaca que la marca que él intenta vender siempre se sitúa entre los tres juegos preferidos de los niños en la guerra que Duracell, la compañía de las pilas, organiza cada año en diferentes pabellones de todo el mundo.«Pero nos iremos acercando a los iconos de cada momento», dice enigmático. ¿Habrá un juego de consola de Scalextric?Lo que sí tiene claro Tecnitoys es que intentará llegar a una entente con el resto de marcas de slots de todo el mundo para homogeneizar los sistemas digitales de los circuitos. Actualmente cada marca tiene su modelo, lo que genera incompatibilidades que sólo perjudican a los jugadores. Pastor cree que eso podrá estar solucionado cuando salga la próxima generación de circuitos digitales. Y para los coleccionistas de siempre -Scalextric cuenta en España con 40.000 que pagan su cuota anual- la marca prepara un sistema que impida las falsificaciones.ApoyoGestores de amplia estirpe empresarialTecnitoys es actualmente una compañía de nombres ilustres. Empezando por la marca que atesora en España, Scalextric, y siguiendo por los miembros de su accionariado, una especie de La Caixa junior connection que llega al mundo de la patronal catalana en edad inversa, o la familia Lara, a través de su sociedad inversora Hemisferio.El presidente de la compañía es Joan Rosell, padre del presidente de Fomento del Trabajo, Juan Rosell, que se sienta en diferentes consejos de administración de participadas de la entidad financiera.El consejero delegado es Tomás Fornesa, hijo de Ricard Fornesa, presidente ahora de Criteria Caixa Corp y ex presidente de La Caixa y Aguas de Barcelona. Fue precisamente éste quien fichó a Sergi Pastor de Sony para que se encargara de los nuevos proyectos de la compañía de servicios, después concretado con la gestión de Applus+, hasta que, bajo una presidencia diferente, salió de ésta de una forma opaca cuando se perfilaba su venta.Pero Tomás Fornesa no es el único hijo con vínculos en La Caixa.En el consejo figura también Jordi Fainé, hijo del actual presidente de la primera caja española, Isidro Fainé. Fainé junior está en el consejo de administración de Tecnitoys en representación de Inversiones Hemisferio, a la que también representa en el consejo de Vueling.La familia Lara se incorporó al proyecto en octubre de 2006, cuando compró el 25% de la compañía a través de una ampliación de capital que ofrecerá recursos para llevar a cabo su expansión.El legado de ExinEl objetivo es conseguir hacer viable una marca de éxito que entró en crisis cuando Exin suspendió pagos y una compañía estadounidense se hizo con el negocio, lo que provocó que cayera la calidad del producto y sus ventas. Para invertir esa tendencia, Tecnitoys invierte en investigación y desarrollo entre el 7% y el 10% de su facturación anual.Diez personas se encargan de ese trabajo en Barcelona, si bien la compañía da por imposible que se pueda fabricar algún día en países desarrollados. Los costes de fabricación lo hacen imposible y su interés por entrar en Estados Unidos se lo permiten: la paridad yen-dólar no les grava su desembarco estadounidense.Respecto a los problemas que pueden comportar las copias ilegales procedentes de las manufactureras de Asia, Pastor advierte que la marca es «extremadamente dura» en ese campo. Un botón de muestra: la guerra que tuvo con Hornby (Hornby Hobbies es el fabricante de Scalextric en el Reino Unido y utiliza ese nombre en todo el mund menos en nuestro pais) por el uso de la marca Scalextric."

SCX Compact prices 2008

2008-01-06T09:19:00.000-05:00

Holidays are over and prices are back in Target. The tuning set is 49.95 $ and the two cars set is 19.95 $. So the reduced price was only for the season. They have reorganized the stands in Target and SCX has told to the Spanish press that their interest USA and 1/43 will go on and even increase. (SCX Compact will be sold in FAO Schwarz, the famous toy store in New York City, I do not know if the same sets and cars, let´s see). So, till now, will have to go on with what we had before holidays. Come on SCX, send us something new!

BUM Slot

2007-12-07T19:23:00.000-05:00

BUM (Barcelona Universal Models) started in November 1993 as a distributor of military and fantasy lead made scale models. In April 1994 they added the distribution in Spain of the English slot car company MRRC. In 1995 they started their own line of slot cars with a metallic chassis and resin body. The first one was the awesome Mercedes 196 S (1954), and it was followed by the Lancia D50 and the 1937 Auto Union (record hunter), all of them had never been done before. It is in the owner tradition to do things in the right way, he has been four times European champion plus other important results during his long slot car racer life (he started in 1977) and was the founder of U.E.S. (Union Europea Slot) until his retirement in1985.

These cars are not only original but they allow us think we are one of the glorious drivers of the past. This first batch of cars was done again but in resin, with a better finishing quality and using the universal BUM chassis, developed and built in plastic. So, you have not only very accurate replicas but also better driving conditions than with the metallic chassis and fiberglass cars.
The following models were Maserati 250 F (1957) and the famous Lotus 49 (1968) in Jim Clark last F-1 race and the Gold Leaf version (1969) with which Graham Hill got the world championship in 1969 .(This model was approved by his son (Damon Hill).

In the sedan category, BUMSLOT has done the Golf GTI, Seat Toledo Marathon, Fiat "Cinquecento", Seat 1500 from the 60´s, and Lotus Seven, Alpine street-GR3-GR4 y GR5.

In Sport- Prototypes, Porsche 90813 and Alfa Romeo 33T3, from the beginning of the 70´s, Jaguar D winner of the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 1955, Matra 670c , and the first own plastic injection the WOLF WR-1.

BUMSLOT only builds a limited number of cars of every model, 300 each of every decoration and this is certified. So, if you buy any of these wonderful cars, you will be part of the very exclusive group of BUM slot cars owners.

A2M

2007-12-07T12:25:00.000-05:00

A very interesting link for those of you who like to do different things.
"We are a little company manufacturing hand made resin items, specially slot car bodies and kits as well as related accesories, working for our own brand A2M and prototypes for external companies.

We are in modelling business since 1989, selling our products worldwide to consumer as well as dedicated model shop, improving technicals systems, products and service.

Don´t hesitate to contact us for any comments and support about our products

Productos para Modelismo S.L.
P.O.Box 40
08320 El Masnou - Spain

ESB- 60083086"
Information and picture from http://www.a2mweb.com/

SCX Compact, new prices

2007-11-28T14:44:00.000-05:00

There are new prices for SCX Compact in Target, the pack of two cars (Nascar or tuning) is now $14.95, the tuning track is $39.99 and the F-1 track $74.99. So, it is time to think about your christmas shopping!

Two more SCX 1/32 cars

2007-11-27T21:13:00.000-05:00

Here there are two new releases from SCX, the Le Mans winner Audi R10 TDI (yes, turbo diesel) and the awesome rally car Volkswagen RaceTouareg 2 (Lagos team), designed with the help of Porsche.The Audi R10 is a racing car prepared for sports car racing in the LMP1 class of the 24 hours of Le Mans and other similar endurance races. The car was unveiled Tuesday, December 2005 and went on to win both its maiden race at the 2006 12 Hours of Sebring and the 24 Hours of Le Mans. It was the first diesel powered car to win either of those events. This is the most ambitious and the most expensive project ever undertaken by Audi Motorsport; the Audi R10 project costs $15 Million a year. Although this number 7 was the third one that year, after several mechanical problems and even a crash that forced it to lose almost one hour in the pit.

Wolfsburg, Germany - In the 2007 Dakar Rally Volkswagen – having clinched ten of 14 possible stage victories and leading the event for eight days – was the dominant team in the field, but in the overall classification the factory team headed by Volkswagen Motorsport Director Kris Nissen was not rewarded for its performance.
After 8,000 kilometers factory driver Mark Miller (USA) and his co-driver Ralph Pitchford (South Africa) in the Race Touareg 2, as the make's best pairing, finished in fourth place overall. Prior to this, a defect on a cam follower in the valve train of the diesel engine, which had never occurred before in countless kilometers of testing and competition, had robbed the German automotive manufacturer that had been successfully defending its lead up to this point of all chances for victory.
On all the competition days and in highly varied terrain the Race Touareg powered by a 285-hp 2.5-litre TDI turbodiesel engine had been proving its strengths: From the first to the eighth stage the Volkswagen drivers were leading the 29th running of the desert classic. In the final analysis, this shows a significant improvement over the prior year when the squad finished with five days of leading the rally and five stage victories. On the ninth stage both of the best-placed Race Touareg prototypes were struck by an identical engine defect that caused them to suffer an unrecoverable set-back: Giniel de Villiers (South Africa), runner-up in last year's ‘Dakar', with co-driver Dirk von Zitzewitz (Germany), who had been leading with a half-hour advantage up to that point, and Carlos Sainz (Spain) with co-driver Michel Périn (France), who had been running in second place up to the eighth stage.
In the following chase to make up ground the factory team and the drivers gave proof of their unbroken sporting spirit: In a fantastic showing Carlos Sainz – in his second "Dakar” the front runner from the third to the sixth day of the competition and two-time stage winner up to that point – delivered a series of three further stage victories, starting with the twelfth leg. In the end, the Spaniard finished in ninth position overall. Giniel de Villiers, who clinched four stage wins, including two of the three most difficult stages in Mauritania, and was leading the field on the seventh and eighth stages, ultimately improved from 13th to eleventh position.
The Portuguese Carlos Sousa and his German co-driver Andy Schulz proved that in a customer-run Race Touareg 2 excellent showings are possible as well. The duo from the Portugese Lagos Team, for whose fielding the German squad of Phoenix Sport headed by Team Director Ernst Moser was responsible, won the first stage, had the overall lead on the rally's first two days and defended third place up to the sixth stage. On the seventh stage the duo got stuck in the sand but was able to free itself. In the heavy sandstorm, though, the driver and co-driver unfortunately lost sight of each other and a lot of time in the process of looking for one another. Sousa/Schulz finished the rally at the famous Lac Rose in seventh place overall.
The four-time Dakar Rally winner Ari Vatanen from Finland in the fourth Race Touareg, navigated by his Italian co-driver Fabrizia Pons, on the second stage dropped back to 113th place after a driving mistake while passing through water. On the seventh day a fire of the vehicle put a premature end to the duo's running.

Bum Slot

2007-11-25T10:20:00.000-05:00

And now it is time for this Spanish company (Barcelona Universal Models). Today, just some pictures of their models, soon its history and more information. Here you have a link to its webpage http://www.bumslot.com/

New SCX release:Peugeot 908 HDI FAP 1/32 Original

2007-11-22T10:42:00.000-05:00

The Peugeot 908 HDi FAP is a sports racing car built by the french automobile manufacturer Peugeot to compete in the 24 Hours of Le Mans starting in 2007. This effort, in development since 2005, was publicly unveiled on 15 June 2006. It competes with the Audi R10, three times winner of Le Mans, being the second diesel sportscar from a major manufacturer. This was Peugeot's first Le Mans effort since the end of the Peugeot 905 project in 1993. The 908 name is also shared with a Peugeot concept sedan, named the 908RC, which shares the diesel V12 engine from the 908 sportscar. The Peugeot 908 is not to be confused with another sportscar of the same name that raced in the 1960s, the Porsche 908.

The Peugeot 908 made its race debut at the opening round of the 2007 Le Mans series season, the 1000 km of Monza. The twin 908s were very quick in qualifying, managing to take the top two spots by over a second from the nearest competitor. During the race the Peugeot led nearly the entire race, although the #8 car of Lamy and Sarrazin suffered numerous difficulties with its doors, leaving them to finish third. However the #7 908 of Gené and Minassian held on to take victory in the 908's debut.
On the 3rd of June 2007, Peugeot managed to best the Audi R10 diesel, setting a Le Mans test day lap time of 3:26.707. This was followed by Peugeot earning pole position on Le Mans qualifying with a 3:26.344 set by Stephane Sarrazin, again beating Audi - although it is believed Audi did not go as fast as they could, unlike Peugeot (in the race, where the cars were faced directly for the first time, the Audi R10's were obviously faster than the Peugeots on the straights and much more stable and less forcing on the corners). In the race itself the #8 Peugeot managed to finish second to the Audi R10 after covering 359 laps. The #7 Peugeot sister car had to withdraw from the race in the final hour due to engine failure. When the stricken car reached the pits for the second time, Peugeot mechanics made no effort to resolve its problems and simply withdrew it from the race.
The Peugeot 908 HDi hit 339 km/h (211 mph) on the Mulsanne Straight in 2007, which was the equal of the Audi R10 TDi.

Artin

2007-11-17T10:59:00.000-05:00

While searching information for my post about Artin, I found this webpage with everything you could need to know, and much more, http://homepage.mac.com/pmarchand/newindex.htm . Here you also have Artin homepage http://www.artin.com.hk/html/index_contact.htm and its distributor in USA http://www.artinslotcars.com/ . As you know it is a chinese company based in Hong Kong with good prices and fair quality. You can also find them in Toys´R´Us with the name Fast Lane. In this scale prefer SCX, but the price for Artin tracks is very good and you can use SCX Compact cars on them, except special lanes in the Hevy Jitters tracks with a smaller slot.

New release: SCX Mc Laren MP4 22 1/32 Digital

2007-11-14T20:45:00.000-05:00

This is a new release from SCX. Last season Mc Laren MP4 22 in 1/32 scale for the digital system. You can compare with the 1/43 one I previously reviewed (http://slotcarsworld.blogspot.com/2007/08/formula-1-mac-laren-scx-compact.html) . The 1/32 one is in the picture at the left and the one on the track. The 1/43 is just the other picture, the one at the bottom of the post. You can realize the main difference is in the front axle. Can you find anyone else?