Slot It Gt40
08/19/2012
The car being used is a Slot.it SICA18b Ford GT40 with an Evo6 chassis/ sidewinder engine configuration. 1.) The engine selected is a 29K Slot.it motor. Does this chassis use the 'S' can V12/29K plastic end bell type motor? The Le Mans Winners Collection #CW09 - Jacky Ickx - Jackie Oliver. For some enthusiasts this release has been a long time coming. I would guess that since the day Slot.it made it's first ready to run model, this famous Ford was on that 'wish list' of cars we hoped Slot.it would someday make. Slot-it Ford GT40 - Third Le Mans 1966 - 1/32 Scale gold, number 5 - Bucknum / Hutcherson Sidewinder motor mount 0,5mm offset, magnet. Engine V12/3 - 21.500rpm.
1/32 NSR Corvette C6R ADAC GT Master & GT40 MKII
It is no secret about the following that NSR has achieved in our hobby. For many hardcore racers they have become THE brand for serious competition. It is also no secret that NSR builds these rockets for the racer first, fine scale enthusiasts second.
So what am I doing looking at NSR again then? In my first review I stated I wouldn't pursue another model. However, it has been said that I need to take my 'blinders' off and give this brand a fair shake and that they deserve more attention. My critics are correct. One of the main reasons is thatthey are still making models. There are more than a handful of brands that have come and gone in our hobby, especially in the last few years. We have so much to choose from that you better bring something special to the table in order to survive. Well, not only are they surviving but they are leading the way for many of you. They have also improved on scale appearance. That says a lot for company who primarily want to satisfy racers first. Then there is model selection. NSR has been cranking out quite a few models over the years. More than enough to take over many club formats.
So here I am taking a closer look after years of ignoring them. I will not even begin to insult the advanced racer here. In no way do I know all the speed secrets veteran enthusiasts know about. I will just give my quick thoughts and hopefully these veteran racers will join and offer their advice.
My choices for this article is a contrast of old and new. First we have the Corvette C6R that raced in 2011, right next to the famous Ford GT40 MKII that did battle in 1966.
Being critical of scale issues with these models is like complaining about F1 cars being fast. This is the way they are designed and built. The copper color on the Ford incorrect? Proportions of the Vette not right? If you are a scale enthusiast and these things matter to you, then you should have no issues with doing your own research and coming to your own conclusions. I did. If they are not done well enough then there are other brands like Fly, Carrera, Scalextric, SCX and Slot.it who make versions of these models.
Personally I think these are pretty good looking. Not perfect, but what model is? The fit and finish on these models are better than earlier versions so improvements have been made. To really be fair, I have seen many slot cars in my day that are no better in the scale accuracy departments than these. And not just older models either. I recently reviewed a brand new model from another brand who have been around for decades that looks much worse in scale than either of these offerings.
One thing is certain: NSR uses clear coat. I found a few dirt specs here and there but they are very small. Nothing that bothers me really. I am just happy to see they take the time to protect the overall finish. My photos are not the best of course, but hopefully they tell you all you need to know.
Another reason these models were chosen is that they not only contrast in a historical sense, but in design as well.
Our C6R sports an anglewinder configuration while the GT40 is a sidewinder. Both have a button magnet for those that use them. I also noticed the use of .050 sized grub screws all around. Interesting choice. I have plenty of those wrenches lying about.
The amount of adjustments and changes you can make to these model's chassis is more than I can print here. Here is alink to the NSR website showing you all the different chassis parts and options for Corvette. Here is the same data on the GT40. Pretty impressive amount of options.
Out of the box the Vette has the EVO3 King 21 motor rated at 21,400 RPM @ 12 volts. It has a 13 tooth pinion that turns the 31 tooth spur gear.
The triangular motor pod has holes in the end for you to add a screw to keep the motor from rocking in the cradle if you desire. The wires are neatly routed through groves but they are not that tight a fit and pop put easily. At least they are there and you can always add some adhesive over the tops.
The front axle is unique here as it has the ability to be adjusted. Inside the box there are 4 grub screws that you mount top and bottom. There is also a screw for the front drop arm guide to allow you to limit the movement. I did find that the guide does not line up quite right for the screw to be used effetely. The screw threads rub the frame and causes it to bind a little. A quick trim with a hobby knife cleaned that up however.
The GT40 has the SHARK 20 motor rated at 20,000 RPM @ 12 volts. It has an 11 tooth pinion turning the 32 tooth spur gear. This motor pod cradle is interesting as it is actually slightly angled. This reduces any chance of the motor shaft on the can end from rubbing the tire, at least from what I can see.
There is no advanced drop arm guide or axle adjustments, but there is free-play in the guide allowing you to shim it to set the height you desire.
ROUTED WOOD TRACK TEST
Permanent Track
MidMo International Speedway
4 x 16 - 3 Lane MDF Routed Wood Road Course - Flat Latex Surface
Copper Tape Conductivity - Aftermarket Power @ 12 Volts PARMA 25 OHM Control
I know that these models are primarily built for the European Championship that is raced on plastic. I don't care. I'm a wood track owner with copper tape. No magnetic effect or offset/lowered motors are going to help anything here. On our track you find out very fast just how well a model is put together.
I have heard that these models are worth the price as they are 'ready to race'. I disagree completely. I have never seen an out of the box slot car 100% ready to race. In fact, I do not think they fall into the 'ready to run' category either. Unlike brands like Carrera, Scalextric, etc, these models are not for beginners or your children. They are not made to be taken from the box and raced hard, at least not in my opinion.
I see these models like I see any H&R/Pro-Track/Parma commercial track chassis. They are a rolling chassis that have all you need to get started, but they still need a good owner to tune them for optimal performance. To race and claim the checkered flag? That means tuning no matter what model you choose.
You need to go through this chassis. Check that all the wheels and gear grub screws are tight and that the gears are set where they need to be. Then, add your front axle grub screws and possibly the drop arm screw for the Corvette. This means setting up your tri-pod for the track surface you are racing on. You also need to make sure it is properly lubricated. Then time for tire work or even a compound change.
And that is what I did before testing.
The GT40 ran pretty well. Smooth gear mesh and only a slight amount of chatter in the corners. Good. A little loosening of the pod screws will cure that. I have to come clean and admit this Shark 20 motor is not a bad little motor in this GT40. My smaller track is a waste for higher torque/RPM outfits, in fact they don't work well at all. This motor however works great. I like the braking and acceleration and it has a decent level of low end smoothness.
The Corvette not so good. It has a hop to it that seems to be mostly a tire issue. I do not have the right tire to replace them but I did fit a SCC tire on it that made a world of difference. Wrong tires, but even without making full contact they worked better.
Lap Times for the GT40 were VERY good.
Best Lap: 3.744
Comparison with Slot.it
Best Lap by Slot.it: 3.731
Seeing that there is a motor difference, that is about as close as it gets. I cannot really say one is better than the other performance wise. BOTH are smooth, quiet, and fun to drive.
Lap Times for the Corvette
Best Lap: 3.656
Of course this car is faster, but not by much. Again our smaller track does not allow for this car to show it's power. I am new to these models just like some of you. I will take the advice from veteran racers and apply it. I bet after more time spent adjusting it that I'll have one fast and smooth bowtie.
Final Thoughts
For my simple home racing, these models have more than I need. But the fact is that many club/groups are racing them and in that environment they really shine. The price of these models shy some away, but I am not sure that matters much to the hardcore racer. They want what they want and price rarely gets in the way. I look at the ridiculous prices I have paid for certain other brands, so how can I really say anything? At least with these models you are getting great quality in the running gear department along with some of the most advanced chassis designs.
There isn't much to complain about with NSR. They admit WHO they are making slot cars for and for these speed crazed junkies seeking victory lane, they deliver.
- Harry
As always feel free to contact me about this article or just the hobby in general atharry@homeracingworld.com.
Better yet, drop into our Message Forum and share your thoughts with other enthusiasts!
HRW Now On
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Regardless how many versions we see, some slot cars just never seem to lose their appeal. These new releases from Slot.it are prime examples of this for me.
If you are just starting this great hobby, then you are about learn a little about one of the top brands we have to offer. This company produces many different types of models and all of them are equipped inside with some of the best quality running gear.
Porsche 956 KH #CA09h – Ford GT40 #CA118e
Veteran’s are of course very familiar with both of these models and this will be nothing more than a glance at the latest schemes.
Our first entry is the Porsche 956 KH which is part of the longtime Group C series. Here is a reference link to show the release history. Not a Group C expert? Check out this site for a start.
My car arrived safe and sound and simply looks fantastic. But then again almost ANY car looks good in the Jägermeister livery.
So this car was appealing to me right from the start. I have the first one in this series so I naturally had to have another right? Right.
Next we have what I feel is a perfect example of classic road racing: The GT40. Just researching this car and reading about it can consume many hours. Here is a quick look to give you a prototype history if you are not familiar.
Detail level is as good as it gets in our hobby today. At least in my opinion of course. You will not please everyone so only you and your taste will decide if Slot.it is right for you.
These models are certainly different eras and designs. They are also vastly different underneath.
The Porsche is an inline configuration model. Since I prefer this over any other type, this series has always been a strong favorite.
9/28 Gear Ratio – New Motor Rated 23,000 RPM. Tested at 21,500 AVG @12 VDC
The GT40 is part of the popular classic series by Slot.it and is sidewinder configuration.
Newcomer Notes
These models come equipped with set screw aluminum wheels in the rear as well as precision axles and gears. The chassis are podded to allow loosening with creates float. This aids in overall handling and performance. Many ready to run models are upgraded using Slot.it components identical to what these cars come with stock. This is why Slot.it cars have so much value for many veterans.
Slot It Gt40 For Sale
For the testing I decided to outfit one car with urethane and one with silicone. For my home racing I mix and match many blends for testing and my surface is not compromised. Prolonged use of any tire blend has not affected my track as others have reported. Likely due to that wide variety utilized here and I clean the surface regularly.
The GT40 will get Quick Slicks silicone. These are the sizes advised for close to stock size. They fit perfectly.
The Porsche gets a larger than recommended tire. That’s ok. Many racers use different sizes. Why a larger tire? Because I intend to sand this tire to make certain it is true to the wheel. This reduces diameter. The added width simply gives me more overall contact to the track. I like that.
THE VIDEO REVIEW
Slot It Gt40 Game
These models are still some of the best slot cars you can get for your hobby dollar. At least for home track that is and I think you will find others that agree.
The molds have been around for many years and some might not find them appealing anymore. For myself, if Slot.it keeps making them then I will keep collecting them.
Slot It Gt40 How To Assemble
-Harry
Slot It Gt40 Super
This review proudly brought to you by SCALEXTRIC / Hornby America