07/31/2011


Carrera Digital 1/32nd Scale Opel GT "Steinmetz" & "Tuner" Versions

"These are different". This is the first thought that came to mind when we saw the preview of these Opels. Having a diverse range of models is just one of the things I like about Carrera. They seem to make model choices that will cater to almost all facets of the hobby and these classic cars certainly prove that.

I like to think that we bring you honest product reviews here at HRW. That means I can tell you that these models were not at the top of my "must have" list. But remember, that is a good thing. We all have different tastes in this hobby and what might leave you cold just might be slot car of the year to someone else.

The Opel has a great history to it in motor sports although this model seems rather elusive. Since I am not an expert on these cars, doing a search for them on the web was mandatory. You know you chose a very unique model when the images and links that first come up are of the model you have in your hands.

Yet, there are enthusiasts who know this model and know it very well. And for those racers I hope the photos here help you decide if Carrera did a good job in our scale.

Our review models came in racing trim and what Carrera calls a "Tuner" version. Paint work on both of them are very well done. Very crisp markings on our race model and what little there is on our Tuner car is also error free.

Of course, I like the design chosen for the Tuner version but I see myself adding to it as I am not much into street themes. Still, this Tuner version is nice to have as a running mate and there are other schemes planned by Carrera so I can easily see a series with these models.

The large fender flares really catch your eye on a car this size or at least it does for me. In fact it is what makes the car attractive to me. Of course this is all just personal taste.

Wheels and tires seem to be well done and appeared to be round and true under our initial inspection. Carrera has made some improvements in this department with the latest releases I have seen and these cars have me optimistic.

Turning the model over we see these cars are not short on magnetic traction. 2 bar magnets are present and will likely provide all the downforce you could want. You also see the polarity switch for changing direction and because these are Digital models the infra-red sensor.

Three screws hold the body to the chassis. After opening the hood we see Carrera has packed a lot into this little platform. With it being digital it also has lights front and rear which a big plus for me. You could of remove all of this for conventional analog use, but I am keeping these models as they are. I want the lights and they might see some real digital action in the future.

Box Stock Track Testing
New Ozark Speedway

5 x 16 - 4 Lane Carrera Track OVAL
Aftermarket Power @ 12 Volts PARMA 25 OHM Control

This road test was special as I had some assistance. We had visitors here enjoying a weekend of slot racing and I handed the model over to them. After switching the polarity switch, 3 pulls of the trigger had the model in analog mode and ready to go.

Or so we thought. After one quick lap the racing version stopped running. It was odd that it appeared to still get power as the lights worked. We took it to the test bench and it started running again. Back to the track and off it went, no issues. We checked all connections but I could not find anything that would have caused it.

Then after some hard racing, the car went to "half throttle". It ran but at nearly half the speed. Bypassing the digital board using the quick disconnects cured it. So I think the issue is on the digital board somewhere. As we were testing a member on our forum reported the same incident. So this tells me that there is something wrong here and not just isolated to our models. Also the other "Tuner" version has ran perfectly with no issues at all so not every model will have problems. I am sure Carrera will look into this and find an easy solution.

Once we bypassed the board on the race version, both models ran very well on our Carrera track. Fans of magnet racing should like it a great deal as this car is simply planted. At our 12 volt test range you can almost hold the trigger down full throttle. This will be fine for young racers just learning about our hobby, but once they do come out they come out HARD. There is not much to break on these models but I can see the mirrors getting lost over time. Of course that can be said for almost every model in our hobby.

I will give this release a cautious thumbs up. If it were just our review model with an issue I would chalk that up to just a normal glitch we see in our hobby. But when other members on our forum are reporting the same issue, it appears there might be something more. Digital or not, the model should function as intended in analog mode.

However they both ran very smoothly out of the box once we bypassed the board with nothing more than a braid adjustment.

Advanced Testing
MidMo International Speedway
4 x 16 - 3 Lane MDF Routed Wood - Flat Latex Surface
Copper Tape Conductivity - Aftermarket Power @ 12 Volts PARMA 25 OHM Control

I am not planning on any major modifications to this model. I want to keep it as stock as possible for digital racing when the opportunity arises. Still, there are always things like tire and wheel sanding that will help any model.

Inside you will likely have to get creative in adding lead. Most advanced traditional will simply remove most of the additional wiring and circuits boards.


Standard E200 motor with 9 tooth pinion and 27 tooth crown gear.

After giving these wheels and tires a quick sanding it was off to the track. I can safely say that you will be happy. BOTH of these models ran very smoothly with almost zero wheel hop.

The front wheels being independent had a little freeplay to them but not enough to cause any problems for us. Some chatter was present but simply backing off the body mount screws cured that.


Jeremy at the throttle. Quick and smooth were the end result.

Of course a different tire compound will be one of your first changes. I have to say the stock rubber hooked up better than I thought. And even with the standard motor I found it to be a fun drive. I say that even though I am one of those enthusiasts that like a milder model, especially in such a classic car.

Final Thoughts

Although these models are not exactly my style, they have a lot of potential. In fact, aside from the brief electrical issue they impressed me in the operation department. Fans of these cars should be pleased and I can see a series based on them rather quickly. Carrera also has some of the best pricing in our hobby which makes trying something new just that much easier.

- Harry

As always feel free to contact me about this article or just the hobby in general at harry@homeracingworld.com, or better yet drop into our Message Forum and share your thoughts with other enthusiasts!

Thanks Go To Carrera of America For Sponsoring This Review!

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