Saturday October 09, 2004

Aero Warriors Part 2!
Carrera Ford Torino Talladega!
 

This release of the Torino Talladega is quite possibly the most important release of this slot car season for me. Not only is it a brand new model aimed directly for the NASCAR enthusiast, but it completes the Aero Warrior series that Carrera began with the Mopars. It took a little over a year for us to see them, but I can safely assure you that it was worth the wait.

Completing a series such as this is very important to many enthusiasts. During the 1:1 Aero wars of 1969 and 1970, the 2 main dominant forces were Ford and Chrysler. The Torino Talladega was such a strong competitor that it even lured "King" Richard to join Ford. Chrysler then unleashed the winged warriors which got him back. The Ford Torino certainly took it's fair share of checkered flags, but one Torino driver in particular stood out among the rest and that was David Pearson. Winning 11 races and nudging then Ford driver Richard Petty by only 357 points to claim his 3rd title in 4 years.

Also arriving with the #17 of Pearson is Lee Roy Yarbrough. Junior Johnson is quoted as saying that "Lee Roy's 1969 season was the greatest year ever by a driver...and I've seen them all!" Lee Roy won some high profile races that year by taking the coveted Daytona 500, then the Firecracker 400, Dixie 500, Southern 500 and American 500. He won the Rebel 400 in a Mercury and in the process became the first driver to win the Triple Crown (Daytona, World and Southern).

It only makes sense to release 2 of the most popular Ford pilots of that time with this series. The blue and gold of David Pearson is very recognizable to many fans of the series and this helps a great deal when newcomers pass by the slot car shelves at their local hobby shop. Many enthusiasts of NASCAR also know Lee Roy when they see him, and to pair these up as the first releases is more than acceptable to me.

To my eyes, and to others who have studied the photos, Carrera has done an excellent job in re-creating this famous Ford in our scale. Of course there will always be a few scale detail issues with ALL of our models today, and as usual I try and let the photos speak for themselves and allow you to judge for yourself. Regardless of any scale issues that might be present, they look and fit very nicely on my 1/32nd scale track and that is good enough for me.

Paint and Tampo stampings on both of my samples were very well done. After inspecting almost 20 models, I can safely say your model should arrive the same way as ours. Most of the markings are very accurate and comparing it to prototype photos leaves no doubt that Carrera made a good effort on placement. A few of the contingency stickers up front are re-arranged, but their locations changed almost every race so it would be almost futile to try and make it perfect. A durable clear-coat is very even and dust free, sealing all these markings in place. The body shape along with this popular livery just looks outstanding to me, however since I am biased because I love these models, you make the call.

Interior detail is more than enough for my tastes and from the remarks I have already heard on these models, many other enthusiasts agree. The interior is post-melted in place but for my adoring fans (all 2 of you?), I removed it to better show the roll bar and fire bottle details plus the driver figure that is shaped well enough. I don't think you need full interiors in our models to create a decent scale effect, however this again a matter of personal opinion.

Wheels and tires are the same as found on the Mopars, which is ideal given that both IndyGrips (#IG7009) and Road Huggers (#RH7009) have made after-market tires for them. I lean towards the Road Huggers a little due to being able to sand them, which comes into play dealing with the front guide riding high. However, the IndyGrips really hook up as well so either tire will boost performance. Wheel detail has always been a plus on these models not only because they represent the prototype well enough, but scratch-builders have been using them for a multitude of projects. The tire compound is soft enough to provide a very good level of grip, and sanding these tires just makes things better.

Underneath, things look very similar to the Mopars which is a good thing. First, although perhaps not exactly to the prototype, the wheelbase is identical. Again, for a slot car intended for my purposes this is perfect. I want my cars in this series to be as even as possible so that the racing is just that much better. Given these models are in the same series and year, it wouldn't make sense to change it anyway. The VMS (variable magnet system) is still in place along with the new bar magnet located in the rear of the model. This gives more than enough magnetic down force for most enthusiasts, in fact we usually race them with the front magnet slid all the way to most forward position. The polarity switch is also still included in case you want to change directions.

Removing the 4 screws that mount the chassis to the body, we continue to see familiar ground. The standard Carrera motor is in place equipped with a 9 tooth pinion that cranks a 27 tooth crown gear. Many enthusiasts really appreciated Carrera making a chassis change a little over a year ago and this is of course still with us. Brass bushings snap in the chassis firmly and axle to bushing fit is very smooth with minimal free-play.

One thing that was a issue to some racers is the front guide height, and this has evolved to the Torino as well. Although the Carrera guide is long and deep enough to still give you very good control, it could be lowered a little more to give a better tri-pod effect. I have found the fastest way for me to accomplish this is to simply sand down the front tires to reduce their diameter. I usually just sand the rear tires until the tread is completely gone and then bring those to the front. Then I re-sand the new rears again to get them as true as possible. An even easier way is to use silicones up front as they sand down twice as fast (Pit Row Tech Tip Coming Soon).

However, this model runs very well right out of the box. Our first few laps told the story as a very quiet and smooth drive-train started to throw us into turn 1. Braking is still not as distinct as some models on the market, but much improved and works well enough on our 20 foot straights. With the magnet in the rear position, the downforce is more than enough for most enthusiasts. I say this as most racers I know who have been battling with the Mopars have not seen any reason to add any more magnet, in fact in the series we race in, we slide the variable magnet to the front to allow for a little more sliding action. Our models were timed on Dixon Hills with PARMA 35 ohm Economy control and the power set at 12 volts. We had an average of 3.9 seconds and managed a fast lap of 3.833 which is a pretty good lap for this beast.

Another item that the Mopars have shown, and what these Torinos will accomplish as well is decent durability. Aside from a wing or 2 that I have managed to break on the Superbird (just take it off, it won't break on the workbench) the body finish and interior can withstand some very heavy abuse. These bodies are the same as found on the PRO-X system and I can assure you we have literally tortured these models and although they acquired a few "character enhancements" in the scratch department... the wheels, chassis and body keep their integrity. This could mean a great deal to some folks just getting started in our hobby and want a model that can hold up over time. I spent all morning banging and fighting David and Lee Roy and they took everything I dished out.

I said in the Mopar review that I might be the wrong person to do that article because of my bias for classic NASCAR. I take that back. Since that first release I have heard and seen many enthusiasts racing and enjoying these models a great deal, and it is simply because Carrera has made a very nice slot car. The performance and the attention to detail combined with a very attractive price makes them my top pick of the year. In my opinion, you will look long and hard to find a better built slot car that is this much fun for under $35.00. Although they are not modern NASCAR, these models are still very recognizable to many people in America. Having models such as these sitting on the shelves is just the kind of car that has a great chance of catching and innocent bystander by surprise and luring them into our hobby.

Not only are these models fantastic to me in their own right, their arrival completes a series which is very important. Newcomers arriving into our great hobby now, and during the upcoming Christmas season can start a series quickly as not only will the Torino be available, but the complete line of the Mopars can still be had as well. I cannot think of a better way to start the hobby than a field full of these classic warriors and with the options to re-paint them into your favorite drivers just adds to their appeal. I have to recommend them to anyone because they have proven themselves over time to be some of the most fun you can have in our hobby.

- 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!

This review is non-sponsored with both models shown purchased by me and intended for my personal use.

For great online references try checking here at AEROWARRIORS.COM!

For the rest of the Carrera Reviews...Click Here!