Thursday January 03, 2008
 Scalextric Chaparral 2F Review By Eric Cropper Appearance:  The two features about the 2F everyone knows about is the towering wing and the fact that the Chappy was always white. The rear engine Chevy powered Chappy is similar in size to Scaley’s GT 40. The paint and sparse logos are clean and clear. The only markings other than the #1 are the Chevy powered logo above the rear wheel and the Firestone and Bosch logos behind the front tire on each side of the car. Other than these the only color changes on the white Chappy are the red painted ends of the rear wing.  The front of the 2F has 2 openings for the air to channel through and the headlights look good even without any power going through them. The only issue is that the head light lenses don’t sit flush in their openings. The Chappy sits nice and low on the track just like the GT 40 I compared it too.  The Chaparral rear end is flat and unlike the rest of the relatively curved and flowing body. There’s a subtle set of exhaust tips and two small red tail lights. Someone on HRW stated this was the street racing version and that was the reason for the license plate. Also, if you look carefully through the tiny rear window you will see the only hint of the engine detail until you remove the body.  Actually, the majority of the detail on the Chappy resides in the tail end of the car. Here you see the nice photo-etched screen, 10 circular openings, and large vents in front of the wing on each side. These provided the cooling of the engine and rear brakes. There’s also a recessed silver painted gas cap.  The rear wing is HUGE and covers almost a quarter of the cars entire length. When I first saw it I knew this was going to be an issue when the Chappy took a spill on the track. Actually, it is very solid and it held up when the 2F ended up on its roof several times after being pushed too hard. Be prepared for a host of scratches on the wing and on the front fenders behind the head lights since these are the only places the car touches the track when on its top. I’m not saying this airplane sized wing won’t break, but in moderate infractions it appears it will hold up.   I know the interior of the Chaparral is compact, but look at the size of this driver’s head. Either there is a scale issue or it’s swelled from the size of his ego. I will say that this is an area where Scalextric has made some much needed improvements. The faces are becoming driver specific and not just the same old head behind the wheel of all their releases.  The wheels on the Chaparral are the most talked about part of Scaley’s version. The complaints have been mostly about the lack of detail and scale accuracy. I must admit they look Plain Jane compare to the MRRC release. After seeing what they were able to do with the 300 SLR’s wheels, these were disappointing. There appears to be too much wheel gap too. The tires were free of wobble and pretty true.  The Xenon bulb head lights light up the night and unfortunately the wheel well like a Disco. This is mostly from the fact that the lights are so close to the wheel openings in front. Since the car is white there’s also plenty of bleed through from the lights. The vertical tail lights show up really well flanking the all black exhaust section.  Performance:  The shot of the bottom of the Chappy shows a total of 8 screws holding it together. They are pointed out by the yellow arrows. The red arrow points to the screw that opens the access door used to install one of Scaley’s digital chips. NOTE: It might be an isolated incident, but these screws where the hardest to get unscrewed of any car I’ve ever owned. As a matter of fact, I ended rounding the edges of some the screws taking it apart. Luckily, not to the point of no return. I just wanted to give you all a fair warning when removing them.  Below is the chassis minus the body. This is also an area that I had an issue with and must mention to my slot brothers and sisters. (Yes, ladies I’m kissing A.) Here’s my shame, I couldn’t get the interior out of my Chappy. There are no screws that I could find and I could physically move it. I got it loose, but I couldn’t get it out. I think the driver is the culprit. As I said earlier, he has a big head and I think something stuck up his… I pulled and pulled on the driver and nothing. Since his hands are wrapped around a very thin steering wheel I didn’t push my luck and said the heck with it. I’m guessing there’s a post he is seated upon (OUCH!) or what might be double sided tape. (Bowing my head in shame.)  Maybe a note from Scalextric would have been nice. Okay, quiet down. I hear the snickering. Moving on….  Here’s the best shot I could get of the sidewinder motor setup. Blame the interior or my ignorance. You get a little peek of the cockpit and a red fire extinguisher too.  Here’s a picture I “came across” visually comparing the Scalextric and MRRC versions of the Chaparral 2F. There are differences between the wings, wheels, and paint colors. Are they enough to make you write off one for the other? Some of you will say yes. Personally, I think the MRRC version is overall a better looking version. However, I’m very happy with Scaley’s version too. I guess it will come down to personal preference just like anything else in this hobby. Different strokes for different folks. Just be glad we have choices!!! Track Time:  I ran the Chaparral on SCG’s painted Carrera track straight from the photo shoot untouched. This car is the usual magnet beast I’m use to seeing from Scaley. I quickly turned a fastest lap of 5.495 seconds. This car is quick, brakes great, and holds the lane in magnet form. I hit the sanding shop to just knock off the top layer of rubber from the rear tires and then it was back to the track. This time I dropped the fastest lap down to 5.361 seconds. It’s not much of an improvement, but any drop in lap times is a good thing. While running the Chappy in magnet form and as it breaks from the track…you will find yourself praying for the wing to stay intact. I still cringed after some big tumbles that the wing survived. So, I say good luck. Judgment Day:  At the beginning of this review I asked the question “Was it worth the wait?” My answer is YES! Scalextric’s Chaparral 2F version is just as good as the MRRC. It is great to see this car speed around the track. I see why so many love this mystical car. I’m hooked now too and might even pick up the MRRC version. I think ListerStorm should add one of these to his Gulf repaint arsenal and I’ll gladly take it off his hands if he doesn’t like how it turns out. Scaley or MRRC? It’s all about personal choices and that’s about it. Both are good looking cars in their own right and perform to a high standard. Can’t decide still? Get both…LOL. I’m not going to settle this debate. Are you crazy? Thanks to www.cincyslots.com for providing the Scalextric Chaparral 2F for review to HRW/SCG. Check them out in 2008 for all the fantastic Scaley releases coming our way like the Jim Hall Lotus. (It’s about time!!!) Feel free to contact me with any questions or comments at the email address below. Slot On!!! Eric Cropper AKA legionofone ecropper@hotmail.com Thanks Go To CINCYSLOTS For Sponsoring This Review!
|
