09/22/2011

1/32 F1 Lotus Renault R31 #A10040X3U0

Some models are more popular than others. It has always been that way in this hobby and always will. Modern F1 models have a following here but rarely has there been so much anticipation over a new release. With news of yet another new motor this SCX model is causing quite a discussion among enthusiasts.

And rightfully so. It is not often we see manufacturers change motors. As with the latest MGA and Cuda, this model will have a new RK series motor than many are hoping will make operation of this model more enjoyable.

First let us look at the outside. I have to say, SCX has really produced an impressive looking model. I am far from an expert on modern F1, but quick research tells me they have done a pretty good job overall in our scale. And I really like the livery. Reminds me of the John Player cars of years past.

Wheelbase: 101.5 mm
Car length: 154 mm
Car Width: 44.4 mm (body)
Rear wheel track width: 55.6 mm (outside to outside)
Front wheel track width: 54.3 mm (outside to outside)
Rear tire diameter: 20 mm
Front tire diameter: 19.5
Rear tire width: 11.2 mm (sidewall to sidewall)
Front tire width: 10.6 mm (sidewall to sidewall)

The fit and finish is about as good as it gets in our hobby. Markings were very crisp and opaque and it is evenly sealed with a very clean clear coat.

Detail level more than pleases me. Just looking at the helmet markings tell you SCX wanted to reproduce the model to hopefully impress most scale enthusiasts.

The antennae array up front is a more flexible rubber that ill withstand some hard hits. They might pop out as mine did, but they did not break. I added a very small drop of glue to the very front antenna to keep it mounted firmly.

The front wing is a concern for many racers. This seems to be one of the areas that will break first. I can only say that the front wing is very flexible. I am not certain if it is a different blend of plastic, but after the hits I put this car through I think you will be happy.

The mirrors are going to fail if you hit or handle them too hard but I have not seen many scale mirrors like this last on any other brand. If SCX were to have made them a more solid design or just plain rubber, then scale enthusiasts would be unhappy. It is up to you if you like the approach. I am happy with it.

Many scale F1 racers like models that have functional steering. And perhaps just as many of them do not. It really adds scale appeal to those who appreciate it, but it can be a fragile area that also breaks easily.

Guide Removed To Highlight Pin Connection

This design seems about as robust as it comes. The pin in the guide will pop out on tougher impacts and that helps the lifespan of the tie rods. I am one who likes the detail and realism steering offers. I have older models that are still intact, but I have broken one in the past. Then again, I have some solid axle models that are shattered beyond repair so I am not sure which design is really any better than the other.

Wheels and tires are equally nice. I noticed a slight amount of cupping effect in the front tires but nothing at all that takes away from the looks of the model. My concern was seeing how round and true the wheels were. Just by spinning them by hand I was certain we would have a decent model out of the box.

Turning the model over we do see a new motor is in place.

There are 3 screws that hold this model together. The very front screw is just accessible in front of the guide so no need to remove it. Only one magnet in the rear is in place and that is fine by me. Given that you can loosen and lower it, it should satisfy the majority of magnet racers.

Box Stock Track Testing
Mixed Brand Plastic Track
Aftermarket Power @ 12 Volts PARMA 25 OHM Control

It has been awhile since I was this curious about out of box performance. My first few laps told me that although the milder RK41 is not here, we still have a very controllable slot car. At 12 volts the car has plenty of speed and braking is good. But it is not TOO fast. Most beginners will like this as it is easy to drive, and that to me is an important feature.

I know we will hear more from other enthusiasts and soon, so I look forward to these reports. SCX will not say what the specs are on this motor so I will send it in to Slot Car News and have it added to the ever growing motor list for proper testing.

However, it is not just the motor power that I liked. Magnet in place or not, I can tell if we have a good or bad drive-train when we have one. This car was much smoother than I expected. It had very little hop to it and seemed a stable platform so far. The tires are a medium to soft compound and they gripped our painted plastic very well for being stock.

Looking Closer

After removing the screws we get to peek inside. Here is our first glimpse of the new motor and it appears we have a 3rd new power plant in the SCX line: The RK44

Gearing is standard 9 tooth pinion - 27 tooth crown gear.

It is the same size and motor shaft length as the previous RK41 and RK42. I will have it tested of course, but even though I am getting older, my ears still work ok. SCN Motor list says the first RK motor was tested at 16,900 RPM @ 12 volts. This motor sounds a touch faster. I am simply guessing here. Perhaps it isn't. It might be that the brushes on this one are just seated a little better. In any case I like this motor. It has very good acceleration and braking is not so touchy.

The magnet is a stock SCX with raised edges. It really keeps the car planted in my opinion.

Advanced Testing
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 took the model and only sanded the rear tires until they looked very even. You will like the front wheels as they are almost a perfect tripod. I did not see any reason to do anything with them.

What a nice running slot car we have here :) The motor is not too much for me, and the wheels/axles/bushings all seem to be very straight and true. I had almost zero wobble with this car and these slick, stock rubber tires actually grip our track very well when clean.

I can see that trying to add some lead where I can will make this an even better model. But honestly it ran much better than expected with very little work. I was thinking that this car being as narrow as it is to be harder to handle, but it wasn't. I might not be a professional, but the motor seems to really match this model well. Since it is not so punchy and has a great midrange control, I was slicing and dicing on our smaller track pretty easily.

SCX has made a fun modern F1 slot car. We really only expect these models to run as intended out of the box and deliver us the fun we were hoping for. This car does it. Not all of you like modern F1 but for those that do, I cannot see any reason to pass this release up.

- 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 SCX WorldWide For Sponsoring This Review!

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