Scalextric's Spark Plug is a neat new gizmo that turns an Apple or Android smart device into a wireless controller. It looks like this...

   

It plugs into the controller socket on the current version of the basic Scalextric analogue powerbase - the ones using the chunky plastic rectangular plugs...

   

Spark Plug runs with the standard Scalextric analogue power supply (P9400) plugged into the base and a combination of Spark Plugs and standard analogue controllers can be used together.

When you plug in a Spark Plug and the power supply, nothing happens until you place a car on the track - the dongle recognises the car (the wheels spin if you hold the rear off the track) and the green LED on the dongle flashes...

   

It's then time to download (if you haven't already) and launch the Scalextric Spark Plug app - available free from the Apple App Store and Google Play. The smart device connects to the Spark Plug dongle via Bluetooth, so the minimum requirements are: Bluetooth v4.0 BLE, Andoid OS 5 (Lollipop) or Apple iOS 8.0. Launch the app and the green LED on the dongle will eventually go solid - and you are greeted on your device by a Spark Plug animation and then the main screen, where you can choose a character or set-up your own driver profile...

       

There are plenty of ways you can customise the app, all of them accessed via the main menu...

       

And there is one alternative 'skin'...

   

But the most important thing is how the Spark Plug works. This is the main screen in standard 'Single' player mode...

       

On the left is a throttle slider and on the right a brake button. The slider drops back down to zero if you lift your finger off it, the braking effect depends how long you press the button for. The picture on the left is with the car slowed slightly  with the brake - on the right it is slowed with the throttle. For those of us who have many decades of using a standard controller, it takes time and effort to get used to.

In fact, I've found it takes a completely different way of driving - instead of lifting off the throttle going into a corner, I dab the brakes (or step on them hard for a hairpin). It's not unlike using a race simulator or video racing game - and very similar to digital slot car racing using programmes like RCS64 with dynamic braking turned-off (which is how we race at WHO/digital). Essentially, it is left-foot braking a slot car using a smart device. Or it would be, if you change the screen round to the 'left-handed' setting, which - as a right-hander - I found slightly more intuitive...

   

It was time to do some testing against the clock...

   

This was made quite simple by the fact that Spark Plug works with the basic ARC One powerbase. The controller sockets are the right ones and the various Bluetooth connections did not interfere with each other. I set up the simple rug-racing track with the Scalextric Mini Cooper S cars (with magnets) that I use for public events (see here). I chose this set-up because it's how Spark Plug will be used by most people.

With a standard 'traditional' Scalextric controller I managed a pretty quick best lap time of 1.64 seconds. With the Spark Plug app on my 4-inch iPhone screen, I got down to 1.87 seconds, which wasn't bad. I then swapped devices and used Spark Plug with my 9.7-inch iPad - taking exactly a tenth of a second off my best on the phone - 1.77 seconds. Maybe it was because the controls were bigger?

   

At the bottom of the screen is a button with Max Speed on it. This opens up a menu to set the power from 10 to 100% - ideal for beginners learning how to race. And it also gives more 'sensitivity' across the throttle range - especially useful on a slower, technical circuit. The Max Speed menu can be accessed from the main menu or from the race screen, which is ideal. Another 'learning aid' that is due with the next update of the app is an in-game option that penalises crashes and rewards drivers who stay on the track. It's a great way of training new slot car racers while have lots of fun...

       

Speaking of fun, the two-player Versus mode provides some riotous enjoyment. Added to the race screen are Boost and Resistrict buttons. Each lasts ten seconds and then recharges more slowly (Restrict taking the longest). Boost increases your own speed significantly - quite alarmingly, in fact. Restrict reduces your opponent's speed to a crawl. Pushing Boost to counter-act Restrict does work, but you really must count down the ten seconds - otherwise the power surge after the Restrict ends will definitely put your car in the scenery!

If you car is off the track for a while (lost in the scenery) or you replace it on the wrong lane, Spark Plug will tell you...

   

Although there is no way I am about to hang up my traditional controllers (too many years of muscle memory invested in those), I did enjoy the challenge of getting to grips with Spark Plug and learning a new way of driving. I started on a simple-ish track - which was sensible - but having learned the basics, I would like to try Spark Plug on a bigger, more technical layout.

For younger and newer racers, I can see that Spark Plug will have enormous appeal. It certainly adds some pizazz to rug-racing and - with the Versus mode - a huge amount of fun. I also like the easy-to-use learning features.

Spark Plug Pros:

• Fun
  
• Family-oriented
  
• Stylish
  
• Simple to set-up
  
• Realistic throttle-brake driving style
  
• Right and left-handed format
  
• Beginners' features
  
• Compatible with all standard Scalextric analogue sets
  
• Future functional and aesthetic updates - including DC Comics characters and 'skins'
  
• Very good value
  

Spark Plug Cons:

• Boost feature excessive
  
• Engine sounds not loud enough
  
• Brake sounds not loud enough
  
• Rumble feature not available on most devices
  
• Not everyone's cup of tea...
  

The RRP for one Spark Plug is £14.99. However, expect to see some discounts. If you don't have the powerbase and power supply, Jadlams have them cheap and there is this full package - 2 x Spark Plugs, power base + power supply - on pre-order for a ludicrously good price.

For fans of 1/43 scale slot cars, SCX Compact track and cars are very well regarded. Compact was an important part of the SCX re-launch twelve months ago and featured strongly at this year's Nuremberg Toy Fair. For 2020, the product range has been streamlined, but with new sets and cars added. There are four Compact sets and twelve individual cars listed in the catalogue.

The most basic set is the C10267 DTM Masters with 3.6m of track, standard wired controllers plus Audi A4 and Mercedes C-Classe DTM cars. RRP in the UK is £49.95.

       

The C10304 Speed Masters set is new for 2020 has a wireless upgrade, with 3.6m of track, two wireless controllers plus two Porsche 911 GT3 cars. RRP is £54.95.

There is big step up to the C10269 Top Cyclone set, which has 4.9m of track - including two loops - two wireless controllers, plus two Blancpain GT series cars - an Audi R8 LMS GT3 and a Mercedes AMG GT3. RRP is £84.95.

       

The fourth and final set is new for 2020. The C10305 Sport GT set includes 4.4m of track, wireless controllers and another pair of Audi and Mercedes Blancpain GT series cars. RRP is £74.95.

All but the DTM set cars are also available individually. In addition, there are six non-set cars, four new for 2020 and two of them a brand new tooling. RRP for all the individual cars is £14.95.

Three of the four Mercedes-AMG cars are Blancpain cars and one from the Spanish GT Open championship...

C10270 Mercedes-AMG GT3 Blue #6 - Black Falcon, Blancpain Series 2018. Silver Cup. Drivers: Hubert Haupt & Luca Stolz.
C10271 Mercedes-AMG GT3 'Race Scout' #88 - AKKA ASP Team, Spa 24 hours 2018. Pro Cup. Drivers: Raffaele Marciello, Daniel Juncadella & Tristan Vautier.
C10307 Mercedes-AMG GT3 'Diako' #10 - SPS Automotive Performance, GT Open series 2019. Pro Cup. Drivers: Fabrizio Crestani & Miguel Ramos. New for 2020.
C10309 Mercedes-AMG GT3 Green #6 - Black Falcon, Blancpain Series 2019. Silver Cup. Drivers: Abdulaziz Al Faisal, Hubert Haupt & Patrick Assenheimer. New for 2020.

       

All four Audi GT3s are Blancpain Series cars...

C10272 Audi R8 LMS GT3 'TecSOM' #26 - Santéloc Racing, Blancpain Series 2018. Pro-Am Cup Champions: Nyls Stievenart & Markus Winkelhock.
C10273 Audi R8 LMS GT3 'Huet' #25 - Santéloc Racing, Blancpain Series 2018. Pro Cup. Drivers: Simon Gachet & Christopher Haase.
C10308 Audi R8 LMS GT3 'Audi Sport' #25 - Audi Sport Team Saintéloc, Spa 24 hours 2018. Pro Cup. Drivers: Markus Winkelhock, Frederic Vervisch & Christopher Haase. New for 2020.
C10310 Audi R8 LMS GT3 'Schramm' #5 - Phoenix Racing, Blancpain Series 2019. Pro Cup. Drivers: Kim Luis Schramm & Frank Stippler. New for 2020.

To have all (but one) of the GT3 cars decked out in authentic 2018 and 2019 Blancpain Series liveries is a nice touch. Throw a Huracán in there and would be an extremely impressive Blancpain grid. Carrera has two Blancpain Huracáns in their 1/43 scale Go! range, but the SCX Compact cars are so much better-looking.

There are also two new Porsche 911 RSR liveries on the 'old' SCX Compact Porsche 911 GT3 (or was it a GT2?) body...

C10311 Porsche 911 GT3 'Bott' #912 - Manthey Racing. Winners of the 2018 Nürburgring 24 hours: Richard Lietz, Patrick Pilet, Frédéric Makowiecki & Nick Tandy. New for 2020.
C10312 Porsche 911 GT3 'Tio' #4 - Momo Megatron Lechner Racing, Porsche Mobil1 Supercup 2019. Driver: Tio Ellinas. New for 2020.

   

Last, but not least, of the individual cars are the two brand new Audi S1s ...

C10313 Audi S1 WRX 'Red Bull' #5 - EKS Audi Sport, 2018 FIA World Rallycross Championship. Driver: Mattias Ekström. New for 2020.
C10314 Audi S1 WRX 'Exte' #4 - Team JC Raceteknik, 2019 FIA World Rallycross Championship. Driver: Robin Larsson. New for 2020.

I'll say it again, but that's a pretty good line-up of 2018 and 2019 racing cars. Excellent 1/43 scale models, fun to drive, lovely authentic liveries - SCX vs Carrera Go! is no contest in my opinion. Apart from the Carrera Pixar 'Cars' models, I do like them.

Finally, the same handful of accessories stay in the catalogue...

   

C10274 Hand Controller (Compact). This is the standard wired controller. RRP £11.95.
C10275 Lap Counter Track. None of the sets have a lap counter included, so this is pretty much a must-buy for racing. RRP £11.95.
C10276 Track Extension Set - 4 x standard 90-degree curves, 2 x full straights (345mm) and 2 x two-third straights (227mm). RRP £19.95.

I've always found Steve at Staffs Slot Cars UK superb with offering SCX Compact support, spares etc. The new distributor will have a lot to live up to...

Thanks to Matt at Gaugemaster for supplying the 2020 SCX catalogue and details of UK recommended retail prices. The 2019 products should be available soon. Pendles have the four 2019 cars in stock (two Audi R8s, two AMGs). Those I've marked New for 2020 are expected later in the year. All the SCX Compact items on order are listed on the Gaugemaster Retail website:  www.gaugemasterretail.com/magento/slot-cars/scx

How's this for a way to start a motor race?


Perhaps the Queen could do the same at the British GP.

They also reckon the Almighty is a NASCAR fan, the pastor saying the prayer before the Xfinity race thanked God for the sunny day and V8 engines!

The Polistil name is an important one in the history of diecast models and slot cars. The company went out of business in 1993, but the the Polistil brand has been resurrected by the May Cheong Group, who also own the Maisto and Bburago diecast brands. In addition to static models and Radio Controlled vehicles, the May Cheong Group have developed a slot car range that is branded as Polistil or 'Maisto Tech R/C', depending where in the world they are sold.

I spoke to the UK distributor Tobar at the London Toy Fair last month and we have been sent the full Polistil slot car catalogue which was published for Christmas 2019 - it contains products that are currently available and some new for 2020. Only a handful of sets will be officially imported to the UK - as Maisto Tech R/C - but it should be possible to root out the full range from European retailers and from Amazon UK.

The catalogue itself pays homage to the history and prestige of Polistil - and all the Formula One style cars have Polistil 'sponsorship'...

       

Although there are two 1/32 scale sets in the catalogue, the vast majority of sets, cars and accessories are 1/43 scale. Most sets are mains-powered and there is a nice variety of sizes, themes and features. The 3-in-1 Euro Circuit set is really attractive with enough track to build three big layouts - one of which looks like the Nürburgring, but you're going to have to help me figure out the other two...

       

Still on an F1 theme, both the Virtual Race and Pilot System sets have a ghost car feature, with Pilot System also having radio-control-style wireless controllers...

       

In total, there are eleven 1/43 scale mains-powered sets in the catalogue and nine battery-powered sets - including the very nice off-road Desert Rally set and a choice of three basic oval sets with Fiat 500s, Lamborghini Huracáns or Alfa Romeo 4Cs...

       

The Maisto Tech R/C sets that are already available in the UK are the battery-powered 'My First Slot Set' and 'Vision Gran Turismo', plus the mains-powered Pilot System set mentioned earlier.

       

Amazingly, the My First set comes ready-assembled on a table with legs. I've seen it for £29.99 at Gift and Gadget here. The Vision Gran Turismo set is currently in the Robert Dyas bargain bin here at £11.99! The Nissan and Mercedes Concept cars do look very cool and -  if that's your thing -  £12 for two cars is a real bargain. The Pilot System set (with wireless controllers) is available at Go-Go Gadget for £54 here.

The Desert Rally set will be available in the UK later this year (RRP £49.99), together with a second My First set and possibly a couple more sets for Christmas 2020. There are no plans to import individual cars or accessories.

Speaking of which, some of the individual cars are definitely worth checking out. There are four 1/32 scale models and twenty in 1/43 scale....

       

The cars really aren't easy to find at the moment. I did come across a few (out of stock) for between £8 and £12 in Italy, Sweden and the Czech Republic.

I had a look at the cars on show at the Toy Fair and they are a pretty typical 1/43 scale design...

       

Finally, there is a page of accessories in the catalogue, including track, spares and a mains powerbase for converting a battery-powered set...

   

Look out for the full Polistil catalogue to be added to the SlotRacer Online Library. And - if any of these sets, cars or accessories float your boat - happy hunting!

A big thanks to Paul at Tobar for sending us the catalogue and UK release information.

         

Gaugemaster have announced this morning that they are the new UK distributor for the full range of SCX products.

The Sussex-based company already distribute a number of slot car brands - including Slot.it, Policar, Fly, NSR, Le Mans Miniatures, Thunderslot and Ninco - and have pledged to make sets, cars, track and accessories available for all three SCX ranges: 1/43 scale Compact, 1/32 scale Original and 1/32 Advance Digital.

           

The Gaugemaster retail website has been updated with the products currently on order from Spain: www.gaugemasterretail.com/magento/slot-cars/scx

Keep an eye out for the 2020 SCX catalogue in the SlotRacer Online Library.

Sometimes I find myself musing over the great unanswered questions of our time:

Why is there only one Monopolies Commission?

Why is there only one word for Thesaurus?

If a pork butcher sells dead pigs then what does a family butcher sell?

Who did kill the deputy if Bob Marley and Eric Clapton only shot the sheriff?

If you need to clear up the mess on your workbench have a look at HobbyZone.
       

I use their workbench organiser (above) but they make a large range of modular stuff for all sorts of jobs. Not cheap but good quality and assembles with ease, service is excellent with very fast dispatch. As they are based in Poland, postage can be hefty for small individual purchases so it is best to buy everything you need in one hit.

Hello everyone,

I've always had a great love for the GT40's (although I don't fit in one myself).

I've just received my first NSR car, and made a few shots next to a slot.it. I haven't driven it yet as my track is disassembled at the moment, but I'll let y'all decide which one is the prettier car.

Enjoy,

Pete

I hadn't heard about this, quite a story...

Quote:Rally driver Chris Ingram lost all his sponsorship but refused give in, even when he was penniless. Find out what happens when you try and realise your dreams of championship glory without any cash.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/av/51504323

Following the big unveiling at the Nuremberg Toy Fair (see our SlotRacer coverage here) and the publication of the 2020 catalogue (in the SlotRacer Library here), the first Carrera Evolution models for 2020 are scheduled to arrive in the UK in March...

CA27627 BMW M1 #81 'Denim' Procar 1980

   

This is another lovely BMW M1 from the Procar Championship, this time Hans Heyer's GS Tuning car that he drove to seventh place in the 1980 championship.

   

The detail and liveries on these M1 are stunning and they do make a great one-make racing class - just as they did back in 1979 and 1980. This is the only new 1/32 scale M1 in the catalogue this year and is available as either an analogue Evolution or Digital132 model. The Evolution version does not have lights.

RRP for the Evolution car is £39.99. Both Pendles and MRE have the car available for pre-order now.


CA27628 Ford Capri Zakspeed Turbo #4 'Ford & Sport' DRM 1982

   

I do like a Zakspeed Capri. This one was driven by the Slovenian-born German driver Lili Reisenbichler in the 1982 DRM championship. It was a disappointing start to the season and she was dropped by Zakspeed after just three races.

   

The Carrera Capri is a great model and this is a more unusual livery. Like the M1, it's the only new 1/32 scale Zakspeed Capri in the 2020 catalogue and is available as either an analogue Evolution or Digital132 model. The Evolution model does not have lights. RRP for the Evolution version is £39.99. Both Pendles and MRE have the car listed for pre-order now.

Both these models are due next month (March 2020), although the UK distributor of Carrera did tell me that subsequent 2020 releases could be delayed by the coronavirus outbreak in China. Many thanks to Pete at the Hobby Company Ltd for these release details and pictures.