Happy New Year!

Slot Car News is entering the fourth year of publication. Since the site went live in May 2006 there have been 1695 posts and over 812,000 page views. Thanks to everyone who has contributed to this website and especially for those that check in from time to time here. Happy New Year!
Thanks!
Dave Kennedy
Publisher, Slot Car News

Honda WTCC's - gallery of photos

See a gallery of photos of the SCX Honda WTCC's at this link.

Ferrari FXX

Ferrari FXX slot car photos at this link on SCXWorldWide.com.

Goodwood video... drifting, classic style!

New Testors Saleen and Viper models

The "Easy Press Fit " of our Quick Build Models means there is no glue involved. All the fun of modeling with none of the mess. Build a model in less than 15 minutes. Spend more time customizing your masterpiece with decals, paint brushes, and non- toxic- water wash-up acrylic paints all included! Rad Rides of the Road includes TWO 1:32 scale models---the Dodge Viper GTS-R and the Saleen S7, 6 bottles of acrylic paints, 3 different sized paint brushes, decals and a mixing tray. Order Now!

* 1:32 scale
* 15-30 pieces
* Assembles in 15 minutes or less

USD$ 22.99

Audi R15?

Photos today of what might be the Audi R15 that will try to do battle with the Peugeot 908HDi at LeMans this year.

Christmas day

Not slot car related but a favorite song of mine. All the best to all the nearly 800,000 slotters around the world who look in from time to time on Slot Car News.

From YouTube:
From the award-winning documentary, "Playing For Change: Peace Through Music", comes the first of many "songs around the world" being released independently. Featured is a cover of the Ben E. King classic by musicians around the world adding their part to the song as it travelled the globe. This and other songs such as "One Love" will be released as digital downloads soon; followed by the film soundtrack and DVD early next year.

Sign up at www.playingforchange.com for updates and exclusive content available only to those who...

Join the Movement to help build schools, connect students, and inspire communities in need through music

Christmas cards

Spirit 936's compared

Napaslot is showing a number of photos showing the differences between the older short tail 936 and the new long tail 936. See all the photos at this link.

Nissan conversion

Roshaizul who blogs at autolure recently sent me some pics of a Nissan Cefiro converted to the Skyline R34 by a young Malaysian car Modifier.




More about the car on the blog post "Nissan Cefiro Skyline R34".

Thanks for the pics Roshaizul.

Slot MiniAuto No.51-SCX MotoGP's, Carrera R8, Slot It F40

New Difalco Design 30 band controller

Racers, I wanted you to be the first to know that we have a new controller design!

The 4 attachments above show the information on our latest controller design for 1/24,H.O. and 1/32 Homeset controllers and modules. The one PDF file (not great quality) shows the front circuit board layout. All this info and pictures should be on our website very soon! Upgrade kits for your older Difalco Controller will be ready in a week. Controllers and modules will be ready shortly after that.


"E"MOTION 3 HD30 DESIGN OVERVIEW:

*30 bands will give scale racers more control.

*Optional plug in Network Resistor PCB will still allow racers to tune each band of the controller. We consider this feature more important then higher band count with no ability to tune each band!

* Compatibility with all older designs. Upgrade to new technology!

SERVICE WORK: Yes, we will be doing upgrade work! You can purchase the upgrade kit direct from us or your local raceway and do the installation yourself. You can also send us your controller and we will install and do a complete tune up. The tune up includes cleaning all contacts, new oilites if needed and complete adjustment so you controller feels like new.

SERVICE COST: upgrade service will be $94 which will include an all new HD30 PCB, labor and return shipping in the 48 states. If you have a very old 10 band or a 15 band with a range switch design you may need to have the sensitivity rheostat upgraded to a 50 ohm. Contact Jim by email before you send in controller for work for a time estimate and any special options like a mush button ($15 installed price). We will also be offering ball bearings at a installed price of $20. We have a special installation process that keeps the ball bearings from moving around in the trigger!

UPGRADE KIT: You can purchase our upgrade kit and do the work yourself (it is pretty simple) direct from us or your local raceway or mail order source. Please include $5 shipping when ordering direct from Difalco Design.

THANK YOU FOR BEING A DIFALCO DESIGN CUSTOMER! I am celebrating 40 years in slot racing in 2009 as a racer and manufacturer and I want to thank everyone I have met or talked to for their support over the years.

Jim Difalco
Difalco Design

Difalco Design New Products

Difalco Design HD30 controllers, modules and upgrade PCB.

New Hi Definition 30 band wiper design.


“E”MOTION3 FEATURES

* 30 band high definition design gives excellent control for scale type or wing car racing.
* Miniature plug in resistor network circuit board allows one controller to be tuned for any scale from a 16d Nascar to 1/24 Eurosport to the fastest 1/24 wing car to 1/32 homeset or H.O. car.
* Conversion modules for Parma Turbo frames or our D.I.Y. Frame kit offer a low cost alternative.
* Design is compatible with all older Difalco 10 and 15 band designs so racers can buy just the PCB (printed circuit board) and upgrade their controller very inexpensively (see page 2).

1/24 HD30 CONTROLLERS

DD250-HD30: The same overall construction as our current controllers. Economy brake rheostat gives great control for scale cars at a great price. Comes standard with a 148 ohm HD30 network (medium response) installed which is best for 16d and G12 motors. Positive polarity (easily converted to neg. polarity). $252

DD251-HD30: Upgraded Pro brake rheostat with new 3 ohm resistance for wider range for scale racing. Full power relay. Comes standard with 148 ohm HD30 network (medium response) installed which is best suited for 16d and G12 motors. Positive polarity (easily converted to neg. polarity). $318

DD252-HD30: Upgraded Pro brake rheostat with new 3 ohm resistance for wider range for scale racing. Full power relay. Comes standard with 148 ohm HD30 network (medium response) installed which is best suited for 16d and G12 motors. Comes with dual polarity. $342

1/24 HD30 MODULES

These electronic modules are an inexpensive way to convert your Parma turbo controller to a full function electronic controller. Save about $120 compared to our complete factory model. Text with drawings included for assembly. The kits can also be mounted on our DD242 D.I.Y. Frame and wire kit ($32) so you can build our factory controller from scratch. We also have available 4 other module kits priced from $89 to $154.

DD253-HD30: Conversion module with economy rheostat. Standard 148 ohm network. An inexpensive way to get our 30 band design! $124

DD254-HD30: Conversion module with 3 ohm pro rheostat. Standard 148 ohm network. $162


1/24 HD30 RESISTOR NETWORKS

Miniature plug in circuit board allows racer to change the overall band resistance to best suit the type of motor being used. The higher the listed ohms the slower the band response and the lower the listed ohms the faster the band
response. The standard networks are soldered and ready to install and have the same value resistance per band. The custom networks have miniature sockets and various values of resistors that can be mixed and matched to get the desired band response. All controllers and modules come standard with a 148 ohm network.
(As a comparison our 15 band Fanatic controllers have 150 ohms of total resistance)

(Note: the network resistance shown, 180 ohms for example, is the resistance needed to control our transistor circuit and should not be confused with the ohms rating on a typical Parma type resistor)

DD255: Standard Resistor Network. 180 ohm, slower response for flat track scale racing. $17

DD256: Standard Resistor Network. 113 ohm, faster response for 16d, G12, G15 and G20 motors. $17

DD257: Standard Resistor Network. 78 ohm, very fast response for G15, G20, G27 and G7 type motors. $17

DD258: Custom Resistor Network. Slow response. 33 each of 3 different value resistances let you customize response for scale racing. 136,162 and 192 ohms of total resistance if the same value is used per band. You can also mix and match resistors to best suit your track and driving style. $25

DD259: Custom Resistor Network. Faster response. 33 each of 3 different value resistances let you customize response for higher speed tracks and motors. 87,113 and 136 ohms of total resistance if the same value is used per band or you can mix and match response to best suit your track and driving style. $25

DD260: Custom Resistor Network. Very Fast response. 33 each of 3 different value resistances for customized response for high power G15,G20, G27 and G7 motors. 64,87 and 113 ohms of total resistance if the same value is used per band. You can also mix and match to best suit your track and driving style. $25

*Resistor networks for 1/32 and H.O. racing are also available. Please check website.


1/24 HD30 UPGRADE PCB

UPGRADE YOUR OLDER CONTROLLER OR MODULE KIT!

DD261: HD30 Upgrade PCB: Convert your 10 or 15 band Pro Plus or Fanatic controller to our new 30 band high definition design. You get the HD30 circuit board with a standard 148 ohm network board installed. Simply unsolder a few wires and remove the old PCB. Transfer the original brake and sensitivity rheostats over to the new HD30 board. Now bolt the PCB to the frame and solder a few wires to their correct positions. Simple instructions included. $56

1/24 FANATIC UPGRADE PCB

DD243: Fanatic Upgrade PCB: Convert your 10 band Pro Plus or Fanatic controller to our 15 band Fanatic module. Pots are already soldered to our 15 band Fanatic board. Our 15 band Fanatic circuit board gives you the convenience of instantly adjustable sensitivity on each controller band. 150 ohm total resistance gives you a wider range then the standard 113 ohms on our Pro Plus controllers. Simple instructions included. $39

DD244: Fanatic Upgrade Pots. Kit includes 15) 10 ohm Fanatic pots to convert your 15 band Pro plus controller to a Fanatic model. Unsolder and remove the individual resistors and solder the new Fanatic pots in place. $22

DD245: Fanatic Upgrade Pots. Kit includes 15) 20 ohm Fanatic pots to convert your 15 band Pro plus controller to a Fanatic model. 20 ohm pots give a very slow response for 1/24 scale racing and will also run H.O. and 1/32 Homeset type cars. Unsolder and remove the individual resistors and solder the new Fanatic pots in place. $22

H.O. HD30 CONTROLLERS

DD521-HD30: The same overall construction as our current controllers. 100 ohm brake rheostat. Comes standard with a 290 ohm resistor network. Brake/coast switch and dual polarity. $258

DD531-HD30: All the features of the DD521 with our adjustable choke rheostat installed. $288


H.O. HD30 UPGRADE PCB

DD553: HD30 Upgrade PCB: (This upgrade kit is for any model without a choke) Convert your DD515 or DD525 10 or 15 band Pro Plus or Fanatic H.O. controller to our new 30 band high definition design. You get the HD30 circuit board with a standard 290 ohm resistor network board installed. Simply unsolder a few wires and remove the old PCB. Transfer the original brake and sensitivity rheostats over to the new HD30 board. Now bolt the PCB to the frame and solder a few wires to their correct positions. Simple instructions included. $56

DD554: HD30 Upgrade PCB: (This upgrade kit is for any model with a choke) Convert your DD520 or DD530 10 or 15 band Pro Plus or Fanatic H.O. controller to our new 30 band high definition design. You get the HD30 circuit board with a standard 290 ohm resistor network board installed. Simply unsolder a few wires and remove the old PCB. Transfer the original brake and sensitivity rheostats over to the new HD30 board. Now bolt the PCB to the frame and solder a few wires to their correct positions. Simple instructions included. $56

DD555: Fanatic Upgrade Pots. Kit includes 15) 20 ohm Fanatic pots to convert your 15 band Pro plus controller to
a Fanatic model. Adjustable pots allow you to tune each band for total control of your band sensitivity. Unsolder and remove the individual resistors and solder the new Fanatic pots in place. $22


1/32 HD30 CONTROLLERS

DD302-HD30: The same construction as our current 1/32 controllers. 25 ohm brake. Comes standard with a 290 ohm resistor network. Super lightweight 1.25” x 1” x 3/4” heatsink. Upgraded with heavier 10 ga. main wires. $224

1/32 HD30 UPGRADE PCB

DD553: HD30 Upgrade PCB: Convert your DD300 or DD301 15 band 1/32 controller to our new 30 band high
definition design. You get the HD30 circuit board with a standard 290 ohm resistor network board installed. Simply unsolder a few wires and remove the old PCB. Transfer the original brake and sensitivity rheostats over to the new HD30 board. Now bolt the PCB to the frame and solder a few wires to their correct positions. Simple instructions
included. $56


H.O. & 1/32 HD30 RESISTOR NETWORKS

Miniature plug in circuit board allows racer to change the overall band resistance to best suit the type of motor being used. The higher the listed ohms the slower the band response and the lower the listed ohms the faster the band
response. The standard networks are soldered and ready to install and have the same value resistance per band. The custom networks have miniature sockets and various values of resistors that can be mixed and matched to get the desired band response. All H.O. and 1/32 controllers come standard with a 290 ohm network. (As a comparison our 15 band Fanatic controllers have 300 ohms of total resistance)

(Note: the network resistance, 290 ohms for example, is the resistance needed to control our
transistor circuit and should not be confused with the ohms rating on a typical Parma type resistor)

At this time we have not decided on the values and number of Standard and Custom
Resistor Networks we will be offering. These parts and information should be available by mid January.

A pair of Flying Lizards for 2009

Finally some good racing news to report:

Flying Lizard Motorsports, the 2008 American Le Mans Series GT2 team champions, announced today its 2009 racing program. The Sonoma, California-based team will field two 2009 911 GT3 RSR Porsches in the GT2 class -- the No. 45 and No. 44 -- for the complete 2009 ALMS season.

Joerg Bergmeister (Germany) will return to Flying Lizard in 2009 for his third consecutive season to defend his and the team's 2008 championships. He will be joined in the No. 45 by Patrick Long (USA). In the No. 44, Seth Neiman (USA) will return with co-drivers Darren Law (USA) and Johannes van Overbeek (USA).

2009 will be the third season that Bergmeister and Long have competed together as a team. Two of the top Porsche drivers in the world, together they won back to back ALMS GT2 championships in 2005 and 2006, a total of eight ALMS GT2 races, and won in GT2 at the 2004 24 Heures du Mans (with Sascha Maassen). Bergmeister and Long are again both Porsche Works drivers for the 2009 season. For complete driver biographies, see www.lizardms.com.

Flying Lizard team management for 2009 includes: Seth Neiman, team principal; Tommy Sadler, crew chief and co-technical director; Craig Watkins, chief engineer; Stefan Pfeiffer engineer, No. 45 Porsche and co-technical director; Thomas Blam, chief strategist; Eric Ingraham, team manager and No. 44 Porsche strategist; Jennifer Hart, team marketing; and Paul Pillitteri, team merchandising.

Neiman looks forward to a competitive season: "Flying Lizard is excited and energized to be back with the series for our sixth consecutive year. Our goal this year is to defend our team and drivers' championships. Everything we've done since the day after celebrating at Laguna Seca has been focused on that goal. With 2009 likely to be a step up from the already intense competition of last season, it is going to be a very tough and challenging effort. The fans should be in for a real treat."

Flying Lizard expects to receive its two new 2009 Porsche 911 GT3 RSRs in early January and plans to attend the American Le Mans Series Winter Test in Sebring, Florida in late January. Flying Lizard will announce additional program details in early 2009.

For more on the team, see www.lizardms.com.

New MRRC controllers and Ninco Mosler

Bantuslot is showing new MRRC controllers and a new Ninco Mosler.

Seat 131 review link

A review by Harry Wise of Home Racing World:

Ever since I first piloted one of the classic rally cars by SCX I have been wanting to add this model to our collection. As simple as it may seem, the wide fender flares and blue and yellow paint really caught my eye and sooner or later I would have to add it to our collection. It has arrived so let us see how well this little SEAT 131 fits in with our other models.

This little car is very quick and snappy right out of the box. Acceleration and braking are very crisp and the magnet here really holds the model in place. 3.9 seconds was the average which was right on track (ahem) with the other models in the series. For me, a Rally car should slide though so we will be removing this magnet later. In any event it functioned as it should right out of the box and for that it passes with flying colors.

Read the complete review at this link.

Carrera's Petty Fury

This latest release by Carrera has taken many enthusiasts by surprise. Although an odd choice to some, the same can be said for other models I see being produced. Like it or not the 1960 Petty Fury is finally in my hands and I cannot wait to see what this new classic NASCAR has to offer.

Read the review by Harry Wise at this link.

New and Improved Super Wheels!!

Super Wheels are now available in a 15x8mm format in addition to the original 17x10mm format. Both wheels now feature simulated wheel nuts based on requests from numerous customers. Other improvements - the axle fit is even "snugger" than it was before - you will need to push/twist (just slightly...) the wheel onto the recommended axle. The 17x10mm wheels are now about .5g/pair lighter than the original version without compromising the integrity of the wheel.

For a limited time, Slot Car Corner is offering a SUPER DEAL on SUPER WHEELS!! Here's how it works:Purchase two (2) pairs of Super Wheels for just $14.99 USD!! Thats almost $5.00 USD off the normal retail price!! Your choice - 2 pairs of 17x10mm's OR 2 pairs of 15x8mm's OR 1 pair each of 17x10's and 15x8's!! Offer expires Dec. 31, 2008 so don't procrastinate - these wheels are going fast!! For more information or to place an order, please click here.

The new BMW Z4

The new BMW Z4 is out. In case you are wondering what's new. Well, it's the first BMW with a retractable Hard-Top roof. I wonder why it took them so long. The Mercedes SLK has had retractable hardroofs for a long time.

Anyway, the two-piece, electro-hydraulically operated Retractable Hard-Top roof can be raised or lowered in 20 seconds.

There is a choice of three six-cylinder engines. Their flagship model features the International Engine of the Year winning 3.0-litre twin-turbocharged engine. It produces 306hp at 5,800rpm, and the car goes from zero to 62mph in 5.2 seconds (5.1 seconds for a Double Clutch Transmission-equipped car) and on to an electronically-limited top speed of 155mph.



The new BMW Z4 is slightly larger than its predecessor measuring 148mm longer at 4,239mm and 9mm wider at 1,790mm, and according to their news release, means "greater interior space and luggage capacity". Apprently, this means that the boot is large enough to stow a full set of golf clubs. As for driving comfort, bigger drivers can feel less cramped as there is more head and elbow room.

The new roadster is also offered with Adaptive M Suspension. Electronically controlled dampers allow for three different configurations and can lower the ride height by up to 10mm for a more dynamic drive.

Other new features include their latest generation of the iDrive - BMW Professional Multimedia Navigation system.

Prices of the new Z4 start from £28,645 (OTR ) for the sDrive23i.

Porsche (P2) leaves ALMS....

Motorsports news just keeps getting worse and worse these days.... From the ALMS website:

It's been a roller coaster of a week for the American Le Mans Series. Last Friday, Audi served up a curve ball worthy of Sandy Koufax when, seemingly out of the blue, it revealed it would not compete in the 2009 Series after the Mobil 1 Twelve Hours of Sebring presented by Fresh from Florida. Coming on the heels of the not-unexpected news that Porsche had elected not to compete in LMP2 next year on a factory level, Audi's announcement was - if not devastating - worrisome news.

Seven days later, however, Mazda and Dyson Racing confirmed they will join forces in 2009 for a two-car LMP2 effort. While Mazda's decision to double its effort with one of the Series' top independent teams hardly balances-out the loss of two manufacturers who regularly fielded six prototypes in recent seasons, it goes a long way to nullify the perception that the Series is hemorrhaging manufacturers. In fact, given that BMW confirmed its plans for a GT2 program a fortnight ago and that Porsche's commitment to GT2 remains steadfast, the number of auto makers committed to the '09 schedule remains essentially unchanged from last year. And with a new, two-car LMP1 program and a continuing (if reduced) LMP2 effort, Acura is more committed to the Series then ever.

Still, there's no denying prototype racing circa 2009 will lack some of the pizzaz of recent seasons. Where once Porsche and Acura went toe-to-toe in an LMP2 battle that, often as not, threatened Audi (and occasionally Peugeot) for overall victory, now it will be a surprise if Acura does not win more or less at its leisure in LMP1 with any opposition from LMP2 for the overall victory offered by Mazda and, er, Acura.

On the other hand, GT2 figures to be more fiercely-contested ever, what with the welcome addition of BMW and (after Le Mans) Corvette with ANOTHER manufacturer in the wings. Indeed, this figures to be a dream season for GT2: not only a battle royal among a host of the world's leading auto makers, but an opportunity to emerge from the shadows of the prototypes.

No two ways about it, though, Audi will be missed. Just why the German automaker opted for a Sebring-only American Le Mans Series program this year is hard to define. Audi was sending all the right signals to the Series last year, from its less than top-secret decision to develop a successor to the mighty R10 TDI to Dr. Wolfgang Ullrich's upbeat comments at the post-season banquet about competing with Acura in 2009.

Revival Shelby 2008-Shelby Modelismo (Brazil) race report

An update from slotbrothers (Obrigado Luiz Carlos Cardoso!!!) in Brazil today, for those that don't read Portugese I'm sorry but admire the photos anyway!

Jaguar's Used car locator

Jaguar has launched a brand new Used Car Locator to find approved used Jaguar cars. With great features including personalised content, high quality images and links to fully interactive e-brochures among others.

According to them, all the used cars undergo extensive warranty and vehicle checks.

So if you are looking for a Used Jaguar, do check out their Approved Used Car Locator.

PowerSlot Opel GT

Technical Specs
OPEL GT
Scale: 1/32 Engine
Body: plastic (ABS)
Chasis: plastic (ABS) Model: POWER SLOT PS-3
Traction: rear Position: in line
magnet: neodimium 2,000 Gauss Revolutions: 25.000 at 14v
Guide: pivoting Magnetic attraction: 8 UMS
Sizes (in mm)
Weights (in grs)
Length 136
Width: 55 Total weight: 82
Height: 40 Body weight: 20
Wheelbase 80
Guide-rear axle: 92.8
Axes: 54 Front, 55 Rear (Balanced)
Wheel width: 9
Wheel diameter: 18.5
Axes diameter: 2.36
Pinion: 9 dientes Latón
Crown: 27 tooth brass-Nylon

Revell to stop making Nascar models

From the Revell website:

NASCAR ANNOUNCEMENT-December 8, 2008

To Our Loyal Customers:
Over the years we have been pleased to provide you with the finest NASCAR plastic model kits featuring the most popular drivers. Regrettably however, over the last several years we have faced increasing licensing costs that are greater than our increase in sales. Despite our best efforts to secure reasonable licensing terms for NASCAR model kits in general, and the Car of Tomorrow in particular, we have been unable to develop a program that allows us to market the product at a viable price point. Consequently, we will not be issuing a kit on the Car of Tomorrow and, in fact, will be exiting the NASCAR business altogether. We will discontinue all sales of NASCAR plastic kits by February 28, 2009.

This has been an extremely difficult decision to make as we are fully aware of the avid fan base of NASCAR model kit builders and truly appreciate your support over the years. We trust you will find other model kits in our line that will be of interest and that will provide you with the model building enjoyment you desire.

Please note that we still have inventory of selected models as shown below. Check with your favorite dealer to see if they are carrying any of the items. If they are out of stock, they can obtain any of these items for you very quickly through their distributor.

* 85 2029 0 0012 #20 Home Depot Monte Carlo ('04)
* 85 2030 0 0012 #48 Lowes Monte Carlo ('06)
* 85 2075 0 0012 #24 DuPont Monte Carlo ('07)
* 85 2078 0 0012 #20 Home Depot Monte Carlo ('04)
* 85 4206 0 0012 #11 FedEx Denny Hamlin

Cordially,

Revell, Inc.

SCX crowns a champion!!!!

Mark Azaragga (above in blue shirt) races in the championship race, and Joe Rosales (below in green shirt) turns some hot laps during the first heats of the day's races.

A complete story of the Championship race of the 2008 SCX National Championship Series can be seen at this link on SCXWorldWide.com .
Hundreds of folks who visited the Greenberg Trainshow at the Valley Forge Convention Center got to see all the action close up.


Plans for 2009 are already underway. Interested clubs can contact me, Dave Kennedy at dave@slotcarnews.net for information about having a series race.

Thanks to Professor Motor and Jim DiFalco for the donation of prizes and race support!

New Spirit cars now in the US