Carrera Universal race-set
When I was young I played with the Carrera Universal race-set of a boy that lived nearby. This boy owned two Formula-1 cars, the Ferrari 312 T and Tyrrell P34. These models of more than 25 years ago were reasonable copies of the originals and were very solid slot cars. I liked the Universal system. At that time I owned a Fleischmann track. We know that Fleischmann Auto Rally failed in the hard competition to the video games industry in the eighties. Carrera survived, but the Universal system is out of production.
The boy of next door became a man and probably makes a perfect career, but I wonder, what has happened to his Universal race-set?
High quality products
The recent models of Carrera are still high quality products. The BMW Williams FW23 is a perfect example of the craftsmanship of the designers of Carrera. The printing and coloring of the car is beautifully executed.
The front wheels of Carrera Formula-1 cars cannot move like the wheels of F1 cars of Ninco and SCX. Steering front wheels look great, but Carrera has chosen for solidity.
Carrera cars do not brake as good
Carrera cars do not brake as good as slot cars of other manufacturers. The magnet is adjustable. It is not necessary to take the body from the chassis. Under the chassis you can change the position of the magnet in order to get your personal set-up for the race.
If you put the magnet on the front position the car will drift a lot. With the magnet on the back position the car brakes on its best.
Handling of the slot car
It takes a few laps to get used to the handling of the slot car when you are not familiar with Formula-1 cars of Carrera. Sliding with the BMW Williams costs relatively more time compared to slot cars of other makes. Like the real Formula-1 cars you loose grip when you are off the racing line.
Difficult to open the car
It is difficult for a newbie to open the car. There are four screws. One screw is hidden under the guide. The back wing is stacked to the chassis. Unseat the back wing with a screwdriver.
Fixation of the brushes
The Carrera system of fixation of the brushes to the guide differs from most other manufacturers. Some of their models are delivered with an instruction booklet. The booklet describes how to changes brushes, how to open the car and gives a brief instruction how to clean the car and track. I think that all manufacturers should offer such instruction booklets.
Available in two versions
The Carrera BWM Williams FW23 is available in two versions; the no. 5 car of Ralf Schumacher (25437) and the no. 6 of Juan Pablo Montoya (25438).
More information
Slot car notes
Formula-1 cars
McLaren F1 GTR - Part 1
Hermann Josef Neuhierl
