Fun for Two

Competitive slot cars

"Fun for Two" is a new section on this web-site. The editor selects models that are competitive on the model track. We selected the Opel Astra V8 Coupe and the Audi TT-R of SCX as the first pair of cars.

DTM Opel and Audi TT of SCX

The popularity of the German GT championship is rising. SCX released two beautiful models that are participating in DTM (season 2002). The Audi TT (Ekstrom) and Opel Astra (Scheider) of SCX is a nice pair that will bring close racing on your raceway.

DTM

The German DTM (Deutsche Tourenwagen Masters) is the most exciting championship in Europe. The championship runs since 1984, with exception of the period 1996-1999. Nowadays the races are organised like the F1 championship. There is international television coverage, onboard cameras in all the cars, pit stops, penalties (stop and go, drive-through) and scoring. Most of the races of the 2003 season so far, have taken place in Germany with the exception of four races (Adria Int. raceway - Italy, A1 Ring - Austria, Zandvoort -The Netherlands and Donington -UK).

Three makes of cars

Three big names in the car business, Mercedes, Opel and Audi, are currently competing in the championship. The championship is won twice by Mercedes since 2000. Bernard Schneider, a formerly Formula One driver, is still the man to be beaten. In 2002 the Frenchman Aiello was the fastest over the year with the Audi TT. The results of the Opel teams were not consistent, but Opel improved substantially during the 2003 season.
In DTM the slot cars of the different teams are almost indistinguishable. The looks of some of the cars of the different teams are about the same. The spectators can only recognize the drivers by the colors of the mirrors of the cars.

DTM replicas

A few slot car manufacturers have released attractive DTM cars. In 2001 the Spanish Scalextric (SCX) released the yellow Audi TT of the Abt team. Scalextric (Superslot) brought models of Mercedes and Opel to the tracks. Ninco released models of all the makes, including a safety car. You can find more information about the Opel of Scalextric and DTM models of Ninco elsewhere on this web-site.

SCX models

In the spring of 2003 SCX released a nice pair of DTM cars for your track. The Opel Astra V8 Coupe (ref. 61100) is a nice black car with the red sponsor logo of P.M. magazine. Together with the blue colored "Red Bull/Playstation 2" Audi TT-R model (ref. 61310) you can experience close racing on your track.

Bright lights

The 2001 Audi TT model of SCX was executed with working front lights. The 2003 DTM models have xenon lights at the front and at the rear. The lights are shining bright throughout the lap if the track is powered with a standard voltage.

Tires

The most important parts of a slot car are the tires, at least according to the tire manufacturers. The tires make the contact to the surface. The slot car manufacturers have not always recognized the importance of the material of the tires. The quality of the standard tires has been poorly for years. New companies, such as Vanquish MG, realized that horsepower is not sufficient. Many companies, including SCX, have improved the quality of the tires. The Opel and the Audi have nice slicks, which give excellent grip.

Magnet or not

The magnets of SCX models are very strong. Two screws under the model hold the magnet in its place. Therefor it is easy to adjust or remove the magnet. Even in the highest position the magnetic power is strong. A little bit too strong in my opinion. I prefer to use no magnet at the Ninco track. The magnetic power of the models is acceptable on the Scalextric Sport and Carrera tracks.

Conclusion

With or without magnet the DTM models of SCX are great. You do not find excessive details or unnecessary parts on the models. The Audi and Opel are no show models, but the cars are designed to race. With this set you will have great races.

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