Slot Car Magazine – JAN 2024, issue 77

Here we are, suddenly it’s 2024! Before we start out on the New Year, there are a few bits and pieces left from the old one. Firstly, I have to apologise for my non-appearance at Gaydon at the beginning of December – especially to Marc, who had to run our stall on his own. The weather hadn’t been that friendly in the week leading up to Gaydon, but the thick blanket of snow that greeted me on the morning of the show was a complete surprise. I wasn’t going to get out of my street, let alone down to Warwickshire. When I bought the house, living at the top of a great big hill seemed quite a good idea… As I write, everywhere I look there are end-of-year roundups, best this and worst that. That gave me an idea! How about a mini end-of-year roundup, best this and worst that? Well you’re getting one anyway. I think my favourite new RTR car launched this year was the Sideways Aston. Being a big fan of sports car racing, I bought a pair and was immediately impressed by the set-up as they came out of the box. Perfect rear axle play, parallel front axles, some body and pod rock. And the Sideways GT3s suit my own track perfectly, for some reason. They looked mean, went very quickly and I enjoyed the challenge of trying to write a review without using the words “Aston” or “Martin”. As for the worst…another pair, this time the LMM Porsche 917LHs. I got these because they are probably my favourite racing cars ever, or right up there anyway. The bodies looked fantastic. Perfect. Underneath, it was chaos. Gears that sounded like a food blender, wonky front axle, rear tyres that revolved on the rims. If only some care had been taken! After new gears and rear wheels and some setting up, they go ok. I have ordered the 1969 versions, so either I’m an idiot or they are worth the trouble in the end. Favourite build? It has be to the PCS F2 Stock Car. I hadn’t a clue about Stock Car racing, so I learned a lot, it was a fun build and it’s a hoot to drive. That brings me to my final thing, to say thanks to the companies who have sent us review models and prizes over the last year. We can’t thank you enough, they are truly appreciated. Onward!