AFX 2022: Formula N - the new HO scale single-seater - Printable Version

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AFX 2022: Formula N - the new HO scale single-seater - woodcote - 18th-Dec-21

HO manufacturer Racemasters AFX have been teasing their fans on Instagram...

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When rumours emerged that AFX were redesigning their single-seater body, I think everyone assumed it would be either a Formula One or IndyCar based model. Using the moniker 'Formula N', the new single-seater is clearly based on the current Formula E Spark Gen2 car. With no official license, the Formula N will carry fantasy liveries - something HO enthusiasts are certainly used to. Hopefully there will be unpainted bodies available too.

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The previous 'Formula' body dates back to 2008 and the debut of the 1.7-inch long-wheelbase Mega-G chassis. The body was a lovely 1:64 scale model of the Panoz DP01 - used in the 2006 and 2007 ChampCar series and then briefly carried over to the 2008 combined ChampCar / IndyCar season. The AFX model was commercially available in four ChampCar liveries and then a handful of fantasy liveries, some giving a definite nod to F1 colour schemes. It was about time for a change.

The couple of images released by AFX on Instagram and Facebook have been misinterpreted as the next generation IndyCar. Although the IndyCar has semi-enclosed rear wheels, the fronts are 'bare' - unlike the covered front of the Formula-E cars and the AFX 'Formula N'. The Formula-E also has a halo, whereas the IndyCar has a windscreen.

The can motor in the 1.7-inch Mega-G+ chassis means the body sits higher than the original Panoz DP01 did on the Mega-G. This does spoil the lines of the Formula-E shape - these care are extremely low from nose through to rear aerofoils. It looks like there's some nice detailing, but that stance isn't great. It's always going to be a compromise with an HO single-seater - especially since toy safety regs ditched the Mega-G chassis.

What the Formula-E bodywork gives slot car manufacturers is a more robust single-seater than the traditional flimsy wings of an F1 or IndyCar. Formula-E is also a global series - including in AFX's key market of North America, with two US teams, one US driver and two races in New York new season.

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There's a video of the 3D render on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/tv/CWWpbYyMsPz/

AFX expect the first Formula N cars to be available in January 2022, along with some delayed new models and a restock of the Ford GT40 and heritage GT collectors edition cars.

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