[CMOTD]

Episode 6 last night and we finally get some Scalextric content. LINK

Main feature was about a new Hornby 9F 2-10-0 freight loco with the rest about the Mr Bean Mini and a home Scalextric track. This episode perfectly demonstrated the firm's differing attitude to the two brands.

The loco is a work of art and went through extensive development on the detailing and performance of the model including an expensive redesign at the prototype stage because they weren't happy with a couple of aspects.

The Mr Bean Mini was a heap of poo on the track and we had the immortal comment from its designer: "never mind we will just put a stronger magnet in it!" To be fair the loco costs £252.99 in basic form without DCC fitted and the Scalextric car is considerably cheaper so is unlikely to be as profitable. A shame nevertheless and just reminds us that the Scalextric brand is way down the pecking order in Hornby's priorities.

The extensive scenic home track featured was very interesting, 135ft long in the guy's front room and his partner must be a saint to let him take over such a major part of the house for his hobby. He was even painting his figures on the dining room table, I would get shot if I tried that one!

[Gpa113]

I really enjoy this series.  Happy to learn about all  the different aspects of the Hornby empire, and find it actually very interesting to see the lengths they go to in an attempt to produce an accurate scale model.

It is well known that Trains are their most profitable sector, so no surprise that they dominate the content.  The level of detail included, and the importance of getting a fully accurate, but smooth running model is to be commended.  They really do their homework, and clearly listen very carefully to customer feedback,  even at the design stage.  The models look amazing when completed. The Stephenson's Rocket is an absolute work of art.

Scalextric doesn't feature often, and whether it is Hornby, or perhaps more likely the shows producers, it never quite comes across in the best way.  We all know that Scalextric are not out to compete with the likes of NSR etc, in the terms of pure speed and handling.  
What they do incredibly well is to produce extremely accurate scale models of a very broad spectrum of vehicles. 
Some of the Touring cars of the last few year look amazing. Likewise the TV and Film models, which clearly give them exposure to a whole different market. 
Last nights home track was very impressive, if rather twisty and technical. But how nice to see the gentleman and his nephew enjoying it so much. That is what the hobby is about, enjoyment!

So Hornby and your production crew, next time go visit a club track where Scalextric cars are raced on a bigger track, with more people, and show the next side of our hobby. 
We race almost exclusively Scalextric models at our club on a fully landscaped 50 foot 4 lane Scalextric sport layout.  And for a real insight into what can be done I'm sure that Worthing Digital would be the ideal place to visit.   Digital racing on a really impressive level, multiple ages, big layouts and all with Scalextric models.

The design team at Scalextric do face a real challenge. Almost exclusively their models are run with magnets in place for fun at home. Great for going ridiculously quickly, but ideal for younger racers.  Was the Racio C20 featured in the Fastest Lap competition in the most recent episode running without its MAGNET? Looked it to me.  It certainly got sideways a bit, and all the better for it