20th-Aug-21, 09:25 AM
It's true the PCR concept isn't one for the budget-conscious - and producing thousands of those slightly brittle injection-moulded chassis didn't work. However, I think Brian's article illustrates perfectly that Scalextric does best sticking to what its loyal customer-base knows and trusts - and should leave the performance stuff to the guys who know what they're doing. That's why PCR is the perfect compromise...
Far from dying off, the PCR concept has continued via Shapeways and seems to be flourishing with various small-scale manufactures producing racing chassis for a wide range of Scalextric models. The Slot.it 3DP Shop contains PCR-style chassis for 15 Scalextric models - the four original BTCC cars, the Sierra & BMW M3, Audi Sport Quattro & Lancia S4 rally cars, plus the BMW, Porsche, Bentley, McLaren, Aston, Audi and Mercedes GT3s. Most have options of DPR, non-DPR, standard guide or LMP guide. One of the benefits of on-demand 3D printing is that designs can be easily updated. Although a pricey package, you do have the best of both worlds - Slot.it chassis & components, plus an accurate scale model of a car Slot.it don't produce. Vac-formed interiors for some of these cars are also available from Slot.it. Until recently, if you wanted a Slot.it GT3 car to race, the Scalextric body / PCR or Slot.it chassis solution was your only choice... and it's an option that wins races.
PCR was only part of the story with Slot.it... Not only did Maurizio & co help develop the wireless ARC controller system, they also shifted the design of standard Scalextric cars in a different direction - a flat pan chassis, lighter bodies, a tray interior and 'Euro-size' wheels. Most recent models are decent cars with the magnets removed. Our club runs almost entirely Scalextric classes - they are ideal for digital racing. With just a change of rear tyres (for the Slot.it cars too) and some simple tweaks, these are comparable fastest class times from June 2019 on our 118 foot Suzuka layout...
Far from dying off, the PCR concept has continued via Shapeways and seems to be flourishing with various small-scale manufactures producing racing chassis for a wide range of Scalextric models. The Slot.it 3DP Shop contains PCR-style chassis for 15 Scalextric models - the four original BTCC cars, the Sierra & BMW M3, Audi Sport Quattro & Lancia S4 rally cars, plus the BMW, Porsche, Bentley, McLaren, Aston, Audi and Mercedes GT3s. Most have options of DPR, non-DPR, standard guide or LMP guide. One of the benefits of on-demand 3D printing is that designs can be easily updated. Although a pricey package, you do have the best of both worlds - Slot.it chassis & components, plus an accurate scale model of a car Slot.it don't produce. Vac-formed interiors for some of these cars are also available from Slot.it. Until recently, if you wanted a Slot.it GT3 car to race, the Scalextric body / PCR or Slot.it chassis solution was your only choice... and it's an option that wins races.
PCR was only part of the story with Slot.it... Not only did Maurizio & co help develop the wireless ARC controller system, they also shifted the design of standard Scalextric cars in a different direction - a flat pan chassis, lighter bodies, a tray interior and 'Euro-size' wheels. Most recent models are decent cars with the magnets removed. Our club runs almost entirely Scalextric classes - they are ideal for digital racing. With just a change of rear tyres (for the Slot.it cars too) and some simple tweaks, these are comparable fastest class times from June 2019 on our 118 foot Suzuka layout...
- Scalextric Porsche 911 RSR (GT class) - 12.138 seconds
- Slot.it Porsche 956 (Group C) - 12.340 seconds
- Scalextric BMW 125 (BTCC class) - 12.812 seconds
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