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Scalextric C1413 ARC Pro Platinum GT Set. RRP £499.99. Available now.

Just in time for Christmas, the ultimate Scalextric digital set has returned... The 'Platinum' digital sets go back ten years. They originally included the Advanced Powerbase and six super-resistant cars and wired controllers. The latest incarnation has the ARC Pro digital system plus four high-detail GT cars and wireless ARC controllers. If you are serious about buying a (near) complete digital system, the ARC Pro Platinum GT set is perfect. All you need for the full six-car ARC Pro experience is two more GT cars of your choice, two C8515 digital plugs and two more ARC wireless controllers. The set already has two of the P9300 digital power supplies included.

   

The set contains a decent sized 9-metre (30-foot track) with two lane changers and a (right-hand) pit lane with space for four cars. The latest version of the ARC Pro powerbase links to the wireless ARC controllers via 2.4GHz radio and to the ARC race management app on a smart device via Bluetooth. Multi-car action with lane changing is available as soon as the powerbase is switched on - and race modes, lap timing and the numerous features and simulations can be up and running within ten seconds of launching the ARC app on your compatible smart device.

ARC Pro also has an analogue mode option (selected via a physical switch on the powerbase), giving traditional one-car-per-lane racing for non-digitally-chipped cars. Almost all the features of the ARC app are available in analogue mode, with pit stops taking place on the powerbase straight. Of course, lane changing is not possible in analogue mode.

There's a detailed guide to using the ARC app here on SlotRacer Online: slotracer.online/arc-pro-guide

The four cars in the set are proper high-detail GT cars with working front and rear lights. The Aston Martin Vantage GT3 and Ford Mustang GT4 are both new models for 2020 and these two liveries are available as individual cars...

       

The other two cars are 'set-only' liveries, although the Wynn's Mercedes GT3 has been available as a limited-edition Scalextric Club exclusive model (it is now sold out)...

   

Scalextric haven't released a picture of the Bentley Continental model yet. The Bentley is the only old-style sidewinder model in the set and will - like the Mustang - need a little tweaking to be on the pace of the Aston and the Merc. Or just give the trickier cars to the more experienced drivers...

Even at the RRP of £499.99, this set is a bargain. Adding up the individual components - or upgrading a more basic ARC Pro set - will set you back nearly £700. However, I expect to see the set on sale for £450 or less - Scalextric Club members can already buy it for £449.99 from the official site. Wonderland Models and Jadlams currently have it for the same price.

If you are starting from scratch, my tip would be to add some outer borders and barriers to the corners - all are standard 'Radius 2' pieces, so that should cost too much. Otherwise, the ARC Pro Platinum GT set has everything you need to enjoy the best of ARC Pro and Scalextric digital.

Thanks to the Scalextric team for sending us the photos.

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Here are some new pics of the cars in the set - including the set-exclusive Bentley...

   

   

The set appears to be selling well, with many retailers out of stock. The cheapest prices currently are £449.99 at Jadlam, £459.95 at Gaugemaster and £499.99 on the Scalextric website - all with free shipping. Scalextric Club members get a 10% discount at scalextric.com.

Some great deals in the USA - Great Traditions in Philadelphia have the set for $549.99 with free shipping and not including a 10% off holiday discount.