New comparison of a Carrera product with another brand. A few months ago, I tested a Carrera Pull N Speed car, which, as a reminder, is a 1/43 scale pull-back car with bodies identical to Carrera GO models. This is convenient for replacing a GO body at a lower cost, as a Pull N Speed car is significantly cheaper.
While we recently tested Scalextric UK sets (yes, I’m specifying UK), this time we’ll compare them with a Scalextric SCX set.
History of Scalextric & SCX
Common origin, duplicate identity: The original brand is Scalextric (UK) launched in 1957. Due to Spanish customs barriers in 1962, an autonomous local subsidiary was created in Spain, registering the brand on its own account.
The name rule:
- In Spain: SCX is called Scalextric, and Scalextric (UK) is called Superslot.
- Internationally: SCX is called SCX, and Scalextric (UK) is called Scalextric.
Technical incompatibility: Their philosophies, rail connections and digital systems (mechanical guide for SCX, electronic track for Hornby UK) are radically distinct and incompatible.
I found this car, imported from Spain, at a NOZ store for less than 4 euros.
Several models were available and on display in the store; I chose this Ford Puma WRC number 8.
Upon opening it, I was surprised to find out why I could hear rattling parts when I shook the box. There were two spare tires inside.
The Slot model
I figured SCX had probably used the same principle as CARRERA, using licenses and bodies from their slot car range for this Pull Power range for younger players.
After a bit of searching on Google, I found the equivalent on the Slot Car Union website. https://www.slotcar-union.com
The vehicle
The vehicle is well reproduced, in keeping with the Carrera GO rally cars. The spoiler, decorations, and rims are all accurately reproduced.
The only thing to note is that the vehicle is heavier than the others.
Ford SCX: 57.3 g
Citroen GO: 34.1 g
Mini GO: 35.9 g
Now, comparing the SCX and Carrera pull-back mechanisms:
Ford SCX: 57.3 g
F1 Pull N Speed: 24.1 g
We can see that compared to the GO or Pull N Speed cars, the SCX is significantly heavier. This is likely due to the pull-back mechanism.
This mechanism must be larger and, as we will see later, more efficient.
The underside of the vehicle is very basic; there’s no representation of an exhaust pipe or any of the features typically seen under a car, just the markings:
- Ford Puma WPC
- POWER SWEATER
- Made in China
It wasn’t me who made a typo, but it clearly says Ford Puma WPC and not WRC!
The distance
As a reminder, our Formula 1 Pull N Speed test:
A 10cm reduction in distance allows for a 164cm improvement.
Our Ford moved forward 237cm with a 10cm reduction in distance, a 44% improvement.
Tires
As mentioned earlier, two extra tires are included, but the plastic quality isn’t great; I had to change one as soon as I opened the box.
While Carrera tires can deteriorate over time, here, leaving the car in the sun during the summer is out of the question—the tires will melt!
The games
If you’re looking for ideas to make games with your SCX and/or CARRERA pull-back cars, here’s a link to the article dedicated to that topic.
url : https://www.carrera-fun.com/?p=8609
Conclusion
Well reproduced.
Heavier but can go further.
Poor quality tires.