8 SLOT MAG - March/April 2015

PIT LANEThe latest products and innovations

Avant-Slot Alpine A310 Carrera BMW Z4 GT3

Carrera VW Beetle GP5 Fly Lancia 037 Rallye

Carrera Ford Capri RS2600 Carrera Porsche 918

Fly Lotus 78 JPS Fly MAN TR1400 truck

FLASH REVIEW

March/April 2015 - SLOT MAG 9

MTS MCLAREN MP4/2More Than Slot (MTS) started two years ago, as an online boutique dedicated to filling a gap in the market. Very few Formula 1 models of exceptional quality were available, collectors were demanding slot cars of their favourite teams, drivers, or simply iconic models. The decision was taken to produce highly detailed resin replicas, hand-built with a maximum of 50 units, and presented with a history of the car and drivers.MTS chose the McLaren MP4/2 as their first model, the car that Niki Lauda drove to the World Championship in 1984, and has never before been produced as a slot car. The manufacture and build process is complicated, to produce everything as accurately as possible many different materials and parts are used. For example the rear wing contains 10 separate items including etched parts and includes the adjusters on the endplates.Inside the cockpit the dashboard dials, gear linkage, and even the panels with padding have been reproduced. The driver is detailed to include logos, belts, and the helmet even has a moveable visor. Suspension parts are all etched metal and the front wheels run on stub-axles. The tyres are as they would be seen with the car ready to leave a pitstop, marked with the drivers name, rotation, and location on the car. The bodywork has a high gloss finish on the Marlboro livery, correct decals and colour complete the exterior.Underneath, the chassis is 1.5mm brass, formed to fit a 30k slimline motor driving a Hobbyslot

crownwheel through a 10:24 ratio. The motor is not flush with the bottom of the chassis, its small physical size and the scale diameter of the rear tyres means it sits above the chassis to keep the shaft and back axle in the same plane. The guide is of MTS design and manufacture.The real car was groundbreaking with the use of carbon fibre for its main chassis and tub. Much lighter and stronger than its aluminium contemporaries, its rigidity gave it excellent handling and the TAG turbo engine proved an excess of power. The 1984 season was a battle between Lauda and Prost for the title, they left the opposition standing. Prost won seven races including the very wet Monaco which was stopped early and only half points were awarded (Prost reputedly manipulated the decision as he was being rapidly caught by a flying Senna in an otherwise uncompetitive Toleman). Lauda won five races but had better podium positions overall and took the title by a vital ½ point. The statistic that both McLaren drivers scored more than twice the total of 3rd place Elio de Angelis shows the domination of this car.This is definitely a collector’s model. As such, we haven’t track-tested it as damaging the markings on the tyres would detract from its appearance. We can say it is one of the most accurate, highly detailed, and desirable slot cars we have seen. Having been sorely tempted, we managed to resist putting it on the track which seems shame as a slot car should be raced, but this is one of those very rare cars that deserve to be taken care of. With only 50 being built and a price tag of 199.00 Euros it would be a privilege to own one, available exclusively from MTS at www.morethanslot.com

MRRC Porsche 910 Le Mans MRRC Porsche 910 Speed

Ninco Lancia 037 Rallye Ninco Mosler MT900

Ninco Audi R8 GT3 Ninco Jaguar E Type

Ninco Porsche 934 NSR Aston Martin V12