Not Trains! Shock Horror - My Other Love Slot Cars

Now this post isn't really about slot cars as such, but it is about 1/32nd scale battery powered cars.  In Japan there is quite a big following for 1/32nd scale models of typically 4wd off road vehicles, often these are modeled on the full size Tamiya radio controlled 4wd off-road racers.  These models are typically raced around a fixed track which is reminiscent of the motor track as used by Tomy, but comes in multi-lane setups for races.  These models are typically purchased as model kits just like their larger R/C brothers and come in many parts that you assemble/decorate etc...  However it appears in recent years this has become far more competitive than just a kids toy as some of the top end models are in the equivalent of 100's of £'s and various upgrade kits and parts are available to tune them including motors, carbon fibre parts etc...  You just got to love the Japanese.  Anyway I digress a little as this isn't about these top end models, but rather the cheaper Chinese made equivalents which as you can imagine are far cheaper to purchase.  The first couple of pictures below are an example of one of the kits (unassembled at the moment)...





Now as you can see for what is a relatively small model (typically they are about 6" long and 2-3" wide) there are lots of parts along with the motor and all the gearing needed to build a fully functional battery powered racer.  Note these models like even the top of the range ones are not R/C, they simply have battery cells and an on/off switch and they are put onto the track which guides them using the high walls of the track which interact with the wheels on the posts on the corners of the cars.  Of course if you're a kid you can just play with them on the floor/carpet, after all they are (well originally) just toys

Anyway, when I bought the 'Real' PlaRail train recently I saw listed a Tomica car of a similar type which based on the packaging looked like it was a kit made in conjunction with Tamiya, so out of interest I bought one anyway to test the water and see what the kit was like.  Here's a picture of the box...



However I was quite shocked when it turned up as the box was absolutely tiny in comparison to the average 1/32nd scale model kits.  So it was with aprehension I opened the package as I wasn't sure what I was going to find inside it.  Well it appears the box is just a reproduction of a Tamiya model and the model inside the box is actually a Tomica diecast version of the model on the box.  In some ways I was a bit disappointed as it wasn't what I expected (the perennial problem of not being able to read Japanese/Chinese), however on the other hand I am quite impressed with the model and the detail bearing in mind this is in the same sort of 1/64 scale that Hot Wheels are made in.  Anyway I just thought I'd share all this and the bit of background with you...

Hmm.... Chinese model even goes to the extent of an imitation Tamiya logo I see.

         

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... there are lots of parts along with the motor and all the gearing needed ...

Doesn't it say on the box that the motor is not included?

It does, but it is, I guess maybe they have had complaints in the past and changed the contents but just not updated the packaging/notes.  I have to say the model is pretty good and does run superbly.  Best part is that it is all clip together, apart from a few small things that require screws for which there is no screwdriver included lol!

Here's a couple of pictures of the model now assembled - I did it after taking the other shots...





Overall not bad for a model that cost me around £4, a equivalent Tamiya kit these days seems to go for £20-30 each...