16 replies to this topic

[sportblazer350]

was looking online at AMT model kits and i see that they are rereleasing their 1/24 scale slot cars with new packaging and an assembled chassis. Anyone try one of these yet? if so are they different than the last batch?

[MSwiss]

Unfortunately, it looks like it might be the same chassis.

 

[Ramcatlarry]

Maybe new group of bodies, too?

[MG Brown]

Surprised that they would take another swing at this market. Their other two designs were less than popular.

[MattD]

They've got to do something with that warehouse full of slot car parts that weren't used.   I guess this is made in Mexico, and the  labor cost may be low enough to make assembled chassis and rtr kits.   I'm sure they are hoping maybe they will sell this time around.

[sportblazer350]

i basic idea for a hobby manufacturer to sell a rtr or full kit hardbody car, at a reasonable price point, would be a good item to stock at raceways, then generate more interest in this class of racing. AMT is so close, yet so far away......

[Samiam]

I actually held one of these crap piles in my hands. After commenting that the body was the only redeemable component, I wouldn't even waste the electricity to track test it.

 

Leave the chassis, take the body.

[MattD]

It would be nice to see them do a 65 Mustang and a 69 camaro.   Those marked down kits were worth buying for the bodies.   

[Bill from NH]

How much do these new AMTs sell for. I haven't noticed them on eBay, if they made it there yet. Or are eBay sellers avoiding them too?

[havlicek]

...a perfect example of not "getting" what a slot car is all about.  

[MattD]

John hit the nail on the head.  Evidently no input from the actual slot car world.   One look at what they present as a guide flag and you know they are completely out of touch.    Instead of a 30 cent guide (China price), they put together pieces you assemble to make the guide!!!!

 

I have used the motors, though and they do run pretty good, I have never checked, but they are probably 14-16k rpm.

 

I don't think any of the rtr kits are in the market yet, only on the new release page from AMT.

[Jairus]

I was consulted after the first release.  I posted my findings here and the thread went very long........

The second release had much improvement and while they never consulted the community before, the die is cast now.
Their words to me were that these are suppose to be more "vintage" for collecting than they are for racing.
But the do drive fairly well once you replace the guide (with lots of spacers) and add lead weight.

I also suggest the builder tack solder the frame together once you get it set up for width and length.  The screws tend to loosen up over time.
All in all, they are not any worse than the old Brass AMT kits.

[MattD]

Put it in the wall one time and you have to straighten out the axle brackets and frame.  Best to  solder braces to all the axle tabs.   Solder a brass plate under the chassis for handling.   Heck, it is easier to just build a brass chassis!

[Dave Crevie]

When you consider that they had a fairly good brass chassis in the sixties, you have to wonder how they 

decided to change to the useless steel one. Might be another example of upper management not getting

useable info from the target consumers.  

[Bill from NH]

If their original intend was to actually sell to collectors, they could have just sold vintage bodies & dumped everything else.

[PCH Parts Express]

A seasoned industry insider advised the manufacturer on a much better way to go with the chassis design. The manufacturer didn't take advantage of the advice on market tastes. It could have been a much bigger seller. 

[MG Brown]

This is all I was able to find on the AMT / Round 2 Website.

 

 

If you click on the 'buy now' button- you get a 'page not found' error.