Scalextric BMW Mini Cooper - Nixon Associates

Gareth Nixon, originally from Omagh, at his first attempt, in 2006, won both the Overall and Club Class MINI Challenge. Winning 13 out of the 16 starts, the final 11 'on the trot' gave Gareth a total of 307 points, 103 points ahead of second placed Eric Bailey in the Club Class Championship and 50 points ahead of his nearest rival, Freddie Nordstrom, for the Overall Championship.

An interesting livery. The Scalextric model is quite striking in it's black and white chequered flag livery. Not 100% the same as Nixon's car, but pretty close. Tampo printing is good and the car shape seems fine. Thumbs up on overall appearance.

The driver figure though is awful. I'm sure Nixon would not like to be likened to this Mr Blobby.

The high detail Mini Cooper includes working lights at the front and rear and etched metal parts.

This Digital Plug Ready (DPR) car can be converted for use with the Scalextric Digital range in under sixty seconds using the C8515 Digital Plug. The car features adjustable Magnatraction positions and easy change pick-ups.

Isn't it amazing how many cars come from the factory with the braids in a tatty state (below). I find that most cars these days have braids that are not properly laid flat and set straight. No wonder that so many new slot racers seek new braids so soon after getting a new car.

EasyFit Digital Plug

Most Scalextric cars produced from 2007 onwards will have, as standard, a socket on the car where the EasyFit Digital Plug is connected to convert the car for use on a SCALEXTRIC DIGITAL layout. C8515 EasyFit Digital Plug is suitable for fitting to standard DPR Scalextric cars.

Features

The EasyFit Digital Plug offer a 'plug and play' solution - DPR Scalextric cars to be digitised in under sixty seconds.
Each C8515 EasyFit Digital Plug can be transferred easily from one car to another.
There is no need for a soldering iron or modelling expertise.

Note

C8515 EasyFit Digital Plug is suitable for fitting to standard DPR Scalextric cars. To convert open-wheeled single-seat F1 style DPR Scalextric cars to Digital, use C8516 F1 EasyFit Digital Plug. Many non-DPR Scalextric cars can be converted to Digital using Digital Chips C7005 and C7006.

The conversion only requires a small screw-driver and takes a minute or two to perform.

To Convert the DPR car

1. Unscrew the panel on the base of the car and disconnect the braid-to-motor wiring plug (below).

2. Connect the EasyFit Digital Plug to the braid-to-motor wiring plug (below).

3. Replace the retaining screw to secure the EasyFit Digital Plug to the chassis (below). I've tidied up the braids too.

A look inside. PCB mounted lights and lots of space for weight and the digital decoder. Interestingly the chromed front light reflectors are attached to the LED bulbs.

A nifty car on the track. A little car with a wide stance. I left the magnet in for this test, but may just pull it if I get another to race against it. I'm sure that with a bit of weight on the corners it would keep stuck to the track quite well. As with most Scalextric cars, it's fine right out the box. Thumbs up on performance.

September 2009