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FLY Viper
The Viper was the first slotcar produced by FLY Model Cars. Very soon the Viper became one of the most popular slotcars ever built. A new version of the FLY Viper was introduced 2004. I was keen to take some comparison pictures since FLY introduced their Viper A207 since I found its livery to be very similar with old Viper A83. The first FLY Viper can be seen at the picture below. Dodge Viper GTS-R Daytona -96 with reference number A1. 
The old Vipers A1 and A83 are almost identical with each other. The best way to distinguish the two is by looking at their hoods. The A1 has a small air duct near the nose while the A83 has the vented hood. A83 body has one extra air intake on the roof. Chassis is identical. For this comparison article I used Viper A83, Dodge Viper GTS-R Petit Le Mans 1999, to represent the old Vipers. Shown at the picture below. Second picture below is the new Viper A207 Dodge Viper GTS-R 1st Daytona 2000. Cars are quite similar. 
Back side views. Body shells have almost identical overall form. Casting is slightly more accurate with the new body. Note that the new body shell has been cut open on the side behind the front tyre. Exhaust pipe is cast metal part with the new body shell. Below, old first then new. 
Frontal view of the cars below. Both have equally mean Viper-look. Some more detailing has been added to the new Viper. Tow hook, the wings on the side of the nose, detailed head and fog-lights, radiator grille - all these details can be found at the new one, below left. 
Rear view reveals more differences between the two. The new Viper has parking lights, tow hook and new lowered rear wing. The rear spoiler is separate component that has been attached to the main body shell. The new Viper also has rear diffuser, which is a part of the new chassis. The old Viper body shell is basically one plastic piece, rear lamps and wing being the only detail. Below the new left. 
Frontal top and top views reveal that the overall form is almost identical with the new and old Viper. Livery is almost identical with these two Vipers as well. 
The new Viper has brake rotor discs which have machined look. Note also the turn blinker light and the frontal side wings on the new Viper. This picture shows how much lower the new Viper rides. Below left is the new Viper. 
Rear comparison, new Viper on the left hand side. The new car has fuel filler caps, lowered rear wing, rear parking lights and painted rear window edges and rivets. The new Viper has more accurately cast rims and the rear diffuser. 
You can see right through the hood vents of the new Viper because they are open. FLY has really improved casting techniques since their first cars. 
If we take a peek inside the Vipers we find the biggest differences between the cars. Old Viper has half-pan interior with top of the driver figure, steering wheel is molded to the pan. I did not dare taking apart my most expensive Viper A83 so you readers have to be satisfied with outside view. Notice that the new Viper has side mirrors with silver painted faces, below left. 
None of the details seen at the picture below can be found at the old Viper. The new car has full size-driver figure with separate belts and a decorated helmet. The decorated instrument panels are plainly visible. The full roll cage, hoses, cables and fire extinguisher are nice details. The compartment looks almost as if it were truly functional. 
The chassis layout is similar but not identical. The motor is in the front of the chassis with both but it is placed farther rearward in the new chassis. The new chassis allows more rotation of the guide flag and extends longer at rear to simulate the rear diffuser. 
Both chassis have long driveshaft from the motor to the rear pinion. Coupling between motor and drive shaft has been improved at the new one. 
Below, rear end of the chassis. Some improvements have been done to the new chassis. Magnet position is better and magnet is easier to remove. The rear now has bronze axle bushings. 
Below, frontal part of the chassis. The new chassis has lamp detailing. Both have stub axles at the front. The new car has FLY racing motor. 
What can I say in conclusion? Old Viper has been fantastic and very popular car. FLY has done very nice job with the new Viper and they have really introduced us a new car with major improvements in chassis setup and body shell detailing. Storm is rising, first droplets are hitting my camera lens. I will have to stop photographing and find shelter. 
Please feel free to contact me if you have anything to comment or ask about this article ! Julius Wilkko |
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Lo-Fi Version | Time is now: 19th May 2013 - 19:58 |
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