I am very appreciative of Armchair Racer to give me the opportunity to be able to try out the new Policar track system. Over the weekend I will give my impression of the way the track drives with both the supplied BRZ and other cars.

With some slot makers gearing up for Nurnberg, we see a lot more activity in new products.
I think these will make a few folk happy. Subaru STI under the Policar label


A couple of these will grace a set later this year

This model was announced some time ago. Now we get a look at the first test shots in colour, and learn that two variants will be produced.

The 330 P4 and the 412P
These are obviously mock-ups, so they are not there to show quality, just the concept for final tweaking.

Given that they are appearing as the first new "Classics" mold under Policar, as opposed to the 312p which came across from a Slot.it mold,
we can pretty much assume they intend using these as one of their "set" car options next year.

In December of 2017 Policar; a part of Slot.it, announced that they would begin production of a track system meeting
the requirements of European clubs, which race mainly on plastic tracks; as well as a top quality option for home tracks.
The track has 90mm lane spacing - the same as Ninco track.




Ninco has been the most widely used club track, and the Policar track has a textured, but less abrasive surface perfectly suited
for grip when racing without traction magnets, and forgiving in dusty environments. The track is made from a rigid plastic which
will not warp, and the plastic slot liner inside the rails will not fold inwards or close up at the joints. There is an adapter track
between the two systems. Having seen prototypes when I visited Galileo Engineering (Slot.it) earlier in 2017, I can attest that
they have adopted the best aspects of other track systems, and improved joining methods, surface, and plastic composition.

- Textured surface scrubs dust from tyres to maintain better grip than smooth tracks in dusty conditions
- Note the rail liner, and flat racing surface - the rails are not "raised"


- Rigid plastic that will not warp or buckle with temperature change.




- Slot depth 8.5mm will take Slot.it wood guides
- 90mm lane spacing


- Robust electric connection, easy to use, secure clipping system, and lined slot which will not close up at the joints
The electrical connection is very good, and the steel rails are rust resistant stainless steel.



- 60mm wide border sections gives 105mm from slot centre to guard rail, great for non magnet racing


- Robust guard rails that clip above and below track

The joining system is easy to use for smaller hands, and very good, but these clips provide additional security for
locking sections together longitudinally in more permanent layouts


The clips pictured below in orange and red securely lock 4, 6 and 8 lane systems together laterally to eliminate gaps



They have designed the geometry, so that a layout can have the turns altered, while retaining the main structure,
as the geometry of the various curves simply requires the addition or subtraction of half straight pieces to restore
continuity.
See R1 at top, through to R4 at bottom.
Initial track will be 4 lane (R1 and R2), expanded to 8 lane at the end of the year.


This will be a real bonus for people who like to experiment with track alterations.

In 2019, digital track pieces will be added.


There is additional detail in the document at this link "WhyPolicar"

Final product pics are out of the soon to be distributed Slot.it Alfa 155
The have given this a new model number, being a 1995 car as opposed to the previous Alfas which were 1994 models. I have no idea of the differences. I'll have to leave that to the experts.

It does look Purdy

Same setup as the previous Alfa released and the Opel

Chassis: Podded
Motor: Slot.it V12/4 21,000rpm 150g*cm 7.9 watts @12V (MX15) mounted as Inline
Axle & Gears - 2.38mm (3/32nd)
Gearing: Crown 28t - Pinion 9t brass
Has adjustable height front axle - this requires optional M2.0 Hex screws not supplied with car
Hubs: 15.8mm x 8.3mm - plastic front, alloy rear
Tyres front and rear: Product code PT1228C1
M2 allen key under box for rear hubs and for optional screw for front axle adjustment
SSD Upgradable: Yes, use Slot.it SP15b

Something different on the News Page but we are happy to hear Armchair Racer have settled into their new location right across the road from their old one. Nice to see shopfront retailers are still thriving in our ever more competitive hobby. The arrow on the picture shows the old shop so if you are out the front wondering where you should be turn 180 degrees and walk across the road. Of course look both ways before you cross the road as you are in Artarmon home of all those crazy high end panel shops test driving Ferrari's and Porches.