| 1/10th saloon racing cars evolved from off-road buggies modified to carry
a saloon body and on-road wheels and tyres. Because of their size, the resulting cars were
not true scale models of the full size cars. However this was a relatively cheap way of
running the new class and proved popular and indeed still continues. However the
manufacturers, particularly Tamiya started to produce a number of models based on a
chassis with the correct proportions and proper on-road suspensions. Over the years the
chassis
Scale saloons, as these cars have become known as, have become more and more sophisticated over the seasons. Each year a different model seems to be the one to have. TTech tried to convert their shaft driven off-road chassis but although it should have been very quick, did not meet with the same success as off-road. Losi introduced the "Street weapon" variant of their XX4 which had great success in the hands of World Champion David Spashett and Andrew Moore. There is supposed to be a replacement due soon. HPI have a good following, including their own series, with their RS4 Pro, soon to enter its Pro 3 version. Yokomo as always have a giant presence in world races in the hands of their team drivers. They are indeed IFMAR world champs through Atsushi Hara. The latest version of their MR-4TC is the Worlds Edition and is sure to be very popular. Corally have been a great force in 12th scale and have translated their ideas from that chassis to the larger saloons in the shape of the C4.1. Not a very popular car in the UK even when driven by the popular Andy Griffiths. Kyosho have made a return to popularity with their TF-4 Type-R. It was a late arriver in 2000 but took TQ in the BRCA national at Aldershot in the hands of David Pitcher. Schumacher are probably the number 1 in numbers in the UK (after the myriad Tamiyas) and their latest SST Axis Pro-2 is likely to fill many of the grid spots at lots of race meetings. Associated were like the Microsoft of racing, introducing us to the TC3 as vapourware for what seemed to be years. Everyone was familiar with the computer generated car long before it reached these shores. In the hands of Craig Drescher it won the BRCA 2000 summer series. Tamiya are putting a team out with their TRF414 and are also introducing the TA04 pro, a cheaper version more likely to be adopted by club racers. Established Eurocup regulars Richard Isherwood, John Winter, Andy Childs and Pete Stevens are making the move into the "real" championship. Xray are a new name who will make their debut this spring. A nice looking car that has great potential. |