Now, this is how a race car should be presented in scale, FULL access. AUTOart’s new Audi Quattro S1 Rally Monte Carlo 1986, drivers H.Mikkola and A.Hertz #6 is unveiled today with official production photos. Good impressions on the overall presentation and design. On closer inspection, we notice the lacklustre cooling apparatus in the rear and why AUTOart still insists on using rubber seat-belt material instead of fabric is unacceptable at this price point. What are your thoughts?
Product# 88602
This would require changing technology and equipment, and casting belts as an integral part is easier and cheaper than making them from several parts.
Imagine this would be diecast. The only thing I would miss on this model would be suspension and a openable fuel cap
Actually the fuel cap does look openable. Thing about the seatbelts is, you could swap them for an aftermarket fabric harness, but wouldn’t dare with a composite model. And the cooling fans make you wonder why on earth they chose to make them accessible.
There’s no reason that it would be any harder to change the belts on a composite than a regular diecast. Though as the article says, at this price point it’s pretty disgraceful they’re not fabric in the first place. This is likely to be a €250+ model. The engine looks like a festival of plastic too.
Agreed. At this price, it should be executed in fabric. It seems cost-saving measure, nothing more.
Agreed, all I´m saying is there´s things that can be fixed and things that can´t. And I don´t recommend disassembling a composite, too delicate. Once the chassis is off, no problem, same as diecast. And yet, I wouldn´t. Not my problem, though, ralley is not my theme.
Shame about the seat belts, but nevertheless a must have for me. Historically too important and can’t see any other hi-end full opening release happening.
I agree the belts, radiator, and to quote Spikyone, the “festival of plastic” engine, leave a lot to be desired. Still, your only other real choice is the sealed resin (though still excellent) Otto. Still, this one is likely going to be the “best” one out there, so I will be getting out my wallet…and that sheet of HB decals I have in the workbench!