THE WORLD’S MOST COLLECTIBLE SLOT CARS SINCE 2008
THE WORKSHOP
From the drawing board to the track, here in the Pioneer workshop we detail the planning and processes that go into creating our slot car models, and we discuss our upcoming project - the 1977 Dodge Monaco, Rosco's Police Car.
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THE DRAWING BOARD
Boarding and preliminary concept designs are the first stages to producing any slot car model. Initial ideas are discussed, liveries are finalised, historical research is assembled. As with all of the models in Pioneer's 'Screen Stars' series we designed Rosco's police car to be true to the original Dodge Monaco model in its features and details, and true to the Dukes of Hazzard action vehicle in its creative artwork. Hours of original television footage is studied and sketches of the characters are collected for portraying their likeness accurately into figurines. Once the concept designs are finalised the next stage can begin.
THE ARTWORK
- featuring an exclusive foreword from Mick Rimmer, Graphic Designer and Content Creator at Concept60seven
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'Jules and I have collaborated on many projects well before he established Pioneer in 2008. Our shared goal has always been to approach things differently, as that's how a brand truly stands out in a competitive market.
Being part of a company's inception is a dream come true for any designer. It offers a blank canvas where no prior designs constrain your creative freedom.
By the time we discuss the sleeve design for a new model, Jules has already conducted extensive visual research. This research equips me with a wealth of historical details specific to each car, which allows me to create a range of design options. Occasionally, we infuse playful elements into the design, particularly for fictional models, so be sure to scrutinise the intricate details in your next purchase!
My focus on attention to detail and capturing the personality and heritage of each model is what sets Pioneer apart from other manufacturers. We've been fortunate to receive numerous compliments over the years, and we hope this trend continues.'
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Concept60seven draft, digitalise and render our artwork until final drafts are signed off and sent to a commercial printer. A high quality, gloss finish is the final touch to our industry pioneering, customised artwork, unique to every model.
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A FIRST LOOK IN 'CAD'
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CAD (computer-aided design) is an industry standard software used to digitalise concept designs.
Pioneer's team of CAD designers work with historically accurate photography on a 1/32 scale, retaining the recognisable features of a full-sized vehicle whilst intergrating them into classic Pioneer chassis design, so that our models race well without compromise.
A CLOSER LOOK IN 'CAD'
Click on the CAD drawing to enlarge and explore.
MOLDING THE MODEL
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The majority of parts for our models are molded from plastic, but first the tooling must be cut. Every model produced can have up to ? tools to be cut. To economise on tooling space some tools may produce a maority of the interior pieces while another tool will be cut for the wheels. Tools are cut with ? machines and will need restoration and maintenance welding over time to keep the plastic molds perfect. At this stage of the process we produce small test runs of the model to check the plastic base colour takes paint and decal artwork and make sure the tool is rid of blemishes and ? excess plastic. Our J-Code models are produced through our test runs, less than twenty made and have become collector pieces since there release from the archives.
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IN THE PAINT SHOP
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The bare plastic is cleaned and prepared for paintwork, commonly applied with industrial airbrushes and inks, with a top coat to seal in colour from exposure to light. Test paintwork samples are produced at the factory and approved before the final run of the model is green lit.
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TO THE TRACK​
The classic elements fitted to the Pioneer chassis have been tried and tested to work across all digital plug-in platforms, so that our models can be integrated onto home tracks worldwide. Our powerful TYPHOON 18k motor will run in Rosco's Police car...?
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