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Review: Fly Lister Storm Fly announced that they were doing the Lister Storm back in January 2000, and then later in the year they said that the delay was due to the Lister being the first of their more expensive super-detail cars. Well, at last, in May 2001 the Storm is here. Worth the wait? Well maybe, frankly after such a long gestation period, and hype about the extra detail, and extra cost, I was a bit disappointed. First of all the choice of Fly’s first livery for release is a bit on the dull side. Yes I know it’s authentic as always, but it’s not the one we all want to see is it (Come on you Toons!) No, we all wanted the Newcastle United / Adidas car. But as normal we can follow the logic, why release the most wanted first, because then you’ll not sell so many of the less desirable liveried ones. Cynical perhaps, but Fly are a profit making business, and You can’t blame them for following sound marketing practise. The second release however has followed in double quick time and the Green & Yellow Donnington 1999 car looks far more purposeful than the first white car did. The next area of concern however is the super detail, which has prompted the hike in prices. The releases from Nuremberg seemed to imply a detachable body, with a full interior, and roll cage. Fly’s own catalogue at least seemed to suggest at last that the cars might have lights. But no, none of these features have appeared on the Lister. Yes the tampo finish is as wonderful as ever, and neat touches include the metal exhaust plates, mesh under the air intakes, and a roof aerial. But while its good lets remember that Hornby are using metal detail parts on the Cadillac, and even have brake discs visible between the wheel spokes which the Lister does not. More importantly Hornby haven’t increased their prices by a significant amount to provide these extra touches, unlike Fly. But again Fly may well argue that the extra money will pay for development & improvements to future releases, as they plough money into R & D. Enough of the negatives however this is still a great looking model. With the Front engine motor driving through its shaft, new rectangular mid mounted super magnet, wide track, and slick Fly tyres, this car is as good a front engine GT car as you’ll find anywhere. Certainly while I can’t give you any bench mark times due to Wolverhampton’s track revamp, I can tell you that in a knock about session the Lister was as quick as the Panoz LMP, Viper, and Marcos cars from Fly. With more liveries to follow including the aforementioned Newcastle one these little beauties will grace many a collectors shelves, and many clubs tracks. My only hope is that the next release which should be the Corvette C5-R will feature some of the new touches we hoped would be on the Lister.
