M.E.V. 1959 Ford Fairlane

by Rich McMahon

M.E.V. Original offers many interesting HO cars that utilize the original Aurora Thunder Jet 500 chassis.   I saw this ’59 Ford Fairlane a few years ago at a slot car swap meet and had to have it.  It just looked right.  The proportions and the color reminded me of the cars my parents and grandmother used to drive when I was really young.

The Fairlane body is quite similar to the original versions from Aurora.  The body is molded in a resin and it is molded in body color, it is not painted.  The modeling of the body is excellent.  Very fine and clear scribe lines define the doors, hood and trunk openings.  Emblems and trim are sharp and clear.  The side chrome trim is highlighted with paint, again much like the originals from Aurora.   The round Ford taillights are part of the body.   The detail painting of the rear lights really adds a lot to the impression this car makes, they are painted red and a fine line of silver paint surrounds the red to simulate the chrome light bezel.

The front and rear glass is one piece of thin vacuum-formed plastic that is bonded to the inside of the roof.  It is fitted very tightly against the window posts, the upper and the lower part of the windshield opening.  This part is crystal clear.  There are no side windows which, I prefer.  This allows some heat to escape and it is allows the top gear-plate to be lubricated without removing the body.

The cars of the fifties are noted for their big chrome grills.  This is captured nicely by the one-piece front end that incorporates the massive grill and large bumper.  The bumper has prominent bumper-ettes that flank the license plate area.  The dual headlights area also included with this front chrome piece.  The rear bumper is also a separate piece.  I must mention that the chrome finish on these parts is exceptional.

The appearance of this car is impressive.  The proportions, the modeling and the detailing are great.  The dark blue/green to me is very fifty-ish and many people comment on this car. 

Original Thunder Jets are very fun to race.  Tail wagging and power sliding are the norm.  I use slip-on silicone tires on all my HO cars.   For T-Jets I like using silicone tires that are the same size as the original thin tires, the little bit of extra traction helps but the thin tires retain the original look.   The rear wheel well area on this and other 50s cars is a tight fit. 

The rear wheels must be removed and the back or inside face of the wheel needs to be sanded down.   Typically these original new chassis need a little bit of break in.   I use a 9-volt calculator charger to run-in my Thunder Jets.  I lightly oil the chassis and let it run for five to ten minutes.   Properly run-in and with silicone tires these cars are a great amount of fun to race.

-Rich