04/29/2010
 Introducing the newest addition to the entry level NINCO- 1 Series of slot cars. Up until now the NINCO 1 cars have been dominated by American inspired models with Corvettes, Mustangs and even Chevy prototype WTCC inspired cars. The newest entry breaks away from that mold with a fantastic looking modern Renault Megane Trophy car and the white Polaroid version is the one we’re going to be taking for a spin.  My initial impression of the model was ‘wow, what an aggressive little car!’ The new Megane looks mean and fast sitting on the track and the widened race version body style has some really fantastic lines.  The front has a rather unique aero-effect in the form of a large yellow wing that runs through the entire lower grille opening and protrudes through the body to make small triangular wing tips on the outside of the front fenders.  The body work has several places with louver detailing, the tops of all four fenders, in front or behind all four wheels have openings as well as two large openings in the hood, although the openings are actually filled with the same smoked-plastic that makes up the interior windows.  Items such as the side view mirrors and the giant rear wing are good and study and after some good hard hits during testing all remained intact.  The back of the 1-Series Megane is very unique and angular. The black center section is molded with some very interesting exhaust tips that are jagged around the edges , there are separately applied taillight lenses, a painted Renault emblem and a painted third brake like detail.  The 5-lug, 12-spoke wheels are nicely done. If you look closely you can hopefully make out the added bump on the left side lip of the rim to simulate the place to add air and inside of the rim is a grooved brake rotor retail that reflects with its chrome paint.  Removing the only two screws that secure the body you will find the 1-Series standard 16,000 rpm red-labeled motor, a motor that is actually very well suited for driving the 1-Series cars non magnet and for those wanting more power a switch to a more powerful NINCO option, such as the slip-in replacement NC-8 is easy thanks to the crimped press-on motor leads.  Gearing is nice and smooth and as with all NINCO 1 cars a wider bar-style magnet sits just behind the motor in a clip in magnet pocket. Now for some this magnet may feel like too much down-force mated with the lower RPM motor, I know in a recent NINCO IROC-style race run in my local club we decided that the amount of grip provided by the car made for more of a full trigger at all times type of driver experience, yet take the magnet out and the motor ends up being very, very good for the reduced grip and overall light weight of the car.  The sprung guide is yet another nice NINCO feature; while the car in no-magnet running felt ‘edgy’ when driven fast the guide did a great job staying in the slot and the car could be pushed surprisingly hard in race situations. Running in a pack of other NINCO 1 cars, both the Corvette and Mustang, the Megane could not only run with but actually pass the others cars even when run in the outer lane.  In magnet configuration and Megane is more than stable. Slides can be achieved on tracks with lighter grip but on NINCO track getting a good slide is a lot tougher. Here I did manage to get the car on its doors a few times but like with any change in track surface a change in driving style is needed.  Running non-magnet the consensus of the guys running with me is that the Megane would benefit from possibly just a quarter ounce of weight in the car behind the guide/front axle just to calm its nervous twitchiness at high speeds.  Since most of these cars will likely end up in the younger hands NINCO intends to reach out to with the ‘beginner’ 1-Series cars the motor and magnet combination is for all intent and purposes probably perfect. Not to mention the impact friendly designs and reduced interior detailing keeps the cars tough and light weight. Add in very cool styling and I’m willing to bet these models will start getting snatched up quickly; my understanding from MRC is that presales have been great in anticipation of this car. If you like the looks and you like the features act quickly to secure yourself one. Thanks to Model Rectifier (MRC) for providing the NINCO 1 Megane 'Polaroid' for review. Please stop by the HomeRacingWorld.com Message Board to talk about this and all other models of slot cars. Happy Slotting! Shawn Smith - SJSlots Shawn@HomeRacingWorld.com Thanks Go To MRC For Sponsoring This Review!
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