NINCO 1 Series - Corvette Z06 - Home Racing World & Slot Car Garage

06/08/2009

The latest in the NINCO 1 line just arrived here at HRW. This line of models is intended to be a lower cost entry level slot car with minimal detail and a motor that according to NINCO is better suited for "domestic" use. When I found out we had a Corvette on our hands for this review I was more than a bit surprised. Let's take a quick look at this new bowtie shall we?

I can almost predict what some of you fans of the Vette are doing right now. You are scanning this car to see if they got it "right" or not. Is it close enough? Only you can decide that. I will say the paint work along with the clear coat is very well done. In fact, I was impressed as the shine on this model is very attractive.

We do have to remember that NINCO is not trying to win any scale awards with this line of models nor are they going to set benchmarks in the fine detail category. I have seen some prototype photos and have to say they did a fair job. Nothing perfect, but fair enough for average young enthusiast who this model is intended for. Still there are a few items here and there that might catch your eye.

One thing that is odd that they even bothered with the side mirrors. I will say they have more flex to them than I thought, but they will soon fall victim in the hard tumbles. If you purchase this model for yourself or any younger racers, I would remove them before the action starts.

Wheels and tires seemed nice enough although not sure on the wheel pattern. I see there are no tire markings this time around but still some visible brake rotor detail. What I did like was that they seemed very round and true under our initial inspection.

Turning the model over we see the NC-11 which is rated at 16,000 RPM at 14.8 volts is utilized and the evidence of our bar magnet directly to the rear. 4 screws mount the body to the chassis and were easily removed.

If there is one item about this line of models that I like best, it is this motor. It has more than enough speed for my own personal tastes with decent braking to go with it. Once inside we the very simple design. The same 9 tooth pinion turns the 27 tooth crown gear and the gear mesh is nice and smooth. I also see an area marked for digital racing up front. This is nice for those digital race fans.

Performance is very pleasing to me. And it clearly passes our out of the box test. I liked the last Chevrolet performance wise and this one is a touch better. It can take the corners a little faster due to a lower center of gravity. The tires will work for most plastic surfaces well enough with the bar magnet in place. After-market tires are available as well from several vendors in case you do want to try them.

One thing happened while we were testing that we do not see often. The interior glass simply popped out of its mount. No real problem as a quick shot of hot glue in the areas shown cured that quickly.

Although it is a nice slot car for younger/beginner racers, the only thing really stopping it from being popular is the price. At a suggested retail of $52.98 it puts it beyond what most consider to be a beginner price range. I wish NINCO would look at this fact so they would realize that the price range they are using simply is too high for a model at this level. However, the price is what it is and only you can decide if this line of models is worth this price.

- Harry

As always feel free to contact me about this article or just the hobby in general at harry@homeracingworld.com, or better yet drop into our Message Forum and share your thoughts with other enthusiasts!

Thanks Go To MRC For Providing Us With This Sample!