NINCO Classic Jaguar XK120 - Home Racing World & Slot Car Garage

09/16/2011

1/32nd Scale - NINCO Classic Series - #50587

The NINCO Jaguar XK120. Another icon of the Classic line just arrived here safe and sound from MRC. It has been awhile since a new Jag has joined the ranks of this series, so I was quite pleased when I read the news it had been chosen.

The choice of model was pleasing, but the news also had a downside and it was not just the price. Another motor change. Instead of the NC-8 that we saw in the previous releases, we now have the NC-5 Speeder motor. Regardless of this, I wanted to take a closer look at it as I am used to dealing with motor changes with NINCO.

This livery is based on a historic racer and for the most part NINCO did a fine enough job. The color is an odd one, or at least here on this model it is. A maroon or burgundy (wine) color with a very clean clear coat will either spark your interest or it won't.

I had plans on a full repaint on arrival, but I might let it alone. Maybe some weathering will make it a little more appealing to me.

At least it is in some sort of race trim rather than a simple street scheme as the previous Porsche. For that I am happy and is likely why it will stay the way it is for now.

Markings and paint are well done. Details like the tape over the headlights add even more appeal.

Wheels and tires are unchanged but this color to me on the wheels is just odd. Remember, this is just my personal taste. You might find it very appealing.

Turning the model over we see the NC-5 motor in the place of the more sensible NC-8.

Yet, I say that and there are some enthusiasts who like this motor. And to be as objective as I can, we must include the pure collector. They could care less what motor is in here as they will never remove it from the case.

Operation of the model, if you do intend to race it with this motor is nothing like you would expect from your older classics. Given it is a non-magnet car this motor has just far too much power for this platform. Hard acceleration produces a very noticeable chatter and wheel hop. This occurred on both plastic and our wood track surface.

Of course it will need tuning with the first change being a new motor. Then we will move on to the wheels and tires along with some work on the front axle to remove the excess free-play.

Yes, this model will become a racer here at my stable but it will take extra time and a little more expense to get it there.

In my opinion, this model along with others in the series has become nothing more than a collector's line. It's inflated price tag and constant motor changes are enough to convince me, but you have your own conclusions to make. A shame really as if NINCO would just listen to us out here, they could really come back into the mainstream of this hobby. If this car was priced around the $50.00 range many more new enthusiasts would discover them.

However, as unhappy as I am over the price and motor mayhem...there is something about these cars that get me every time. It is that I KNOW it can be tuned to run the way I feel they should. And when they are? When I get them right they are about the most fun I can have on a slot car track. As much of an oval and NASCAR enthusiast as I am, when it comes to my road course racing there is almost nothing that replaces a good old NINCO classic with an NC-1 in it.

And that is exactly what it is going to happen here. I am not defending the price or the choice of motor. Both are wrong in my eyes. But I will make this model what I feel it should be and then it can run along side the others in my collection for years to come.

- 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!

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