Monday November 26, 2007
Monday November 26, 2007
The latest Mosler from NINCO has arrived but it is clearly not following in the paths of previous versions before it. This all new Lightning ProRace model has clearly aimed itself toward high performance and this has peaked the interest of many advanced enthusiasts.
Externally this Mosler appears like standard versions as the body is the same. Paint work and markings were very well done although I noticed some bleed through on the number board. Nothing major really, and most that are interested in this car will not be upset about it.
The livery is eye catching and several enthusiasts here during testing agreed. Given the target buyer of this model, I am looking more at how well the car will perform rather than nit pick over scale detail. Still, I think that scale authenticity is just as important in our scale as performance. Not everyone agrees with me of course, but nevertheless I enjoy a slot car that captures the 1:1 car as close as possible.
The glass on this model is tinted to minimize the driver and interior view. It is here where we see the first change as NINCO has used a light vacuum formed tray in place of the standard plastic half-tray design. With the glass being tinted it really does not make a difference as you can hardly see the driver figure and again this model is not boasting about fine detail. By now you should have figured out if this approach pleases you or not. This was done to lighten the car and when I checked it is a full 2 grams lighter (86) than a standard Mosler (88).
The second change is clearly see in the wheels and tires. This car is equipped with ProRace aluminum wheels all the way around along with SHORE 25 soft compound slicks. The inserts are missing of course which disappointed me a little. I realize that most competitive racers could care less about these inserts, especially if they fly off the wheel during the heat of battle. It is simply a personal preference. The main thing here is that these wheels and tires are very round and of good durability and quality.
Turning the model over we see the chassis is bright white instead of black. I have heard this chassis is of a different composite plastic but I certainly could not tell any difference between this one and a standard version. I will give NINCO the benefit of the doubt as I am far from a plastics expert. In any case it was very flat and I noticed no warping anywhere that could cause performance issues.
3 flat tip screws with a small shank at the top hold the body in place. This screw design allows you to back off the screws a little easier and allow for a smoother float on the body. I like this approach and many enthusiasts I race with do as well.
Up front we see a standard guide with NINCO racing braid in place of standard braid. I would like to see a deeper guide used in cars such as this. The guide is obviously an important part of performance and having one a little deeper would simply make things better. However, NINCO guides have always had decent depth to them, but there is a difference between a standard home track and a larger club or commercial track. In these cases a deeper guide is usually preferred.
Box Stock Testing
From the box to the track we go and the initial results were very pleasing. With PARMA aftermarket control and our power supply set at 12 volts we saw lap time averages of 4.2 seconds. This beats standard Mosler and also other Super GT models in the series. But it was not just the lap times that were impressive, it was the overall control. Braking and acceleration are very clean and crisp and the super smooth operation of the car as a whole will please most of you in our hobby.
This model does come with the standard button magnet in place for those that like them or it can be easily removed. I like this option as it is easier to remove it than forced to purchase one. From this point you could just stop and enjoy the model as it is, and for that NINCO gets high marks from me in the out of the box category. However, let us look closer to see some of the other upgrades this model contains.
Under The Hood
After removing the screws we see the heart of this model. The NC-6 Crusher motor rated at 23,500 RPM @ 14.8 volts sits in the angle-winder position equipped with a 13 tooth pinion. The lead wires are silicon coated and are neatly held in place in the front of the chassis. The motor does have a slight amount of free-play in the chassis so some might want to glue it in place to minimize vibration. I added a small bead of hot glue on each end and this solved the free-play perfectly.
Along with the ProRace axles it was the rear gearing and bearings that impressed me the most. The 33 tooth spur gear is very well done with excellent gear mesh. It is a Allen set screw mount as are the wheels and rear mesh adjustment collar. Which brings me to the point of this car coming without a wrench. Although most advanced enthusiasts who choose this model will most likely have one on hand, the newcomer who wants to try his or her hand at this style of racing may not. I think it would be good addition in future releases.
The bearings in the rear are also very well done and I liked how they are encapsulated in the plastic housings for excellent chassis fit. It is the fit of these bearings on the axle that really make the difference in performance for me. It is very smooth and the durability factor here is about as tough as you could ask for. Remember that you need to oil them from time to time and if maintained properly they could last indefinitely.
Wood Track
Testing
3 Lane MDF Routed Wood - Flat Latex Surface
Copper Tape Conductivity - Aftermarket Power @ 12 Volts PARMA 25 OHM Control
This model rightfully should see action on routed wood. Many advanced enthusiasts and larger clubs have wood tracks so I had to see how well it would react. Again, the results are pleasing. We cruised to a 5.3 second average but then looked at the tires a little closer. They needed sanding to get a full contact patch. This was completed easily enough and the first few laps told me we had a hot rod on our hands. 5.0 averages on our smaller track is very good and with more practice and tire cleaning we snapped into a 4.9 second run.
And to highlight this performance one needs to understand that this model and motor combination never gets to open up and show its true potential. Our track is 4 x 16 with the longest straight being 7 1/2 foot. The NC-6 motor is not even at full tilt at this range, yet the smooth operation of the model through the turns makes it a dominant player. The tires here are the key as they grip our surface very well. Some after-market tires will be used by others and look forward in hearing the results. For our track though these tires work, and work well.
Bottom Line
This model is not for everyone of course, and given the higher price it carries this car will not be the choice of the average home racer. Yet, I will give NINCO credit for releasing a model that actually delivers what it claims to do: PERFORM at a higher level. Aluminum wheels with good tires, high grade axles and gears along with full bearings will usually give you an excellent running model and such is the case with this version of the Mosler.
Our own style of racing is more simplified. We are just home racers who enjoy the fun of close racing and the time spent doing it with our friends. We do not have organized racing and we do not have any set rules. This car will find a home here though as it is too much fun to ignore. A few of my friends have commented that they too will get one so that we can do battle in the future.
If you are in a club environment and run several different series this model should be on your radar. It has all the upgrades you need to have a very competitive model out of the box. It also gives you a good platform to build upon which is sometimes the most important to the advanced racer. On it's own this model has good looks combined with excellent operation that delivers plenty of fun. I think any racer would enjoy what this model has to offer, both at home or at the local club.
- 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!
