02/24/2014

Ninco 1 - Audi R8 "Rum Bum" - 1/32nd Scale # 55095

 This new NINCO 1 might be the surprise of the year for this brand. I have not paid much attention to this line in the last couple of years but thanks to the advice of Brian at BRS Hobbies, I decided to give it a closer look.

So what did my good dealer tell me that had me excited about NINCO 1 again? First of all the model comes FULLY LIGHTED. Yes, you read that correctly. NINCO has never offered models fully lighted before and this alone had me very interested. I was also informed that the motor is now anglewinder and not inline. Finally it was suggested that the looks of the car were improved with tinted window effect returning. As shown in this Camaro review, NINCO had went with a solid body and decals which was not very appealing.

My first impressions were very positive. Although I prefer a full interior in this scale, the tinted glass effect is acceptable to my eyes. Of course this is a matter of personal taste so only you can decide.

It was the effort in the paint department that impressed me. This is a very intricate livery to reproduce and NINCO really did an excellent job. Colors are crisp and clean with a high gloss shine throughout.

As I looked around the model I have to say I was happy. So far it gives me a good first impression and you know what they say about that.

Turning the model over we see the second change. The NC-11 is now mounted in the anglewinder configuration. The magnet location is suitable for most and keeps it pinned down pretty well.

One screw up front and one in the rear hold the body to the chassis. The front screw is hidden by the guide but is easy enough to remove. Inside we see the NINCO light kit installed. It appears to be the same light kit you can buy off the shelf and that is a good thing. I have used these kits in the past and they are durable and very bright. Some models have been going for many years without any issues. Here is A QUICK LOOK AT THE LIGHT KIT.

The motor is geared with a 12 tooth pinion that turns the 32 tooth spur gear. As you can see the rest of the model is as basic as it gets. The hole up front does allow a digital chip to be easily installed. I see the use of a light weight interior but it is only there to block any light from the kit. There is no driver head nor any markings.

Routed Wood Track Test
MidMo International Speedway
4x16 - 3 Lane MDF - Satin/Flat Latex Surface
Slot Car Corner Braid/Flush Mount - Aftermarket Power @ Volts
Professor Motor 2110 Low Voltage Electronic Controllers

The first few laps were what I expected. A little gear noise as usual but nothing some break-in time won't help cure. As far AS POWER is concerned I like this motor. It is a mild power plant that gives you plenty of speed but mild enough so that younger/beginner drivers can quickly begin learning to drive. This is the intended audience for this series so I give NINCO high marks for staying with this motor. It is easily changed however. The motor has the adaptors installed and the chassis is designed for you to drop in a larger motor. Any NC-5 type or other brand will snap in. The only issue I found is that the motor sits loose in the chassis and has a rocking effect under power. A quick bead of hot glue easily cures this.

The lights work very well.

Brake lights activate when you let off the throttle.

The lights work very well and it is a sight to see. Very bright fronts and the working brake lights add to the appeal. I suppose it is just my own personal taste, but when a car has lights it just increases the scale realism.

Wheels and tires seemed round and true enough. In fact not much of that famous NINCO hop was found. Cleaning up the wheels and sanding the tires just made it smoother as expected. If you are looking for tires then the Paul Gage #20126 fits nicely.

Veteran NINCO enthusiasts might be asking: "Just what is this car?" A good question. It seems like a hybrid to my eyes. It has the NC-11 of previous NINCO1 models but in anglewinder format and tinted glass like the newer NINCO1 Plus. Yet it does not have the pod system the plus series has. So a mixture of the two lines with a nice light kit thrown in.

And it has value. BRS Hobbies has them listed for $49.99. When you consider a light kit is almost $20.00 by itself, this car offers a good bang for your buck. It is a mild mannered slot car and THAT is what you need to know the most. If you like your models at a more "scale" speed or you want a model that is easier to drive for yourself or beginners, then this is an excellent model to choose.

All in all I think NINCO has a great idea with these changes. They improved the looks and scale appeal as well as offered you the ability to increase the horsepower rather easily. This model has me motivated to add another and start racing this series all over again. I like the changes and hope the release more in the future.

-Harry

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