Wednesday July 09, 2008

The latest from NSR has certainly been anticipated by many in our hobby. Although NSR seems more focused on the advanced competition aspect of our hobby, it still is in our scale and I was curious to see just how well these cars perform. With a long list of features I expected one fine hot rod so let us take a closer look shall we?

When we review a model we have to set aside our personal preferences and be as objective as possible. Such is the case with this classic Ford. Although they have done a somewhat decent job of capturing this model in our scale, some fine scale enthusiasts will be very disappointed. We must remember that this model is directed more towards performance than anything else, so the scale issues found here will most likely not offend fans of these cars.

When I first opened the case there was a card (certificate) inside. It reads: "This model has been finished manually. The imperfections are not defects but witness of handmade job". Interesting. I was not sure how to take that one. But we move on nonetheless!

The paint work here is fine although I did see a few light areas. Tampo stamped markings are close to the prototype but the white roundels are not very opaque allowing the yellow to bleed through. In scale they seemed to capture the essence of this legend, but again, fine scale enthusiasts will quickly find flaws. However this can be said for many other models we enjoy.

The rest of the details to this model are questionably executed, or at least from a fine scale stand point. Huge flash moldings visible in the interior glass are the first thing I noticed. Then, while looking at the interior I saw our driver figure. Un-painted and certainly not a small head. I find drivers like this in my low cost Artin models. The rest of the interior is blank with no dash details. I have to wonder why even bother with the tooling of this interior if this is all you are going to offer. Since we are obviously not trying to win any scale awards, many clubs use simple Lexan trays to save precious weight. Sometimes just cardstock and a driver head? I suppose it depends on the majority of clubs who may require a "full" interior. I don't follow advanced club racing here, or overseas so keep that in mind. The rear engine compartment is not any better with too much chrome that takes away from an otherwise decent view.

We finally start to see signs of quality when we get to the wheels and tires. It has aluminum wheels all the way around with some of the softest tires I have seen on a ready to run car. The markings on the tires are very fragile. Just by handling the car for photos I rubbed some of them away. So expect them to disappear over time.

The inserts for the wheels are nicely done, but unpainted. Oddly the knock offs are 2 different colors on each side. In fairness, I have seen most advanced racers remove the inserts to show the drilled aluminum wheels better. So, again you can paint these to a desired color or simply remove them.

Box Stock Road Test
Routed 4 Lane MDF Oval - Aftermarket Power @ 12V - PARMA 25 OHM Control

Although this model comes with a magnet, I felt this car deserved to go straight to our wood tracks for testing. For all the negative (depending on your view) of the outside of the model, I hoped the performance would make up for it. I chose our oval because I thought this car would really need some long straights, and I was right!

The tires gripped very well and the action from the NSR SHARK motor (20,000 @12V) was impressive. Great acceleration out of the corners with equally impressive braking. I soon posted lap times in 3.0 range which is pretty good for an out of the box car. Next we headed to our road course.

Times here were again very good with 5.1 second averages. Control was still smooth and the action fast!

The best thing is that this car functioned better than I expected. VERY smooth and quiet with excellent grip in the corners. I walked away from this test session at least happy that the performance of the model should please most that purchase it. I admit I am not much of a fan of high speed racing, but once in awhile I like to change things up and satisfy my need for speed. This car certainly accomplished that.

Looking Closer

Item List Provided By NSR Press Release

NSR3004 20K Shark motor,  20000rpm 164gr-cm

NSR4801 precision and very strong 49mm x 3/32" diameter axles

NSR5001 aluminium 16mm. diameter ‘front - NO air system’ 4/40 set screw front wheels,

NSR5002 aluminium 16 mm. diameter 'Air System' 4/40 set-screw rear wheels,

NSR5235 ‘No-friction’ hard front rubbers 19.5 x 8.5mm specifically made for Ford MK IV.

NSR5239 ”Supergrip' rear softer rubbers, 21 x 10mm specifically made for Ford MK IV.

NSR4803 Autolubricant & no-friction oilites

NSR6911 Extra light & no-friction 11t pinion

NSR6032 Extra light & no-friction 32t gear 17.5m

Looking underneath we see the motor in a sidewinder configuration, or sort of. There is a slight degree of angle on this model as the photos show. You also see the magnet and additional magnet pockets.

NSR released a detailed list of items for this model and it appears they are employed. One of the most important things I found was the rear axle to bushing fit. It has literally zero slop which has a great deal to do with the smoothness of its operation.

We also see our motor more closely and the high quality gearing they use. These must be some of the smoothest gears I have seen in ready to run format and durability here seems on the higher end. I do not have another NSR with longtime use, so I can only go by reports from other racers.

The motor pod is held with 3 screws and it functions as it should. This is a true motor pod that you can really tune to your track conditions. Up front we see the solid front axle employed with a slight amount of vertical free-play.

While sitting on our wood track, the car has a near perfect tri-pod effect which I was pleased to find. The front guide is adequate but has a slight amount of play in it. It is designed that way according to NSR to allow you to shim it to your desired height.

Back To The Track

There is not much to do here to improve matters except for you to adjust the car for your track conditions. I lightly scuff sanded the tires and cleaned them by rolling them across masking tape. Back to the track and my first few laps found me dipping into the 2.8 range. Again, very quick and responsive. I played around with the pod screws a little but did not really see any difference. With the light amount of float already in place, the car operated as well as I could ask.

The more I drove it, the more I really enjoyed it. I am impressed with this motor mostly. Not the fastest RPM rating out there, but the operation of it is very precise. This motor matched with the precision gears gives you great performance out of the box.

Conclusions

I am on middle ground here with this model. I am trying to look past the external detail issues and focus on the performance as most advanced racers might. By itself, it is a very fine running model with very good quality running gear. It is a great platform for the competition-minded racer. I have read many posts from our forum members who really enjoyed prior releases from NSR. I respect what they have to say as they are the ones out there competing with them. They are wrenching, tuning, and milking these cars to get every tenth of a second out of them.

However, the high retail price of these models gives me pause. One must look to Slot.it products right away as they have earned that right. Not only are those cars just as smooth and fast, they have some of the most accurate models produced and cost much less than this offering. However, individual opinions being subjective, I'll leave it up to you as to whether or not the price matches the value with this model.

I don't race on a competition level so my view is much different than those heavily involved in that aspect of slot racing. Since I am just a simple home racer I will most likely not pursue another model. However, those looking for higher end competition models should certainly keep this car on your radar.

- 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!

Model Acquired From REH Distributing