| June 5 2004 Review |
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 Ninco ‘Off Road Curve’ Track Test By Shawn Smith Click here to have Genie read this review out loud to you in Microsoft Agent AUDIO! [Click here to chat about this item on our Forum] Appearance:  What we have here is a corner in a box! Ok, it’s a little more than just a simple corner to be certain. The Off-Road Curve expansion-pack is a unique variation of their normal track system that is; different in color, different in texture and comes with ‘obstacles’ to make racing a little more interesting.  The Off-Road Curve expansion-pack mates up perfectly with Ninco’s normal track system. The track fastening clips are the exact same as their traditional track sections which makes adding this expansion-pack a breeze.  In addition to the same track fastening clips the isolated slot remains the exact same. This, as I found with the traditional track pieces can have some instances where the slot varies in slot width. In most cases though the slot seems to narrow where track sections come together and didn’t hinder performance of the cars to any level worth mentioning.  The unique features of this expansion pack are the best parts. First interesting item is the transition track sections that turn from the normal textured surface to the new smoother but lumpy tan track colors. What this is supposed to simulate is a transition from a paved surface to something like a dirt or desert road and after I got the curve in place it almost made me wish I had enough of the off road track to make the test circuit half normal Ninco and half new off road sections.  The next cool feature is the ability to place obstacles on the track with the included simulated rock and rut details. The track surface itself is dotted with tiny holes which allow plastic pins in the bottom of the obstacles to push right in.  In a small plastic bag inside of the box are a wide variety of small plastic fake rocks and muddy ruts. The rocks in particular come in five different sizes and vary not only in length but height as well.  The ruts also come in different lengths and designs to make the challenge of crossing over them even more interesting. As we’ll get to later you’ll see that it’s ‘slow and steady’ that will win the race here. As easy as it might look these little bumps make taking this section with too much throttle a very tough task to accomplish.  With all of the track sections in place as shown on the box you would end up with something that looks like the letter ‘U’. In the case of my Ninco test track however I moved one straight section around so that it fit in to my existing test layout.   In addition to the obstacles a different unique feature is Ninco’s use of simulated rock wall track barriers in place of their traditional guardrail pieces. These, like the guardrails are interlocking and fit on to the bottom edge of the Off-Road track sections just as they do to the normal track pieces.   Performance:  Before we get to what its like to run on the Off-Road expansion set this is a good time just to clarify that this track accessory is made with the Ninco Pro-Shock and Pro-Arm drop-arm guide in mind. You CAN use regular cars with this track section although using the obstacles changes all of that. If you plan to use the bumps and ruts you WILL need suspension and a long travel guide.  Some of the included rock pieces are rather high. The one pictured above in particular is its own little hazard. While its not very long it is the amount of travel it places on the chassis that is the trick to master. Taking this rock too fast can cause a quick de-slot even with the use of spring suspension and a sprung drop-arm guide.  While we’re on the subject of suspension it’s a good time to mention that included with this track set Ninco included all three strengths of Pro-Shock suspension springs.  The yellow springs, as come stock on the Ninco Pro-Truck, are the hardest of the three spring types. The blue, standard on my version of the previously released Pajero, are the medium spring stiffness leaving the red as the softest of the three options.  Changing the shocks is a literal snap. The ‘C’ type opening on each end of the shocks simply pop off and pop back on. Below I was able to free the stock shock off of the Pro-Truck with light pressure from my chassis screwdriver.  With multiple shocks of varying stiffness any ‘tuner’ should be able to find a combination that suits their off-road driving preference. Some might not notice differences between them although with a little focus you’ll be able to tell them apart. What these shocks do though is strictly rebound. They do little to damper or absorb the travel requirements of the suspension as they are simply springs and not oil or air filled absorbers. The end result is picking a shock with the ‘bounce’ you prefer over the tough spots.  What I found to be the best for me was to use the blue suspension springs on both the stock Ninco Pajero as well as the Pro-Truck test truck. In the case of the yellow springs I just felt that the trucks ‘rocked’ their way over the bumps. In contrast the red springs seemed almost too bouncy. Also, if running the stock magnets, the draw of the magnet to the rails seemed to negate all of the spring’s normal compression aspects. The Final Verdict:  This track section turned out to be a ton of fun but you’ll have to have an ‘Off Road’ frame of mind to enjoy it. You will not go speeding through these sections, especially if you use the obstacles, unless you expect to de-slot over and over and over. Slowing down is the key to the rocks and ruts and climbing over them as opposed to going all out will help keep your guide in the slot instead of your truck on its side. Friends that were over during my testing got to take a few laps on the track and most thought it was a neat concept yet felt that it was somewhat tough for them to master. Most seemed to enjoy just running on the bumpier track surface without the large fake rocks and ruts to maneuver through yet we got a ton of laughs seeing who could make it through the quickest while still keeping things wheels side down over the tallest rocks. If you’re looking to add something to your existing Ninco track that will offer you some variety as well as a new challenge this Off Road track expansion set is for you. Pick yourself up some extra shocks, place the bumps where you want them and let the off-roading begin! 
Video will take about a minute to download on a 56k modem. Click Here To Download Ninco Raid Track Video Thanks go to the folks at Model Rectifier Corporation for giving me the chance to look at and test the new Off Road track expansion set as well as the different Pro-Shock suspension parts . As always, feel free to contact me if you have any additional questions and I will be happy to answer anything that I can. Happy Slotting! Shawn Smith SJSlots@hotmail.com |
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