Mini-Z
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Mini-Z is a brand name for a popular line of 1:28-scale electric radio-controlled cars manufactured by Kyosho Corporation, a Japanese manufacturer of various radio-controlled devices. RadioShack's popular XMODS line is similar in appearance yet aimed at the Tuner market, providing body kits for their cars. Cars are approximately 6-7 inches long. Kyosho makes a huge number of bodies [1] for the Mini-Z. They are all highly detailed, realistic looking and fully painted with a high gloss paint. The bodies are so realistic and beautifully made that many people collect them to display as models. Bodies comes with a dummy chassis and wheels so they can be displayed as such. Popular bodies for racing are the 98mm wheelbase bodies of the McLaren and Ferrari Enzo. The Enzo allows for a very wide track due to the extreme offset wheels and low center of gravity with quite a bit of steering bite due to the extreme nose on the car, while the Mclaren offers light weight and very dynamic, nimble handling. 94mm chassis are also popular for racing due to lower polar moment of inertia and weight distribution. Classic bodies include Lancia Stratos, Lotus Europa, Porsche 934 and 935, Lamborghini Countach, Shelby Cobra and many others. Mini-Z comes with parts to adjust wheelbase and motor location to fit the body. Different bodies will handle differently due to wheelbase and aerodynamics. A rear engine car like the Porsche 934 has a rear motor mount with the motor behind the axle, so the Mini-Z replicates somewhat the handling characteristics of the real car. They can be modified quite extensively with parts both from Kyosho Corporation and from aftermarket suppliers. The cars and modification parts are typically available in hobby stores and also through online hobby retailers. Many hobbyists race their cars against others. Top speeds for a stock mini-z can reach 12 mph.[2] A highly modified mini-z can actually surpass 61mph or 99k/h. With a moderately modified mini-z using off the shelf parts, 35mph is achievable[3]. However, given the size of the cars, its scale speed would be equivalent to 980mph. At that speed, it would be impossible to negotiate corners. Most races are won with good cornering techniques rather than speed.
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[edit] Racing
There are many different racing leagues for these cars around the world. In the United States, RCP tracks are the standard in racing surface. The tracks are made from interlocking mats of EVA foam that are about 1/2" thick. They have a two surfaces on each tile; one is rough to allow for high traction and the flip-side is smoother to offer a more challenging racing experience. In Asia and European countries, Ozite-type carpet is a popular surface. There is less traction compared to the RCP, so traction is more difficult to obtain.
The popularity of Mini-Z is partly due to the relatively low cost of the stock car compared to 1/10 scale RC racing and the small space requirement. This is all relative though as a fully adjustable Mini-Z with high power motor, upgraded electronics and radio, suspension and exotic material support parts can easily end up on the expense level of some of the larger scales of RC racing. However, unlike 1/10 scale racing, a moderately modifed mini-z can be fully competitive.
Most mini-z motor are already over powered. Batteries and motor are not the key to winning. This is unlike 1/10 scale racing where is is impossible to win without factory sponsorship that supply batteries that are hand picked from production lot. Driving is a lot more important than equipment. A full scale race course can be set up in the driveway of a home, and with the RCP tracks, it can be taken down in less than 15 minutes with help from a few racers. They are seen as a great way to get into RC racing.
In the United States, the biggest race is the PN RAcing World Cup event. They start with regional races held around the country every year that concludes with the world cup final. It is amazing to watch the best drivers compete in the finals of the higher levels of national and international competition. The speed and size of the car requires high driving skills and quick reaction. Similar to most RC car racing, driving skill is just as important as equipment. Another popular race is the online HFAY racing series. Each local club or individual builds his or her race track using standard RCP track component and post their time on the internet. This innovative racing formal allows racers from different part of the country or even the world to compete in the same event.
Another unique race is the 12 hours LeMans endurance race. One was held in Germany, another in Spain. Teams from all over Europe come to compete. The race includes simulated rain using hand out slick tires as well as night running where the lights are turned off for an hour, and cars drive using its own headlights. Bright headlights and different driving skills are needed. Since Mini-z can be run on a driveway or gararge, larger scale racers have used it as a practice vehicle without having to drive to the track. Skills gained on a Mini-z is transferable to other scale R/C cars.
[edit] Chassis types
- MR-01 (The original Mini-Z)
- MR-02 (Second-generation)
- MR-015 (Latest generation, similar to MR-01 but with integrated servo saver)
- MA-010 (all-wheel-drive version)
- Mini-Z LIT (Compact 1/28th RC car, comparable to a 1/32 scale car)
- F1 (Formula One style open-wheel)
- Overland (SUV/truck type)
- Monster (Monster truck)
- NASCAR Series (I-Series)
[edit] External links
- Kyosho Kyosho web site
