The Kyosho Mini-Z Platform – A Nice Surprise!

The Kyosho 1:27.5 scale hard body Mini-Z racers are a very pleasant surprise. It wasn’t until I tried one that the hook was set. Since then I’ve enjoyed more laps with this palm sized platform than anything else… and it is true – that great things can come in small packages.

The Mini-Z platform is a hit with me for several reasons:

• Entry Cost – at approximately $260 (cdn + tax) the Kyosho Readyset kits (if you can find the one you want) is a wonderful Ready to Run experience – just add 8x AAA NiMh batteries;
• Small Scale – at 1:27.5 (or 1:28 as it is often described) this scale is a wonderful compromise for remote control indoor home racing – now a large room is all the space you need;
• Model Detail – Kyosho with their AutoScale hard bodies have hit a home run with paint, tampo & body detail that rival the best model or slot cars;
• Simplicity of Remote Control – just add ‘AAA’ batteries and turn on – it uses a proprietary FHSS 2.4GHz system and is not compatible with existing ASF/MHS/FHS 2.4GHz systems – but while there is a limit as to how many Mini-Z models can operate at the same time in the same location I can’t imagine ever reaching it unless you are competing in a large event – not in any space I will ever host. Steering wheel, throttle and brake, steering and throttle trim, dual rate steering/throw, LED headlight trim and a beginner training mode are all features of this newest system;
• Model Range – Depending on how much you are willing to spend you can find quite a variety of modern and historical full body/class styles – from a 1965 Porsche Carrera 6 to a current McLaren GTR – but be careful – different body styles require either different chassis (RWD (ie. MR-03) or AWD), different rear ends (MM/LM/RM/HM), different wheelbases (S/M/L/LL/3L/4L) and different wheel widths (N/W) and offsets (ie. -1/0/+1.3/3 etc.). It sounds more complicated than it really is but if you are more focused on road race models then the MR-03(W) LM or MM chassis are a good start – the best out of the box for handling is the MR-03(W) LM;
• Batteries – standard ‘AAA’ batteries give you such a long run time (with stock motor & gearing) that you’ll need the break to change batteries when they do finally empty – and NiMh cells and chargers are dirt cheap and available on Amazon if you can’t find what you want at a local retailer;
• Basic Quality with Performance – you need to try it to believe it – big bang for the buck – but remember that these are still entry level RC plastic models with room for improvement;
• Parts – There are a number of aftermarket parts available for Mini-Z, some offered by Kyosho (LED, Gyro & Suspension kits for instance) and many others from 3rd party manufacturers & distributors. Surprisingly the parts seem quite reasonably priced if you can get them. While quality from 3rd party manufacturers can vary I have not been disappointed by parts from Kyosho;
• Race Anywhere – As long as you have a smooth surface you can race these anywhere. The stock rubber tires offer good grip on any clean, smooth surface;

On the downside availability of certain Readyset kits, finished RTR painted AutoScale shells, and parts is a big issue. It also appears that purchasing a RTR chassis without a body (either with or without the transmitter) is not very economical – so make sure you get a Readyset that you want even if you have to overpay to get it – the extra $ will be well worth the savings or frustration long term.

As with 1:32 slot cars these entry level models were never meant for hard core hobbyists like us – most components are plastic and difficult to modify – but that didn’t stop us with 1:32 RTR slot cars – and look where we’ve got to with those – so why should this?

These may not appeal to the nut and bolt 1:24 hardcore slotters, nor slotters in general and that’s just fine with me.

3D resin printing and the ability to print in 1:28 scale might offer an endless bounty for those of us wanting to explore such possibilities.

And then there are all those 1:24 scale models by Tamiya, Hasegawa, Fujimi (and others) complete with decals and wheels for 2mm axles – begging to be mated to a Mini-Z chassis!

Myself I see a future filled with accurate endurance sportscar models – all using this fabulous small R/C platform!