What is a Mini-Z?
Mini-Z is the name of the worldwide popular series of radio-controlled car models in a scale from 1:24 to 1:30. Mini-Z have been produced since 1999 by the Japanese company KYOSHO. At the moment, Mini-Z is a monopolist in its class, the closest competitors to XMODS and iWaver. Mini-Z is a radio-controlled chassis with proportional radio control over 2 channels and a plastic case that copies a real car. A machine measuring 15-18 cm fits in the palm of an adult. The mass of the model is about 190 grams.
Despite its small size, the Mini-Zpossess all the main nodes of large radio-controlled car models. Electronics model allows you to proportionally control the gas and steering wheel. The basic design of the model has a spring suspension and planetary differential. All components and assemblies can be replaced or tuned. At the moment, the Mini-Z lineup is divided into several series: Racer, F1, AWD, Overland, Monster and Lit.
DEVELOPMENT HISTORY Mini-Z
1999 - Mini-Z Racer MR-01
2001 - Mini-Z Racer Formula
2002 - Mini-Z Overland
2003 - Mini-Z Racer MR-02 and Mini-Z Monster
2004 - Mini-Z Racer MR-015
2005 - Mini-Z AWD (MA-010) and Mini-Z Boat
2008 - Mini-Z Racer MR-02 2.4GHz
VARIETIES Mini-Z
Mini-Z Racer is the most massive, affordable and popular subclass of the entire Mini-Z series. It is in this class that most of the competitions in the world are held. For the most part, the Racer is a replica chassis of a sports car made in 1:27 scale.
Kyosho, for the Racer class, annually launches dozens of new bodies, adding to the collection, which already has over a hundred models. The Mini-Z Racer line contains several significantly different types of chassis, which differ from each other by the location of the batteries and the position of the engine relative to the differential axis:
Mini-Z Racer MR-01 is the founder of the entire Mini-Z series. In the sale of the chassis is already difficult to meet, so I will not dwell on the story about it. The first Mini-Z looked as follows:
Mini-Z Racer MR-015 - the series is presented by four different types of chassis with vertically arranged batteries. Sizes: length - from 124.5 to 134 mm; wheelbase - from 86 to 106 mm.
MR-015 MM- the motor is located in front of the differential axis
MR-015 RM - the motor is located behind the differential axis
MR-015 RML - the motor is located behind the differential axis
MR-015 HM - the motor is located above the differential axis
Mini-Z Racer MR-02 - the series is represented by four types of chassis with horizontally located batteries. Due to this arrangement of batteries, the chassis has a lower center of gravity and, accordingly, behaves more stably on the track. Length - from 125 to 133 mm; Wheelbase - from 86 to 98 mm.
MR-02 MM - the motor is located in front of the differential axis at an angle
MR-02 RM - the motor is located behind the differential axis
MR-02LM - the motor is located in front of the differential axis
MR-02 RML - the motor is located behind the differential axis of the
Mini-Z Racer i-Series - models of this series were born in 2007. By design, the i-Series chassis is no different from the MR-015 or MR-02 chassis. Mostly for the i-Series models, they produce Nascar series bodies with electronics, which allows not to slow down the trigger when the trigger is pulled back on the console, but to go back sharply right away.
Mini-Z Racer MR-02 2.4GHz - the models in this series are new in 2008. These models are distinguished by LeMan replica bodies and a brand new electronics operating in the 2.4GHz band. The entire series is based on the MR-02 LM chassis. Models are sold, as a rule, without a remote control. Remote control sold separately.
Mini-Z AWD (MA-010)- all-wheel drive chassis, which is fundamentally different in design from the rear-wheel chassis of the MR-015 and MR-02 series. AWD is available since 2005. With the birth of this chassis, it became possible to take turns in a controlled drift (Drift) on the Mini-Z.
Mini-Z Racer Formula - the series is a copy of the cars of the “royal races” of Formula 1. The chassis of the model is quite unique and dramatically different from the entire Racer series. Due to the fragility of the design and unprotected wheels, it is not advisable to buy a model if you have never held a radio control in your hands. Formula is not a model for beginners. The model is made on a 1:24 scale and has been available since 2002.
Mini-Z Overland- The models in this series are a small copy of off-road vehicles on a scale of 1:28. Due to the design features of the suspension with high ground clearance, Overland can overcome small obstacles. The chassis has rear-wheel drive, and the differential can be locked if necessary. The Overland series has been available since 2002.
Mini-Z Monster -models in this series are SUVs with large wheels, the so-called Big Feet. The scale of the model is 1:30. The Monster rear-wheel chassis is very similar to the Overland chassis, with the exception of the front and rear axle designs. Due to their cross-country ability, models of this class found a large number of fans among fans of Mini-Z. The design of the Mini-Z Monster chassis with a large suspension travel allows you to perform quite spectacular stunts. The series has been produced since 2003.
Mini-Z Lit - models of this series are copies of small cars. The Lit series should not be considered as a sports class. Lit is, in fact, a quality toy.
You can get additional information on the website of the Russian Mini-Z Club