A long time coming but they have arrived! Let’s get right to it shall we?

I simply made a video series covering these models. Please click on the videos below.

So I do think they are well done on the outside. Very eye appealing and capture the Legends very well.

The size of the models is meaningless to me. They fit on 1/32 track nicely. Those that are so particular on scale and classes? Well, if you are…then what else would you run them against? So, they will run together as designed. For me, utilizing the common standard wheels, axles, gearing sizes was more important than scale/size. It was a smart move.

On tires.

These are just my choices on tires. Run your favorite as usual.

Now time for the track!

As you can see, they run just fine right out of the box. Even non-magnet on wood. I’m happy. Not perfect, but we have potential.

As mentioned in the video, there are some things I just don’t care for. Among the guide being so loose, (which it is quite bad) the bushing to axle fit is equally bad. On most of our ready to run models, the bushings have a slightly larger inside diameter due to the knurling of the axle ends. The larger diameter allows them to be slipped over the axle.

But the axles here are smooth and no real reason for it. The knurling for the spur gear would not prevent the use of a more precise bushing. A shame really. It causes bad vibration and chatter for us non-magnet users. We deal with this on lower cost, mass produced models, but I expected more from Pioneer. Especially given all the years they had to create it.

But for collectors, who is the main market for Pioneer, not an issue. For the casual racer on plastic with the magnets,  not an issue. Yet, there are a few of us left who do appreciate more precision where it is easily applied with no extra cost. 

I am still happy with the models, because they are not that bad and refreshingly DIFFERENT. That is a lot more than I can say for other brands these days as they simply keep rehashing the same, tired old molds we have had for years.

Here is a few modifications I performed that helped the performance. Remember, this is MY approach to achieve the performance I like.

A quick how-to on addressing the front axle and guide. This is just for those of you who like to tinker. 

If you want to go further, here is our video on after-market guide installation.

And there you have it. Again, just very pleased to finally see these models released. I am sure they will be a huge success and hopefully we will see more releases in the series soon.

-Harry

Thank you Pioneer for supporting HRW and all slot car enthusiasts.