Pinewood Derby Q&A

Pinewood Derby?

ok, I have been challenged by several people to a Pinewood Derby ( the little cars that are like 1 in x 1 in x 7 in ) (both for looks and a race), but I do not have much experiance with this stuff, does anyone have any ideas for a good-looking car and/or a fast car (either one or two dfferent cars) anyone have any tips or designs to help me out? any help is appreciate. Thanks in advance :))

Public Comments

1. Check with your local Cub Scout Pack, they make and race Pinewood Derby cars every year........Nuf Said
2. the heavier it is the faster it goes. be wary, people put weight tubes inside holes and patch up with wood scraps. aka cheat.
3. You need weight in the front for racing it.
4. Well it's pretty easy to build a fast car. If you're using the cub scout balsa block or not, all you have to do is figure out the maximum weight allowed and try to place it over the front wheel well (with as much in front as won't cause the back wheels to come off the track and make the velocity go down. The best thing is hollowing out under the car (or from the top if it interferes with the wheels) and melting lead sheddings into it with a hand held torch. The body design should be similar to a Ferrari but with a slightly taller back end than front (wide long base with a smooth wedge nose and a vertically short base). Use graphite one the wheels prior to racing to reduce friction (spin the wheels a few times after powdering the nails. That's about all it takes. Just keep it simple reduce drag and resistance and keep the weight towards the front. Have fun and good luck.
5. it really depends on what the slope of the track is like. if it's not that slopey then don't add too much weight on ur little derby car. try making the front of ur pinewood derby sharp so it goes faster.
6. I have seen books in the major book stores that will tell you EVERYTHING you need to know about making them. A wedge shape has proven well for us. Like the rest said,,the weight dispacement is key. Sanding down the marks on the nails, rough edges on the wheels. Forget looks, go for SPEED! Good luck!!
7. Depends on the rules. But, generally: The larger the wheels (diameter) the faster it will go. Add lead to a cut out area in the bottom for more speed Add, powder grafite to wheel to axle connection to reduce friction. Shape it like an airplane wing for less wind resistance. You could add a small battery powered fan to push it even faster.