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Pinewood Derby Times
Volume 9, Issue 1
October 7, 2009

In this Edition:

- Editor's Notes

- Feature Article - Advice to the Beginner - Keep it Simple

- Humor

- Product Showcase

- Car Showcase

- Memory - Outlaw Race is a Winner

- Q&A

Editor's Notes

Welcome to the New Pinewood Derby Season
Another summer has passed us by and it is pinewood derby season again. I'm really excited about the new season, as we have developed some great new products to help you be successful in your upcoming race. Some of our new products are:

  • Tungsten Canopy - A slick way to weight your car and make it look sharp at the same time. This 3.5 ounce tungsten canopy has a touch of nickel to give it a nice chrome-like appearance. A 1/2 inch stud on the bottom of the canopy makes it easy to mount it on your car.


  • Car Plans 6 - A new booklet of car plans to help you build a great car.


  • New Car Kits - The Predator, Exterminator, Raptor, and Coupe are all available to give you speed and style.


  • Pinstriping and Wheel Covers - Pinstriping is now available to give your car a fast look. Also, the popular Aluminum Wheel Covers have returned.


  • New Tools - A Digital Pocket Scale, a handy Pin Vise, and a Wheel Accuracy Gauge are all available to help you build that special car.


  • Upgraded Propeller Car - It's back, and faster than ever.
To see all of the new items, please Click Here

The Exterminator Car Kit is on sale for newsletter subscribers. For more information, please Click Here

Inventory Clearance Sale
We have several items on Inventory Clearance. Supplies are limited so make sure to get these discounted products before they are gone!

Can We Help?
If we can help you in any way with your pinewood derby project, or if you have any feedback regarding this newsletter, please contact us at: info@maximum-velocity.com
Finish Line Judge for Sale
Our church group upgraded to a Microwizard timer, so we have a finish line detector available for sale.

Click Here for Photo

This finish line was offered by Awana many years ago. Although the unit is labled for lane colors (red, blue, green, yellow) it could easily be relabeled for lane numbers

The unit is fully functional. It provides 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place results on a remote module. It does not have timer capability. Details are below. The price is $25 plus shipping. If you are interested in purchasing, or want further details, please give me a call at 623-587-9261.

Lanes: 4 Lane Spacing: 3-3/8 inch center to center

Includes:
  • Bridge with connector to sensor board

  • Sensor Board (mounted under the track)

  • Remote Module

  • Power unit (connects to remote module)

  • Ribbon cable (conects sensor board to remote module)
This would make a great unit for a group that is currently using human judging.

Upcoming
Raingutter Regatta or Space Derby?

If you have an upcoming Raingutter Regatta and would like some speed tips, decals, or extra kits, please visit us at Raingutter Regatta - World Class Boats. Our booklet, "World Class Boats", provides many techniques and tips for getting the most speed out of the standard BSA design, and also shows how to build the super fast Catamaran and Hydrofoil. These boats are so fast, they have been banned from some races!

We also can help with your Space Derby project at Spaceship Derby - Soar to the Finish!. Our booklet, "Soar to the Finish", provides you with all the speed tips you need to build a super fast space ship.

Feature Article

Advice to the Beginner - Keep it Simple

(Originally published in Volume 5, Issue 8 - January 11, 2006)

Introduction
Countless times I have had the following phone conversation: "Hi, my son just got a pinewood derby kit, but when we opened it all we found was a block of wood, four wheels, and some nails. What the heck are we supposed to do with it? I expected it to have a car that looked like the photo on the box!"

It can be very daunting to participate in your first pinewood derby race. The event demands some woodworking skill, some understanding of physics, and access to basic tools and supplies. For many people one, two, or three of these requirements are missing.

So, let me share some advice for those of you that are participating in your first race.

Car Body
Unless you have some experience with woodworking and the tools of the trade, then I suggest going with a basic wedge-type design. Not only is it a simple shape to cut, it also simplifies sanding and finishing. All that is needed to build a wedge is a saw and a hand drill. If you are missing these items, then you can purchase wedges already cut and drilled from several sources.1

I recommend recessing weight into the car body. With a wedge, the easiest way to do this is to glue lead wire 2, in holes drilled into the car (see the next section). Holes drilled into the side or back of the car can be covered with wood plugs or with wood filler before finishing.

Note that on many kits - including BSA kits - one axle slot is closest to the end of the block. I recommend using that closest slot as the rear slot (the opposite of the car pictured on the BSA kit box).

Weight And Placement
To ensure that the car performs well, you will need to add weight to bring the completed car to the maximum weight (usually 5 ounces). An easy weight to use is lead wire. This product is 3/8 inch in diameter and can be easily cut into pieces and reshaped. Note that this product is not typically available in hobby shops, but is available from some on-line stores. Generally, you will need between 2.5 and 3 ounces of weight for a wedge-shaped car.

On most tracks, best performance is attained by locating the added weight towards the rear of the car. For a wedge-shaped car, a good rule of thumb is to place 1/3 of the added weight behind the rear axle, 1/3 just in front of the rear axle, and the final 1/3 about 1-1/2 inches in front of the rear axle.

Car Finish
If you are unfamiliar with painting models, and you are making a simple shape (like a wedge), then consider using a Body Skin.3 These full body decals work well on simple cars.

If you decide to paint, then consider using Acrylic hobby paints. They generally work well and clean up with water. Avoid getting paint in the axle slots - use masking tape to cover the slots.

Wheels
Although the wheels can be used directly from the box, some preparation is recommended. This includes sanding the tread surface and inside edge (with the wheel mounted on a wheel mandrel and spinning on a drill), squaring or coning the inside wheel hub, and polishing the bore. Tools are available from on-line stores to assist in these preparation steps.4 As an alternative, prepped wheels are available from many on-line stores.5 Just make sure to check your local rules to find out what is allowed/disallowed in your race.

Axles
If your kit uses nail-type axles, then you certainly want to remove the flaws by placing the nail in the chuck of a drill, point first, and then applying a small file to the spinning axle. Next, polish the axles with fine grit, wet sandpaper, and/or other polishing materials.6 As in the case of wheels, prepped axles are also available from many sites.7

Lubricant
The wheels and axles must be lubricated. Unless restricted by your local rules, go with graphite. It is the number one lube used, and is readily available.8 Be sure to work the graphite into the wheel hub by spinning a wheel on an axle multiple times. To keep your car clean, and to ensure a thorough lube job, I recommend lubricating the wheels and axles before attaching them to the car.

Final Assembly
Mount the wheels and axles onto the car by inserting the axles into the axle slots or axle holes. The Pro-Axle Guide 9 is available to greatly simplify this step.

The wheel hub to car body gap should be about 30 thousandths of an inch. The Pro-Axle Guide has a built in gap gauge, and other gap gauges are available. But in a pinch, you can use a standard credit card as a gap gauge. Just place the credit card against the side of the car, and insert the axle until the inside wheel hub is snug against the credit card. Then remove the card.

With axle slots, the axles will need to be glued in place (a dab of white glue spread over the exposed axles works well - just keep the glue away from the wheels). However, before gluing the axles in place, check and adjust the alignment of the car (see Volume 5, Issue 6 - Wheel Alignment: Make It Straight!).

Conclusion
I hope that this break-down of the car building steps will ease your mind as you build your first car. Just remember, take your time, make sure your child is fully involved, and enjoy the process. Good luck!

1Pre-Cut Kits
2Lead Wire
3Body Skins
4Specialty Tools
5BSA Speed Wheels
6Axle Polishing
7BSA Speed Axles
8Lubricant
9Pro-Axle Guide


Humor

Jake is struggling through a bus station with two huge and obviously heavy suitcases when a stranger walks up to him and asks "Have you got the time?"

Jake sighs, puts down the suitcases and glances at his wrist. "It's a quarter to six," he says.

"Hey, that's a pretty fancy watch!" exclaims the stranger.

Jake brightens a little. "Yeah, it's not bad. It's an invention of mine I've been working on. Check this out" - and he shows him a time zone display not just for every time zone in the world, but for the 86 largest metropolises.

He hits a few buttons and from somewhere on the watch a voice says "The time is eleven 'til six" in a very West Texas accent. A few more buttons and the same voice says something in Japanese. Jake continues "I've put in regional accents for each city". The display is unbelievably high quality and the voice is simply astounding.

The stranger is struck dumb with admiration. "That's not all", says Jake. He pushes a few more buttons and a tiny but very high- resolution map of New York City appears on the display. "The flashing dot shows our location by satellite positioning," explains Jake.

"Zoom out", Jake says, and the display changes to show all of eastern New York state.

"I want to buy this watch!" says the stranger.

"Oh, no, it's not ready for sale yet; I'm still working out the bugs", says the inventor.

"But look at this", and he proceeds to demonstrate that the watch is also a very creditable little FM radio receiver with a digital tuner, a sonar device that can measure distances up to 125 meters, a pager with thermal paper printout and, most impressive of all, the capacity for voice recordings of up to 300 standard- size books, "though I only have 32 of my favorites in there so far" says Jake.

"I've got to have this watch!", says the stranger.

"No, you don't understand; it's not ready..."

"I'll give you $1,000 for it!"

"Oh, no, I've already spent more than..."

"I'll give you $5,000 for it!"

"But it's just not..."

"I'll give you $15,000 for it!" And the stranger pulls out a checkbook.

Jake stops to think. He's only put about $8,500 into materials and development, and with $15,000 he can make another one and have it ready for merchandising in only six months. The stranger frantically finishes writing the check and waves it in front of him.

"Here it is, ready to hand to you right here and now. $15,000. Take it or leave it."

Jake abruptly makes his decision. "Okay", he says, and peels off the watch.

They make the exchange and the stranger starts happily away.

"Hey, wait a minute", calls Jake after the stranger, who turns around warily.

Jake points to the two suitcases he'd been trying to wrestle through the bus station.

"Don't forget your batteries."


Product Showcase

    Exterminator Car Kit    
$5.00 off

Inspired by a car built by Kurt Aslett, one of our customers, the Exterminator is a "wicked" looking car that will catch the eye of the spectators and judges alike. With the right wheels and axles, some lube and alignment, this car will scream down the track!

The car chassis is based on an official BSA block, and the car meets BSA specifications for height, width, length, axle slot separation, and underbody clearance. An underbody weight pocket exists to hold the tungsten weight needed to bring the car to 5 ounces.

The kit includes a pre-assembled car body (the rear center canopy is shipped unattached), tungsten weight, window material, and instructions. Wheels and axles are not included, so use the wheels and axles supplied by your club or order them separately.

The finished car in the photo was built up with "Bondo" car body filler, and then painted. A paint mask was used for the black details.

Until October 20, 2009, you can purchase an Exterminator Car Kit for $4.00 off the regular price. To take advantage of this limited time offer, Click Here.


Car Showcase

Speed Racer: Mike McBride


I have dozens of cars, some built for speed some just to look at. This car was designed after the Speed Racer Mach 5. It has not been raced yet. It is wider than BSA specs, but will be raced in a modified class that we do with our church's men's group every year.

Winged Rail: Rick Ellis


This car raced in our church's 2009 Awana Grand Prix. It got the award for best workmanship and finished fourth for speed in the Open Division. It weighed exactly 5.00 ounces on the entry scale and has three wheelson the ground. This was my second derby. I took first in the Open Division last year and second overall. I don't mind finishing fourth as I helped build the other three cars.

Commodore Outlaw: Bill Klingler



This car is radio controlled, and will cover the track in a bit over a second. I can run it fast or slow. I can also throw it into reverse and back it up the track. It's great fun to stop it on the track, wait for a gravity car to pass, and then do a burn-out and pass the other car.

The electronics are from the Losi Mini-T RC car. The motor is an upgraded one over the one that comes with the Mini-T, and the drivetrain is built from slot car parts. It uses a 7.2V Nickel Metal hydride battery. The body is from a car kit.

Share your car with our readers!

Do you have a car you would like to 'show off' to our readers? If so, send us a photo of your car along with a brief description of any special features. Also, please include your full name. If selected, we will include the photo and description in this newsletter.Please e-mail photos to:
info@maximum-velocity.com.

Photos must be sent by e-mail in JPG format (minimum size of 640x480, maximum size of 1280 x 960). Please shoot photos from the front left of the car, similar to the orientation of this car:


Send only one photo per car, unless an additional photo is needed to adequately show a feature. Also, only one car per subscriber per year please. Thanks!


Pinewood Derby Memory

Outlaw Race is a Winner

At last year's derby we had so many families hanging out after the race having a good time that we thought next year we'd add an "Outlaw Race" open to anyone. The only rules were that the car had to fit on the track, not damage it, and not interfere with any other racer.

We had a great turnout with all kinds of outlaw cars. We had brother racing sister, parents vs. kids, grandparents vs. grandkids, and Cubmaster vs. everyone! Everyone was very pleased with all the competition and are anxiously waiting for next year’s race.

I entered my car, the 10 ounce "Dragonator". The car beat other cars that weighed 2 pounds or more!! And after all the years of helping my own son build cars, this was the first time we'd won anything. Needless to say my boy was a bit jealous of my Outlaw trophy which is proudly displayed in my gameroom.

For next year's Outlaw race the gauntlet has been laid down and challenges made from all.

Thanks for putting on a great site with good information.

Rick Wold
Pack 457, Covina, CA.

Share Your Pinewood Derby Memory!
I am sure there are many stories to share. Please jot down your humorous, unusual, sad, or heart-warming pinewood derby tale and send it to: info@maximum-velocity.com

If your memory is used, you will receive a $10 coupon in May of 2010.

Don't worry about literary polish. We will edit as needed. Also, please read our Submission Policy


Q&A

Hey, we just ordered a Pro-Body Tool II, but it doesn't fit over the BSA Pinewood Derby block. It's a few microns too narrow and it just won't fit. What do I do?

The BSA blocks vary a bit in size -- some are too big, and some too small. If the block is too big, then sand a little bit off of one side to get the tool to fit. If the block is too small, then insert paper on one side to tighten up the fit.

How do you keep graphite from getting all over the car when you’re lubing it up? My son had a sweet looking car until he put graphite on it, and it got all over the car and ruined the paint job.

I recommend lubricating the wheels and axles before mounting them on the car. Make sure to wipe off any excess lube before mounting.

Is it better to have a smaller or larger wheel bore?

Generally, the smaller bore is better, as it has a better fit to the axle, and the distance around the bore is smaller (less surface to contact the axle per revolution).

Do You Have Questions that Need Answers?
Do you have a pinewood derby-related question? If so, send your question to: info@maximum-velocity.com. We answer all questions by e-mail, but not every question will appear in the Q&A section of the newsletter.


Back Issues

Are you a new subscriber, or have you missed some of the previous newsletters? Don't miss out! All of the issues for Volume 5 through Volume 9 are posted on our web site and can be found using our Newsletter Index.

Issues from Volumes 1 to 4 are available in four formatted documents, ready for immediate download. To find out more, Click Here.



Newsletter Contributions

We welcome your contributions! If you would like to contribute an article, a web site review, or a speed tip, please send it to: info@maximum-velocity.com.

Please read our submission policy.


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The Pinewood Derby Times is a free e-newsletter focused on the Pinewood Derby. It is published bi-weekly from October through April.

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Randy Davis, Editor, Pinewood Derby Times
E-Mail: info@maximum-velocity.com


Copyright ©2009, Randy Davis. All rights reserved. Please do not reprint or place this newsletter on your web site without explicit permission. However, if you like this newsletter we grant permission, and encourage you to e-mail it to a friend.

The author disclaims any personal loss or liability caused by utilization of any information presented in this newsletter.

The Pinewood Derby Times is not specific to, and is not affiliated with the Boy Scouts, YMCA, Awana, or any other organization.

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