Pinewood Derby Times Newsletter Volume 9 Issue 2

Pinewood Derby Times
Volume 9, Issue 2
October 21, 2009
In this Edition:

- Editor's Notes

- Feature Article - New Cub Scout Pinewood Derby Wheels

- Humor

- Shop Talk - Measuring for Success

- Product Showcase

- Car Showcase

- Q&A

Editor's Notes

Big News for
Cub Scout Pinewood Derby Racing BSA has introduced new wheels for their pinewood derby kit. Today's feature article discusses the new wheels, comparing them with the older version. Starting today, Maximum Velocity is offering the new wheels Here, while the older version wheels are continuing to be offered on our Inventory Clearance Page.

New Column Starts Today The Pinewood Derby Times is introducing a new column entitled "Shop Talk". The column will discuss shop techniques, and will appear in every other issue. The first installment is in today's newsletter and covers measuring techniques.

Customer Feedback From Dean Payne: In response to the question in the Q&A section of the latest Pinewood Derby Times relating to how to prevent graphite from ruining your paint, I came up with a solution to that a few years ago that works pretty well. After spending a lot of time creating a really cool car, I too had this very thing happen to me. I found that even if you lube the axles and wheels before assembling, I still got graphite on the paint that would not come off.

What I do now is wax the finished car with auto wax (Turtle Wax) before attaching the wheels. If any graphite gets on the car body after being waxed, it simply blows or wipes right off without sticking to the paint. As far as the wax goes, I haven't seen any drop in performance after using this technique. In fact, I am the Family Division reigning champ and Pack overall fastest car four years running (thanks to your wonderful site and products).

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

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.

Craft Wood and Metal

We offer basswood and balsa wood, along with our craft metal products at Maximum Hobby.

Basswood is a smooth grained softwood that is great for adding detail to a pine block. For example, we use basswood for the top plate in our Stealth Kit. It can also be used for making fenders, wings, cockpits, etc.

Feature Article

New Cub Scout Pinewood Derby Wheels

If you follow pinewood derby racing, then you will have heard rumors that BSA is changing the wheels in their Cub Scout Grand Prix Pinewood Derby kit. These rumors started many months ago with an occasional sighting of these reclusive wheels. But in recent weeks, the wheels have become widely available, at least in the replacement wheel packs.

Today, we will take a look at the new wheels, and compare them with the previous wheels. Also, for race leaders we'll discuss how these new wheels will affect your race.¹

New Wheel Specifications
Regardless of the rationale by BSA for creating new wheels (likely cost), the mold designers stayed true to the older design, and did a truly nice job on the molds. The new wheels look very much like the older wheels, but (so far) tend to be more accurate than their predecessors.

Photo comparison of Old and New Wheel
Outside From the outside, the only obvious differences are the slight font change on the raised lettering, the change from the trademark insignia (TM) to the registered trademark insignia (R), and the addition of a recessed ring in the outer hub. This recessed ring is likely counterproductive to performance, as it will change the contact point with a beveled axle head, resulting in more braking torque.²

Inside The changes on the inside of the wheel are more apparent. In addition to the font change for the raised lettering, the inner hub is reduced in diameter and coned, and the tread is slightly thinner. These latter changes result in a wheel with less weight (better performance).

Tread Surface Yes, the mold mark on the tread surface is gone. This is welcome news as less work is needed to prepare a wheel, and the wheels tend to run truer out of the box.³

Comparison With Old Wheels
So, how do the new wheels compare with the old wheels? The basic measurements are shown in the following table. But in summary, the new wheels are lighter, smaller in diameter, and generally more accurate.

All measurements (except weight) are in inches, and are typical numbers.

Mold Comparison
Are there differences in the various molds that produce the wheels? Yes, there is variation, but not as substantial as with the old wheels. The table below gives a comparison of the sixteen mold number.

Notes on measurements:

Measurements made in August of 2009. Ten wheels from each mold were randomly selected from 2,000 wheels. The wheels were examined and the results averaged.

In general, all of the wheels are good - much better than the previous wheel version. The difference between the Excellent, Good, and Okay ratings is a few thousandths of an inch.

The bore size on all mold numbers measured within one thousandth of an inch.

For Race Leaders
Race leaders need to be aware that these wheels will affect your race in several ways.

Rules Many packs use rules that are very specific as to the treatment that can be applied to wheels. One common rule is a minimum diameter of 1.180. Given that the new wheels are typically 1.184 in OD out of the box, even a tiny amount of tread sanding/polishing will reduce the diameter to less than 1.180. So this minimum diameter number should be reduced to (for example) 1.170 to accommodate the new wheels.

Some packs regulate wheel weight. Obviously, the lower weighted wheel will require a change to the minimum wheel weight.

Finally, some packs do not allow the inner hub to be coned. Since the new wheels come coned out of the box, this rule will need to be changed.

Car Performance As of this writing, the pinewood derby kits are generally shipping with the older wheels, while replacement sets are generally shipping with the new wheels⁴, so it is very likely that some cars will be entered in your race with the old wheels, and others with the new wheels. Due to the better accuracy and the lower wheel weight, out of the box the new wheels will generally outperform the older wheels. Therefore, if both wheel types are allowed in the same race, the cars with the newer wheels will have an advantage.

So, a decision must be made at the appropriate level (pack, district, or council) as to whether to require the old wheels, the newer wheels, or run a two-class race (or ignore the issue and let the chips fall where they may). As a side note, if you are entering a car in a race that allows the new wheels, then you certainly want to use them.

Summary
Change is inevitable, and the transition is not always smooth. The new wheels will require a carefully thought out transition during the coming season. If you are involved in running a race, make sure to consider how you will accommodate the new wheels. If you are racing a car then make sure to know the local rules regarding the new wheels, and then use them if you can.

¹There is also a rumor that the axle nails are changing, the difference being that the new axles are shorter. However, in all of the new sets we have received, the axles are unchanged. So, if and when we see an axle change, we will let you know the specifics.

²To resolve this issue, DerbyWorx is removing the recessed ring on their machined wheels.

³The mold mark on the tread is replaced with three small mold marks on the inside of the wheel. These can be seen in the photo showing the inside of the wheel.

⁴But be aware that old and new wheels can be found mixed in a tube of replacement wheels, and will likely be mixed in the kits as well.

Humor

A guy is driving around and he sees a sign in front of a house: "Talking Dog For Sale."

He rings the bell, and the owner tells him the dog is in the backyard. The guy goes around the house and into the backyard and sees a handsome Labrador Retriever sitting there.

"You talk?" he asks.

"Yep," the Lab replies.

"So, what's your story?"

The Lab looks up and says, "Well, I discovered that I could talk when I was pretty young, and I wanted to help the government; so I told the CIA about my gift, and in no time at all they had me jetting from country to country, sitting in rooms with spies and world leaders, because no one figured a dog would be eavesdropping.

I was one of their most valuable spies for eight years running. But the jetting around really tired me out, and I knew I wasn't getting any younger so I wanted to settle down. I signed up for a job at the airport to do some undercover security work, mostly wandering near suspicious characters and listening in. I uncovered some incredible dealings and was awarded a batch of medals. I got married, had a mess of puppies, and now I'm just retired."

The guy is amazed. He goes back in and asks the owner what he wants for the dog.

"Ten dollars", says the owner.

The guy says, "This dog is amazing! Why on earth are you selling him so cheap?"

"Because he's a liar. He didn't do any of that stuff."

Shop Talk

Measuring for Success

Making a pinewood derby car calls for a number of measurements, and marking several cut lines and drilling marks. Although this seems like a simple part of building the car, making accurate measurements quickly and repeatedly takes some practice, the knowledge of a few tips, and the proper tools.

Today, we'll focus on measurement tips; tools will be discussed in a future Shop Talk.

Making A Measurement
A typical measurement for a pinewood derby car is measuring off the bottom of the block for drilling weight holes in the side or back of the car. Let’s say you want to measure 7/16 inch off the bottom to locate a weight hole. Where do you start the measurement from? Typically, one would align the end of the ruler on the bottom of the block, and then make a mark at the 7/16 inch tick mark. This will work, but it is not necessarily accurate for several reasons. First, the end of the ruler (especially on an inexpensive ruler) is not precisely ground. Second, ruler ends are often a bit chewed up. Finally, it can be awkward to align and hold the end of a ruler on the edge of the block.

A more accurate technique is to align one of the inch marks (typically the 1 inch mark) with the edge of the block, then make the pencil mark at 1-7/16 inches. This will work for any measuring or marking task. But if you are measuring, make sure to subtract one inch to get the correct measurement.

Figure 1 - Making a 7/16 inch Measurement
Drawing A Horizontal Line
Let’s say that you want a pinewood derby car to be 7/16 inch thick. Sounds easy; just measure 7/16 up the side, draw a line, and cut. But there are a couple of ways to do this, depending on the accuracy needed. If you don't need any significant amount of accuracy (e.g., a line is needed for a rough cut), then an easy way to draw the line is to measure at one spot on the block, then use your fingers to guide the drawing of the line. Just place the pencil at the marked location, place the tip of your middle finger along the side of the block, lock your fingers in place and draw.

Figure 2 - Finger Method
With a little practice, this will result in a reasonably accurate line. If you need to repeat the line (other side of the block, or a different block), just keep your fingers locked and keep drawing.

For a more accurate line, measure at two points on the block, place the pencil tip at one of the marks, slide a ruler against the pencil lead, align the ruler with the other mark, and then draw. If the ruler is firmly held in place, then this will result in a quite accurate line.

Figure 3 - Two Point Method
An even more accurate way to draw horizontal lines will be discussed in the next Shop Talk.

Drawing A Center Line
Oftentimes a horizontal line is needed down the dead center of the block. This is useful when drilling weight holes on the bottom of the block. Either of the previously mentioned methods can be used, however, since blocks are not always exactly 1-3/4 inches wide, another method can be used to get more accuracy.

Using the Two Point Method, instead of measuring 7/8 inch from one side of the block, place one of the inch marks on the ruler at the approximate center of the block. We'll use the 3 inch mark on a 6 inch ruler, but it can be any inch mark. Then adjust the ruler so that the 2 and 4 inch marks extend off the block the same distance. Make a pencil mark at the 3 inch mark, which will be the center of the block.

Figure 4 - Locating the Center
Repeat this technique at another spot on the block, and then connect the two marks.

Product Showcase

Snap-Off Tungsten Plates
$5.00 off

Snap-off Tungsten Plates have score lines to allow you to adjust the size of the plate - just save the removed segments for another car. Snap-off Tungsten Plates work great in the following situations:

Your car is low on weight, and you want to add weight towards the rear of the car without creating holes or pockets.

You want to design a very thin car, which precludes the use of thicker weighting material.

You want to create a car with a very low center of gravity. Since this tungsten plate is generally mounted on the bottom of the car, the center of gravity will be lower than usual.

Each Snap-off Tungsten Plates weighs 1-1/2 ounces, and measures just over 1/16 inch thick, approximately 2-7/8 inches long, and 3/4 inch wide (1.85 mm x 72.7 mm x 19.5 mm). Each plate is scored into one-1/2 ounce section, three-1/4 ounce sections, and two-1/8 ounce sections. The plates can either be screwed or glued to the bottom of the car.

Until November 3, 2009, you can purchase Snap-Off Tungsten Plates for $2.00 off the regular price. To take advantage of this limited time offer, Click Here.

Car Showcase

iPod Jeep: Jeff Jouett

This was my oldest son Jack's final Pinewood Derby and he wanted something different. The result is the red car. It did play, though not loud enough unless you were right next to it.

Darth Vader: Dan Blythe

Attached is our Darth Vader car my seven year old and I created. I have experimented over the years with paint and making my own decals using pictures off of the Internet, magazines, etc. I give them some special backgrounds and highlights on the computer and then print them on adhesive backed label paper.

The boys pick out the theme, help with the painting, and pick from a variety of decals and where they want them placed on the car. I put it all together with them and teach them some speed tricks along the way.

Music on Wheels: Bruce Edney

My eight year old granddaughter inspired me when she asked me to make a "guitar" pinewood derby car. She sketched a concept and I designed the car based on my old Martin Ukulele that I had on my shelf since high school. The car's Ukulele is a one-third scale model using Myrtlewood and Purpleheart. The strings are monofilament fish leader. The frets and tuning knobs are brass rod. I finished off the design with piano music copied from a music book and glued to the car body. She named the car, appropriately, "Music on Wheels". The car won first place in the "Show" class at WIRL in November 2008.

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!

Q&A

Any suggestions on the best way to make stars for the Wedge Turbo?

Cutting them from the printout onto a strip of pinstriping is nearly impossible.

Here are a couple of alternatives to cutting them from pinstriping:

Look for a sheet of star stickers at a hobby or craft store.

A good craft store should have a punch that creates stars (scrapbooking section). You could then punch them out of sticker material.

When I try to apply graphite to the wheels, it seems like nothing is coming out of the bottle. If I unscrew the top and clean it out, screw the top back on, and then tap the top of the bottle on a hard surface, I can get some graphite to come out, but I am not sure if tapping on the wheels with the bottle is a good idea because I don't want to push the axles out of alignment. Is it always like this with graphite, or did I just get a bottle that doesn't have a wide enough opening on the top?

Graphite isn't supposed to come out too fast, but it is possible that the bottle you have has too narrow of an openning.

What I do is tap the bottom of the bottle on a work surface (to get all of the graphite at the bottom), and then turn it over and squeeze. This lets the air inside puff out some graphite. If you tap the top, it kind of jams the graphite into the opening which makes it harder to get out.

You can certainly open up the neck a little with a pin or drill bit.

It you get too much out, just dump it off of the wheel. After each application spin the wheels a few times. This works in the graphite and sheds any excess from the wheel bore.

We purchased a set of the Pro-Stock BSA wheels, and we have not modified them at all. When I roll them down an incline (not mounted on the car), they roll to the outside with a defection of 3.5" over a distance of 20". All four deflect nearly exactly the same amount.

Should I try to sand the outside edge to make them flat or should I leave them the way they are.

BSA wheels are not symmetrical. They are heavier on the spoke side and lighter on the inside. So, they will tend to pull towards the spoke side when rolled down a level incline.

Of course, once the weight of the car is applied, the load tends to even out across the tread surface.

So no, you don't want to try to change the tread surface.

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.

®Maximum Velocity! is a registered trademark of Maximum Velocity! Pinewood Derby Products.
Pinewood Derby, and Space Derby are registered trademarks of Boys Scouts of America. All other names are trademarks of their respective owners.

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