Informational Web Links - There
are several web sites on the Internet offering construction tips and specialty tools. Remember, every participant of
a Cub Scout Pinewood Derby must use the pinewood block, wheels and axles from the Grand Prix kit only sold
at authorized BSA Scout shops.
The Pinewood Derby Car events have become an industry in recent
years. Many different organizations utilize pinewood derby races for similar child development goals. As a
result, construction rules and guidelines vary widely. This is exactly the reason for placing heavy emphasis on
the traditional Cub Scout Grand Prix kit and restricted construction rules.
One of the best "basic" car building web sites is by PineCar. PineCar
offers several "How-To" videos that can help anyone through the construction process. Just remember that the basic
parts used in these videos are the sold by PineCar. Tools and accessories from many vendors are acceptable
as long as they do not perform a task that could disqualify your car. PineCar tools and accessories are
found in many hobby shops.
PineCar Videos Link
(click on the Utube link for all videos)
Pine Car Videos - A Fast Car -Part 1 through Part 4.
Discussions on topics not allowed:
Video Part 1 of 4 - Very good video. One point. Do not purchase
a pre-carved block. Obviously, this virtually negates the adult-son team experience. Remember that the pinewood
block, wheels and axles are not Official BSA equipment. These three items must be BSA equipment.
Video Part 2 of 4 - Very good video on working with the axles.
Disallowed: Notching the axle and curving the heads of each axle. One can still work the burs off the inside
of the axle heads without curving.
Video Part 3 of 4 - Sanding and polishing is highly recommended.
However, remember that the wheel tread must remain flat with the BSA markings intact. The Hubs cannot be coned, as appears
in the video. However, sanding the edge of the hub is recommended but not to the point of altering the original shape
of the hub substantially.
Video Part 4 of 4. Very good recommendations about fine tuning
the car.
Speciality Tools
A large selection of specialty tools are available on the market. These
tools are sold through third party vendors. Some of these vendors have displays in your local Hobby or Crafts Shops,
for instance, PineCar. Most all of these vendors are found on the internet. If you shop via Internet,
please consider the usual precautions when using a credit/debt card online. Use of many of the racing tips,
tools and parts available will disqualify the Grand Prix Pinewood Derby car if used. Always
consider the District construction rules before purchasing a tool or considering speed tips.
Below are a few tools that I found interesting. Application
of the tools below should be in conformance with the construction rules. Use your web search
engine to find these type of specialty tools.
Wheel Mandrel
- A wheel mandrel is used to safely hold a wheel for placement in the chuck of a drill. The wheel can then be sanded and polished
while spinning.
Axle-Hole Guide Tool - An Axle-to-Body tool is a drilling guide for creating axle holes, or for creating pilot holes in existing axle slots.
This can improve the alignment of the car.
Axle Guide Tool - This
tool helps ensure accurate mounting of axles. It also sets the proper gap between the wheel hub and car body. The proper gap
minimizes car wandering and reduces friction between the body and wheels.
| Axle Guide Tool |
|
Wheel Shaver Tool
- Helps round the outer tread of the wheels without removing the wheel markings. It also trues the inside edge of the
wheel by removing molding marks and excess material. (A mini-lathe)
Axle Press Tool - The Pro-Axle Press straightens and rounds the axle shafts on nail-type axles. It also squares the
axle head to the axle shaft.
| Axle Press Tool |
|
Notes:
One should be able to find these special tools on an Internet search
engine. There are many other tools available. Be sure not to choose a tool that may disqualify a car.
* the above picture examples are courtesy of maximum-velocity
|
