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Pinewood derby: Difference between revisions
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== History == | == History == | ||
Cubmaster [[Ron Murphy (Cubmaster)|Ron Murphy]] organized the first pinewood derby, which was raced on [[May 15]], [[1953]] in Manhattan Beach, California, by Pack 280C. Murphy's son was too young to participate in the popular [[Soap Box Derby]] races, so he came up with the idea of racing miniature wood cars. | Cubmaster [[Ron Murphy (Cubmaster)|Ron Murphy]] organized the first pinewood derby, which was raced on [[May 15]], [[1953]] in Manhattan Beach, California, by Pack 280C. Murphy's son was too young to participate in the popular [[Soap Box Derby]] races, so he came up with the idea of racing miniature wood cars. The cars had the same gravity-powered concept as the full-size Soap Box Derby cars, but were much smaller and easier to build. | ||
In the 1980s, the design of the block was changed from a cutout block, consistent with a 1940's style front-engined [[Indy 500]] car, to a solid block. The tires were also changed from narrow, hard plastic, to wider "slicks". Blocks can be [[whittling|whittled]] with a hand knife, but this is considered dangerous for young boys. It is usually better for a trained adult to use a [[band saw]] or [[Dremel]] carving tool for major shaping. [[Decal]]s can be bought at scout shops or hobby shops. It is also possible to use standard model decals to replicate actual racing cars such as [[Richard Petty]]'s 1970 [[Plymouth Superbird]], shown at right. The original style is based on open wheel cars, however, fender or body kits are available, or wheels can simply be placed outboard of the body. | In the 1980s, the design of the block was changed from a cutout block, consistent with a 1940's style front-engined [[Indy 500]] car, to a solid block. The tires were also changed from narrow, hard plastic, to wider "slicks". Blocks can be [[whittling|whittled]] with a hand knife, but this is considered dangerous for young boys. It is usually better for a trained adult to use a [[band saw]] or [[Dremel]] carving tool for major shaping. [[Decal]]s can be bought at scout shops or hobby shops. It is also possible to use standard model decals to replicate actual racing cars such as [[Richard Petty]]'s 1970 [[Plymouth Superbird]], shown at right. The original style is based on open wheel cars, however, fender or body kits are available, or wheels can simply be placed outboard of the body. | ||
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[[Image:PinePetty43.jpg|250px|right|thumb| [[Richard Petty|Petty]] [[Plymouth Superbird|Superbird]] by Arthur Hu, WA]] | [[Image:PinePetty43.jpg|250px|right|thumb| [[Richard Petty|Petty]] [[Plymouth Superbird|Superbird]] by Arthur Hu, WA]] | ||
Since 1953, millions of young people have built pinewood derby cars. | Since 1953, millions of young people have built pinewood derby cars. The competitive pinewood derby races remain very popular and are a highlight of each year in many Cub Scout packs. Similar racing activities are the [[raingutter regatta]] with boats, and a rubber band powered rocket race, or [[space derby]]. | ||
== Canada == | == Canada == | ||
In Canada, the equivalent is the '''kub kar''', raced by Cubs. | In Canada, the equivalent is the '''kub kar''', raced by Cubs. It uses the same basic pine block, nails, and plastic wheels kit. There are similar restrictions and guidelines for both construction and racing. | ||
A kub kar event could also include other activities such as: rolling the car along the floor along a pre-determined path, trying to roll the car as close as possible to a target, knocking over targets, trying to pass through different sized holes, etc. | A kub kar event could also include other activities such as: rolling the car along the floor along a pre-determined path, trying to roll the car as close as possible to a target, knocking over targets, trying to pass through different sized holes, etc. | ||
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== Other pine car races == | == Other pine car races == | ||
Strictly speaking, only the Boy Scouts of America can organize a pinewood derby. | Strictly speaking, only the Boy Scouts of America can organize a pinewood derby. But many other organizations hold similar functions using different names and slightly different cars. They all involve a basic pine wood block, plastic wheels, and basic axles. | ||
* [[YMCA]] ran their pinewood derby soon after [[Don Murphy (Cubmaster)|Don Murphy]] ran the first pinewood derby. | * [[YMCA]] ran their pinewood derby soon after [[Don Murphy (Cubmaster)|Don Murphy]] ran the first pinewood derby. | ||
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== See also == | == See also == | ||
* [[Woodcar Independent Racing League]] | * [[Woodcar Independent Racing League]] | ||