Pinewood derby: Difference between revisions

The '''pinewood derby''' is an annual event of the [[Cub Scouts (Boy Scouts of America)|Cub Scouts]] (the young-age division of the [[Boy Scouts of America]]). It is the most popular event for many Scouts and is probably the best known Scouting event among non-Scouts. Other groups and organizations, such as Awana, and civic clubs often host their own pinewood derby but since the name ''pinewood derby'' is a registered trademark<ref>{{cite web | last = | first = | authorlink = | coauthors = | year = | url =http://tarr.uspto.gov/servlet/tarr?regser=serial&entry=76447146 | title =Search of Trademark Application and Registration Retrieval system | format = | work = | publisher =US Patent and Trademark Office | accessdate =March 2 | accessyear =2007}}</ref> of Boy Scouts of America, they generally create their own names.

The pinewood derby, for half a century "a celebrated rite of spring," has been named part of "America's 100 Best" by ''Reader's Digest'' magazine.<ref>{{cite web | last = | first = | authorlink = | coauthors = | year = | url =http://www.rd.com/content/openContent.do?contentId=26667 | title =America's 100 Best: The 2006 List | format = | work = | publisher =Reader's Digest | accessdate =October 10 | accessyear =2006}}</ref>

The idea behind the pinewood derby is for the parent, usually the father, but occasionally the mother or grandparent, to spend time helping the child design, carve, paint, add weights, and tune the final car. However, it is often the case that the parent takes over the construction of the car, an aspect of the event that was lampooned in the 2005 film ''Down and Derby''. The quest for a fast car supports a cottage industry that supplies modified wheels, axles, and blocks as well as videos and instruction books. While a pinewood derby car kit costs around $4, a set of modified wheels and axles can sell for more than ten times that amount. These [[Aftermarket (automotive)|aftermarket]] items are legal under some Pack rules since the parts originally came from an official BSA kit. Complete cars can be purchased on [[eBay]] and elsewhere for around $100 to $200.<ref>{{cite web | last = | first = | authorlink = | coauthors = | year = | url =http://reviews.ebay.com/Buying-Pinewood-Derby-Cars-Kits_W0QQugidZ10000000000122092 | title =Buying Pinewood Derby Cars/ Kits | format = | work = | publisher = eBay | accessdate =March 18 | accessyear =2007}}</ref> Although these cars violate the spirit of the event, if not the rules, enforcement can be difficult.

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. Decals 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.

While kub kars are very popular among the 8-10 year olds, younger members of Scouting can try "Beaver Buggies" while the older members can make and race [[pickup truck]]s and [[semi-trailer truck|18-wheelers]].

The force propelling a pinewood derby car is and the only opposing force is friction, therefore car modifications are aimed at minimizing the friction that occurs when the wheel spins on the axle, contacts the axle head or car body, or contacts the track guide rail. Friction due to is a minor, although not insignificant, <span class="plainlinks">[http://www.thepiggybackrider.com/ <span style="color:black;font-weight:normal; text-decoration:none!important; background:none!important; text-decoration:none;/*CITATION*/">child carrier</span>]</span> factor. The wheel can be sanded or lathed and the inner surface of the hub can be coned to minimize the contact area between the hub and body. Polishing the wheel, especially the inner hub, with a plastic polish can also reduce friction. Often one front wheel is raised slightly so that it does not contact the track and add to the . Axles are filed or lathed to remove the burr and crimp marks and polished smooth. More extensive modifications involve tapering the axle head and cutting a notch to minimize the wheel-to-axle contact area. A proper lubricant, typically powder, is essential. is important both to minimize wheel contact with the axle head and body as well as to limit the contact between the wheels and guide rail as the car travels down the track. The of a typical car is low and slightly ahead of the rear axle, which helps the car track straight as well as providing a slight advantage due to the additional gravitational .

* [[LSRAV|Land Speed Record Assault Vehicles]]

&lt;references/&gt;