Thread: That time again...

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Nice Job! My son's didn't look anything like that. The thing I remember most about the pinewood derby was the big hoo-rah-rah about graphite on the gymn
floor

hahahaha... Yep that graphite gets everywhere...

One of the speed tips that I used to make the cars faster for the district derby was one that Richard (techinspector) shared on a thread here on CHR a year or two ago. The tip was to use the head of a straight pin betweed the wheel hub and the body to result in less friction in that area... Worked like a charm!!!

Thanks Richard!!!

Dave Brisco

Been there done that.I was associated with the Cub,Boys and Weblos when the boys (2) were growing up.Pine Wood Derby time was always a hoot.The Dads got more out of it than the Kids.

One of the features we used in the cars was a weight system just behind the wheels that gave it a trampoline effect at the bottom of the ramp.The front wheels would do whellies as it entered the straightaway.We had a blast.We won a few and we lost a few as the car would leave the track on occasion.

Originally Posted by LarryH

. The thing I remember most about the pinewood derby was the big hoo-rah-rah about graphite on the gymn
floor

Don't use graphite! It gets all over everything including the kids!

Find a little molybdenum disulfide (maybe thats spelled right). It not nasty and it works better. The stuff looks (and works) like a zillion tiny little ball bearings

When my kid got his car inspected they walked him over to where a guy was very generously dumping graphite on everybody's axles. I told them "HOLD IT! Don't put that stuff on that car!" One of the extremely wise leaders said "Well, well, well! We seem to have Andy Granatelli with us today!" Loud laughter filled the room.

To shorten this boring story, Our son's car not only was "top eliminator" with over 100 cars competing, it really kicked arse! Not even close.

Again, loud laughter filled the room. That time it was mine.


Jim