Search found 60 matches

by mebetree
Tue Mar 31, 2015 12:31 pm
Forum: General Car/Truck Racer Topics
Topic: Times for 35' Best track
Replies: 9
Views: 11673

Re: Times for 35' Best track

My kids have run between 2.51 and 2.57 on the same track. That's with stock wheels, stock axles, stock block, weighing 5.0 oz with all 4 wheels touching and lubricated with graphite. The big difference was the wheelbase. The long wheelbase cars were a little faster on average than the short wheel ba...
by mebetree
Wed Feb 18, 2015 1:44 pm
Forum: General Car/Truck Racer Topics
Topic: Approx. how much time do you spend on the build of a car?
Replies: 38
Views: 47580

Re: Approx. how much time do you spend on the build of a car

Actual time on the car (not including drying time) is usually 2 to 3 hours. Though this years car has maybe an hour and a half into it as we went with a simple design and have the construction process down pat after 7 years of doing this.
by mebetree
Mon Dec 17, 2012 3:16 pm
Forum: Construction Workshops
Topic: Ran our first workshop
Replies: 2
Views: 9951

Ran our first workshop

I brought a drill press, band saw, table sander and the associated tools for straightening the axles, drilling axle holes and cleaning up the wheels. I gave away every "secret" I had over the course of a four hour workshop. About half the pack showed up. The good news is that for the first...
by mebetree
Thu Apr 26, 2012 9:07 am
Forum: Space Derby
Topic: Can someone PLEASE send me the plans to the Binder Winder
Replies: 14
Views: 33879

Re: Can someone PLEASE send me the plans to the Binder Winde

I'm building something a bit more ridiculous than that. It will handle five planes at a time (our track has five lanes) and is a lot longer so the kids will have room to stand in front of it and hold their own planes. I'm going to have it wind the vehicles from the prop to make it a little more fool...
by mebetree
Tue Apr 17, 2012 9:37 am
Forum: General Car/Truck Racer Topics
Topic: Newspaper running a pinewood derby race for Long Island
Replies: 3
Views: 6726

Re: Newspaper running a pinewood derby race for Long Island

My cars have extended wheelbases so my kids would have to build new cars. We already have three very full weekends between now and the race so I think that means we are out.
by mebetree
Tue Apr 17, 2012 9:36 am
Forum: General Car/Truck Racer Topics
Topic: Newspaper running a pinewood derby race for Long Island
Replies: 3
Views: 6726

Re: Newspaper running a pinewood derby race for Long Island

“RULES OF THE RACE” Building a Pinewood Derby entry is a Cub Scout-adult project. Parents should feel free to help with the cars, keeping in mind that it is each Scout’s project. All cars entered must be built using the materials in the Official Pinewood Derby Racing Car Kit (part# 17006) or the Off...
by mebetree
Thu Apr 05, 2012 10:13 am
Forum: General Topics
Topic: Work bench question
Replies: 6
Views: 8570

Re: Work bench question

My workbench is a very old computer cabinet laid on it's side with a 1/2" thick piece of aluminum bolted to it as the workspace.

I keep getting tempted to sell the metal for scrap.
by mebetree
Wed Apr 04, 2012 12:32 pm
Forum: General Car/Truck Racer Topics
Topic: Newspaper running a pinewood derby race for Long Island
Replies: 3
Views: 6726

Newspaper running a pinewood derby race for Long Island

They have adult divisions.

I'm already bringing my sons cars so I'm thinking of bringing one of my own. The only real problem is that they only send you the rules after you register. Seems kind of backwards to me.
by mebetree
Mon Mar 05, 2012 7:36 am
Forum: General Coordinator Topics
Topic: Extra stuff for little kids: Hot Wheels on the track
Replies: 5
Views: 7484

Re: Extra stuff for little kids: Hot Wheels on the track

I built my own 9 lane hotwheels track a long time ago using plastic roof sheeting. Standard hotwheels were a hair too wide so I ended up buying the cheap 100 car packs that they sell at BJ's, Costco, etc. Those cars are skinnier and run plenty fast.
by mebetree
Sat Mar 03, 2012 5:35 pm
Forum: Car & Semi-Truck Construction
Topic: 3rd in districts today
Replies: 0
Views: 13971

3rd in districts today

2nd in wolves and 3rd overall. His first race of the day was a dead heat (going to 10,000's place using Grand Prix software). He beat the 1st place wolf in the finals losing only to a bear and webelos. It was 42' best track. Considering that we weren't rail riding or lifting a wheel and our COG wasn...
by mebetree
Fri Feb 24, 2012 3:14 pm
Forum: Car & Semi-Truck Construction
Topic: Super Track - ugh!
Replies: 10
Views: 8573

Re: Super Track - ugh!

From the link FS gave "The irregularities of the track were so bad, the "better" your car was the "worst" you finished. Bottom line is large, fat, center-weighted cars took home the prize as they were able to stay stable. " That was my guess after reading a description ...
by mebetree
Mon Feb 20, 2012 7:31 am
Forum: Car & Semi-Truck Photos
Topic: Treehouse 2012
Replies: 11
Views: 10231

Re: Treehouse 2012

These are the instructions I came up with to give to the other den leaders who liked it too. Parts needed per stand (last number is how long a piece of wood). I personally use pine because it is cheap and drills and nails easily since it is a softer wood. 1” x 4” x 14” 2” x 3” x 4” ¼” x ¼” x 10 ¼” 4...
by mebetree
Sun Feb 19, 2012 7:44 pm
Forum: Car & Semi-Truck Photos
Topic: Treehouse 2012
Replies: 11
Views: 10231

Re: Treehouse 2012

All very creative! I see your kids think like mine do! I am impressed with all the little cut outs for the dinosaur skeletons. Did you have any special tips for that, or just drill and disengage and engage the scroll saw blade every time? Simplier than that. I just took the drill press and kept mak...
by mebetree
Sat Feb 18, 2012 2:58 pm
Forum: Car & Semi-Truck Photos
Topic: Treehouse 2012
Replies: 11
Views: 10231

Re: Treehouse 2012

While I'm at it, the cars from 2011. A reindeer, penguin and a chinchilla.

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