Search found 1972 matches

by Speedster
Sun May 05, 2013 5:51 am
Forum: Car & Semi-Truck Construction
Topic: Rail Riding with Pioneers Rules
Replies: 15
Views: 11208

Re: Rail Riding with Pioneers Rules

I read the rules but I don't see where you cannot narrow the area of the DFW by a 1/16". In fact, they tell you to sand the block if it is too wide. You do not narrow the entire length of the car, just the area at the DFW. They also caution you on bending the axles which I think is to try to he...
by Speedster
Fri May 03, 2013 3:26 pm
Forum: General Coordinator Topics
Topic: Pinewood Derby Rules
Replies: 60
Views: 65181

Re: Pinewood Derby Rules

I agree, Mr. Psycaz. Too much graphite can really mess up a good running car. I'm not so sure oil instead of graphite is the biggest problem. I think 1.8 gram wheels might be a bigger problem. It takes someone familiar with the derby to catch them. I also think we on DT take a lot for granted. Many ...
by Speedster
Fri May 03, 2013 10:19 am
Forum: General Coordinator Topics
Topic: Pinewood Derby Rules
Replies: 60
Views: 65181

Re: Pinewood Derby Rules

We have that silly canting rule also and it can't be enforced. Any angle on the rear axles will make the wheel ride to the axle head once the car starts rolling. When using the screw technique the axle can be angled and the wheel will still sit flat because there's a lot of slop between axle and bor...
by Speedster
Fri May 03, 2013 9:47 am
Forum: General Coordinator Topics
Topic: Pinewood Derby Rules
Replies: 60
Views: 65181

Re: Pinewood Derby Rules

I think no one should be puffing hardware store graphite, or anything else, into a scouts carefully Hob-E-Lubed bores. This is the scouts car and it's either legal or not. Let's find another way to identify the folks who have misinterpreted the rules.
by Speedster
Fri May 03, 2013 4:42 am
Forum: Car & Semi-Truck Construction
Topic: Wheel Diameter Question
Replies: 4
Views: 4010

Re: Wheel Diameter Question

Here's what I did preparing for the Midamerica race. 1. Ran the car with 2.4 gram wheels 2. Ran the car with 1.8 gram wheels 3. Ran the car with 1.4 gram wheels Each time over 5 runs on a 32' wood track (very smooth) the speed increased. Between the 1.8 and 1.4 wheels there was an approximate .02 ga...
by Speedster
Sat Apr 27, 2013 5:58 am
Forum: Car & Semi-Truck Construction
Topic: Do the "wafer" cars always win?
Replies: 35
Views: 42074

Re: Do the "wafer" cars always win?

All your questions have been answered. We all know you cannot change the Laws of Physics. However, don't give up. You can still get an advantage (maybe) over the competition. Let's say your District uses a 42' Best track so you now know what you will be racing on at the District race. Rush out and b...
by Speedster
Fri Apr 26, 2013 5:16 am
Forum: Planning, Preps & Running the Race
Topic: Looking to run a community Pinewood Derby race
Replies: 18
Views: 33487

Re: Looking to run a community Pinewood Derby race

Vitamin K, Welcome to Derby Talk. I was involved in 2 community wide Derbys, one of them hosted by the Owens Corning Corporation the year they were the Pacesetter for the United Way. Owens Corning happens to have their World Headquarters in Toledo, OH. Cub Scouts are well behaved young children. My ...
by Speedster
Sun Apr 21, 2013 10:52 am
Forum: Car & Semi-Truck Construction
Topic: Two Tone Paint Jobs
Replies: 12
Views: 13602

Re: Two Tone Paint Jobs

I suspect many problems with painting might not be the refinisher but the product that is being used. Masking tape that is purchased from Walmart is asking for problems. 3M is no doubt the leader in automotive tapes. Fineline tapes are very strong and designed to do a job. They are plastic, for want...
by Speedster
Sun Apr 21, 2013 7:17 am
Forum: Car & Semi-Truck Construction
Topic: Two Tone Paint Jobs
Replies: 12
Views: 13602

Re: Two Tone Paint Jobs

I'd like to caution everyone about force drying lacquer. Lacquer is an air dry product and dries through evaporation. It does not dry chemically. You may, or may not, get away with force drying it. When you force dry lacquer you dry the outside and can trap thinners underneath. Those thinners can be...
by Speedster
Sat Apr 20, 2013 2:25 pm
Forum: Car & Semi-Truck Construction
Topic: Two Tone Paint Jobs
Replies: 12
Views: 13602

Re: Two Tone Paint Jobs

There is a tape called "Fineline" that is sold in stores that service Body Shops. It leaves a super clean line and will leave no residue behind. It comes in all widths, from 1/16" to 1" and maybe more. If you stick with lacquer paint there is no need to sand the paint unless you ...
by Speedster
Fri Apr 19, 2013 5:17 am
Forum: Car & Semi-Truck Photos
Topic: Our fastest car ever
Replies: 11
Views: 10307

Re: Our fastest car ever

I have a few questions that perhaps Greg and Ickabod would be so kind to answer for me. 1. What are the rules on wheels for your District race? 2. What prep work was done to the wheels, if anything, Ickabod so graciously provided to those with illegal wheels? 3. If Greg changes the wheels on those c...
by Speedster
Sat Apr 13, 2013 6:32 am
Forum: Car & Semi-Truck Photos
Topic: Mid America, DT cars
Replies: 20
Views: 19156

Re: Mid America, DT cars

The weight has been added, the wheels installed and the paint is dry. Time to get "Rolling", so to speak. My wife, Sharon, (Butterfly) and I wish all the DT racers the "Best of Luck". Your cars are all beautiful and they look very, very FAST. Race Day will soon be here. http://i4...
by Speedster
Thu Apr 11, 2013 8:04 pm
Forum: Car & Semi-Truck Construction
Topic: Q-tip brands for hub polish
Replies: 18
Views: 15849

Re: Q-tip brands for hub polish

I take the shaft down to .098 before running it in an old wheel. You should not tear up the bore. It should look very shiny after you have polished it. If your thumb nail does not reduce the shaft you can use a sharp knife and move it back and forth over the shaft while spinning it slowly in a drill...
by Speedster
Wed Apr 10, 2013 2:28 pm
Forum: General Car/Truck Racer Topics
Topic: So your scout race is done for the year, Whats next ?
Replies: 16
Views: 17861

Re: So your scout race is done for the year, Whats next ?

Question to Sporty. How in the world do you build a car in a month? That's the time I set aside for the planning stage. Pack 217, my love for the past 28 years, took 3 of the 1st place trophies at the District this year. I was involved with one of the winners. I'm working to get an interested group ...
by Speedster
Mon Apr 08, 2013 5:12 am
Forum: General Car/Truck Racer Topics
Topic: Well run 2013 district race
Replies: 4
Views: 5926

Re: Well run 2013 district race

CONGRATULATIONS to your Team on the win. Looking forward to seeing your cars at the MidAmerica.