Its Soap Box Derby Time

[Wet Dream]

This is my first design project. Its a 7 inch block of pine, and finished product can weigh no more than 5 ounces. Anyone have some first hand experience at this? :confused: Anyone want to rent out a proven winner? :D The race is December 6th.

[sanger rat]

Isn't that called the PINEwood Derby?

[Wet Dream]

Ok Mr. Technicality, yes, its a friggen PINE BOX Derby. Next? ;)

[XtrmWakeborder]

When I was in scouts the winner was a wedge with the weights in the wheels. That was a loooong time ago. I didn't care about winning so my dad and I made it look like a race car. I deffinately had the best looking car, and still have it to this day.:D

[RitcheyRch]

Use lots of graphite on the wheels

[WishIknew]

Put a small magnet in the front of the car:D :D :D

[whiteworks]

increase the diameter of the wheels by a little bit, no one will touch you.

[Wet Dream]

How do you increase the diameter of the wheels? Adding weight should be easy, just melt solder and fill the inner wheel.

[whiteworks]

How do you increase the diameter of the wheels?
turn the wheels on a lathe type setup and notch out the appropriate groove for on O-ring to fit into. it doesn't take much of a diameter increases to blow away the competition. and you want to try to hide the modification if you get my drift:D polish the axles and align them perfectly, but the wheel diameter is the key.

[sanger rat]

Ok Mr. Technicality, yes, its a friggen PINE BOX Derby. Next? ;)
:D
Boy you got a lot of work to do. :jawdrop: http://www.howstuffworks.com/framed.htm?parent=question169.htm&url=http://members.aol.com/StanDCmr/lbw1.html

[Wet Dream]

It's really important that kids learn the lesson that it's OK to cheat if you win. If you're not cheating, you're not trying.
Having an advantage is one thing, cheating is another.
So far, the only rules I see...
Width 2 3/4"
Length 7"
Weight Not over 5 ounces
Width between wheels 1 3/4"
Ground clearance 3/8"
Thats it, nothing about wheel diameter.

[Wet Dream]

Wasn't specifically referring to you, I saw a post about hiding the modification, making it sound like it was illegal.
I figured that. I think that if another parent noticed o-rings on the wheels, he might consider that "cheating", so hiding it would be in the best interest of the "oppotunist". :D

[whiteworks]

Its Racing, best not to advertise your tricks. I dont know if it is illegal or not. There is a serious advantage to be had by increasing the wheel diameter. basically you have the same resistance on the wheel, but the car will travel further per revolouition. This is what racing is all about creating advantages that give you an edge. great lesson for the kids. If it doesnt say anything in the rules then I would consider it legal.:D if you get popped for it, that will be a good lesson to.

[Wet Dream]

if you get popped for it, that will be a good lesson to.
LMFAO :D

[Wet Dream]

Put a blower switch on it :D
Hmmm, now theres an idea. Should I model it after Lone Wolf McQuaid's jobber?

[DeltaSigBoater]

Start with a better piece of wood, PINE sux.