BASX car

[Reggie]

Im trying to learn as much as I can. I hope to start racing in BASX class soon, but i really don't have much knowledge of the cars. I have helped build fives car for both of my son's scout derbies. All have been solid bodies. So this is my question after watching videos of BASX league races, are the cars in this class ladder body? In the videos the cars appear uneven on top unlike a solid car.

 

[TRE]

Most are

 

[Reggie]

Ok thanks. It will be a fun challenge.

 

[Reecedad]

You should watch some videos by spacewalker. He shows how to build a ladder car.

 

[Reggie]

I have. He is a real cool guy. Over thirty years experience building planes. He's got skills.

 

[Vitamin K]

Either ladder or "tub" style.

 

[Reggie]

Never heard about "tub" style. I'll have to look that up! Thanks!

 

[Vitamin K]

Never heard about "tub" style. I'll have to look that up! Thanks!

I don't know if it's the actual term used. Basically the car is cut out as a skeleton with a thin floor or roof, depending on preference. Sort of like Bulldog's body here:

 

[Reggie]

I don't know if it's the actual term used. Basically the car is cut out as a skeleton with a thin floor or roof, depending on preference. Sort of like Bulldog's body here:

OK that's what I thought it was. Hollow body?

 

[Vitamin K]

OK that's what I thought it was. Hollow body?

Yes. I have no ability with routing, so what I do is cut out the body shape on the scrollsaw, and then bond a 1/64" thick piece of birch plywood below to close up the void.

If I'm feeling nervous about rigidity, I will cut a piece of bamboo skewer and glue it in as a crossbeam in the car's midpoint.

I'll usually use tape or a decal to cover the other open side.

 

[Reggie]

Ok. I see some people use the same coating that is used on model airplane wings to cover the top. I wondered if the bottom was done or left open.

 

[Vitamin K]

Ok. I see some people use the same coating that is used on model airplane wings to cover the top. I wondered if the bottom was done or left open.

Monokote is a popular car cover, yes.

Always close up the voids, or you're creating an aerodynamics disadvantage for yourself.

 

[Reggie]

Monokote is a popular car cover, yes.

Always close up the voids, or you're creating an aerodynamics disadvantage for yourself.

Yeah I was wondering that. I'll just build my interpretation of each style and see how they perform. Thanks for the info.