COG at 1/2"

[Joanna Barker]

Has anyone had a car jump the rail at 1/2" cog? This is my grandson's last year in pinewood derby and wanted to get the most out of his car trying something a bit risky. He has won his den every year, but has failed to lock in the top spot overall....finishing 2nd or 3rd every year. Or should we stick to 3/4" cog?

 

[Brian Stanley]

It depends on several factors including condition of the track, how much steer is in the car (if you're rail riding) etc. However, too far forward is better than too far back, it you aren't able to test then I would error on the side of caution.

 

[Joanna Barker]

It depends on several factors including condition of the track, how much steer is in the car (if you're rail riding) etc. However, too far forward is better than too far back, it you aren't able to test then I would error on the side of caution.

The track is not horrible, but not great. We do not test ahead of time. Think I'll stay within the 3/4" cog and see how it goes? Thanks

 

[Pete Buckler]

Are you running on the plastic track with no center rail? Our pack uses it and, I have to narrow the rear so that when it steers into the track only the front wheel touches. If you don’t narrow the rear then you’ll have both the front and rear wheels touching the side of the track. If there is a center rail then people narrow the front to keep only the front wheel touching.

 

[Jupiter 2.9]

Maybe more bend in the DF axle could reduce the affects of a bad joint ?

 

[Joanna Barker]

Are you running on the plastic track with no center rail? Our pack uses it and, I have to narrow the rear so that when it steers into the track only the front wheel touches. If you don’t narrow the rear then you’ll have both the front and rear wheels touching the side of the track. If there is a center rail then people narrow the front to keep only the front wheel touching.

It is a plastic track with a center rail.