Fun Start Tholey's Outlaw Track, Abington PA

[PxTx]

I wanted to introduce myself and talk a little about a racing at home. My name is Paul and I'm 36 years old. My son is only 1-1/2, but I've been looking forward to the day I can build a Pinewood derby car with him for a much longer time.

Without ever realizing the timing, every Jan and Feb I would look on Craigslist and ebay looking for Pinewood Derby stuff. After seeing all of the listings I would then be reminded that it was the "season" for building these cars. For me building a car wiht my Dad and racing it was one of my fondest childhood memories. We still enjoy talking about it and helping freinds build cars with thier sons.

Soon after our Pack race night, there was a Scout event at a local shopping mall. Some Troop would set-up a track and we could run our cars all day there. From those experiences, I've always wanted to have my own track. That childhood dream was realized this weekend when I found a old 3 lane track for sale from a Troop upgrading to a 4 lane Aluminum.

Here is the track:

The nostalgic part of me would never accept an aluminum track as part of this is re-living my youth. I guess there is a theme with me, as the muscle cars my dad and the rest of our family build and all done with "period correct" ques using vintage speed equipment. The same carries through for the way I feel about wood tracks and how the cars are built.

One car I am going to build is a stock block "sleeper". Basically a stock block of wood, or something looking like one, but tuned to get the most speed.

I can see this track becoming a lot of fun, maybe with bi-monthly meets with some friends and local enthusiasts.

I'm solisiting feedback on this. What are some of the fun things you guys get out of these events? Is there anything that is a must have for this old track? It came with a win lamp system, but is there an ET system that is affordable and easily retrofittable?

Are there anything worth prohibiting? I know typically oil is not acceptaed in the traditional Scout events. Is that to avoid making a mess on the track?

I thought this is kinda neat how one bar in Ca has an event. I'm looking to keep our's low key, but these Rules seem to be a nice, basic start.

Thanks, and I look forward to your input!

 

[Guest]

I think a local group of guys would have a blast. I am new to the proxy racing and it is a lot of fun too even though I took a beating. That Bigfoot Lodge looks like some fun too!

 

[DNA RACING]

oil is not allowed because thats the way Scouts always did it. graphite will mess up a track far worse than oil.

 

[PxTx]

Thanks for qualifying the oil vs graphite. Maybe we'll settle on oil then.

The proxie race sounds cool. I suspect we'll build some cars and if we think we've got a runner in the future, maybe we'll gie it a try. Gonna start with being the big fish in a little pond.

Does anyone have any comments on building a timer system? It would be cool to know the ET's at our track.

 

[down4derby]

I built a 2 lane timer with modules I bought from Swanberg. All said and done it cost me about $150.00 with no place display or computer connection. $200.00 for a champ 3 lane is a great deal.

 

[PxTx]

Pretty sure I'm gonna take that. Just need to confirm the interface.

 

[PxTx]

So just to help anyone who cares for a timeline, I bought an ebay car (tiger car) just to have soemthing to run down my tack at home. I did bring it to a test and tune I was invited by a local pack.

http://forums.derbydad4hire.com/post/Common-or-Uncommon-eBay-experience-5670655

Tonight was the night of the race and out newly built "White Car" was up to the task. As a side note, the car started out with Thomas the Tank theme but my son liked the stickers and a race t a time he removed them. Counting the squares, it thack appears to be a 35 track from start to timer finish line. Don't know how normal or typical that is. Anticipation was high as both my kids were helping with the cars over the weekend. We were able to run in the unlimited/open class for friends and family.

First pass we got them win! The car really accelerated on the flat section.

Second and third races were more of the same

My daughter was really eyeing up the trophies and had it figured out already. There were only maybe 3 cars which broke out of the 3 second range. I think out best time was a 2.901. It may have been the fastest of the day, but with the two kids and all the different parts of the event to have fun with I can't say for sure.

Special thanks to my Dad who gave me such wonderful memories of building PWD with him when I was a cub scout. He was a big part of this build too and workes so well with my kids. DD4H has great products and great service. There seems to be a common result at these events with John's stuff. I can tell you that our 1st race with 3 generations of Tholey's was an great expereince. I trust winning the event will help plant this memory more deeply in my kid's minds. I know one day they will look back at this with the same fondness I have for everything I shred with my dad.

 

[MWDracing]

Great Post PxTx...
I remember when my Dad and I built our cars (40 years ago), and I am sure my son will have fond memories of his Cub Scout days and the League racing after that. We have spent many hours building, prepping, and racing cars together.

Also, you are right that DD4H products are second to none. Also, John is always very helpful when it comes to suggestions and advice.

MWD