Need Some Help Guys

[dykstrjt]

Morning Guys,

I'm new to the forum and have just gotten the bug for pinewood derby racing. I used to do it as a kid, but haven't in 8 years. Many of the cars I see on here are the BSA standard wheels, however, the style my church uses is somewhat different.

I know everyone has their own ideas as to angled axles, what styles to use, etc, but what are your thoughts on these? The league we run in is the Calvinist Cadet Corps. and I can't find rules anywhere regarding modifications.

Also another question. As narrow as these wheels are, would there be a significant advantage to adding fenders?

Thanks guys!

 

[kickaxe]

The wheel and screw axle in the picture are similar to, but not the same as, the Royal Ranger kits Corvid and I work with. Fenders will not help much as the wheels are already rounded to be aerodynamic. Without fenders, you can use a maximum wheel base which will help with stability. Follow the polishing advice on DD4H's DVD using his polishes, waxes, and lube. Drill the rears to around 1.5 to 2 degrees of cant so that the wheel rides against the screw head. More than 2 degrees will not help since the wheels are already running on their sharp edge. Bend the front axle and adjust steer to about 3" over 4'. Raise the non-dominant wheel so it does not touch the track.

Posting your rules will help everyone here understand what else we can do to help. If allowed:

• remove as much plastic from the sides of the wheels as possible while keeping them round and balanced. Lighter wheels are always faster (if round).
• Use the silver bullet and a standard boy scout size block of wood and drill the holes to max wheel base...... I'm not sure exactly what kit you have there, but many of the Awana/Ranger blocks are not the right size for the silver bullet (urg).
• Does this kit use dowel rods or are the screws inserted directly into the block of wood. Dowel rods are waaaaayyyy more annoying than just drilling holes, but I have few tricks to help with that if you need it.

Welcome back to racing, and enjoy the races. Feel free to ask specific questions as they arise while you build.

-Kickaxe

 

[Guest]

Holy smokes!!!!
Looks like a Royal Ranger/Royal Ambassador hybrid.
The coned hubs are a bonus and good call by the manufacturers.
Whoever made the call to use those screws instead of nails needs to get with the modern times!lol A royal pain for sure.

Do the kits come with 3/8" dowels too?

If you have an extra kit for sale hit me up or if you have any questions feel free to ask here or just pm me.

 

[dykstrjt]

Thanks guys, yes there is the standard dowel in there as well as 4 steel washers and a 1"x6"x0.25" piece of wood. What are the thoughts about the steel washers?

 

[Guest]

Check your rules to see if 6" is the maximum length allowed. You want to get that weight as far up the hill as you can.

Not sure about the washers. My best guess is they were included for purposes of weighting the car rather than providing washers to slip between the wheel and dowel.

 

[xjarcher]

I used that kit at a school I taught in. Most people put the washer between the wheel and the body. You shouldn't need them, they will slow the car. Just weight it properly and set it up well (polish, lube, rail riding) for the track you are racing on and you'll be in good shape.

 

[kickaxe]

Where can we purchase the kit? I have been scouring the web and have not found any hint of it. If washers are allowed, get delrin or teflon washers to replace them. Also, as Corvid alluded to, if you are not stuck with a 6" max length, you will want to make it longer. The further the weight falls, the faster the car has the potential to be.

 

[bracketracer]

Where can we purchase the kit? I have been scouring the web and have not found any hint of it.

How about here?

http://www.teeninga.com/Cadet%20Cars.htm

 

[dykstrjt]

I too have been looking guys, I haven't found anything. I will speak with our Cadet Counselor on Sunday at Church to see where he gets them from. The piece of paper in the package states the following:

MODEL CAR KIT
THE RECOMMENDED CAR KIT FOR THE
CALVINIST CADET CORPS.
TO ORDER KITS OR FOR INFORMATION
WRITE:
THE ILLIANA COUNCIL
P.O. BOX 67
SOUTH HOLLAND IL 60473-0067

I will try and see if I can get some extra kits or more information on them Sunday.

The link posted does have the same logo in the top center box so I would imagine they are similar if not the same.