setup for wood track vs aluminum

davet

davet

0
Jan 18, 2014
497
33
28
Hello all. It’s been several years since I’ve been here. A friend recently asked me to help out at his church pinewood derby workshops.
He uses a wooden track which I have not seen. When we used to race we used oil and were on aluminum tracks, We had our COM set between 5/8”-3/4” and our DFW weight between .67-.71 oz.
We ran rail riders with canted rears and the DFW axle bent far enough to just fit through the wheels.
*** How would change the COM to run a wooden track?
*** He doesn’t allow oil so how do I prep for graphite?
Thanks
 
It seems to me that the condition of the center rail of the wood track would be the critical question. If that is rough, then rail riding could be a risky way to race, but if it is smooth, then no problem.
I think most makers are using about 6 degree bend in the DFW which is a little less than they used to.
The better the track, the more aggressive the light weight on DFW and rearward movement of COG.
I use the Derby Dad 4H black Ice polish and wax to prep my wheels for graphite and am pleased with the results. He has a YouTube video on the process if you want to take a look at it.
I built a wood track with a aluminum center rail for my home testing and in my opinion no difference between a wood and aluminum track in regards to setup. It's all about the conation of the track. The wood track may be a little slower overall, but everybody runs on the same track, so to me the material is a non factor.
Just my 2c.
 
Thank you Sir,
He has the kids building 3-wheelers with a bent front axle but I see no tuning board to dial in drift. I haven’t heard him refer to drift yet. Maybe he tunes them closer to the race.
So you’re saying an aggressive COM is ok?
 
davet said:
Thank you Sir,
He has the kids building 3-wheelers with a bent front axle but I see no tuning board to dial in drift. I haven’t heard him refer to drift yet. Maybe he tunes them closer to the race.
So you’re saying an aggressive COM is ok?
Click to expand...
I think it all depends on the track. If the car bounces or the DFW catches on the center rail you can get a wheelie. Rather than COM I have gone to "weight per wheel". I am a scout racer, so not as aggressive and the pros. I approximate DFW 14-14.5 g, DRW 61-62g, NDRW 64-65g and balance to 5 oz but that's just me and I don't claim to be right, I am just saying how I do it and my guys have been successful.
 
flockshot said:
I think it all depends on the track. If the car bounces or the DFW catches on the center rail you can get a wheelie. Rather than COM I have gone to "weight per wheel". I am a scout racer, so not as aggressive and the pros. I approximate DFW 14-14.5 g, DRW 61-62g, NDRW 64-65g and balance to 5 oz but that's just me and I don't claim to be right, I am just saying how I do it and my guys have been successful.
Click to expand...
That must be for aluminum, right?
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Similar threads

Revenge of 85
Used Items 42' BESTTRACK 3 LANE ALUMINUM TRACK FOR SALE W/TIMER,AND RACE SOFTWARE
Replies
0
Views
373
Classified Section for Pinewood Derby Products
Revenge of 85
Revenge of 85
ScoutDadinVA
Hello Everyone!
Replies
2
Views
1K
General Pinewood Derby Discussion
ScoutDadinVA
ScoutDadinVA
B
Thanks & Questions
Replies
1
Views
1K
Ask The Pros
Eric Scheid
E
C
PWD track for sale
Replies
0
Views
771
General Pinewood Derby Discussion
Cubmaster344
C
ScoutDad11
New member intro, and a (long) scout car/race question
Replies
5
Views
7K
General Pinewood Derby Discussion
ScoutDad11
ScoutDad11
Top Bottom