JMG2

It's pinewood derby time, and I'm committed to carving a c5.
Anyone have any plans step-by-steps? I'm pretty good with a dremel, but my artistic abilities have questioned over the years ....

My wife bought a few of those pre-carved ones from an arts store as "back up," so I have a lot to prove here . . .

and any general tips from anyone would also be appreciated . . .

frsr06

Can't help with the carving design but my Cub Scout days gave me the following insights.

1. Sand the tread on the plastic wheels to remove the casting overflow

2. Install the weights to evenly distribute the weight to all 4 wheels

3. Emery cloth the nails used for the axles so there are no burrs. Do the same on the inside bore of the wheels.

4. Lubricate the wheels with graphite - not any kind of oil based produce.

5. If it looks like a C5 it will be a winner.

Good luck

Vetteman Jack

No real advice to offer, but best of luck in the competition.

zagger

Back in the day I used to build my derby cars using some of these tricks. They always passed inspection and 99% of the time were the fastest in their group. Good luck with your build.


1. (Sand the wheel so it has a very thin ridge, smallest contact patch = less friction)

2. ( Actually you are better off shifting the CG slightly to one side but on center front to back. When sanding the wheels make one front wheel slightly smaller in diameter that the rest. Place the CG weight slightly opposite side of the small wheel. This will make the car ride mostly on 3 wheels which is 25% reduction of friction.)

3. ( I used to chuck the axle in a drill motor and polish it with 0000 steel wool to a mirror finish.)

4. Very good advice.

5.

IMXCITD

I am thinking a matchbox, model and a couple printed pics hanging and let your inner arteeeest go to town w the dremel and sand paper. Plenty of graphite for the race!