pinewood derby cars

Re: Flat weights, yes there are none in the stores. Yes, they are shown in
the catalog. I have called the catalog however and they have none in stock.
They are uncertain when they will get any in stock. I have placed an order
and hope it will get to me in time. The lady at my local store said she
will not be allowed to order any to sell herself until after inventory (I'm
not sure when that is.) In the meantime, I have the round weights. I'm not
sure I will use them. I might just take a set off one of the older cars and
place it on this year's model.

Re: What makes a winner?

Pinewood Derby cars work by gravity. The heavier car usually wins.
Remembering of course there is a weight limit (5 oz.) I've found that one
complete set of flat weights puts me right under the limit (or on the limit
depending on the scale.) The other factors that matter involve friction.
Which means you want the wheels straight so they aren't rubbing against the
track. If you get the flat weights, you want to chisel out the bottom so
the additional weight doesn't rub up against the track. Oftentimes, there
are little imperfections in the wheels...a little sanding paper applied to
the wheels can fix that. And, you might want to consider slightly enlarging
the hole in the wheels to allow it to turn more freely. Keeping in mind if
you make it too big you just might lose a wheel on the race. Get some lube,
I believe only the official BSA graphite is allowed.

As a pack, I would suggest you purchase a couple of sets of wheels and
axles. There will always be someone who loses a wheel and/or axle. Getting
graphite is another thing we've always done. But, it is disappointing to
see a child come to the race and not have all his wheels. Having an extra
will help him to race, probably not to win, but at least he will get to
participate.

Try to hold a car check out day at a den meeting a couple of weeks before
the race. This will give the boys a chance to see if they meet the
requirements, and make any adjustments necessary. It also reminds those
that might be procrastinating to get going.

We have bought participation streamers for all, and the little driver
licenses. We have bought trophies (not BSA ones, who can afford those?) for
each rank, and for pack overall, and some others. The other category would
include best paint job, most original, funniest, ugliest, use your
imagination here. We've never had enough money for everyone to get a
trophy. And, I've found no way to do the race without some people getting
two. How can you have a pack overall winner who is not also a den winner.
This has upset some parents, but we've made the policy if you don't like the
way it is run, feel free to volunteer to be in charge next year. This
usually stops most protests dead in their tracks.

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