Pinewood derby is a wonderful for father-son project, so long as dad doesn’t take over and just do all the work. I helped my kids build pinewood derby cars, about three each. Since they had to design them, each one was different. The fun for me was teaching them the physics, so that they could apply that and get unique, but usually fast cars. They did the design, I translated that to the model, then they did the basic sawing with a coping saw. I used power tools to smooth it up a bit, and to hollow out the body for the weights. They did the sanding and painting. Together we did the wheel alignment. When it was all done, though, it was always “their car”, not my car. The physics are easy, by the way – the weight needs to be as far to the rear as possible, and low in the vehicle, and the car should be exactly at the weight limit. The wheels need to be perfectly round and aligned, and lubricated with graphite. If allowed, only three wheels should touch the roadway (one slightly raised).
Earl could just place it on the ground, then saunter slowly, in a wide circle about it. He can then say that he’s….wait for it…taken a walk around the block !
Current pet peeve: I go into a “Hobby Shop” looking for tools and materials for a model I’m working on and find all they sell are off-the-shelf RC planes and cars. The new definition of “hobby” is flying or racing some manufactured monstrosity!
Templo S.U.D. almost 9 years ago
Now what kind of Cub Scout’s Pinewood Derby car would be remote controlled and battery powered at the said derby?
Eric Salinas Premium Member almost 9 years ago
“Or, Nelson, I could just bonk you over the head with block of wood. That would be fun, too.”
GROG Premium Member almost 9 years ago
Ah, but they are settlers.
cubswin2016 almost 9 years ago
Grandpa is behind the times.
JavaJolt62 almost 9 years ago
Once you’ve seen “Heaven”, it’s difficult to come back down to earth. ;-)
Carl R almost 9 years ago
Pinewood derby is a wonderful for father-son project, so long as dad doesn’t take over and just do all the work. I helped my kids build pinewood derby cars, about three each. Since they had to design them, each one was different. The fun for me was teaching them the physics, so that they could apply that and get unique, but usually fast cars. They did the design, I translated that to the model, then they did the basic sawing with a coping saw. I used power tools to smooth it up a bit, and to hollow out the body for the weights. They did the sanding and painting. Together we did the wheel alignment. When it was all done, though, it was always “their car”, not my car. The physics are easy, by the way – the weight needs to be as far to the rear as possible, and low in the vehicle, and the car should be exactly at the weight limit. The wheels need to be perfectly round and aligned, and lubricated with graphite. If allowed, only three wheels should touch the roadway (one slightly raised).
Linguist almost 9 years ago
Earl could just place it on the ground, then saunter slowly, in a wide circle about it. He can then say that he’s….wait for it…taken a walk around the block !
Macysgal49469 almost 9 years ago
My son how is 23 still has 2 of his Pinewood Derby cars. He and his Dad had a great time building them.
rekam Premium Member almost 9 years ago
Isn’t imagination a wonderful thing?
tammyspeakslife Premium Member almost 9 years ago
A Carved car would last longer than a remote controlled battery operated car
abbybookcase almost 9 years ago
there’s no place i know to compare with your imagination…
JP Steve Premium Member almost 9 years ago
Current pet peeve: I go into a “Hobby Shop” looking for tools and materials for a model I’m working on and find all they sell are off-the-shelf RC planes and cars. The new definition of “hobby” is flying or racing some manufactured monstrosity!
Tin Can Twidget almost 9 years ago
Yup! And later on that same block of wood became an airplane.