While there is something to be said about having a good looking car, it’s also important to have a fast car. First, Bill and the boys file the nails with fine grit sandpaper and then they apply graphite. Next they have to nail the wheels into the car. It’s important not to push them in too far or the wood will split. It’s actually good if not all of the wheels touch the ground. Shh! That’s a top secret trick.
By regulation, the cars can be up to five ounces in weight on the scout scale. Obviously the heavier the car is, the faster it will go. Sometimes people use slabs of weights like we did for Mason’s car and other times, they drill holes into the base of the car and insert cylindrical weights like we did for Walker’s. We did that this year because his design was low profile.
With careful installation and a good paint job, one will never know the weights are there.
Our cars are prepped to go. Now the trick is to keep them safe from harm until the Pinewood Derby on Friday night. Sometimes that is easier said than done.
I heard the “don’t have all your wheels on the track before” but it seems odd…..less friction I guess?
Great jobs…great mentor and photographer, to. Makes it a family project.