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Pinewood Derby Tips?

Posted by Cliff on from the fun-things-to-do-with-your-kid dept.

PizzaFace asks: "My son and I have to start building his first Pinewood Derby racer, and I'm looking for tips. I've found conflicting advice online about even the basic science (e.g. high vs. low centers of gravity) so I'm hoping to tap into some of Slashdot's expertise." Might someone have some pictures of cool designs that might useful as a starting point?"

1 of 139 comments (clear)

  1. UK Design by deggy · · Score: 1, Offtopic

    What's this about wheel nails? Are American rules differerent from the UK?

    I would recommend...
    1. Rubber tyres
    2. Bearing and axle
    3. Keep the wheel base fairly wide compared to the buggy height, this will about any dangerous tips at speed.
    4. Keep steering simple
    5. Make sure EVERYTHING is tight, real belt and braces. Don't screw when you can screw and glue, don't nail when you can bolt. Most crashes are caused when racers can't take the strain and start to disintergrate. You need to be Robust.