Pinewood Derby Car Design Information
The Pinewood Derby is an event in which Cub Scouts race model cars that they have designed and built from blocks of wood. The cars speed down a sloped track, powered by gravity. A Cub Scout can saw, carve and sand his car into whatever shape he wants and decorate it as he wishes, as long as he follows certain rules. The basic Pinewood Derby car design information is outlined in the "Cub Scout Leader How-To Book." Cub Scout packs conduct the races, and they may have additional rules for a car's design.
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Construction
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To encourage creativity and self-reliance, each Cub Scout should choose the design of his Pinewood Derby car, commonly called a pinewood racer, and build the vehicle himself. However, a parent can supervise the work, especially the sawing and carving, which can be a bonding experience for the parent and son.
Materials
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Each Pinewood Derby car begins as a kit containing a pine block for the car's body, four plastic wheels and two nails for the axles. A Cub Scout can use only the materials from the kit to make these parts of the car.
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Specifications
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A car can't be wider than 2 3/4 inches, counting the width of the wheels as they protrude from the sides of the car. The car can't be longer than 7 inches, weigh more than 5 ounces or have an underside clearance of less than 3/8 inch between the bottom of the body and the track.
Details
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A Cub Scout can add details to his Pinewood Derby car, as long as these don't cause the car to exceed the length, width and weight limits. These may include paint, decals, a steering wheel, interior detail and a driver.
Prohibited Items
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A car can't have springs or any other kind of suspension to help it glide down the track. It also can't contain wheel bearings, washers, bushings, a motor or other starting device, or any loose materials such as lead shot.
Wheel Lubrication
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A Cub Scout can use only powdered graphite or silicone to lubricate his car's wheels. Under the basic Pinewood Derby rules, he can modify the wheels to reduce friction and weight. However, some Cub Scout packs may prohibit this.
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