How to Build a Dragster
You watch drag racing on television or at the racetrack, and it looks like so much fun. But if you've watched enough of it, you've also seen a crash or two. Your mom would never let you ride in one, but you can build one that doesn't put you in the driver's seat.
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Things You'll Need
- Saw
- Wood block
- Drill
- 2 straws
- 2 axles
- Scissors
- 4 washers
- 4 wheels
- CO2 cartridge
- Soap box
- Pencil
- 2 wood skewers
- Glue
- 4 wood beads
- Long balloon
- Bendable straw
- Tape
Instructions
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Build a Wood-Body Dragster
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1
Saw a wood block into the shape of a right triangle.
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2
Drill two 1/4-inch holes on the longer side of the right angle from one side of the triangle through to the other. One hole should be near the right angle and one near the acute angle.
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3
Slide the straws through the holes and the axles through the straws. Cut off the ends of the straws with scissors just before the ends of the axles.
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4
Add a washer and then a wheel to the end of each axle.
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5
Turn the block so that you're looking at the back of the dragster. Drill a small hole in the middle that doesn't penetrate the other side. Insert a small CO2 cartridge.
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6
Follow the instructions to release the CO2 from the cartridge. Stand back and watch your dragster move.
Build a Cardboard-Body Dragster
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7
Poke two holes in one side of the soap box 3/4 inch from each end and 1/4 inch from the bottom using the pencil. Then poke two holes in the opposite side. Push a 5-inch skewer through the holes.
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8
Glue a wood bead to each end of both axles and allow them to dry.
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9
Stretch out the balloon and place the straw's bent portion into its neck. Tape the balloon and straw, creating a seal between the two, and then tape the straw to the box's top.
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10
Blow through the straw to inflate the balloon and then hold your thumb over the opening. Release the dragster on a flat area.
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1
Tips & Warnings
The CO2 cartridge contains a gas under high pressure. Follow the instructions for its care and use to avoid any miniature explosions or injuries from improper expulsion.
