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Kit Specific Help


Cub Scout/BSA Awana PineCar
 
Royal Ranger (S&W) Royal Ambassador (RA)

Each organization that sponsors a pine derby race requires the car builder to use a specific kit. Although the various kit types are similar, there are differences in wheels, axles, and blocks. Due to these differences, each kit requires slightly different preparation techniques.

Below each kit is identified, and the specifics preparation techniques are outlined. In addition, the applicability of our specialty tools to the kit is identified.

Cub Scout Grand Prix Pinewood Derby® Kit

The Cub Scout Grand Prix Pinewood Derby Kit consists of the following:

  • 1 Wood Block: 1-3/4 x 1-1/4 x 7 inches, offset axle slots with a wheelbase of 4-3/8 inches

  • 4 Nail Axles

  • 4 Wheels: hard plastic, full profile, solid sidewall, raised lettering "BSA Pinewood Derby"
Click Here for a Larger Photo
Block Tips

  1. Use a square to verify that the axle slots are square to the block. If not, replace the block.


  2. Use the axle slot closest to the end of the block as the rear axle.


  3. Use the Pro-Body Tool to pilot drill the axle slots (or if allowed by the local rules, use the Pro-Body Tool to drill axle holes on the opposite side of the block).
If you are not satisfied with the block in your kit, replacement blocks can be found Here. 		Axle Tips

  1. Remove the burrs under the nail head, and the crimp marks on the shaft with a Mini-File. Place the axle in the chuck of a drill (head outwards), and apply the file to the spinning axle.


  2. To minimize contact with the wheel hub, slightly bevel the axle head with the file.


  3. Straighten and round the axle shaft with the Pro-Axle Press.


  4. Polish with an Axle Polishing Kit.
As an alternative, Official Cub Scout/BSA Speed Axles are available Here. 		Wheel Tips

  1. Optionally, use the Pro-Wheel Shaver XT to true the wheel before polishing.


  2. Using a Pro-Wheel Mandrel, polish the tread surface and inside edge with wet, 600 grit sandpaper.


  3. Use the Pro-Hub Tool to bevel the inside wheel hub.


  4. Polish inside the wheel bore with Pro-Bore Polish.


  5. Lubricate with Graphite.
As an alternative, Official Cub Scout/BSA Speed Wheels are available Here.

Other preparation steps can be performed using our specialty tools. Below is the compatibility / applicability of the specialty tools to the Official Cub Scout/BSA Kit.

Pro-Hub
Tool		 Pro-Outer
Hub
Shaver		 Pro-Body
Tool		 Pro-Axle
Press		 Pro-Wheel
Shaver XT		 Pro-Wheel
Mandrel		 Pro-Bore
Polisher		 Pro-Axle
Guide		 Wheel
Balancer		 Alignment
Tool
Yes Yes Yes
Part #5140		 Yes Yes Yes No Yes Yes Yes


PineCar Basic Kit

The PineCar Basic Car Kit consists of the following:

  • 1 Wood Block: 1-3/4 x 1-5/16 x 7 inches, offset axle slots with a wheelbase of 4-7/16 inches

  • 2 Axles: Solid rods with retention grooves for hubcaps

  • 4 Plastic Hubcaps

  • 4 Wheels: hard plastic, full profile, see-through sidewall, 5 spokes, no raised lettering
Click Here for a Larger Photo
Block Tips

  1. Use a square to verify that the axle slots are square to the block. If not, replace the block.


  2. Use the axle slot closest to the end of the block as the rear axle.


  3. If you cannot cut the axles (see step 1 under 'Axles'), then make sure the block is no wider than 1-11/16 inches wide. Sand the block as needed to reach this measurement.
If you are not satisfied with the block in your kit, replacement blocks can be found Here. 		Axle and Hub Cap Tips

  1. If allowed by your local rules, use diagonal cutters to remove 1/4 inch from the middle of each of the axles. You will now have 4 independent axles.


  2. Place the axle in the chuck of a drill and polish the area near the hub cap retention ring with an Axle Polishing Kit.


  3. Polish the inside of the hub caps with wet, 600 grit paper.
If you need spare or replacement parts, Official PineCar replacement wheels and axles can be found Here. 		Wheel Tips

  1. Optionally, use the Pro-Wheel Shaver XT to true the wheel before polishing.


  2. Using a Pro-Wheel Mandrel, polish the tread surface and inside edge with wet, 600 grit sandpaper.


  3. Use the Pro-Hub Tool to bevel the inside wheel hub.


  4. Polish inside the wheel bore with the Pro-Bore Polisher.


  5. Lubricate with Graphite.

Other preparation steps can be performed using our specialty tools. Below is the compatibility / applicability of the specialty tools to the Official PineCar Kit.

Pro-Hub
Tool		 Pro-Outer
Hub
Shaver		 Pro-Body
Tool		 Pro-Axle
Press		 Pro-Wheel
Shaver XT		 Pro-Wheel
Mandrel		 Pro-Bore
Polisher		 Pro-Axle
Guide		 Wheel
Balancer		 Alignment
Tool
Yes No Yes1
Part #5140		 Yes1 Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
1Not for use with the solid rod axles. Use only with PineCar nail axles.

Awana Grand Prix Car Kit

The Awana Grand Prix Kit consists of the following:

  • 1 Wood Block: 1-3/4 x 1-1/2 x 6-13/16 inches, centered axle slots with a wheelbase of 3-13/16 inches

  • 4 Axles: Hinge-pin type

  • 4 Wheels: soft plastic, full profile, see-through sidewall, 3 spokes, raised lettering "Awana Grand Prix"
Click Here for a Larger Photo
Block Tips

  1. Most Awana blocks are shorter than 7 inches. If so, replace the block with a 7 inch block.


  2. In many Awana races, the wheelbase can be extended. If an extended wheelbase is allowed in your race, purchase an Extended Wheelbase Block, or use the Pro-Body Tool (Part #5145) to drill axle holes in your existing block.


  3. If you are using the slots on an official Awana block, use a square to verify that the axle slots are square to the block. If not, replace the block.


  4. Use the axle slot closest to the end of the block as the rear axle.
If you are not satisfied with the block in your kit, replacement blocks can be found Here. 		Axle Tips

  1. To minimize contact with the wheel hub, slightly bevel the axle head with the file. Place the axle in the chuck of a drill (head outwards), and apply the file to the spinning axle.


  2. Polish with an Axle Polishing Kit. Skip the two coarsest papers in the kit.
If you need spare or replacement parts, Official Awana replacement wheels and axles can be found Here. 		Wheel Tips

  1. If present, use a sharp knife to cut off the molding spike.


  2. Using a Pro-Wheel Mandrel, polish the tread surface and inside edge with wet, 600 grit sandpaper.


  3. Use the Pro-Hub Tool to bevel the inside wheel hub.


  4. Polish inside the wheel bore with the Pro-Bore Polisher.


  5. Lubricate with Graphite.
As an alternative, Official Awana Speed Wheels are available Here.

Other preparation steps can be performed using our specialty tools. Below is the compatibility / applicability of the specialty tools to the Official Awana Kit.

Pro-Hub
Tool		 Pro-Outer
Hub
Shaver		 Pro-Body
Tool		 Pro-Axle
Press		 Pro-Wheel
Shaver XT		 Pro-Wheel
Mandrel		 Pro-Bore
Polisher		 Pro-Axle
Guide		 Wheel
Balancer		 Alignment
Tool
Yes No Yes
Part #5145		 No No Yes Yes Yes1 No Yes
1Can be used as a gap gauge, but does not assist in installation.

Royal Ranger Kit

The Royal Ranger kit (same kit is also supplied by S&W crafts) consists of the following:

  • 1 Wood Block: 1-3/4 x 1-5/16 x 6-15/16 inches, driver cut-out, extended-centered axle channels (3/8 semi-circular) with a wheelbase of 5 inches

  • 2 Dowel rod axle struts with pilot holes

  • 4 Axles: Screw-type

  • 4 Wheels: hard plastic, narrow symmetrical profile, solid sidewall, no raised lettering
Click Here for a Larger Photo
Block Tips

  1. Use a square to verify that the axle channels are square to the block. If not, replace the block.


  2. Many races allow the car to be 7-1/2 inches long. Since the block is only 6-15/16 inches long, extend the length by gluing on a 1/2 inch 'nose' of wood or another material.


  3. Use the axle channel closest to the end of the block as the rear axle.


  4. Use the Pro-Body Tool for Royal Rangers (Part #5148) to re-drill the pilot holes in the axle struts.
Spare Royal Ranger/S&W Blocks are available Here. 		Axle Tips

  1. Remove the burrs under the screw head with a Mini-File. Place the axle in the chuck of a drill (head outwards), and apply the file to the spinning axle.


  2. To minimize contact with the wheel hub, slightly bevel the screw head with the file.


  3. Polish with an Axle Polishing Kit.
 		Wheel Tips

  1. Optionally, use the Pro-Wheel Shaver XT to true the wheel before polishing. A 1/8 inch bushing is required.


  2. Using a Pro-Wheel Mandrel polish the tread surface with wet 600 grit sandpaper. Make sure to remove the seam around the middle of the tread.


  3. Polish inside the wheel bore with the Pro-Bore Polisher.


  4. Lubricate with Graphite.


  5. Note that the wheels have a stamped side and a smooth side. The smooth side is mounted towards the car.
As an alternative, Official Royal Ranger/S&W Speed Wheels are available Here.

Click Here for an Article on Royal Ranger Wheel Alignment

Other preparation steps can be performed using our specialty tools. Below is the compatibility / applicability of the specialty tools to the Official Royal Ranger/S&W Kit.

Pro-Hub
Tool		 Pro-Outer
Hub
Shaver		 Pro-Body
Tool		 Pro-Axle
Press		 Pro-Wheel
Shaver XT		 Pro-Wheel
Mandrel		 Pro-Bore
Polisher		 Pro-Axle
Guide		 Wheel
Balancer		 Alignment
Tool
Yes1 No Yes
Part #5148		 No Yes2 Yes Yes No No Yes
1Not for squaring or coning hubs, but required for the Pro-Wheel Shaver XT.
2Requires a 1/8" bushing (Part #5156)

RA Kit

The RA Car Kit consists of the following:

  • 1 Wood Block: 1-5/8 x 1-3/8 x 7 inches, offset axle slots with a wheelbase of 4-3/16 inches

  • 4 Axles: Nail-type

  • 4 Wheels: hard plastic, narrow symmetrical profile, solid sidewall, raised lettering "Royal Racer" on some wheels
Click Here for a Larger Photo
Block Tips

  1. Use a square to verify that the axle slots are square to the block. If not, replace the block.


  2. Use the axle slot closest to the end of the block as the rear axle.


  3. Use the Pro-Body Tool to pilot drill the axle slots (or if allowed by the local rules, use the Pro-Body Tool to drill axle holes on the opposite side of the block).
 		Axle Tips

  1. Remove the burrs under the nail head, and the crimp marks on the shaft with a Mini-File. Place the axle in the chuck of a drill (head outwards), and apply the file to the spinning axle.


  2. To minimize contact with the wheel hub, slightly bevel the axle head with the file.


  3. Straighten and round the axle shaft with the Pro-Axle Press.


  4. Polish with an Axle Polishing Kit.
 		Wheel Tips

  1. Optionally, use the Pro-Wheel Shaver XT to true the wheel before polishing.


  2. Using a Pro-Wheel Mandrel polish the tread surface with wet 600 grit sandpaper. Make sure to remove the seam around the middle of the tread.


  3. Use the Pro-Hub Tool to bevel the inside wheel hub.


  4. Polish inside the wheel bore with Pro-Bore Polish.


  5. Lubricate with Graphite.


  6. Note that the side of the wheel with the raised lettering is mounted away from the car.
As an alternative, RA Racer Speed Wheels are available Here.

Other preparation steps can be performed using our specialty tools. Below is the compatibility / applicability of the specialty tools to the Official RA Kit.

Pro-Hub
Tool		 Pro-Outer
Hub
Shaver		 Pro-Body
Tool		 Pro-Axle
Press		 Pro-Wheel
Shaver XT		 Pro-Wheel
Mandrel		 Pro-Bore
Polisher		 Pro-Axle
Guide		 Wheel
Balancer		 Alignment
Tool
Yes No Yes
Part #5140		 No Yes Yes Yes No No Yes


MV Basic Car Kit

The MV Basic Car Kit consists of the following:

  • 1 Wood Block: 1-3/4 x 1-1/4 x 7 inches, offset axle slots with a wheelbase of 4-3/8 inches

  • 5 Axles: Hinge-pin type

  • 4 Wheels: hard plastic, full profile, see-through sidewall, 5 spokes, no raised lettering

Click Here for a Larger Photo
Block Tips

  1. Use a square to verify that the axle slots are square to the block. If not, replace the block.


  2. Use the axle slot closest to the end of the block as the rear axle.


  3. Use the Pro-Body Tool to pilot drill the axle slots (or if allowed by the local rules, use the Pro-Body Tool to drill axle holes on the opposite side of the block).
If you are not satisfied with the block in your kit, replacement blocks can be found Here. 		Axle Tips

  1. Polish with a metal polish such as "Brasso" (hardware store) or "Mother's Chrome Polish" (auto parts store) .
 		Wheel Tips

  1. Optionally, use the Pro-Wheel Shaver XT to true the wheel before polishing.


  2. Using a Pro-Wheel Mandrel, polish the tread surface and inside edge with wet, 600 grit sandpaper.


  3. Use the Pro-Hub Tool to bevel the inside wheel hub.


  4. Polish inside the wheel bore with Pro-Bore Polish.


  5. Lubricate with Graphite.

Other preparation steps can be performed using our specialty tools. Below is the compatibility / applicability of the specialty tools to the MV Basic Car Kit.

Pro-Hub
Tool		 Pro-Outer
Hub
Shaver		 Pro-Body
Tool		 Pro-Axle
Press		 Pro-Wheel
Shaver XT		 Pro-Wheel
Mandrel		 Pro-Bore
Polisher		 Pro-Axle
Guide		 Wheel
Balancer		 Alignment
Tool
Yes No Yes
Part #5140		 No Yes Yes No Yes Yes Yes


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Updated May 1, 2008