Detonator
Detonator
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Detonator |
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Detonator |
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Editor's Notes
In response to my answer, Matt Bierek wrote: "The usual reason the phenomenon described occurs is when you have rear weight biased cars running with center or front weighted cars on standard curved tracks. The back weighted cars always appear to get a "boost" exiting the curve due to the fact that their back weight is still "falling" while front weighted cars begin to decelerate at that same point. Troop 161 in Philomath, Oregon has a 48 foot track with a regulation BSA curve and run out. The longer run out tracks tend to spread the field at the finish line where the boost effect is far more obvious." My interpretation of the question was different than Matt's. I took the reader's question to mean "Why do the cars jump ahead out of the gate?" In this case the answer I provided in the newsletter was correct. But it is possible that the reader meant "Why do cars get ahead at the transition?" In this case, Matt's answer is correct. So, putting the two answers together we have a more complete answer. |
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Raingutter Regatta or Space Derby? 
If you have an upcoming Raingutter Regatta and would like some speed tips, decals, or extra kits, please visit us at Raingutter Regatta - World Class Boats. Our booklet, "World Class Boats", provides many techniques and tips for getting the most speed out of the standard BSA design, and also
shows how to build the super fast Catamaran and Hydrofoil. These boats are so fast, they have been banned from some races!
We also can help with your Space Derby project at Spaceship Derby - Soar to the Finish!. Our booklet, "Soar to the Finish", provides you with all the speed tips you need to build a super fast space ship.
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To make clean pockets, you must use a Brad Point or Forstner drill bit. These bits create relatively flat-bottomed holes with straight sides, which greatly reduce the amount of chiseling which will be required, and minimizes the risk of damaging the car.
Always make the pockets on the raw block. It is much easier to clamp, drill, and chisel into a block than it is to work on a shaped car. Also, if damage is done, then you can easily start again.
Select a drill bit that is properly sized for the work you are doing. If you are a making pocket to hold one row of 1/4 inch cubes, then a 1/4 inch drill bit is perfect. If you are making a pocket for multiple rows of cubes, then use a larger bit (3/8 or 7/16 inch).
After marking the perimeter of the pocket, clamp the block firmly to a work bench, or place it in a vise. Don't try drilling into a block that is not firmly locked in place.
When squaring corners, square along the grain of the wood first, then square across the grain, and,
Cut a small amount of material at a time - taking too much material can result in a damaged block.
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Tungsten Putty Sale $1.50 off |
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