The Speeder
The Speeder

Pinewood Derby Times
Volume 6, Issue 2
October 18, 2006

In this Edition:

- Editor's Notes

- Feature Article - Aluminum 'Freedom Series' Track from Piantedosi

- Product Review

- Newsletter Subscriber Specials

- Car Showcase

- Memory - Better than 6th

- Q&A


Editor's Notes

Royal Ranger Kit Parts
Submitted by George Roberts

"Hi Randy, it's Commander George of Royal Rangers Outpost 31, Southern New England District out here in Massachusetts! I just wanted to share one of my experiences this season while building our cars. It was getting near race day, and I was going over all our boys' cars to be sure they would be ready. Well I found that some boys had lost either a wheel, or an axle (screw), or a dowel axle for their car! So I contacted Gospel Publishing House (GPH) - whom I had ordered the kits from - to see if they could rush me out a few extra wheels, screws, and dowels. What I found out stressed me out a bit! They only sell complete kits! I had ordered 20 kits, received 20 kits, inspected them myself to be sure they all had what they needed, and now some of these guys had lost some of their parts!

Well, fortunately, we had held a Commanders meeting about a week before, and one of the commanders there had passed out some S&W catalogs. I figured that S&W supplied GPH with their kits, so I could maybe 'go to the source', and get what I needed. I found out that S&W no longer supplies GPH with their kits, but I am very happy to report that S&W was completely able to supply me with my request! Not only that, but the screws I received from S&W were a whole lot smoother and shinier than the screws we get from GPH. So that means if a boy decides not to properly polish his axles, they are still a bit smoother than before. After having a brief conversation with Ray from S&W, I also found out that when I place an order with him, he always adds extra wheels, screws and dowels to every order! So now, I have a new supplier for my Royal Rangers Pinewood Derby car kits!

P.S. Our outpost won 1st Place this year for speed (first time in 6 years)! Thanks for the good advice and great products to create a winning team!"

Editor's Note: Although S&W no longer supplies to Gospel Publishing House, they still manufacturer the same kit. You can contact S&W at: http://www.pinewoodderbycars.com/


Questions
If you have any questions about the Pinewood Derby Times, Maximum Velocity, or about building a pinewood derby car, please contact me at: info@maximum-velocity.com



If you have an upcoming Raingutter Regatta and would like some speed tips, decals, or extra kits, please visit 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 www.spaceship-derby.com. Our booklet, "Soar to the Finish", provides you with all the speed tips you need to build a super fast space ship.



We are clearing some inventory and have several items priced to sell. Supplies are limited so Click Here to get these discounted products before they are gone!

Feature Article

Aluminum 'Freedom Series' Track from Piantedosi

Back when BestTrack first introduced an aluminum track, I purchased a two-lane track for testing and tuning cars. The track has served us well, and continues to provide a resource for us and our local customers. About a year after the introduction of the BestTrack, Piantedosi introduced an aluminum version of their popular wooden track. Since then, I have had many customers ask for my advice on purchasing a track. As I am always willing to share an opinion, I passed on what I knew first hand, and what other customers have shared with me. However, I also let people know that I had no first hand experience with the Piantedosi tracks.

So, I decided that in order to better serve our customers I needed to get a Piantedosi track (there was one other reason as well, which I will share later). So on April 17, 2006 I called Gary at Piantedosi and ordered a two-lane, 32 foot, anodized aluminum track. Piantedosi was able to ship a track right away, and on April 24, UPS delivered the track in two boxes.

Unpacking

My first impression was that something had to be missing as the boxes seemed rather small. But as I unpacked the track, I realized that the components were packed together quite well, and it appeared that everything was there.

I want to share something at this point. Overall, I am very impressed with the track. But since this article is a review of my experiences, I will be sharing some areas that could use improvement. This is intended as constructive criticism and I did share this article with Piantedosi well before publication.

Back to the unpacking. The reason I stated that "it appeared that everything was there" is because there was no list of parts in the instructions. This made it impossible to verify that everything was included, and also made it more difficult to follow the instructions during assembly (a photo or drawing of each part with quantities included would really help).

Nevertheless, twenty minutes later all of the parts were laid out on the floor and ready for assembly. Twenty minutes may seem like a long time to unpack the two boxes, but to Piantedosi's credit, the material was very well packed, and removing the staples and plastic took a while. If you have ever watched how UPS handles boxes, you will understand why good packaging is extremely critical.

Track Assembly

After lunch I began assembling the track sections. Once I discovered which parts were needed, I was able to quickly attach the two lanes together, attach the starting section frame, and then piece the track sections together. This operation took approximately fifty-five minutes. Naturally, if you ordered a longer track, or more lanes, the time would increase.

During this assembly I ran across two 'gripes'. First, wood platforms (included) are placed under the track sections to support the track and protect the floor. The instructions call for using 2-sided tape to attach the wood platforms to the underside of the track sections, but the tape isn't included. I had some in the shop, so no delay was encountered, but it be nice if Piantedosi would include a small roll of this tape. Secondly, the instructions call for two, ten pound barbell weights to stabilize the start section (see Figure 1). When I read this, I remembered that this had been mentioned to me before by a customer, but it was not mentioned during ordering nor at the front of the instructions. There is a major sporting goods store about a mile away from our shop, so after spending $20.73, I was back in business. But for those folks in more rural areas, acquiring these weights could be a bigger problem. Piantedosi needs to be more up front about the need for these weights so that they can be acquired while the track is in transit. For last minute buyers, acquiring the weights the night of the race could be a problem.


Figure 1
Weights Form Curve and Stabilize Start Section

Starting Gate

Next up was the starting gate. This proved to be a challenge. Apparently, the starting gate was recently redesigned. The web-based instructions had not been updated, and the instructions included were very cryptic. I am fairly mechanically inclined, so after about 30 minutes I got it figured out and working. But clearly, an instruction update is needed.

At first I was not very excited about the new gate. I was used to the BestTrack gate which auto latches when it is swung back into position. This is an easy movement with one finger, especially important while your hands are full of cars. I eventually figured out how to reset the Piantedosi gate with one hand, but you do need an unencumbered hand (see Figures 2 and 3). Regardless of the ease of resetting, the gate does function well, and I'm sure I'll get used to it.


Figure 2
Start Gate Closed


Figure 3
Start Gate Open

Stop Section

Last came the stop section, which took about 10 minutes (again a drawing or two in the instructions would really help). At 30 inches, the Piantedosi stop section is shorter than the BestTrack stop section (40 inches), and I had some reservations about the length. But after running our fastest cars, I found that the cars easily stopped within the 30 inches. Apparently the BestTrack needs a longer stop section as the stop section is about 5/8 inch lower than the Piantedosi stop section. So, on the BestTrack, the cars 'fly' several additional inches before landing on their bellies.


Figure 4
Stop Section

Track Finish

Now that the track was assembled (overall time to assemble was just under 2 hours not counting the addition of a timer) I had a chance to look at the overall quality of the track. The lane joints are tight and smooth, the track sits solidly on the ground, and overall has a high quality appearance.

As I mentioned at the beginning of this review, I had another reason for ordering this track. Over the years I had the BestTrack, the track times were slowing down. I was at a loss as to why this occurred until I realized that the aluminum track surface had oxidized, leaving behind a film on the track (this is normal for aluminum). After much scrubbing with a Scotch Brite pad, and cleaning with 'Simple Green', I was able to get the surface of the BestTrack back in shape. Now of course I know I need to clean the track on a more regular basis. But there has to be a better way.

And there is. Piantedosi offers anodized tracks. Per the Piantedosi web site, "Aluminum is immersed in a tank containing an electrolyte having a 15 percent sulfuric acid concentration. … Aluminum oxide is grown out of the surface during anodizing and then becomes aluminum hydrate that is extremely hard." Although this option adds cost, the result is a track that does not oxidize, cleans easier, and has a very smooth (almost silky) surface (see Figure 5). If you are going to purchase a track from Piantedosi, do not skimp; pay the extra and get the anodized version.


Figure 5
Track Surface Comparison

Comparison

Both Piantedosi and BestTrack produce a quality product, and I am sure you will be satisfied with either one. There are of course many factors to consider when purchasing a track (cost, storage, set-up/tear-down, durability, length, ease of transport, et al), and the intent of this article is not to compare these tracks in detail. However, here are a few comparison points to consider:

Web Sites

  Piantedosi

  BestTrack


Product Review
Tungsten Disulfide at:
www.lowerfriction.com

During the past year, M.K. Impex of Canada has been advertising Tungsten Disulfide (WS2) as the "Ultimate Dry Lubricant for Pinewood Derby Cars". I had previously tested WS2 from another vendor (Rose Mill) and found it to be inferior to graphite for pinewood derby racing, so I decided to purchase this new offering to see if it was in some way different from the previous lube.

As some background, WS2 is used as an industrial lubricant, especially in high temperature and/or high pressure applications. As pressure increases, WS2 maintains a low coefficient of friction much better than alternate lubes. However, in pinewood derby racing, the opposite characteristics are needed. Derby racing is a low temperature, low pressure application, so a lubricant is needed that provides a low coefficient of friction under these conditions.

We tested the M.K. Impex WS2, and were unable to achieve results that approached those of graphite. Unfortunately, the company does not provide any test results, nor does it provide specific application instructions. The absence of this information, as well as the results of our testing casts a serious shadow on the "Ultimate Dry Lube" claim made by M.K. Impex.


If you have a speed or construction tip, a web site review, or a product review that you would like to share, please send it to: info@maximum-velocity.com

If your submission is used, you will receive a $10 coupon in May of 2007. Don't worry about literary polish. We will edit it as needed before publishing. Also, please read our Submission Policy.


Special Offers for Newsletter Subscribers



Drill Mount
$2.00 off

Now a convenient way to clamp your drill to a work surface when working on wheels and axles!

  • Adjustable Size to fit virtually any hand drill.


  • Dual Mounting Positions provide flexibility to meet your work environment.


  • Swivel Base allows the drill to lock in at any angle.
For more information, Click Here

but make sure to Purchase Here


Pro-Body Tool for Royal Ranger / S&W Kits
$2.00 off

The Royal Ranger Pro-Body Tool is a guide for re-drilling accurate axle holes with a hand drill into dowel rod axle supports of Royal Ranger / S&W Kits. It will help improve car performance by assisting you in accurately mounting your axles.

For more information, Click Here

but make sure to Purchase Here

These specials are valid through October 31, 2006.


 Car Showcase

Blue Angel: Joel & Bradley Keels


Our Cub Scout Pack (249, Edgewater, Maryland) had our Pinewood Derby today, and it was great. My son Bradley proudly took the 'Best in Show' selection from the Derby judges, and the car actually ran well. He got the idea from another 'Blue Angel' car that we saw in your gallery a while back. Plus, he's seen the real Blue Angels perform several times, and just loves them. When he first said that's the design he wanted to do, I was a bit stumped trying to envision a design. Then, I remembered a pretty beaten-up old Blue Angels jet toy that wasn't getting much attention lately. So, we found wing sections, tail sections, cockpit and nose pieces, and missiles that we could salvage from the toy and use in the car design. He told me what he wanted to use and where he wanted the pieces, and I helped him fasten or glue them. He painted the main blue color, and then I taped off the stripes and missiles so he could do the yellow accents. We were lucky to come across some JPEG shots of the decals (that really had me stumped up to that point), so I printed them up and he decided which ones to use and put them on. Finally, he put on the clear coat to really make it shine (like the real ones!). He also helped with sanding and prepping the axles and wheels, but since he had a 102 degree fever the day before the race, his Mom helped me to put the wheels/axles onto the body. Luckily, he was well on race-day, and all went well. We look forward to next year (and hopefully an easier design choice!).


Number 1: David & Craig Baum


Craig is a Tiger Cub in Pack 135 in Wellesley, Massachusetts. This was our first Pinewood Derby. Craig designed the car, painted, and applied the stickers (I did the cutting and sanding). Craig's car placed 3rd out of nearly 80 cars. We are looking forward to next year!


'32 Coupe: Mike & Mikey Ferraro



My son Mikey and I are involved with the Cub Scouts in our town, and I am lucky enough to be a den leader. Last year we made a '32 coupe for him with Curious George at the wheel. For the adult race I made a race car carrier for my vehicle. The adults raced for fun. We had a blast; the coupe didn't place but it lasted a while before it got beat. Thanks for the tips and products on your site.


Share Your Pinewood Derby Car Creation
Do you have a car you would like to 'show off' to our readers? If so, send us a photo of your car along with a brief description of any special features. Also, please include your full name. If selected, we will include the photo and description in this newsletter.Please e-mail photos to:
info@maximum-velocity.com.

Photos must be sent by e-mail in JPG format (minimum size of 640x480 - maximum size of 1280 x 960). Please shoot photos from the front left of the car, similar to the orientation of the cars shown above.

Send only one photo per car, unless an additional photo is needed to adequately show a feature. Also, only one car per subscriber please. Thanks!


Pinewood Derby Memory

Better than 6th

My son completed his last Pinewood Derby this year. Each year he has placed first or second in his den and gone on to district. Every year he wound up in 6th place. He always walked away happy because he had fun, walked away with a trophy, and got to go to district. Every year we stopped for donuts after the district race as a little celebration.

This year things started out about the same. He was in 6th place, and was happy as a clam just talking to his buddies. After a few heats he moved up to 5th place. In his last heat he beat the car that was undefeated. When we looked up he had moved up to 3rd place. Eventually he walked away with a trophy. On the way home he never set the trophy down; when we went in for donuts he carried his trophy with him. While he enjoyed every derby he participated in, his last derby will always be special.

Gary Holewinski
Toledo, Ohio

Do You Have a Pinewood Derby Memory to Share?

I am sure there are many stories to share. Please jot down your humorous, unusual, sad, or heart-warming pinewood derby tale and send it to: info@maximum-velocity.com

If your memory is used, you will receive a $10 coupon in May of 2007.

Don't worry about literary polish. We will edit as needed. Also, please read our Submission Policy


Q&A

I had always planned to round my son's wheels for reduced friction but I purchased your booklet and it makes no mention of rounding the wheels. Do you not advise wheel rounding?

By rounding I assume you mean to change the tread profile from flat to curved? If so, I don't normally recommend that because:

  1. It is quite often disallowed.


  2. It cannot be done accurately without a computerized lathe.
That being said, if you are not allowed to use lathed wheels, and if a curved profile is allowed, you can gain some benefit from lightly rounding the tread with wet sandpaper. Just don't go overboard, and make sure the contact patch is in the center of the wheel.

Better speed can be attained by using lathed wheels (wheels that have been made truly round).

The axles and wheels in the BSA kit do not fit well. When I remove the burrs and crimp marks and polish the axles, and then polish the wheel bore, the wheel bore is too big and axle is too small. There is about .008 to .010 slop. How do I fix this?

Ah yes, this is what happens when we try to turn 'toys' into precision machines! As you indicate, the BSA axle is undersized for the wheel (or the bore is oversized for the axle - if you look at it that way). Unfortunately, there is little that can be done to correct this, as most races require the use of official BSA components. There are after-market axles which are larger (and work much better), but they are not official components.

Some people have tried to plug the bore with epoxy or plastic rod, and then recreate the bore to the proper size. While this is possible, it does require some precision equipment to accurately machine the bore. Also, this borders on breaking the rules, as a bore made of epoxy could be consider a 'bushing' or 'bearing'.

Where can I find elimination charts for race scheduled?

First, I don't recommend using elimination methods as they are not as accurate as other methods, and the slower cars don't get the opportunity to race as much. That being said, a search on Google will turn up several elimination charts.


Do you have a pinewood derby-related question? If so, send your question to: info@maximum-velocity.com. We answer all questions by e-mail, but not every question will appear in the Q&A section of the newsletter.


Back Issues

Are you a new subscriber, or have you missed some of the previous newsletters? Don't miss out! All of the issues for Volume 5 are posted on our web site:

Volume 6

  1. Volume 6, Issue 1


  2. Volume 6, Issue 2
Volume 5

  1. Volume 5, Issue 1


  2. Volume 5, Issue 2


  3. Volume 5, Issue 3


  4. Volume 5, Issue 4


  5. Volume 5, Issue 5


  6. Volume 5, Issue 6


  7. Volume 5, Issue 7


  8. Volume 5, Issue 8


  9. Volume 5, Issue 9


  10. Volume 5, Issue 10


  11. Volume 5, Issue 11


  12. Volume 5, Issue 12


  13. Volume 5, Issue 13


  14. Volume 5, Issue 14


  15. Volume 5, Issue 15
Issues from the four previous seasons are available in four formatted volumes, ready for immediate download. To find out more, Click Here.



Newsletter Contributions

We welcome your contributions! If you would like to contribute an article, a web site review, or a speed tip, please send it to: info@maximum-velocity.com.

Please read our submission policy.


Subscription Information

The Pinewood Derby Times is a free e-newsletter focused on the Pinewood Derby. It is published bi-weekly from October through April.

Please Forward This Issue to a Friend

If you haven't already done so, feel free to forward this issue to your pinewood derby friends. Thanks!

Sign Up

If this newsletter was forwarded to you, why not subscribe to receive this newsletter. It is absolutely FREE and your e-mail address is safe, as we never release our distribution list.

Please don't subscribe your friends. Let them decide for themselves. Thanks.

To subscribe, enter your e-mail address below and press 'Subscribe'. You will be sent a confirmation e-mail. Reply to the e-mail to complete the subscription.

Type Your E-mail Address



Randy Davis, Editor, Pinewood Derby Times
E-Mail: info@maximum-velocity.com


Copyright ©2006, Randy Davis. All rights reserved. Please do not reprint or place this newsletter on your web site without explicit permission. However, if you like this newsletter we grant permission, and encourage you to e-mail it to a friend.

The author disclaims any personal loss or liability caused by utilization of any information presented in this newsletter.

The Pinewood Derby Times is not specific to, and is not affiliated with the Boy Scouts, YMCA, Awana, or any other organization.

®Maximum Velocity! is a registered trademark of Maximum Velocity! Pinewood Derby Products.
Pinewood Derby, and Space Derby are registered trademarks of Boys Scouts of America. All other names are trademarks of their respective owners.

Mailing list services are provided by: www.mail-list.com