Derby Talk

5 Js - everyone should always plan on adding and reducing weight during check-in. Absolutely - but I think birddog is looking for a scale with less resolution to minimize trips to the scales in an attempt to get the "perfect" weight. FWIW - adjusting weight in hundredths will make no noti...

Never really thought about it, but I know where you are coming from. If somebody weigh's in at 4.92oz on a scale that resolves to 0.01, then they will go back to the workbench to install more weight. Next time it may weigh 4.96oz, so they go back again and next time maybe 4.96oz. Creates a bottlenec...

Would you care to share it? Perhaps in a new post. I just finished a new car and have a time on it. I'd like to see if I can pick up some time with your technique. Well - it's some things I discovered while in a process of discovery with Stan. These discussions can get you thinking outside the box ...

Speedster wrote:"but at speed would lift one wheel"
Is this something you are able to achieve intentionally?

yes.

The most you can get behind an axle is 10 blocks (2 rows of 5)... Although we don't recommend it, we have fit 14 cubes (2 rows of 7) behind the rear axle. You can, but this leaves nothing for a "frame" for the car (for stiffness) with no advantage because that much weight behind the rear ...

Stan - I cannot think of any unintended consequences, however, I am not sure that the use of high density mass such as tungsten provides a "significant" advantage. If you were going to put the maximum amount of tungsten behind an axle in a car that is 1/4" thick, you could get the sam...

Other than keeping the stock wheelbase , whatever eventually happened with your effort to revamp the rules? Are these the 2012 rules (at first glance these appear no different than the 2011 rules). The linked to rules are PTC Council rules, yet we have no council race, so the District have their ow...

Below are the revamped rules. Consider that this was a group endeavor and not my choice alone. GENERAL: The race is open to all registered Cub Scouts in the Abnaki District, including Webelos having recently crossed over the Boy Scouts. In these rules the Scouts will be referred to as “Drivers”, par...

Elsewhere I described a suggested change for our Wotamalo Rules. In summary, the rule would limit the distance from each end of the car to the furthest axle to 6 inches. This change reduces the allowable wheelbase, leaving an additional 3/8" of car body possible behind the rear axle. The purpo...

For years I had been dealing with rules that I think we're written in an attempt to level the playing field but actually hurt the average builder. Fortunately, last year I had opportunity to update many of our rules. One of the things I had noted was that the 4-on-the-floor ruled caused many dads to...

While somebody that has absolutely no tools and no knowledge may have a difficulty making an extended wheel base, what are they going to do, just use the block as is (since they have no tools)? Anybody that can shape the car can easily make an extended wheel base, as all they reall need is a small ...

But ouch thay are not cheep in cost as sets $100.00 up to $300.00 for the index sets. single pin gages are someware around $3 dollars a pin. Some Dads/guys would not have use for the pin gage sets inless there doing alot of machine work on the side and racing alot like you Sporty . (Could the numbe...

Here is what we've done: Shoebox. Cut a piece of packing foam that fits the bottom. Use any of the types of rigid foam that's now found in any shipment of electronics like TV's, Computers, even your appliances. Cut a slim piece that fits under the car but does not touch the wheels so as to slightly...

I have only used the Microwizard Fast Track timers - and can say I am quite happy with them and their product - great customer support.

Good to hear from you again *5 J's*. what if you chuck the wheel directly into the drill press and bypass the mandrel? We've never done this. If this involves grasping the wheel by the hub, then wouldn't the concentricity of the hub relative to the bore become an added factor? yes - but I prefer th...