As I'm sure we've all found out even from when we were newbies, sometimes you just don't know where to start or what to do. There are a tons of resources out there, but some parents just need to have something basic and simple to start off with for working with their kids.
When I first got into it, a friend of mine gave me a copy of his old Hodges manual that he's had forever. It helped me get my feet wet with weighting the care and a few other things. But over the years, and even with my limited experience and knowledge, I've come to the conclusion that while the manual has a good design to start off with, it can be improved upon slightly but still maintain some simplicity so that parents can get a good feel for their first time making one with their scout.
Plus, the information in the manual is from a time when wooden tracks were the norm and crazy designs and weight concepts weren't a widespread thing. So what I've done is made some diagrams for scouts and their parents so that they can get a decent start.
From the manual, I used the exact measurements and came up with the first model of what is made directly from the instructions. I'm also using the stock wheelbase and least expensive weighting material (lead wire) as possible to make it as affordable and simeple for them as possible. Let's face it, not alot of parents are going to know everything right off the bat about axle holes, changing wheelbase, tungsten, etc. Tiger cub races are their introduction to it. Save the craziness for later, I say.
Looking at it now, it's way too big of a body for a basic wedge. Plus, using the measurements from the manual, the placement of the holes for lead wire is too high and not centered around the rear axle enough. So needless to say, scouts won't get as much potential out of their car with it, in my opinion. I think the first car we made like this also had a balance point about an inch and a quarter in front of the rear axle and we were able to get about 2 1/2 ounes of lead wire into it. Ran decent, though.
Now, what I did was take this concept and redid the diagram to reduce as much wood as possible and centered the weight placement on the rear axle while moving it as far down in the body as possible. Still kept the wedge shape as they can shape it anyway they want after looking at the diagram. And instead of measuring from the back of the block, I measured form the middle of the axle to try and keep the weight as centered around it as possible. Still using the same measurements for the weight holes just positioned better.
With this, I made up a basic wedge as a test and it'll take almost 3 ounces of lead wire and the balance point is around 15/16" to an inch in front of the rear axle.
The latest incarnation is the exact same wedge but with the placement of the weight holes slightly modified.
Again, all of this based on a stock block from the kit so it's all centered around the axle slot. With this one, I've moved the rear weight hole halfway between the back of the block and the rear axel. Middle weight hole is moved the exact same distance but in front of the rear axel. Front weight hole is still in the same position with the basic Hodges style hole placement by using the updated placement. So this way the exact same amount of weight can be added as it's only the placement of the holes that have changed.
With this placement, the balance point has move to between 5/8" and 3/4" in front of the rear axle.
Now I know that common thought is to get the most weight around the rear axle as possible. But I'm shooting for the scouts and parents who have never done it before in their lives. They don't know anything about all the extra designs and physics that go into it. If I can get them a good starter design, they can modify it as they please. It's all about learning, right? Gotta start somewhere. Axle and wheel prep will be a big factor, too. I've seen some cars with 3 ounces added beat cars with 4 ounces added simple because they prepped their axles and wheels better.
And I know there will always be the parents who will be better than others, whether it's their first time or fourth. Never going to be able to account for all of them that either build their kids car, buy aftermarket wheels and axles or get tips and help from their more experienced friends. not to mention the scouts that understand the build process better than others.
Not every scout and parent will have that luxury. I know single moms who help their kids who have had no clue what to do. Cars that get messed up a couple of times. Run out of time or have parental excuses as to why they didn't get to work with their kids enough on it. Like I said, my goal is help the ones who don't have a clue or those other resources or just want to do something simple with their kids and get involved. And it doesn't get much simpler than one cut and three drilled holes. Doesn't take into account raised wheels, rail riding, tungsten weight or anything like that. Just something to get a scout started into it.
If I can get some of them interested without them feeling intimidated by it, they can move on to bigger and better things. Getting their feet wet and helping the kids have some feeling of accomplishment is a big start.
Maybe a bit corny and I'm sure I've probably over-simplified on it, but I remember when I was clueless and someone helped me with something simple. I've built on that and helped my kids build bigger and better. Everyone needs a start, right? Provide them with something like this and if they choose to use it, great, and if they there are some that want something more there's alot available out there.
And as long as they are competitive most of these little guys are happy and so are the parents. Some will always be better than others, but doing their best still needs a basic foundation to start on. And I am by no means an expert and I still get confused with half the things that is talked about on here. I'm good at the basics, though, and my kids, scouts in my den and I are learning as we go. So why not spread that along so others can build on it, too.
