Semi Racing

[gpraceman]

In this case if the kids were wishing to race semi trucks:
And no kits were to be found for the 18 wheelers you could change your rules up!
and make a semi truck like the revell semi truck kit and go with 10 wheels.
http://www.revell.com/pinewood-derby/im ... xy8653.jpg

Unfortunately, those do not look anything near scale.

[whodathunkit]

A lower profile type of semi truck.. Might be the way to go!
plus you can always build your own trailer to go with the truck.

Just saying this could be one way you could build the semi trucks using only 10 wheels
if the 18 wheeler big rig kits or the 1 1/2'' long axles were not to be had anywhere.
Rules would have to be changed up some what as well.

[gpraceman]

I checked with Micro Wizard and they do offer a semi truck extension, just not on their order page. For a 4 lane extension, it is $55 plus shipping.

I'll probably get one, as I would like to see some semis race. We had one this year and had to race it without the trailer. I would also like to loosen the rules even more on our Outlaw race. That could lead to some long and crazy cars.

[ah8tk]

Microwizard does sell a Big Rig extension to their track, I purchased one back in 2010:

http://www.derbytalk.com/viewtopic.php? ... =15#p48520

[sporty]

The other day, I was pretty surprised. And I want to and I ask others to give Randy a big high five.
I'm very impressed and its hard to make short.
But there was a time I would never have imagined randy being interested adult league race.edit (meant mid America).
And we just had to realize.
Semi trucks are the key.

I personally want to say thank you. But further more.
I can't wait to see some pictures of Randy's semi or future build semi !

All I can ask, if there is another favor to ask.
Please contact BSA and beta crafts. It takes interest and demand to see these kits.
And I still hope that a mfg of axles can offer axles or better ones.
The stock ones bend easy for the duel wheels.
I see a way for a better semi trailer pin system to be made and sold also.

Sporty

[gpraceman]

But there was a time I would never have imagined randy being interested adult league race.
And we just had to realize.
Semi trucks are the key.

You took my comment a bit wrong. I am not interested in racing in adult leagues. There is nothing wrong with league racing. I just never felt the need to race at that level. I am happy racing in our Awana club's Outlaw race each year, but beyond that I don't have the time nor inclination.

I was just saying that for better adoption of semi racing in the kids races, it might take getting the adults really interested in racing them. Just how many more ten thousands of a second can be trimmed from a PWD car? Semi truck racing might be a new frontier for the adults to explore. How well can you rail ride/run with an 18 wheeler? When kids see their dad's racing the semis, then they might also want to race them.

[sporty]

Meant the mid america as you mentioned.

Still impressed

[sporty]

I spoke with beta craft today, I think we'll have some kits soon .I will have a update, more info within a week.

[sporty]

update


I have spoken to Greg Dawes (mid America) race.

He is going to have a semi class. He has asked me to help come up with the rules. for the race.

I am asking you guys, who have races semis or will race a semi. For suggestions with helping with me writing these rules.

I have never raced a semi before and only have recently built a couple.

Being first time, Id like t have a good solid base for rules but not super strict.

Currently bsa is not in production of semi kits and beta craft will have possible 15 kits without the wood for the trailer for sale. I will hear back from Beta craft with in 14 days per my conversation with him.

Thre is naturally a assumption of axles, It has been said some axles that be bought thru buying some hanger wall kits that have the axles (nails in the hanger kits).

And this likely will be on a 3 lane best track.

Now, most of the rules I have seen.

are 9oz max on the cab, 8 inch long max and no taller then a max height with wheels and ect on, 4 1.2 inch max tall to clear under timer.
max width is 3 3/4 wide.

trailer is not going to be allowed to be longer then 12 inches.

we want a min height, so people are not running thin bodies on the cab. my feeling is a min of 3 inchs measured from the table with the truck having wheels on and ect. no 1/4 thin bodies, lol.

Thinking wheels, no under 2 gram wheels, all lettering much be there on both sides, not touches. no narrowing the wheels. o.d. can be reduced for trueness no less than 1.169 o.d.


So what you guys think ? I have to get something done within 14 dAYS.

[whodathunkit]

So the chassis dimensions are to be at a lenght of 17 1/2" over all.

I'd like to see the rule sets opend up to a 15" min and 20" over all length..
It gives the builders more room in the conventional cab model tuck for building sleepers into the design over the cab-over model.

I would say 2 1/2" for a min height.. to the top of the truck cabs with wheels would be good.
keep the over all height of 4 1/2" for the stacks and the box trailer.

The chassis in the Beta crafts semi kit & the 100th anniv semi kits are both 3/4" X 1 3/4" x 7"
However the wheel / axle spaceing is different from the two kits.

[sporty]

Graphite or oil ? Or both allowed ?

[Speedster]

I'm getting interested.
Questions?
Can I build a "Sporty Eco-semi" even though I could never get a diesel engine in it?
Do I have to show Exhaust stacks?
Can I install the air cleaner under the hood?
Do I have to show fuel tanks?
Must I have outside mirrors?
Do all 18 wheels have to be on the ground all the time?
Can I use tag axles on the tractor and trailer to keep wheels off the ground? ( I'll be Deadheading)
Can I run a Split axle trailer?
Is a Box trailer required or can I build a Flatbed?
Can I build the tractor and trailer as a solid unit so there would be only 6 wheels on the ground going through the curve? I think it would make it easier to build a rail rider.
I prefer Graphite only.
Are wheels the same as the car kit wheels? If not, specify the stock BSA car kit wheels. Anyone could then buy Vendor wheels.
Looking forward to seeing the Final Rules.

[sporty]

I don't think I'm gonna go into a fine listing of items like that.
stacks, gas tanks, ect.

Just a max and min height requirements.

BSA wheels. Beta craft wheels. I hear they are the older style BSA wheels anyhow. Any confirms on this ? Anyone ?
There is going to be 1 gram , or heavy modified wheels.

I'm hoping to do a ruff draft later this weekend.

Hoping warren, and Andy will stop in yet.
I

[sporty]

So the chassis dimensions are to be at a lenght of 17 1/2" over all.

I'd like to see the rule sets opend up to a 15" min and 20" over all length..
It gives the builders more room in the conventional cab model tuck for building sleepers into the design over the cab-over model.

I would say 2 1/2" for a min height.. to the top of the truck cabs with wheels would be good.
keep the over all height of 4 1/2" for the stacks and the box trailer.

The chassis in the Beta crafts semi kit & the 100th anniv semi kits are both 3/4" X 1 3/4" x 7"
However the wheel / axle spaceing is different from the two kits.

Without having some good info for the track extension. I hate to allow a length that might not fit . So I'm going off of some other rules. As a guide. But I'm hoping others who have it and used it can share info.

Axle spacing for the trailer or flat bed. I'm okay with variance there.
I think it would be interesting to see what people do. I have no idea which way is faster either.

5 wheels must atleast touch the track. 18 wheels have to be on it. Naturally duels are required on the trailer and rear of cab.

Track extension is 12 inches + 7 = 19 inches.

I prefer to be safe and say max Length total 18inches.

[whodathunkit]

BSA wheels. Beta craft wheels. I hear they are the older style BSA wheels anyhow. Any confirms on this ? Anyone ?

Sporty,
The Beta Craft 18 wheeler kits use an older looking CMI wheel without the lettering.


3.1 to 3.2 g wheels.