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Faster Pinewood Derby Cars Track |
Weslin's March 25, 2002 |
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The Pinewood Derby Track This track is gathering dust in my garage.
Although, several Packs use it each year. If you
would like to use it at your Pack races, check with me and I'll
add you to the schedule. Northwest Tucson, preferably. Here is a sample race chart (PDF) if you need help The basic design of the track was taken from the Cub Scout track plans. The track has 2 lanes and is made with 1/2 inch black melamine with 1x2 redwood side rails. It is 30 feet from start line to finish line. (more...)
The start mechanism is a combination of several designs found on the Internet. Sample Start Gate Sample Start Gate 2
The spring actuated start gate goes down fast enough that neither car has an advantage.
The finish line gives the time in a digital readout as soon as the cars pass the finish line. The fastest time blinks to show the winner. The accuracy is to one thousandth of a second, which is less than 1/8th of an inch. The timer we picked is Fast Track made by MicroWizard. It cost $275 with an optional battery pack. It's a little less in kit form.
The 4 ft. skid ramp at the end of the track is half an
inch high and is covered with black electrical friction tape. There
is a 2" foam pad at the end but only the fastest cars get that
far. And even then, just barely.
Click here for more track information... |
