Its been almost 30 years since I did this...

Pinewood Derby races.

I recall fondly working with my Dad and Grandad in the basement workshop in Double Springs. Though as I recall, my designs were always more focused on the visual impact than the actual engineering, those are really fond memories of my childhood.

This year I started leading Cooper's cub-scout den. This Monday, the wooden "blanks" were distributed to all the kids and Cooper and I have been discussing what he wants to make to race at the end of the month.

We've looked at several possibilities, but the one he's decided he wants to pursue is pretty ambitious. I'm not sure how well it will race, but the basic idea is pretty sound. He wants the body cut really thin, he wants to gather most of the weight over the rear wheels. From all I've read, that kind of thing should perform pretty well.

The difference is, instead of a narrow wedge (the way most cub-scouts seem to address 'skinny in the front - heavy in the back) problem, Cooper wants to make his look like a skeleton. Here's the basic idea. Yes, I helped with the drawing, but he'll be doing as much of the carving as he can.

What's kinda cool about this is we plan to cut out that bit between the "arms." That will pull even more weight off the front axle. We shall see. Regardless, I think his design will certainly turn some heads - and should be a hoot to make together.

Lillian also wants to make one. She may or may not get a chance to race it, but it sounds as if they regularly do a "siblings race" after the cub-scouts are done with the derby. I'm really hoping hers is glittery pink animal print. It will make a nice contrast to the skeleton on race day!

More photos very likely to follow...

(One month later)
Some photos documenting our progress...

 

Fun time had by all.