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Cub Scout Pack 3731
(Warsaw, Indiana)
 
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Rules for Pinewood Derby


The Pinewood Derby is open to all Cub Scouts. Cars should be built by the Cub Scouts with some adult guidance. Any technical assistance should be fully explained to the Cub Scout so that he can use that knowledge on future projects.

CAR SPECIFICATIONS:

  • Maximum width - 2-3/4"
  • Maximum Length - 7"
  • Maximum Weight - Not over 5 Ounces (141.7 grams)
  • Minimum width between wheels - 1-3/4
  • Minimum bottom clearance underneath the body (so it does not rub on the track guide) - 3/8"

RULES

Wheel bearings, washers, and bushings are prohibited.

The car shall not ride on springs.

Only official Cub Scout Grand Prix Pinewood Derby wheels and axles are permitted.

Only dry lubricant is permitted. Details, such as steering wheel and driver are permissible as long as these details do not exceed the maximum length, width and weight specifications.

The car must be free-wheeling, with no starting devices. Each car must pass inspection by the official inspection committee before it may compete. If, at registration., a car does not pass inspection, the owner will be informed of the reason for failure, and will be given time within the official weigh-in time period to make the adjustment. After final approval, cars will not be re-inspected unless the car is damaged in handling or in a race.

BUILDING INSTRUCTIONS

Check the grooves to ensure that each is at a perfect 90-degree angle to the car body. A car with untrue axles tends to steer to one side or the other, causing it to rub up against the side of the lane strip, slowing it down. You can check the groove angles by using a square, a protractor, or even a piece of paper.
Lay square on block to check for squareness and alignment of slot.
Use two hacksaw blades side by side to redress the slots. Use the edge of the square as a guide.

Choose your favorite design, then mark the block accordingly. Lay car body on the side, then gently drive the axles into the grooves within 1/4" of the axle head. Axles should fit tight. With a pair of pliers, remove axles by pulling and turning gradually. Repeat on the other side of block. Most of the cutting can be done with a hand saw, then finished with sandpaper. Details such as fins and scoops should be added now. Any additional weight needed to achieve a total of 5 ounces should be built into the car. 

NOTE: If the car design you chose has a narrow body, make sure the area where the axles are inserted into the body remains 1-3/4" wide, or wheels will not fit over the guide strips of the track.

PAINTING AND WHEEL ASSEMBLY

Apply several coats of sanding sealer; then sand entire car with a fine-grade sandpaper. Give model at least two coats of fast drying paint, in your choice of color. When paint is completely dry sand with a fine sandpaper, apply a final coat of paint and allow to dry thoroughly. To finish, rub entire car with a rubbing compound. Details such as windshield, driver, racing numbers, etc., should be added now. For a super finish apply a coat of auto wax and rub to a high gloss. Pre-lubricate axles and wheels using, dry powdered lubricant. Do not use regular oil or silicone spray, since it may soften the plastic. Slide wheels over axles, then gently tap them into the car body grooves with a 1/4" dowel or similar object to within 1/32" of car body.  Make sure wheels turn freely.

Other Rules

  1. Use only Official BSA Pinewood Derby Kit wood, wheels, and nails. (Other wheels & kits are available on the internet that give a very unfair advantage.)
  2. Wheels may only be lightly sanded to smooth out molding imperfections in the tread area. Beveling, tapering, thin sanding, wafering, or lathe turning of the wheels is prohibited. The decorative dots on the wheel treads may not be removed. (Lathing of wheels can make cars much faster.)
  3. Motors, engines, or other propulsion may not be used. (The official BSA rules do not prohibit motors but it is an unfair advantage.)
  4. The Minimum Front Nose Width shall be at least 0.5” and parallel with the front axle to operate properly on the track. Cars must be no more than 3.5" high to fit under the finish gate.
  5. All cars are to be inspected and stored safely prior to the race. (This allows time for Scouts to make changes if needed.)

Annual Council Cubmobile Race


Saturday, September 20, 2014

Registration / weigh in begins at 8:00 a.m.
Main and Indiana Streets

This is a fun race where the scouts ride in a cubmobile against scouts from all over the Lincolnway District for trophies by weight class:

Weight Classes:
Flyweight - 49 lbs. & Under
Bantamweight - 50 To 59 lbs.
Featherweight - 60 To 69 lbs.
Middleweight - 70 To 79 lbs.
Welterweight - 80 to 89 lbs.
Heavyweight - 90 to 99 lbs.
Unlimited - 100+ lbs.


If interested in building your own cubmobile here are the specifications:  http://kclocke.tripod.com/cubmobile.html


CUBMOBILE RULES & GUIDELINES

1. Wheels must not exceed 10 inches in diameter. Spoked wheels are not allowed unless they have a hub covering them. We highly recommend that wheels with bearings are used. Plastic mower wheels without bearings will many times not even get the Cubmobile all the way down the hill!

2. All wheels may only be equipped with solid rubber tires.

3. Car frame is made from 2-by-4-inch construction lumber.

4. The overall length of the car is a maximum of 5 feet; the wheel base a maximum of 4 feet. The outside circumference of the wheel may vary from 30 to 36 inches.

5. Use roundhead 1/4-inch bolts to hold frame. Screws are a second choice. Nails are not suitable, because they will work lose.

6. All cars must have a seat with braced backrest, so the Scout can comfortably ride on the Cubmobile.

7. Steering is done with the feet, which are placed on the front axle, and by the hands holding a rope fastened to the front axle.

8. If threaded axles are used, the nuts must be secured with cotter pins or wire.

9. Cars must be equipped with an adequate safety belt securely fastened to the main frame of the car.

10. Cars must be equipped with a handbrake with its rubbing surface faced with a rubber material such as a strip of an old tire to stop the car when dragged on the ground.

11. During a race, the two 2-by-4-inch blocks fastened 1/16th inch from the centerboard will limit the turning radius. (Very important to test this before the race!)

12. The maximum weight of the Cubmobile may not exceed 45 lbs.

13. All participants must wear a helmet and shoes that cover the whole foot. Gloves and knee pads are recommended as well.

14. Each Scout will be allowed 2 competitive runs. Winners are based on the fastest run of each Scout.

15. If a Cubmobile stops for any reason before the finish line it is considered an incomplete race and the participant is given a DNF (Did Not Finish).

16. A Cubmobile may not be pushed by any means during a race. When the driver touches the ground for any reason their run is ended at that point and is not given a timed score.

17. Cubmobiles that are damaged during the race may be repaired in the "pit", however major modifications will not be allowed after registration.

18. The ruling of the judges is final on all matters concerning the event.

19. Have Fun!