Build A Pine Wood Derby Car - Fun Building Project For Kids
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Building and racing pinewood derby cars is an event sponsored by many Cub Scout troops. But it is an interesting hobby which can be done by anyone who likes to carve wood and has an interest in cars. Racing the pine car can be a fun event for any youth group or a fun activity for the neighborhood kids. With the right planning, materials, and information, building the pinewood derby car can be a fun and rewarding experience.
Many times, both parent and child, upon opening the kit wonder, How in the
world can we turn this plain block of wood into a beautiful speedster capable of winning a race.
It's not as hard as you think! If you carefully assemble the material you need, and plan the steps necessary to build the car, you will be successful in creating the car of your dreams. With some luck and some skill, you will win the race.
First, a little about the kit. The kit will contain a block of wood, metal axles, and
four racing wheels. Some kits may vary in how the wheels are mounted to the body. Some have four nails which are used as axles. These are driven into four pre-positioned holes in the side of the body. Other kits will have two axles which are designed to fit into the two slots which are cut into the bottom of the car. By judiciously cutting, carving, sanding, and painting, this car magically becomes a beautiful race car.
The first step is to know the rules. As race standards vary from group to group, this column will not try to address specifications. There will be a standard length, width, height, and weight for the race cars, and all cars in the race will have to conform to these general standards. The car can be any color or shape, and have any accessories you want as long as the modifications don't cause the car to exceed specifications. Be sure you know your local rules before building the car. It doesn't matter how beautiful or well made the car is, if it doesn't meet the guidelines it will be disqualified and not permitted to race.
The first decision to be made is the design of the car. Young children or first time
builders should pick a very simple design. A pre-shaped kit may also be an option you should consider. Once a design is chosen, it must be drawn on a block of wood. With a handsaw, coping saw, or razor saw carefully cut away unwanted material. An Xacto or other hobby knife can be used to further shape and modify the body. Finally, sandpaper is used to smooth the body to its final shape.
Next you will add the weights. Most races have a maximum weight of five ouncesfor the car, and this weight requirement can be made up with weights and accessories. Most race organizers will allow you to subtract weight from the car on race day, but not add any weight to it. It is best to have the car slightly heavy on race day, so you can adjust down. You will find round weights, stick-on weights and strip weights. Round weights need a three eighths inch hole drilled in the rear of the car to install. Strip weights need to have a cavity cut out of the bottom of the car, so there will be proper clearance between the bottom of the car and the track guide. Stick on weights resemble side exhaust pipes, and use a self adhesive material to adhere them to the side of the car. Have some cyanoacrylate glue handy on race day to make sure these weights stay secure. Strip weights can be broken off in sections to make final adjustments. You will need a hacksaw or razor saw to cut down round weights.
Finish the car with acrylic model paints. These will give you a nice high gloss
finish, are available in a lot of "hot" colors, and provide easy cleanup. Seal the car first with sanding sealer and paint the car. Decorate the car further with some neat decals. There is a large selection of rub-on or stick on decals available to customize the car. You may also add windshield/driver kits, motor kits, and headers. Bear in mind that these accessories all add weight to the car, and adjustments will have to be made for them before race day.
When you are finished painting, decaling, and accessorizing the car, you can protect the finish further by coating the car with a high gloss clearcoat. This will protect your handiwork from damage. For more detailed instructions, the book Pine Car How To by Woodland Scenics is an almost indispensable guide.

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