2 race cars/Start to finish 8 hrs/won 1st and 2nd

[ismaelg]

Hello,

Well, not exactly 100% on topic but these are scale race cars anyway

We had a Cub Scout district Pinewood Derby yesterday. Up until Thursday, we were not going because my wife and I were supposed to be out of town in training. But the training was cancelled and I found myself struggling to get 2 BSA kits for the derby. My son was very happy he was now going!

If you haven't seen it, the kit includes a block (literally) of wood and you need to carve a race car out of it. With only Friday evening and a few hours Saturday I cut the rough simple shapes. Keep in mind most of my tools are for plastic or metal work, not much wood. Cutting wood with a hacksaw designed to cut aluminum tubing is "interesting" Simple shapes cut, a 220 grit sandpaper and off they go for painting. No sealer, no primer no nothing. Painted in a few minutes with the acrylics I had around, put the wheels on, a few stickers and called them done. While they were painting I lightly polished the nails that act like axles and following the instructions (what a concept!) added some dry powder lubricant. Not the most "elaborate" race cars I've seen, but good enough considering the timeframe AND they did it themselves.

At the derby, my son's car was flying, winning every heat! At the end it won the class and the overall! My daugther's car won 2nd place in the open category (for non-cub scouts like sisters, adults, older brothers etc)

A fellow leader looked at me, smiled and said "those 2 cars are suspicious. I've seen your workbench and I wonder if those cars were turned in your lathe and have Michelin race tires or something" He was kidding but just in case we showed the cars to anyone who wanted to see it and inspect it, not to mention tech inspection and the judges. The secret is straight wheels, not weight. It weighted only 3 oz and the limit was 5.

What a blast! we ALL had a great time. That's the beauty of cub scouting.

You can tell which one is who's

About 50 - 60 cars entered, but most importantly, they were all worked on by the kids

Click here for more Pinewood Derby pictures

I may sound like a broken record but: Ask not what the young can do for you, ask what YOU can do for them.

Thanks,

[BKIN10SECS]

Your a good man Ismael, and a great father.

[Nick F40]

sweet Ismael, that is awsome! I remember when I did pinewood cars in scouts, a LONG while ago!

[3men2s]

I want a full investigation......

what's really underneth that inocent paint

and sleeper image.... thinds that make you go hummm!!!!