PACK 197 Pinewood Derby Rules and Tips
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pdf format SPECIFICATIONS
Body
The body in the Official BSA Pinewood Derby Kit must be used. Bodies of other materials will be grounds for disqualification. The body may be shaped, hollowed out, or built up from the original block, as long as it meets all other specifications. Any additions to the original body, i.e., steering wheels, drivers, decals, paint, weights, etc., must be firmly attached. Do not add anything to the bottom of the body—otherwise the car will not ride above the track.
Width
The car width at the wheels may not be modified. At other points, the width may not exceed 2 ¾”.
Length
Overall length may not exceed 7”. Wheelbase: The wheelbase may not be modified. Wheels: Wheels and axles must be as furnished in the official kit. NO washers, bushings, bearings, or springs are allowed. Wheels may be sanded to remove the flashing only. No reductions in width or diameter, or changes in shape are allowed.
Weight
The weight of the race-ready car must not exceed five (5) ounces as measured on the official scales.
Lubrication
Only dry powdered graphite can be used on wheels and axles. Do not use liquid graphite or oil, or the car will be disqualified.
Other
Cars must free-wheel with no stored energy or movable weights. There is no designated front or back to the supplied body— you may choose which end to make the front. Last year’s cars may not be used.
INSPECTION
Cars will be inspected during registration for compliance to the specifications described above. If a car does not comply, the Cub Scout and his parent will be allowed to modify the car to make it compliant, up until the end of the registration period. Once a car has been inspected and approved, it will be impounded. After impounding, repairs will be limited to replacement of axles/wheels that are broken/lost during the race. Only race officials may make repairs after inspection.
TIPS
Weight and lubrication probably do more to increase the speed of the car than anything else. Get your car as close to 5 ounces as possible (e.g., using small weights or coins). Apply dry graphite to the wheels and axles before the race. If you are interested in other design ideas or speed tips, visit a bookstore or craft store or try the Internet. Above all else, let your son design his car and participate as much as possible in its construction. Trace the block onto a piece of paper and try different designs with a pencil before cutting it out. Even Tiger Cubs can help with sanding, painting, and lubrication.
Links
Use following links for additional tips:
NOTE
Siblings may also build cars—you can pick up a kit at the Scout Store in Winchester or Woburn. We will use siblings’ cars as fillers in races where needed, and we will have an unofficial siblings’ race at some point during our Pinewood Derby event. Best of luck!
Lowell Spinner, minor league affiliate of the Boston Red Sox
Friday, June 22st 7:05pm
The Pack reserved 45 tickets for this game. If you are interested in attending contact Gene Boeglin at erboeglin@attglobal.net. There will also be a sign up sheet at the Blue and Gold banquet. Tickets are $7.50 a piece. For more information on the Spinners see http://www.lowellspinners.com/.
Pack 197 will attend Camp Carpenter’s “Cub World” resident camp from July 22-26 (Sunday-Thursday). A $25 deposit is due by March 13th and the balance ($205) is due by May 15th.
Boys who are presently in 3rd and 4th grade are eligible to go to this overnight resident summer camp. Parents are expected to share this exciting experience with their son for at least one day and night. Make checks out to “Pack 197” and turn them in to Gene Boeglin.
Camp Carpenter Requires a Medical Form.
For additional camp information refer to http://www.dwcbsa.org/camps/CampCarpenter
Blue and Gold Banquet – Pack 197
Celebrating the Birth of Scouting
Place: Lexington Elks Hall
959 Waltham Street, Lexington (across from Brookhaven)
Date: Tuesday, February 13, 2007
Time: 6:00 – 8:30 PM Dinner & Dessert: “Pot Luck” Buffet
RSVP: Please inform your den leader of the exact number of people in your family (# of adults plus # of children) attending the Blue and Gold Banquet by February 2nd. We would appreciate receiving this information from the den leaders at the latest, February 4th. This will allow us to have an accurate head count in order to properly plan the food allocations. Thanks.
Arrival Information: We expect to start serving dinner at 6:15PM, and request that you arrive on time with your dish no later than 6:00 PM. Dinner will be followed by dessert, awards, skits and entertainment.
Food Guidelines: No Pizza Please . If your assignment is to prepare a main dish or salad, please make sure it can serve at least 12-15 people adequately and be in a pre-cut “ready to eat” state. This will help avoid serving line delays. Desserts should serve at least 20-25 people. Please put your name on any dish/utensil that you would like returned. Disposable serving utensils are preferred.
Thank you in advance for your participation in this annual event. We look forward to everyone having a fantastic time!!
Food assignments below:
- Tigers (Grade 1): Salads (2 green and 4 pasta)
- Wolves (Grade 2): 3 Main Course and 3 Desserts
- Bears (Grade 3): Drinks (4 bottles each of Sprite and Diet Soda (2 litre))
- First Year Webelos (Grade 4): Main Course
- Second Year Webelos (Grade 5): Desserts