Pinewood Derby

As we discussed in a previous post, Bode is now in cub scouts.  This past weekend was the annual Pinewood Derby.  This was our first experience with Pinewood Derby, and we did not realize the amount of work "scouts" put into their cars.  I put scouts in quotes because there is obviously a lot of parental help and internet advice put into a lot of these cars.  I can imagine a purer time when one could not simply Google, "Fastest Pinewood Derby car" and receive a length list of tips and advice on how to construct a winning car.  We were happy Bode was somewhat interested in the car when we worked on it.  We didn't do any of the tips--we figured if Bode wasn't concerned, we wouldn't be concerned.

When we arrived at the Derby, we got a picture of Bode with his car.

Before the races started, the Den master (I think that's the right term) had a friend bring his souped-up mustang to the location.  Supposedly this car has over 500 horsepower.

The owner was a kindred spirit--a fellow car enthusiast.  I asked him, "How many pistons does this thing have?"  He looked at me awkwardly, and gave me some bland answer.  Ashley whispered in my ear, "The correct term is 'cylinders' you jacka*s."

Back inside, we were able to run some tests on the track prior to the start of the event.  Our car (I mean Bode's car) was dreadfully slow.  We weighed it, and we were a full two ounces light.  Thus, we scrambled to find some pennies and dimes to weight the car.  Luckily, one of the parents had brought a caulk gun to help glue weight-items to cars prior to the impoundment at the start of the race.  There was one guy with a whole tool box of items, and he was talking about how he had hoped to apply powdered graphite on the wheels every night for a few weeks before the race to reduce friction, but ended up doing it only a couple times.  I think we hammered in wheels on the night before and quickly (but not effectively) checked the alignment.  Bottom line:  We have a lot to learn about Pinewood Derby.

The racing started, and Bode wasn't too thrilled with the results.  However, there were many heats, and I think Bode started against some of the top cars.  Fortunately, towards the end, he was matched against cars (parents) that had the same skill level.  Here are some action photos.  Note Bode's car is in the far left lane.

He got nosed out at the line.  So close.

One of the great things about scouts (at least for cub scouts) is everyone gets some sort of prize.  Plus, with only four Tiger cubs, third place (which is was Bode got) is not that hard to get, but it still is worthy of a trophy.  Here's a shot of all the Tigers.  Logan (far left) won, Dylan was second, Bode was third, and Tylen was fourth.

We had a very nice time on Saturday, and have already started our designs for next year.  Maybe I can schedule some time in the wind tunnel up at work :-)  Ashley will be in Virginia this week, so it's just me and the dude.  Should be a busy (and lonely) week.