Why is it called Pinewood Derby?
Why is it called Pinewood Derby?
He asked the Management Club at his company, North American Aviation, to sponsor a miniature racing event for his Cub Scout pack that he had named a “pinewood derby.” The club agreed to pay for the wood and other materials. Murphy designed a miniature car that could be carved out of soft pinewood and wrote the rules.
What kind of wood is used for Pinewood Derby cars?
Pine – Any of a variety of soft, light-colored woods used for pinewood derby kits. Ponderosa Pine – A soft western pine. Sugar Pine – A soft, western pine noted for a sweet smell. White Pine – A soft eastern pine.
What is a good Pinewood Derby time?
Pinewood Derby Results. The average times with just weight added was 3.288 seconds. There was 0.188 seconds between the fastest and slowest car, about 23 inches. The average time was 2.994 seconds, about 44 inches faster than without graphite (0.353 seconds).
How old is the Pinewood Derby?
The first Pinewood Derby was held on May 15, 1953 at the Scout House at Manhattan Beach. About 55 Cub Scouts raced their Pinewood Derby cars that day. Knowing how exciting the Derby is today, I can’t imagine the enthusiasm that was running through the Scout House.
Who invented Pinewood Derby?
Cubmaster Don Murphy
A lot has changed since Cubmaster Don Murphy dreamed up the idea for the Pinewood Derby in 1953. But a lot has stayed the same, too. The Pinewood Derby is still about Cub Scouts and their parents turning four plastic wheels, four nails and some wood into a custom race car.
What is the best shape for a pinewood derby car?
simple wedge
But aerodynamics rule the day, and the best shape is a simple wedge. Just like a spoiler on the rear of a sports car, the wedge shape allows as much air to flow over the top of the car without hinderance while keeping the car pinned to the track.
What is the purpose of the Pinewood Derby?
The purpose of the Pinewood Derby is to help the Cub Scout build a team relationship with their parent or helper, experience the sense of accomplishment and the excitement of competition, learn Win/Lose good sportsmanship, and to have fun.
What makes a derby car fast?
Aerodynamics have little effect in such a short race, but weight does and putting the weight at the back of the car will make your car faster on the flat of the track. Tungsten weights, in most cases, are best because of their high density. Lube the car at the body/wheel friction point.
What is the pinewood derby?
The pack’s Cubmaster, Don Murphy, created the concept of the Pinewood Derby. At that time, his son was too young to enter Derby races so he thought of the idea. The cars used for such races are small and easy to build, unlike regular Soap Box Derby cars. Since the first time it came out, the Pinewood Derby was very well-received.
What is the Boy Scouts of America pinewood derby?
The Boy Scouts of America host the Pinewood Derby and it’s one of their favorite events. This is a prestigious race. In it, the participants build their own wooden cars and race them. As a rule of the event, the scouts need to build their cars using pine wood and other different materials.
What type of energy does a pinewood derby car use?
Car modifications. The pinewood derby car converts gravitational potential energy into translational kinetic energy (speed) plus rotational energy. Heavier wheels have a greater moment of inertia and their spinning takes away energy that would otherwise contribute to the speed of the car. A standard wheel has a mass of 2.6 g,…
How do you prepare your car for the pinewood derby?
Step 1 in preparing for Pinewood Derby season is designing your car! Whether you are going for ultra-fast or flashiest, make your dreams come to life. Get the perfect look and feel with the best paints, sound and light kits, peel-n-stick decals, and bright wheel colors. Step 1 in preparing for Pinewood Derby season is designing your car!
