PINEWOOD
DERBY 101 - ADDING CAR WEIGHT Photos Of Different Lead Weights
Used On Pinewood Derby Race Cars
A typical Pinewood Derby car
is allowed to weigh 5.0 ounces and no more. After you have
finished
shaping and painting your car's wooden body, you may find that it
weighs
less then 5 ounces. You will want to add weight to your car to
insure
speed.
Weight helps the car build momentum as it travels down the steep
part of the racetrack.
That momentum helps propel the car along the straightway ahead of
lighter cars.
This racer screwed strips of lead (lead strips are typically used for
melting purposes) and a fishing weight to the top of his car.
Note
that weight should be added above the rear wheels to be most effective.
This racer screwed fishing weights to the top of his car. You can
see a screw hole where one weight was removed to pass inspection. Again, remember that weight should
be added above the rear wheels to be most effective.
In this photo we see the bottom of a car. Holes had been drilled
into the car's wooden body. Those holes were then filled with
melted lead. Molten lead allows you to better place and hide
weight in your car. Melting lead should only be attempted
by adults with the right tools and experience. Here a
drill is being used to
remove some of the lead so that the car will make weight on race day.
It's best to check your car's weight using a postal scale
(typically found in most workplaces.) For true accuracy, check
weight in grams instead of ounces. (5.0 ounces equals 141.75 grams.)
In a pinch, you can add extra weight by using coins that are
taped, screwed or inserted into your car.
LINKS TO FREE INFORMATION
These links focus on free Pinewood Derby car information
available on the web. If you would like to suggest your site for
inclusion here, please send an email by clicking here.
ABOUT/CONTACT
I wrote Pinewood
Derby 101 after going through the Pinewood Derby process. I
was a novice and had to learn it all from scratch. This
site's goal is to share practical tips that help kids and parents enjoy
building pinewood cars together. Linking to this site is encouraged
(no permission required.) Feel free to contact me with questions,
comments or to share information. Click here for
contact information.
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Pinewood Derby racing is an
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