November 11, 2010 | 
Author Twitter and the Pinewood Derby
After a couple of weeks of searching Pinewood Derby tweets on Twitter, it is clear that currently no special hash tags are used. From the picture below, #pinewoodderby has had one tweet in the past two weeks, #pinewood derby has still had no tweets, but regular updates through ‘pinewood derby’ search are occurring.
Is Twitter useful for the Pinewood Derby?
Before running an experiment to see whether the Pinewood Derby tweets would have an effect on my website, I decided to take a screen capture of the current visitor count.
Screen capture taken on the 5th November at 8:43AM (AEST)
Through perusing the current tweets, which seemed to centre on building cars and designing them, I chose two of my articles/posts that might be useful. The first, is an article about how to build the car (Appendix 1 a), and the second tweet is a post regarding pictures of Pinewood Derby cars found on Flickr (Appendix 1 b). From this point, I reviewed the tweets daily to see what would happen.
My re-tweets …
No re-tweets were actually inspired by my post. However, having kept the list column for Pinewood Derby, I was able to view other’s tweets on the topics, and chose to re-tweet two.
The first is an interesting design for a Pinewood Derby car, one that I had not seen before (Appendix 1 c), and the second shows images from a recent Pinewood Derby event (Appendix 1 d)
My thoughts on my experiences with Twitter this week
Creating short messages that people will either read or ignore is not the hard part. However, getting others to re-tweet the tweets is somewhat more challenging. In saying that, my tweets and re-tweets did have some success. The article 60 years later, the Pinewood Derby still reaches the hearts and enthusiasm of kids… has received a comment, and the site visitor count increased.
Screen capture taken on the 11th November at 8:13AM (AEST)
Appendix 1
Tweets and Re-tweets about my articles/posts:
a. @jospoika Pinewood Derby – Basic Steps to Building Your Car http://bit.ly/9mRqNa
b. @jospoika Pinewood Derby – Flickr Group – Pinewood Derby Cars http://bit.ly/dihk2T Some great design ideas can be seen here!
c. @jospoika RT @pocketmerlin: Skatepark – Pinewood Derby – This car was modeled after a skate park. The first thought was… http://tumblr.com/xr8ocvomm
d. @jospoika Great Race Pics: RT @ultradent: I posted 24 photos on Facebook in the album “Can Food Pinewood Derby November 8, 2010″ http://bit.ly/bIJvAh
Posted in Other News & Media, Running an Event | 
Tags: networking, pinewood derby, twitter | 
No Comments »
Reflection on Consolidating your Presence
My goal for this study project is to create a web presence that would suit with the topic of interest chosen. For this purpose, I have created this blog titled The Pinewood Derby – Managing a race – for beginners … a Web206 project.
Aesthetics: The initial design was appealing; however, it seemed bland. Therefore, I created an improved design that is more modern looking and attractive.
Copyright: I Changed “Copyright 2010, Jocelyn Peucker” to the Attribution Non-Commercial No Derivatives as the copyright. It allows anyone to share, remix and build, and give the author credit at the same time.
Taxonomies: As I have created posts, I added logically named tags to make finding relative posts easier. These tags are also on the front page of the blog site.
Blog roll: Rather than having a large in-site blog roll, the associated Delicious links have been tagged to suit with the topic.
Sharing Information: This week I add a plugin called AddToAny for WordPress. AddToAny helps people to “… share, bookmark, and email …” blog posts.
One of my weaker skills is the ability to blog regularly. Since I am involved with managing the 2011 Grand Prix race, there is a need for this blog site to be kept up-to-date especially for participants and volunteers.
The Original Design: 
Entering Discussions
Posted to Derby Talk on the 4th November
Hi everyone
I’m coming up to running our 3rd annual Pinewood Derby (PD) in Geelong, Victoria, Australia. Last time during preparations for our 2nd Annual PD, we (the committee and I) introduced an ‘open’ race but called it ‘The Outlaw Race’. We restricted this to adults only, as we had a few adults that wanted more than the kid’s race. To begin with, they wanted more speed, more weight and more freedom from some of our race rules.
However we still prohibited the following:
Flammable liquids, bottle‐rocket engines, Nitrous‐Oxide equipment, nuclear‐based power cells and/or energy sources, space crystals, Kryptonite, cars that deploy parachutes to slow down, any equipment patented by NASA engineers, lead‐based paints, and cars that require “warning” or “caution” stickers. Please avoid ridiculous weights, dripping oils, metal wheels or potentially damaging components (Adapted from Pack 946 – not sure of the original author of this).
We charged an extra $5.00 AUD for any car entering the outlaw race, and I was very surprised to see my own car Achmed, win the 2009 event.
For our 2011 race, we are planning to open a new Outlaw class just for kids. This class will have no extra race fee charge and the kids will be able to race their previously made cars for fun. They will also be able to re-work, add weight to their cars, and more before this race. For us, it is about the fun, not the money.
Cheers
Jocelyn (aka jospoika)
Responses received:
FatSebastian: Jocelyn! Looking forward to your continuing participation with Derby Talk!
*5 J’s*: Welcome to DerbyTalk Jocelyn. I checked out your website – very nice.
gpraceman: Hello Jocelyn, I’m glad that you jumped into the Derby Talk fray. I hope Pinewood Derby really catches on in Australia. Then I’d have a real good excuse to make a business trip down there. :pray: It is curious that the Down and Derby movie is called Racing Ace down in your parts. Keep up the good work on your website. God Bless, Randy
For more great discussions about the Pinewood Derby, visit Derby Talk
Posted in Other News & Media, Running an Event | Tags: DerbyTalk, discusions, outlaw race | No Comments »
60 years later, the Pinewood Derby still reaches the hearts and enthusiasm of kids …
Beginning in 1953 by Don Murphy, the Pinewood Derby race has reached millions of children around the world. Sixty years later, the Pinewood Derby still reaches the hearts and enthusiasm of kids. In 2010, reported by Coty Dolores Miranda, eight year old Anthony Ramos participated in his local Troop’s 10th Annual Pinewood Derby, and won.
Anthony Ramos loves building and inventing. His room, according to his parents, “… is a shrine to all sorts of handmade objects – lava-spewing volcanoes, ships constructed of recycled containers and cars”, as stated by Miranda. His personally built red Pinewood Derby car now joins the shrine.
Kendal, who placed second in this race says, “I think this is a lot of fun, and I would say yes, other kids should try to do this”. Fortunately, kids and their parents can get help to build their cars. Miranda stated that “Pinewood Derby committee chairman Bill Feil said Cub Scouts and their parents took advantage of a car-building workshop”.
Making a car – the best part
Many parents and Scout Leaders help the kids by cutting out and/or shaping of the car. Then the kids do the sanding and artwork. Older kids, if confident, can begin to learn how to cut out their cars using a coping saw.
Beginning with a blank template, the kids roughly sketch out their unique design, on a template. This design is then transferred onto the block of wood (see Basic Steps to building your car). Following the pencil lines on the block of wood, adults roughly shape the car. For fine detailing, such as window edges, unique patterns, some adults use the Dremel tool.
Kendal’s father, Walter Jenzen concurs “… that the time of father-son togetherness is one he treasures, despite the work involved”. This same togetherness is reinforced by a local Geelong family after their second experience with the Pinewood Derby. Julieanne O’Farrell, a Cub Scout Leader and Parent stated, “It was so great, that for the first time in years, we did something together as a family, all of us making cars and spreading sawdust around the house”.
In Australia, the Pinewood Derby is growing …
Over the past few years, the Pinewood Derby event has become popular in some Victorian Scout Groups including the 1st Eltham Gellibrand Cub Pack and the 1st Portarlington Scout Group. In New South Wales the 1st Helensburgh Scouts and the West Pennant Hills Scouts run the event.
Read more of Miranda’s article
Does your car work? Is it legal to race …
1st Portarlington Scouts run two check-ins:
1) A pre-race check in to help with fine tuning your car, adjust weight, give tips to increase speed if needed, and test it on the race track.
2) The second is the final check-in. After this checking (pre race) your car will be impounded.
During my first event in 2008, I did not take the advice from others better than me, and organised for the final check in to be on the same day as the racing. This is what happened:
Long line of competitors waiting to get their cars inspected. 1st Portarlington’s 2008 Grand Prix
Competitors and their supporters were lined up from the check-in tables to the entrance door. Racing was delayed by nearly 40 minutes. This upset a number of people. The next year, in 2009, we ran the final check-ins on the eve before race day. The race day started smoothly, the software and everything else was ready to go.
My advice is check in ALL cars the day before racing starts!
Note: this also helps the Chart Master organise the race schedules, and he/she will know which cars are racing, and which are not.
During check‐ins, your car will not be ‘timed’ or ‘raced’ against any other car. If the digital timer is set up for pre‐race trials, it will only be used for testing the equipment, NOT your car/s.
Please transport your car safely.
A padded shoe‐box (padded with a towel or other soft fabric) will protect your car from accidental bumps.
Your car is important! It may even be a winner!
STEPS
1. Arrive at the check‐in with your car AND check‐in/registration forms at any of the above advertised time.
2. Take your car to the Repair Station for final adjustments and lubrication. We strongly suggest that you use lubrication on your axles. Only well lubricated wheels have a chance of winning an award! Graphite powder is the only type of lubrication allowed for this race.
Cars being weighed on tested scales. 1st Portarlington’s 2008 Grand Prix
Cars are measured using the Go-No-Go Box from Lisano Enterprises. 1st Portarlington’s 2008 Grand Prix
3. Take your car to the Check‐In table to be weighed and measured. If the car is over‐weight or over‐sized you will be asked to return to the Repair Station to make adjustments.
4. Once your car ‘passes’ inspection, you will be able to see how it works on the track. If all goes well, and your car passes inspection, then your car will be impounded.
5. Your car will be staged in the “Pit Area” before Race Day by the Race Committee.
The Pit Area. 1st Portarlington’s 2009 Grand Prix
6. Bring your box with you on Race Day so that you can take your car home safely!
Car Weight Calculations
I found this great and very handy chart on a website a couple of years ago. Unfortunately, I cannot re-find it to proove who originally made it. If any one sees this else where, could you please contact me as to where it is seen, as it is a very handy little chart, and makes life easier when calculating weight, and I’d very much like to credit the original creator. Thank you.
Youth can use the sheet below to calculate weight
• Demonstrate the different densities of natural wood
• Calculate needed weights
• Improves math skills
Pinewood Car - Weight Calculations
Posted in Building Cars, Car Building Tips | Tags: calculations, car building, tips, weight | No Comments »
Maximum Velocity’s Pinewood Derby® Car Building Tips
Along with others, Maximum Velocity supply tools, car decals and more. They offer a lot of helpful advice on almost all topics, with an emphasis on how to use their tools.
Interested parties can sign up to the bi-weekly e-newsletter which is informative on latest derby topics. Even though this site is not a blog site, the information is frequently edited and kept up to date.
Source Link:
Maximum Velocity
1st Portarlington’s Car Building Rules
The committee-agreed car specifications and rules for the 1st Portarlington’s Grand Prix are:
A. Width: Shall not exceed 69.85 mm (2 ¾ inches)
B. Length: Shall not exceed 177.80 mm (7 inches)
Car Specifications (1). Created by: Unknown
Car Specifications (2). Created by: Unknown
C. Height: Shall not exceed 76.20 mm (3 inches)
D. Weight: Shall not exceed 141.75 grams (5 ounces)
E. Wheelbase – distance between front and rear wheels ‐ shall not exceed 112.71 mm (4 3/8 inches)
F. Bottom Clearance: 9.52 mm (3/8 inches) between track and car, weights need to be recessed into the body to maintain this clearance.
G. Wheel Clearance: 44 mm (1 ¾ inches) between wheels
Car Specifications. Graphic by: Unknown
H. General Design ‐Your car can be of any shape and design you can dream up. However it must be built from the Official BSA Pinewood Kit that was purchased from the 1st Portarlington Scout Group. Pine Car and other non‐BSA kits are not acceptable.
i. These rules supersede and replace the rules that were provided in the BSA Pinewood Kit.
ii. Adult Assistance. This is an adult assisted Scouting project. Car MUST be completely designed, sanded and painted by the child. Parents should allow the Scout/Guide to build as much of the car as possible, adhering to safety. See chart below for areas of Scout participation and safety statements.
Participation Chart. Created by: Unknown
Parents, if you feel your Scout cannot safely perform any of the tasks in constructing a Pinewood Grand Prix car, please contact the Pinewood Race Manager. Youth and other children are only allowed to race ONE car. Parents, Leaders and other adults may race more than car. (Please remember that there is an extra $5.00 charge for cars entering the OUTLAW race.
iii. Accessories can be used as long as the car meets all specifications [see A – G].
iv. New Cars Only. Cars raced in previous years are not allowed. You must build a new car for this year’s race (honour system – A Scout is Trustworthy!
v. Cars must be free-wheeling with no starting devices. The car must be constructed to use the track’s starting system (see below picture). No part of the car may protrude beyond the Starting Post.
Car Front. Created by: Unknown
The front of the car must not have a notch as pictured above, or anything that allows the car to extend over the starting post. (If you wish, cars that violate this rule in the forward position can be run backward as long as backward does not violate this rule.) Pointed nose cars can also give an unfair advantage and are hard to start; these cars may be raced backwards. We will do our best to keep all the races fair.
vi. Your assigned car number must be on the car somewhere, preferably on the rear, or near the back. You do not have to use the number decals that came with the official kit.
vii. Each car must pass an inspection for compliance prior to the race.
I. Car Body ‐ the body may be hollowed out and the use of wood or metal may be used to build the car up to the maximum allowed dimensions and weight [see A - G].
i. Details (i.e.: steering wheel, driver, etc.) will be permissible as long as they do not exceed car specifications and are firmly in place.
ii. No loose or liquid materials of any kind are permitted in or on the car (e.g. sticky tape, blue tack etc).
iii. Weights and accessories can be added to your car, as long as they are securely fastened, and meet all other specifications.
iv. The official race scales will be used during check‐ins to determine weight accuracy of cars. The weight given on these scales will be considered official.
v. Please have your car as close as possible to the maximum weight, as we cannot add weight on the day of the race.
vi. There must be 44 mm (3/8 inch) clearance between the bottom of the car and the track surface.
J. Wheels and Axles
i. Only the wheels and axle nails provided in the kit are to be used or Official BSA Coloured wheels purchased separately from the 1st Portarlington Scout Group can be used.
ii. Modifications to the wheels are not permitted (i.e. ground to a fine line, rounded, tapered, grooved or any other kind of modification, see below).
Wheel Shapes. Created by: Unknown
iii. Only light sanding and polishing of the mould imperfections on the outside of the wheel will be allowed…no, this does NOT mean you can put the wheel into a lathe and cut the INSIDE of the tread or the INSIDE of the wheel sidewall. Tread (indicators) marks on the outside edge of the wheel must be clearly visible on all 4 wheels. A wheel or the hub CAN NOT be tapered to a sharp edge or radius (See Figure 3). If wheels have been found to be modified, the Race Committee retains the right to replace your wheels and axles, at your expense, with non‐modified NEW BSA Wheels and Axles before racing begins.
iv. Axle location on the car can be changed. Slots in the official block do not have to be used, however the distance between the front and rear axles cannot be a greater distance apart than the existing pre‐drilled slots. Therefore the space between the grooves must not exceed 112.71 mm (4 3/8 inches).
v. If the grooves are not square, damaged or are greater than the maximum allowed space return the kit to the 1st Portarlington Scout Group for a replacement kit.
vi. The uses of washers, bearings, bushings, spacers as well as the use of solid axles, any type of springs or suspension are not allowed to be used on the car.
vii. All four wheels must touch the track surface at the same time.
viii. Graphite Powder (purchased from general hardware stores) will be the only lubricant allowed. All other lubricants, especially oils and silicone sprays are NOT PERMITTED. Lubrication may be applied prior to check‐ins or during check‐ins
Posted in 1st Portarlington Scout's Rules, Building Cars, Car Building Rules, Car Building Rules | Tags: building car, designs, race, rules | No Comments »
eHow.com’s Derby Rules
Many of the links listed under the ‘Managing a Race‘ section will have included Car Building Rules.
This link for eHow provides related links for the rules associated with a Pinewood Derby. Rules are extremely important for any race, as it forces the designers of cars to make cars equally – for an example of this, one of the Rules are “Car to be max weight of 5 ounces”.
As cars are weighed, measure and tested before a race, cars that are over-weight have to remove some weight there and then, or be disqualified.
Source Link:
eHow.com’s Derby Rules
Posted in Building Cars, Car Building Rules | Tags: building cars, building rules, car design, rules | No Comments »
