Well, it's pinewood Derby time again for my son and his cub scout pack. Any tips and tricks you guys want to divulge? Always looking for something new to give us an edge, he hasn't won yet (came in 2nd a couple of years ago) and would really like to take home that 1st place trophy this year :).
Did it a couple of times and just figure it is a crap shoot. The first time, I wouldn't have been surprised if the wheels fell off going down the track and it ended up taking second overall. I had an issue with the one wheel a day before the race. Had to super glue and wasn't confident it would last. The next year we went all out and it didn't even place.
Having said that, wedge design works well (think door stop) and add as much weight as possible up to the max. That is huge. File the nails that attach the wheels so they are nice and smooth with no burrs, same for the inside of the wheels so there is NO friction. I sprayed mine with a good oil to help as well. Some swear by a good graphite powder to put on the wheels and hope for the best.
The other option is go all out and hope you win best design. I know people that use that approach. There are a number of kits out there, such as making the Bat Mobile.
Good Luck!
I know, old thread, but here is how we always made my son's car win.
When drilling holes for axle, use a drill press or mill with a drill in it to make the axles exactly parallel to each other.
Lightly sand the outside diameter of the wheels to make sure they are smooth. Use 600 grit.
Get some powdered graphite and lube the wheels with it. Apply a small amount to the axle and spin the tire for at least 10 minutes, re-apply the graphite every couple of minutes. Do this for all for tires.
Get car to max weight allowable. Put the weight in the exact center of the car.
It will go fast.