Designing the Perfect Pinewood Derby Car Wedge

Introduction

The Pinewood Derby is a beloved tradition in many cub scout dens, and it gives scouts the opportunity to design and build their own race cars. While there are many design strategies to consider, one of the most important is the shape of the car’s wedge. This article will provide tips and tricks on how to design the perfect pinewood derby car wedge.

Types of Wedges

There are two main types of wedges used in pinewood derby cars: the standard wedge and the chisel wedge. The standard wedge is the most common and is the design used in the official pinewood derby kits. It is a three-sided shape with a flat bottom and angled sides. The chisel wedge is an alternative design that has a flat bottom and two side panels that are angled to a point at the front of the car.

Pros and Cons

The standard wedge is the most common design for pinewood derby cars, and for good reason. It is easy to make and provides a good balance between aerodynamics and stability. The downside of this design is that it is less aerodynamic than the chisel wedge, which can be an advantage in races with tight turns. The chisel wedge, on the other hand, is more aerodynamic than the standard wedge, which makes it a good choice for long straightaways. However, it can be more difficult to construct and is not as stable as the standard wedge.

Design Tips

When designing your pinewood derby car wedge, it is important to keep the following tips in mind:

• Make sure the sides of the wedge are angled correctly. Too much angle will make the car unstable, and too little angle will reduce the aerodynamics of the car.
• Smooth out any rough edges to reduce drag and improve aerodynamics.
• Lighten the car by removing any unnecessary material, but make sure to maintain structural integrity.
• Keep the bottom flat and level for maximum stability.
• Make sure the weight is evenly distributed from front to back.

Testing and Tuning

Once you have designed and built your pinewood derby car wedge, it is important to test and tune it. This can be done by running the car on a test track and making adjustments as needed. Some things to look for are stability, aerodynamics, and weight distribution. You can also experiment with different types of wheels and axles to see which gives the best performance.

Conclusion

Designing the perfect pinewood derby car wedge is an important part of having a successful race car. By following the tips and tricks outlined in this article, you will be well on your way to creating a winning car. Good luck and have fun building!