Where do you put the weights on a Pinewood Derby car?

Where do you put the weights on a Pinewood Derby car?

Weight should be placed towards the rear of the car. You can drill the weight holes in the bottom, side or rear of the car as shown in these examples. Stay at least 1/8″ away from the axle slots.

What is the best weight for a Pinewood Derby car?

The more your pine car weighs, the faster it will go on a downhill ramp. Most rules specify a 5 oz. maximum weight. Most Pinewood Derby cars weigh between 1.5 oz and 3.5 oz (depending on design) without weights so a car may need 3.5 oz or more of additional weight.

Does weight matter Pinewood Derby?

This means that mass of the car does not matter. It also says the car’s final speed only depends on the starting height. Of course, the total time does depend on the shape of the track – but this is a little more complicated (see brachistochrone problem).

Is Heavier better for Pinewood Derby?

Weight and Distribution One of the most fundamental rules in the Pinewood Derby is the maximum weight limit of 5.000 ounces, or 141.643 grams. Simple physical principles dictate that a heavier car will run faster.

Why does adding weight to a pinewood derby car make it go faster?

The idea is that the farther back the weight is, the more potential energy you have because your center of mass is higher up on the track. (Don’t put it too far back, or your Pinewood Derby car will become unstable and pop a wheelie.)

How do you add weight to a pinewood derby car?

If you need to add a lot of weight, you could add more than one hole. Most people recommend placing the weight toward the back of the car. Add the pennies and double-check the weight. Drilling removed a little bit of weight. If you decide to glue them in, it will add at little weight, so leave some room to spare.

Which is faster tungsten or pinewood derby weight?

The wheels will make your car much faster than the tungsten weight. If every car has the same wheels, the same axles, the car body and your car has tungsten your should be faster. What tungsten does is allow you to place more Pinewood Derby Car Weight in the same amount of space which will yield more energy if place it further to the rear.

What do you need to know about Pinewood Derby?

You can use this handy Revell Pinewood Derby Wheel Adjustment Tool to perform 7 different checks of your cars. Next, there are thing that are permitted or prohibited on a Pinewood Derby car. Wheel bearings, washers, and bushings are prohibited.

Where to put ballast on pinewood derby car?

Depending on your design, most builders drill holes on the bottom of the car to pocket the putty. Use your best judgement. You will use nearly all of the of the putty to bring it to proper weight. By leaving the extra ounce of “ballast” you can easily move the COG to the proper location.