Pathfinder Pinewood Derby Honors
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Standard Pinewood Derby  Honor
 
  • Name the four basic components of a Pinewood Derby car.
     
  • Cars must meet the basic following requirements:
    • Must be made during the current calendar year or Pathfinder club year.
    • Width of car shall not exceed 2-3/4" or 70 min
    • Length of car shall not exceed 7" or 178 mm
    • Weight of car shall not exceed 5 oz. (142 grams)
    • Width between wheels shall be 1-3/4" or 44 min
    • Height from bottom of car to bottom of tires shall be 3/8" min. or 10 min
    • Use only axles, wheels, and wood provided in the kit you purchase.
    • Wheel bearings, washers, and bushings are prohibited.
        
  • Know how to use safely the following while building your project:
    • Saw
    • Wood rasp 
    • Course sandpaper
    • Fine sandpaper
    • Wood plane
    • Hammer 
    • Shaping stick
        
  • Know the basic steps in designing a car:
    • Design
    • Transfer of design
    • Building the car
    • Axles and wheels
    • Adding weight
    • Lubrication
        
  • Design and build to completion a Pinewood Derby car from a basic kit using the instructions in the kit or if no instructions, follow the directions in # 2.
      
  • Participate in a sponsored Pinewood Derby event using the car you built in number five (5).
      
  • Define and practice good sportsmanship as it relates to your Christian walk. 
  
Advanced Pinewood Honor
 
  • Have the Pinewood Derby Honor.
     
  • Know the Pinewood Derby race regulations for your district, area, or conference. 
     
  • Be aware of the following:
    • Cars shall not ride on any kind or type of springs.
    • No loose materials of any kind are allowed in or on the car.
    • Official number must be clearly marked and visible.
       
  • Review tool safety.
     
  • Know the various ways to prepare and finish your project:
    • Sanding wood
    • Filling holes
    • Sealing new wood
    • Coloring wood
    • Gloss finishes
    • Enamel finishes
    • Stain finishes
    • Wax finishes
    • Acrylic finishes
    • Water colors
    • Leather look on wood
    • Decoupage
    • Forged foil
       
  • Know the principle meaning of friction and how it can effect the performance of your car.
     
  • Know the three best ways to reduce friction on your car.
    • Axle lubrication
    • Aerodynamic design
    • Smooth finish
    • Proper wheel/axle clearance
    • Reduce wheel shaking
       
  • Know the three theories of weight distribution and how it could affect the performance of your car.
     
  • Design and build to completion the following (not previously build):
    • Basic car kit with complete exterior finish 
    • Deluxe/fancy car kit with complete exterior finish and decals
    • Be creative by building one of the following: tank, submarine, airplanes, piano, ice cream sandwich, fire engine, vege-link, school bus, baby car riage, and etc.
       
  • Use details on your project such as steering wheel, driver, decals, and etc. as long as these details do not exceed the maximum length, width, and weight specification.
     
  • Participate in a club, district, or conference sponsored Pinewood Derby event with a current car.
     
  • Define and practices good sportsmanship as it relates to your Christian walk. 2001 Edition
 

Note: Pinewood Derby cars are usually available through the Boy Scout organization.

Copyright 1991 North American Division of Seventh-day Adventists