Looking for pinewood derby car designs?
The Pinewood Derby is a fun racing event where Cub Scouts build their own wooden cars. Scouts can start from scratch using a template or a kit that includes all the materials needed. Over the years, the event has grown popular and has inspired similar competitions across various groups and organizations.
In 1953, the first Pinewood Derby was held by a Cub Scout pack in Manhattan Beach, California. The event was created by Cubmaster Don Murphy because his son was too young for traditional Derby races. Unlike the bigger Soap Box Derby cars, Pinewood Derby cars are small and simple to make.
How to build a pinewood derby car step by step pinewood derby cars templates?
- Choose Your Design: Brainstorm ideas with your child. You can look online for different car designs or even base your design on one of your child’s toy cars.
- Draw Your Design: Once you’ve got an idea, draw it onto a piece of paper or use a template from the internet. It's easier to make changes to a drawing than to a cut piece of wood.
- Transfer Your Design: Place your drawing over a block of pinewood and trace around it to transfer the design.
- Cut the Wood: Secure the wood block in a vice and carefully cut out your car’s shape. Adults should handle the cutting tools to ensure safety.
- Drill for Weights: Think about where you want to add weights to your car. Drill holes for these before you start shaping the car. It’s safer and easier to drill when the block is still mostly intact.
- Shape and Sand: After cutting, your car will have rough edges. Shape your car and then sand it smooth to prepare it for painting.
- Paint and Decorate: Seal the wood and then paint your car. This is where you can get really creative with your child.
- Assemble: Attach the wheels and make sure they spin freely. You might also want to add weights to ensure your car reaches the maximum allowed weight for the race.
- Building a Pinewood Derby car is a great project to do with your child. It’s not just about racing; it’s about spending time together, learning new skills, and having fun creating something from scratch. Enjoy the race!
Here are some common ones:
- Blank car derby
- Frantic racer
- Euroracer
- Stealth racer
- Car Pinewood Derby
- Comet Derby car
- Cub Bus
- Midget Racer
- Pinewood Derby bullet car
- Rocket
Also, have a look at these car designs:
As we’ve mentioned previously you can make your own derby template. Either that or you can download one to use. You can download a template from here and design it as you wish.
Download this Pinewood Derby Speed Hot Rod Design template now! Save, customize, print …and done! Fast, safe, and easy!