The time of year has come to create those wonderful Kub Kars (or Pinewood cars as they are called in the US). Many packs have already run their Derbys, but some (including mine) are still to come.Here is what Kub Kars are all about.
Each Kar is cut out of a solid block of wood by the Cub Scouts with their Mom or Dad helping out. Then they are sanded smooth, painted and fitted with plastic wheels. Once completed, they are raced against each other for trophies and plaques.
The Kub Kars have to follow certain specs such as length and width to make them consistant among the boys and girls.
Here are the general rules in Canada:
1. The Kub Kar is to be made from an official Scouts Canada Regulation Kub Kar Kit, using the original components as supplied.
2. Overall width including wheels is not to exceed 7 centimeters. The minimum distance between wheels is 4.5 centimeters.
3. Overall length is not to exceed 17.8 centimeters.
4. Weight is not to exceed 142 grams or 5 ounces.
5. Clearance between the chassis and the track should be .95 centimeters or 3/8ths of an inch.
6. Wheel bearings, washers and bushings are prohibited.
7. The Kar shall not ride on any type of springs or have any propulsion devices.
8. Details may be added as long as they do not exceed the weight or size restrictions above.
9. Details must be secured to the Kar, as not to fall off, any items that fall off during a race will remain off.
Although Kub Kars are meant for fun, there is a competitive undertone to it in which some families (Dad's) go overboard. Some entries look like race cars, and some cars look like futuristic space shuttles, some are sanded flat to give "compact car" a new meaning. There are so many ways to design Kub Kars it is almost mind-boggling.
For more information and tips go to the following websites:
Enjoy the Kub Kar season...and take lots of photos!
YIS...LE
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