Pinewood Derby

[B.J.]

(This isn't a mesh, but it is 3D, so I hope it's alright to post this here.)

It's been nearly two decades since I've been involved with a Pinewood Derby, but since my son is a Tiger Cub this year, we're building him a car.

.....and one for me as well. (Unlimited class, of course!)

My son did all the design decisions on his car, and I helped him with building it. But that's not why I'm posting. I'm showing off *my* car here, which I'm using to show off my geekiness. I'm sure my son would have preferred it if I did an X-Wing, but I have very few carpentry skills, not to mention the fact that I don't have many tools. So I went with a fairly easy shape, as well as one that's easy to recognize: the Galileo shuttlecraft.

I had to simplify things a bit, but I think it looks good. It still needs a clear coat and the wheels, but otherwise it's just about finished. In order to maintain the correct proportions, I had to significantly shorten the wheelbase from a standard racer. It's not going to win any races, but it'll look good doing it!

[toby-wan]

the derby brings back good memories.

nice work. your geekiness leaves me in awe.

[evil_genius_180]

Yeah, that's taking it to a whole new level all right. Looks cool.

[Zardoz]

A thing, these shuttle, never had wheels. It have "legs"

[blakbyrd]

Very nice!

[B.J.]

Here's a shot of my completed Galileo next to my son's more conventional design:

Unfortunately, neither of us did very well. He was 35th out of about 40, and I was 18th out of 19. In any case, we both learned a lot for next year. He did have fun building and racing it, though, and that was the important part.

[BorgMan]

aww shugs, what a shame. Uhura at the consoles I suppose?

[mlynch]

Great design! ...ahhh the memories!

A thought for next year: how about the moon buggy from Space:1999, or a Land Ram from TOS BSG.

[Choo1701]

Or the Galactica itself (or pegasus if you want some irony )

great build though. Great Job BJ

[B.J.]

Thanks, guys! This year was definitely a learning experience for my son and myself. We'll be a little more prepared to build faster cars for next year. Now I've got about 11 months to figure out what to build.....