To amplify a little further... the cars are carved from a standard kit by the boy (8-11 year olds) with supervision and assistance from the father. (At least in theory. As Judith notes, sometimes the fathers get a little overinvolved...) They are powered entirely by gravity -- the track starts on a steep incline. That's where the desire for lubrication comes in, making sure the wheels turn freely on the axle. There are some pretty strictly enforced rules about weight, size, and shape, and the only power is gravity, so the lack of binding in the wheels is pretty important for speed. --Dennis Sherman Chicago, IL, USA
----- Original Message ---- From: Judith Lindenau <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> To: [email protected] Sent: Saturday, October 14, 2006 7:17:39 AM Subject: RE: [HG] Rocking horse? Wrong! Pinewood Derby is a Boy Scout thing... boys and their Dads make wooden cars and race them. When my son was a boy scout, it was the point at which no women were allowed, and hence (as a single parent) I couldn't support his entry, and he dropped out of the program in frustration. Oh well. Anyway, many men never got over the experience of carving little cars out of soft wood (and even soap bars) and now there are extensive races and car designs. (some people play hurdy gurdies, and some carve little race cars)...here's a site: http://members.aol.com/randywoo/pine/ Judith Lindenau, CAE, RCE Executive Vice President Traverse Area Association of Realtors www.taar.com www.judithlindenau.com -----Original Message----- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of Graham Whyte Sent: Saturday, October 14, 2006 7:38 AM To: [email protected] Subject: [HG] Rocking horse? Ah, 2 nations separated by a common language While we in that area, what is a "Pinewood Derby" ? I guess 1) A famous USA horse race 2) A style of china or porcelain ware 3) A style of softwood furniture None of these seem to connect with Teflon powder I think I got it !!!! 4) A softwood rocking horse, teflon used for bearing lubrication Graham ----- Original Message ----- From: "Alden & Cali Hackmann" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> To: <[email protected]> Sent: Saturday, October 14, 2006 6:15 AM Subject: Re: [HG] teflon powder > > As Graham said, basically yes. A "Q-tip" brand will do in a pinch, > but I prefer the single-ended swabs from the lab supply store. The > cotton on the Q-tip (and their competitors) is wound loosely so that > they are softer on our ears. I like the much tighter wrap on the lab > version, because the Teflon doesn't get everywhere. Usually by the > time my swab is even approaching the softness of a Q-tip I get annoyed > with it and reach for a fresh one. > > Alden > >>What is a cotton bud? Is it the same thing as a Q tip? >> >>Pat >
