Tech Check Advice

[renner]

Question for those that have run cub scout derbies. Assume you had very restrictive rules (no lathed or sanded wheels, standard axle slots, use what would be supplied in the kit, etc).

- What would you be looking for at the tech station above and beyond the standard weighing and LxWxH dimensions?

- What tools would you need to perform these checks?

- What are some of the ways people have deliberately tried to cheat that you have caught at the tech station?

Assume you had a virtually unlimited budget for gauges/tools, but minimal time to check each car.

I've heard many stories of abuses, so I would like to have simple and standard go-no go devices and techniques that would eliminate possible arguments of favoritism. Similar to the weight rule, if the official scale reads more than 5.00 ounces, it must be fixed, no questions asked.

Thanks for your input!

[5KidsRacing]

Feb 21, 2012 14:39:58 GMT -6 renner said:

Question for those that have run cub scout derbies. Assume you had very restrictive rules (no lathed or sanded wheels, standard axle slots, use what would be supplied in the kit, etc).

- What would you be looking for at the tech station above and beyond the standard weighing and LxWxH dimensions?

- What tools would you need to perform these checks?

- What are some of the ways people have deliberately tried to cheat that you have caught at the tech station?

Assume you had a virtually unlimited budget for gauges/tools, but minimal time to check each car.

I've heard many stories of abuses, so I would like to have simple and standard go-no go devices and techniques that would eliminate possible arguments of favoritism. Similar to the weight rule, if the official scale reads more than 5.00 ounces, it must be fixed, no questions asked.

Thanks for your input!

The only tools you need at check-in are a scale, "go-no-go box" and a wheels alignment guage to check the wheel base. All of these items are at Maximum Velocity. You could also use a new wheel go-no-go guage depending on your rules.

I haven't seen many people really "try" to cheat, but some make mistakes because they may not understand or didn't read the rules. I have seen people use Pinecar wheels instead of BSA. The most problem we had was with people extending their wheelbase. Usually this was because they messed up a slot or a hole. This year I changed the rules to allow extended wheelbases to eliminate that problem. I hate to have a scout run in the outlaw division because of a mistake like that.

Regarding the weight..... I would list the rule as 5 ounces on a scale that reads to the 1/10th ounce. A typical derby scale read to the 1/1000 ounce. So a car passes if it is 5.045 ounce and does not pass if it weighs 5.050 ounce. This gives a little wiggle room for the scouts. Most will try to hit 5 ounces and then if they are a little over then it still passes and they don't have to mess with their car.

If you would like to see the rules I made for our pack then just PM me...

Scott

[RacerX]

Scott,

I think u read my mind, or I read your post!

Racer X

[renner]

Thanks for the advice! I didn't have any input into the rules, I'm just volunteering to help with the check-in. The pack has a nice homemade go-no-go box. From what you described, the scale we have will work perfect. And the Max-V wheel gauge is already on order.

I'm not concerned with truly inadvertent mistakes building a car, especially if it was built primarily by the scout himself. I'd be happy to help them fix it and I'll have tools and spare parts on hand.

I used to do a lot of slot car racing, and the cheating was rampant even though there were no prizes. The only way we could keep it fun for everyone was to strictly enforce the rules.

Thanks!

Renner

[46u]

Besides a scale for weight they use this.