BSA Axle Question

[nigal]

In the attempt to remove the burrs under the axle head, my son pretty much destroyed the axles that came with his kit. It's his first time and this was good practice.

Anyway, I went to the Scout Shop to get replacements and I found two choices. One is a wheel and axle kit containing 5 wheels and 5 axles (the axles look like theones in the kit), the other choice is an axle polishing kit containing 5 axles, pumice and sand paper. The sales person recommended the axle polishing kit because the axles are better quality. I compared the two and the axles in the official Scout Grand Prix Axle Polishing kit are longer and the ridges on the shaft are not located in the area of the wheel hub, they also look larger in diameter. It appears they would be very easy for my son to polish and seem to be better quality than what was provided. Our rules state that "Only the official Scout Grand Prix Wheels and axles can be used".

Do the replacement axles from the Official Scout Grand Prix Axle Polishing Kit qualify? It would seem like it to me, but then again they are not original as provided with the kit. Since this is our first year, I do not want to run afoul of the rules, but then again the replacements are an "Official" Scout product. Any guidance on this?

[Smokinjoesracing]

Glue them in

[slkrnsntracing]

nigal,

If you're looking for stock axles, try this ebay site. They should have plenty.

PINEWOOD DERBY STOCK AXLES PINE WOOD Item number: 7721079229
price: US $0.25
Quantity: 200 available

Good Luck! Come join the fun at WIRL Nov. 19th.

Phil

[WarpSpeedINC]

The axles that come from the polishing kit are official BSA axles, or they wouldn't sell them at the BSA store. They differ slightly, as you stated, but will pass the most strict BSA rules.
They are also more user friendly, as the crimp mark on the axle, is farther away from the "working" surface of the axle. This allows small hands to work this area, with less of a chance of ruining the axle.
The axles that came in these kits 2 years ago, had no crimp marks at all, just some small flashing under the head. BSA must have changed vendors.
Hope this helps, and welcome to the board.
Warp Speed Inc

[MaxV]

Actually, the axles in the BSA polishing kit come from PineCar, which is why they look different. But since BSA sells them as official gear, they are valid for BSA races.

Occasionally, PineCar changes their axle source, thus the changing ridge location.

[nigal]

Thanks everyone. I think I will go ahead and use the BSA axles from PineCar since as Warp mentioned, they look a whole lot easier for my son to handle.

[pwdxtreme]

I would check your rules before purchasing PineCar Axles. Not all Scout Shops are operated by the National Office and are therefore allowed to carry other products. So this means that even though they are carried by the Scout Shop, they may not be allowed in your race.

[nigal]

Hi pwdextreme, the axles that I'm referring to come in a package labeled "Official Scout Grand Prix Axle Polishing Kit". MaxV mentioned that they are from PineCar. The only differences that I noticed are that the axles in the polishing kit are slightly longer and the ridges are not located in the wheel hub section as compared to the ones that came in the box. Our rules state "Only the official Scout Grand Prix Wheels and axles can be used".

So I think we are okay, but since this my son's first year, so I don't want to bend any rules.