February 20th, 2010 - Saint Agnes Church Hall
(Mumford Rd @ Chebucto Rd , Halifax)
The following specifies the design of Kub Kars, as well as tips to improve a Kub Kar's performance.INTRODUCTION
Kub Kar racing is an old tradition in the Scouting movement. It allows Cubs the chance to design a vehicle starting from a block of wood, carve or cut it into a desirable shape and then race it against other Cubs. Cubs, learn how to use woodworking tools and important aspects of woodshop safety while under the supervision of leaders or adults. The work can qualify for badge requirements such are the Tawny Star, the Carpenter Badge and the Handicraft Badge. The Cubs take pride in their efforts, and look forward with enthusiasm as they pit their car against others in their pack or visiting packs. The following describes important aspects and standards in the design of a Kub Kar.General Rules: All cars must start by gravity from a standstill, at the starting point. No pushing is allowed. To finish the car whose nose is the first to cross the finish line is the winner. The race official will decide the winner, and if the result is too close to call, a second race can be run. If any car leaves the track the race can be restarted. If the same car leaves again, the car is eliminated.
KUB KAR SPECIFICATIONS
WIDTH:
Overall width including wheels is not to exceed 7 centimetres or 2-3/4 inches. The minimum distance between the wheels is 4.5 cm or 1-3/4 inches.WEIGHT:
Overall weight is not to exceed 142 grams or 5 ounces.CLEARANCE:
Clearance between the chassis and the track should be 0.95 centimetres or 3/8ths of an inch.
Note: Click on the above picture of the Kub Kar Design to see it
clearer
RESTRICTIONS
Wheel Bearings, washers and bushings are prohibited. The car
shall not ride on springs. Details and attachments may be added providing they
are securely fastened and do not exceed the maximum length, width and weight
specifications. The car must be free-wheeling and may only be propelled by the
force of gravity. Kub Kars are subject to inspection by an official inspection
committee to determine eligibility.
KUB KAR BUILDING GUIDELINES
Mark your chosen design on the top and the sides of the block.
Carefully carve or cut to the desired shape. Sand smooth. Paint, stain and/or
finish as desired, preferably with water based treatments. Insert axle through
the wheel and force into slots provided. The wheels should spin freely. Racers
may wish to lubricate axles and wheels using (dry) powdered graphite.
PERFORMANCE TIPS AND HELPFUL HINTS
To build a fast car, there are several important details to
consider:
First and foremost, is the wheel alignment, which is necessary to obtain a straight smooth run, thereby reducing wheel friction on the guide track rails. Next in importance is reducing wheel and axle friction. This is accomplished by applying a dry lube to the areas along the axle and wheel bearing points. Also you may want to remove any burrs that might occur on the axle or wheel itself.
Apply several coats of sanding sealer, then sand entire car with a fine-grade sandpaper. Give the model at least two coats of fast-drying paint. When the paint is completely dry, sand with a fine sandpaper, apply a final coat of paint and allow to dry thoroughly. Rub entire Truck with a rubbing compound. Apply a coat of auto wax and rub to a high gloss finish.
One can carve out the inside of the Kub Kar and insert metal washers or bolts to bring the weight of the car to its maximum. Some feel that if one places the car weight to the end of the car, the stored potential energy in the race will make a faster car.
Lubrication is the key in many designs. Powdered Graphite is one type although there are many other liquid lubricants that may gain an advantage. Do not use regular oil or silicon, since this may soften the plastic. This must be done prior to registering your kar. Once you registered your kar it can not be altered except by race officials in the case of repairs.
One can slightly file or bevel the bearing surface of the wheel to reduce the amount of friction touching the car surface.. Check if the axles have "spurs" near the axle head. Grind away the "spur" metal.
It is strongly recommended that one refrain from using weights which contain toxic levels of lead.
Details are important. Take into consideration the following: 1) wheel alignment, 2) axle and wheel lubrication and honing, 3) weight distribution, 4) car design, 5) a high gloss finish.
LIST OF MATERIALS IN A KUB KAR KIT
1 Block of wood 17.8 cm (7 inches) long, 4.5 cm (1-3/4
inches) wide, 3.2 cm (1-1/4 inches) high
OPTIONS AND ACCESSORIES
Check your local Scout Shop and/or the official Scouts Canada
catalogue for Kub Kar accessories and presentation items. Items include
templates and decals, accelerator and tubular weights, crests, pins and trophieS
CONSTRUCTION RULES:
1. All specifications as outlined in the Kub Kar kits must be followed (i.e. weightmax 142g, size, etc.).
2. All Kars entered must be NEW and NOT used from previous years.
3. All Kars must have their pack number clearly visibly on the Kar and
the youth’s name on the bottom.
RACE DAY RULES:
1. Registration begins at 9:00am ending at 10:00 am. No late registrations will be accepted.
2. Each car must be registered and weighed in. Kars may not exceed 142 g’s. If car is over weight it can be taken to the “pit” where officials will remove weight and re-weigh it. This is only done by “pit” workers. (See #5 below).
3. Each pack can submit one (1) Kar per youth. If a Cub cannot attend, another Cub can be assigned to race the Kar for that youth. If the Cub cannot make theregistration deadline, another Cub may register the Kar for them. It is the intent to have all youth race their own Kars. No Cub is to race more than one extra Kar.
4. At registration each Cub will be given a number to be placed on their Kar and assigned to a coloured/numbered track. Once a Kar is registered, it may not leave the hall and return to race (no exceptions).
5. No lubricants can be applied once the Kar has entered the hall (no exceptions),anyone caught applying lubricants after the Kar has been registered will result in a disqualification from the rally.
6. No work is to be done on the Kars in the hall, with two exceptions:
• During weigh-in loose parts, weight and any other obstructions may be removed.
• A damaged Kar may be put back together (e.g.- a wheel falls off).authorized officials in the designated “pit Stop” area must do all repairs.
7. The races will be run on a point system. Each Kar will be assigned to one lane of the Track; this is the lane the Cub must use (1, 2, or 3; lanes will rotate during the six heats). There will only be one run down the track per heat with 10 points assigned for 1st, 5 Points for 2nd, and 3 points for 3rd. Once the qualifying heats are completed those Kars eligible for post racing will be grouped into either a championship or consolation round (i.e. - 50 or more points enters the championships, 30-49 points enters the consolation round).
8. Trophies will be awarded to those who placed 1st, 2nd, and 3rd overall in each the championship and consolation rounds. In addition a trophy will be awarded in the following categories: most realistic, best theme, weirdest paint job, and most Cub content. Each Cub at that registers a Kar will receive a ballot to vote for each of theabove categories. No Cub shall receive more than one of these trophies.
9. There will be races run for the parents/leaders, to give those competitive adults a chance to race their own Kars (and bragging rights for the year). The Kars must have been constructed this year and the rules of the rally apply to these races. Point system will beused for qualifying and single knockout to establish 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place. These races will be run while the points are being totalled and placing post Cub race qualifiers. So, all you adults, who think you can handle it, take the challenge – build a Kar, race it and havesome fun!
10... Cubs are not permitted to pick up any Kars except their own. Any Cub who damages another cub’s Kar will be disqualified. Cubs may only handle cars when participating in the current race (heat);
11. Inside the track area is out of bounds to EVERYONE, except those directly involved in the running of the race (heats)
12. When a Kar is required for a race, the Cub will receive two calls for a race, after that the race will proceed without them and no points will be awarded them. When called Cubs must pick up cars from the assigned table just prior to the race. After a race all Kars must be returned to the table until required for the next race.
13. In the event of inclement weather (e.g. snowstorm) registration will be extended.
14. There will be a comment book available for youth and adult input for this event (good/bad comments and suggestions welcomed).
15. The decision of the Judges and the Kub Kar Committee (those running the races) will be final and any official complaint (s) from the youth, parents, or leaders must be made in writing to the Zone Commissioner .
16. Please keep in mind the rally is intended as a fun yet competitive event for the youth. We ask for the assistance of parents in keeping this a fun event. If you have questions or concerns please speak quietly to a race official. Keep in mind we are all volunteers.
16. Cubs remember our Motto “DO YOUR BEST”! HAVE FUN!
