Service Projects: Pinewood Derby Construction Workshops
NOW DISCONTINUED - SORRY!
Breaking news 11/23/2025:
After over 20 years of welcoming Cub Scouts (and Troop 1028/1029 helpers) into his woodworking shop to help with Pinewood Derby (PWD) Car Construction, Mr. Eric has now officially retired from the PWD race! Therefore, we are no longer offering Pinewood Derby Construction workshops as a Troop service project, but feel free to use Mr. Eric's amazing collection of PWD resource files below!
After over 20 years of welcoming Cub Scouts (and Troop 1028/1029 helpers) into his woodworking shop to help with Pinewood Derby (PWD) Car Construction, Mr. Eric has now officially retired from the PWD race! Therefore, we are no longer offering Pinewood Derby Construction workshops as a Troop service project, but feel free to use Mr. Eric's amazing collection of PWD resource files below!
Mr. Eric's Awesome Pinewood Derby Resource Files
See useful resource files below to help your Pack run a smooth and successful Pinewood Derby event!
Above: Sample Mr. Eric PWD cars - he has four boys (now aged out of Scouting) who made a PWD car for every rank, plus his own "All-Comer" cars, so let's just say there are lots of PWD cars in his house - the above is but the tiniest of samples. See his very favorite Cutright cars at the bottom of this page!
Above: Pack 77 PWD car display stand in action!
Pinewood Derby Workshop Resource Materials:
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Mr. Eric's two page derby advice covering (almost) everything from planning and construction to raceday!!
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Mr. Eric's "what to expect" handout, covering the PWD workshop format, rules reminders, what to wear, what to bring, and what to do about painting!
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Brainstorming sheet (print with no re-sizing for actual size):
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PWD Workshop process steps:
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Sample official Pack 77 PWD rules (Word version also available):
Official Pack 77 car size limits, including absolute maximums:
Mr. Eric's parts bin labels for brainstorming what you want to add to your car!
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BAD WHEEL WARNING 2025 onwards !
In 2025, for the first time ever (50 years and running), I found defective wheels in the official BSA PWD kit. The axle hole was too small and it was difficult to impossible to insert an axle, and even if I could, the wheel would NOT spin correctly. The problem was with BSA dies 9 (or 6) and 4 which are printed on the back of the wheel (see picture bottom right). My new tip: ALWAYS insert an axle into EVERY wheel and make sure it spins freely BEFORE final assembly. If you find a bad wheel, get a new one from Mr. Eric at the workshop. |
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PWD construction tips and techniques:
Mr. Eric's LEGO driver seats (new for 2025!):
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Mr. Eric's wheel attachment process and jig - DO NOT USE A HAMMER!
Mr. Eric's PWD center of gravity checker (new for 2025):
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Fun Resources for Race Day:
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Scout Life Magazine Resources:
Mr. Eric's Favorite Cutright Car Gallery
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BB-1029 (Mr. Eric 2024) - this is the droid you are looking for!
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Mini-Pooper (Mr. Eric) - a cross between a Mini-Cooper and a Porta-Potty !
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Marc 5 - the Mach 5 from Speed Racer (Mr. Eric's son Marc)
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The Mighty Smaug! (Mr. Eric)
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The Princess Pony Express (Mr. Eric's wife Marsha)
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The Hole-y Roller (Mr. Eric)
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Snake (Mr. Eric's son Luke)
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Thomas the Tank Engine (Mr. Eric's son Marc)
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The Tank (Mr. Eric's son Luke)
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