After reading throught the original thread about soapbox cars, I have a better understanding of what is happening. The soapbox derby that I'm in has few rules. You must have a 6" or less wheel, steering and some sort of brake. The hill is a constant slope and there is a 10' push zone. From the last race, it became clear that the initial push seemed to have the most influence on the result. Those that got out first were hard to catch.
However, there were a couple heavier cars that seemed to catch cars that were in front of them, but not too much. From the thread, it seems that heavier is better, but only if the wheels/bearings could take the extra weight without creating excess friction. The fastest cars used urethane scooter wheels. Skateboard/longboard wheels were a close second.
So - I'm thinking of making a two-seater or a car capable of adding weight so it would be one of the heavier cars in the competition.
My question: Would extra wheels be an advantage in spreading the weight out ? I was thinking of running 3-4 wheels on each (toward the rear) side spaced fairly close - similar to that of an inline skate. I could also add a couple additional wheels in the front in an attempt to keep the weight balanced.
Is it as simple as I'd like it to be ?
Does that make sense, or would the extra wheels create even more friction ?
However, there were a couple heavier cars that seemed to catch cars that were in front of them, but not too much. From the thread, it seems that heavier is better, but only if the wheels/bearings could take the extra weight without creating excess friction. The fastest cars used urethane scooter wheels. Skateboard/longboard wheels were a close second.
So - I'm thinking of making a two-seater or a car capable of adding weight so it would be one of the heavier cars in the competition.
My question: Would extra wheels be an advantage in spreading the weight out ? I was thinking of running 3-4 wheels on each (toward the rear) side spaced fairly close - similar to that of an inline skate. I could also add a couple additional wheels in the front in an attempt to keep the weight balanced.
Is it as simple as I'd like it to be ?
Does that make sense, or would the extra wheels create even more friction ?
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