Space Derby Kit

[Hanne Gottliebsen]

I thought in the past the Space Derby kits came preshaped (the nose
rounded), but maybe I was wrong. At least now they are not preshaped.

Does anyone have a suggestion to how long is will take an average
Wolf/Bear to sand some kind of nose shape on the kit. I realize this is
the same sort of question as to the length of a piece of string, but I'm
trying to figure out if we can have Space Derby as an event activity as
we have used Raingutter Regata in the past.


Thanks,
Hanne

[Chicago Paddling-Fishing]

Post by Hanne Gottliebsen
I thought in the past the Space Derby kits came preshaped (the nose
rounded), but maybe I was wrong. At least now they are not preshaped.
Does anyone have a suggestion to how long is will take an average
Wolf/Bear to sand some kind of nose shape on the kit. I realize this is
the same sort of question as to the length of a piece of string, but I'm
trying to figure out if we can have Space Derby as an event activity as
we have used Raingutter Regata in the past.
Thanks,
Hanne

Ours were always square. Don't start out sanding, use a potato peeler.
(just don't let them cut off too much)

[Glenn Holliday]

Post by Hanne Gottliebsen
Does anyone have a suggestion to how long is will take an average
Wolf/Bear to sand some kind of nose shape on the kit.

A few hours, certainly. Many will not want to keep at it beyond
vaguely taking the corners off. To get a really pretty shape will
take a number of hours. You can start with a rasp or file - but be
gentle, the wood is soft enough that you can tear off a chunk.

Post by Hanne Gottliebsen
I'm
trying to figure out if we can have Space Derby as an event activity as
we have used Raingutter Regata in the past.

Sure. Lots of Cubs have fun completing the rocket. Many of them
fly fairly rough shapes. It can be a good exercise in sticking to
it, and anybody can see the results of whatever time they invest.

The friction due to the shape is not very important to the speed
of the rocket. A smooth, rough, or even an untouched block
will fly OK. Much more import is the propeller. It takes some
care to attach it so it turns freely and the wire that attaches
it also holds it firmly. It's easy for the rubber bands to bind
inside the rocket body. It takes some practice to wind it the
best amount, and I've seen lots of broken rubber bands.