Inaugural “launch” of 3D Printed CO2 “Rocket Car” on a Pinewood Derby Track in Erie, Colo (2/28/25)

Описание: Inspired by the Cub Scout Pinewood Derby, and after doing some online research, I decided to make this CO2 powered "Rocket Car" and test it on a 42' Best Track today (2/28/25)! It was obviously incredibly fast, so I used iMovie to try to play parts of it in slow motion (and I also stitched several videos together, including a view from our new GoPro "Camera Car"). I recall also making a CO2 car in shop class many years ago, which is something I am going to try to find in storage.

I have twin boys who are currently age 7 and in the Cub Scout "Wolf Den," so this will be our 3rd year of participating in our Pack's official Pinewood Derby on Saturday, 3/8/25. Each year, we invest several months into designing, building and constructing our cars with the goal of continuous improvement. The PWD is obviously a memory that will last forever, so it is important to "do our best" and make it a fun learning activity. Obviously, this car is not legal for even the Adult "Open Class," so it will likely make limited showings.

Mark Rober also made a CO2 powered Pinewood Derby Car about 10 years ago:
   • 40 MPH Pinewood Derby Car- HOW TO  

Here is a Reddit Post from someone else who did the same about a year ago:
https://www.reddit.com/r/PinewoodDerby/com...

They posted the 3D design online for both the car and the firing mechanism (though I just used an air stapler for testing today to puncture the CO2 cartridge):
https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:6454024
https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:6449444

The material is Polycarbonate, aka PC, aka Lexan (brand name), aka bullet proof glass.

Happy Scouting (& Racing!)