2017 Pinewood Derby Car (Thumb Slicer 2)

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This is a high-tech, motorized Pinewood Derby car built for our "Anything Goes" competition, where parents get a chance to show off their building skills instead of letting kids take all the credit. The Thumb Slicer 2 (TS2) runs on a powerful 9V battery, features an upcycled tray motor from an old optical drive, and includes a vintage hobby RC propeller for added speed. Two micro switches let you start and stop the motor at will, while a main power switch gives you total control. The wheels and axles are straight from the original Pinewood Derby kit, and I managed to keep the wiring tidy by running it through the body and securing it with sticky tack in an open square below the car. So why is this sleek machine called "Thumb Slicer 2"? Well, the first version was made from a block of wood, some hot glue, and basic electronics. But when I showed it to my wife, disaster struck - the propeller flew out of my hands and sliced her thumb! Luckily, she managed to grab it before things got any worse. Check out this Pinewood Derby car in action by watching our short video here: https://youtu.be/K2LVWnXM9-E The Cub Scout Pinewood Derby is an awesome way to spend quality time with your kids. Just remember to teach them the skills they need to build their own cars, rather than doing it all for them!