Thread: Rubber Band Dragster

I helped one son with a mouse trap racer, powered by the spring of a mouse trap instead of a rubber band, we found that larger diameter wheels worked better.

Originally Posted by Cliff Rogers

I helped one son with a mouse trap racer, powered by the spring of a mouse trap instead of a rubber band, we found that larger diameter wheels worked better.

Thanks Cliff, I was wondering about putting large wheels on one plus a strip of old bicycle inner tube for extra grip. Cheers, crowie

Another trick is to put a cone on your drive shaft for variable gearing during the acceleration.

When you wind on, start at the small end of the cone & wind toward the big end, you may need to cut a spiral trough in the cone.

The result is the same as changing gears on the rear wheel of a push bike.

Peter looks beaut, black with Red flames sounds good a hoon at heart.

Cliff love the cone idea TY

Peter Ty again grandsons will love building these I am sure.

I've dismantled the original rear axle with the duel wheels [built as per the plan].
I found a couple of cyprus pine blanks so cleaned them up on the disc sander with a new axle & pin; about 3.5" dia now].
I've yet to find some bicycle inner tubes so have just added the "postie red rubber bands" for grip.
Goes like stink.
BUT I'm thinking it doesn't look quite right??
Suggestions please.
Cheers, crowie

Originally Posted by Cliff Rogers

Another trick is to put a cone on your drive shaft for variable gearing during the acceleration.

When you wind on, start at the small end of the cone & wind toward the big end, you may need to cut a spiral trough in the cone.

The result is the same as changing gears on the rear wheel of a push bike.

That's another top idea Cliff but I'd have to have someone make the cones for me as I don't have a lathe. Crowie

Hi Crowie,

looks great. Any chance of getting a copy of the plans

Todd

Originally Posted by crowie

...
BUT I'm thinking it doesn't look quite right??
Suggestions please.
Cheers, crowie

Front wheels need to be a big bigger too & the rear axial needs to be a bit higher up the vehicle to look right, that will probley cause problems with you rubber band drive.

If you look at some pictures, the rear axial seems to be on the back of the car rather than under it.

Thank you gents all.
After reading your comments & discussion with the son-in-law, I decided to lower the rear wheel axle height.
In doing so I had to crave out some of the undercarriage to allow for the rubber band motor & drive pin.
Comments please.
Cheers, crowie

Cool, now the front wheels have to be just a bit bigger & they need spokes.

Originally Posted by Cliff Rogers

Cool, now the front wheels have to be just a bit bigger & they need spokes.

Thanks Cliff,
YES, the other 3 will have slightly larger wheels n the front BUT unless you are offering not spokes [though it'd look extra cool].
Cheers, crowie

Originally Posted by crowie

YES, the other 3 will have slightly larger wheels n the front BUT unless you are offering not spokes [though it'd look extra cool].
Cheers, crowie

First off, that is a realy cool dragster, I like it . I would also put my hand up for a copy of the plans if you can give them out. Second, I would have to agree that the front wheels are a little small, what do the "slightly larger" ones look like?

Spoked wheels would be very cool indeed and lighter. It's all about the speed, then you will need a parachute to slow it down before you put a hole in the wall at the end of the hall .

Crowie,

Great job on this one. Love all the R&D you put into it. Can't wait to see it painted!

Bret

Originally Posted by bj383ss

Crowie,

Great job on this one. Love all the R&D you put into it. Can't wait to see it painted!

Bret

Yes the painting will be fun, how to paint the flames????