Revell, a well-known name in model kits and hobby products, has expanded its reach into the exciting world of pinewood derby racing. For enthusiasts and scouts aiming for top speeds, precision is paramount, and that’s where the Revell Pinewood Derby Car Axle Alignment Tool comes into play. This tool, designed to ensure perfectly aligned axles, can be a game-changer in achieving optimal car performance. Let’s delve into why axle alignment is crucial and how this Revell tool can help you dominate the track.
Pinewood derby car racing is more than just a fun activity; it’s a lesson in physics, craftsmanship, and attention to detail. While many factors contribute to a car’s speed, axle alignment is arguably one of the most critical. Misaligned axles create friction, slowing your car down and hindering its potential. Imagine pushing a toy car with wheels pointed slightly inward or outward – it won’t roll straight or smoothly. The same principle applies to pinewood derby cars.
Alt text: Revell brand pinewood derby car parts and accessories displayed on a rack in the hobby section of Michael’s craft store.
Why is Axle Alignment So Important?
Perfectly aligned axles ensure that your pinewood derby car wheels roll straight and true, minimizing friction against the car body and track guide rail. Proper alignment contributes to:
- Reduced Friction: Less friction means faster speeds. When wheels are aligned, they rotate freely without unnecessary resistance.
- Straight Tracking: Aligned axles help your car track straight down the course, preventing wasted energy from wobbling or veering.
- Maximum Potential Speed: By eliminating misalignment, you unlock the full speed potential of your car’s design and components.
Introducing the Revell Pinewood Derby Car Axle Alignment Tool
Revell has stepped into the pinewood derby arena with a range of products, including a dedicated axle alignment tool. This tool is designed to simplify the process of ensuring your axles are perfectly straight and parallel, maximizing your car’s performance. It’s a direct competitor to tools like the PineCar Alignment Tool, offering a similar function with potentially improved durability in certain aspects.
Alt text: Packaging for the Revell Pinewood Derby Axle Polishing Kit, featuring the Revell logo and BSA hologram, including sandpaper and pumice.
Key Features of the Revell Alignment Tool
The Revell Pinewood Derby Car Axle Alignment Tool typically incorporates several features to help achieve precise axle alignment. While specific designs may vary slightly, common elements include:
- Alignment Slots or Holes: These precisely machined slots or holes are designed to hold your axles in a perfectly straight line. By inserting your axles into these guides, you can visually and physically check for any bends or misalignments.
- Gap Gauges (Seven Checks): Similar to the PineCar tool mentioned in the original article, the Revell tool often includes “seven checks” or gap gauges. These gauges allow you to verify the spacing and parallelism of your axles in multiple dimensions, ensuring comprehensive alignment.
- Durable Construction: Revell, known for quality model products, aims for durability in their pinewood derby tools. The article mentions an improvement in the Revell tool where the gap gauge is not on a breakable arm, addressing a potential weakness in similar tools.
How to Use the Revell Axle Alignment Tool
While specific instructions may come with the tool, the general process for using an axle alignment tool like the Revell model involves these steps:
- Prepare Your Axles: Ensure your axles are straight to begin with. You may want to polish them using a metal polish for optimal performance, even though the Revell axle polishing kit includes sandpaper which might be less ideal for pre-polished axles as noted in the original article.
- Insert Axles into Tool: Place your pinewood derby car axles into the designated alignment slots or holes on the Revell tool.
- Visually Inspect Alignment: Look closely at the axles within the tool. Are they perfectly straight? Are they parallel to each other? The tool provides a visual reference for detecting bends or misalignments.
- Use Gap Gauges (Seven Checks): Employ the gap gauges to further assess the alignment in multiple planes. These gauges will indicate if axles are not parallel or if there are inconsistencies in spacing.
- Adjust Axles as Needed: If you identify misaligned axles, carefully adjust them. This might involve gently bending them straight or ensuring they are properly seated in your car’s axle slots or holes.
- Re-Check Alignment: After adjustments, re-insert the axles into the Revell tool and re-check the alignment to confirm the improvements.
- Install Aligned Axles in Car: Once you are satisfied with the axle alignment using the tool, carefully install them into your pinewood derby car.
Beyond Axle Alignment: Other Revell Pinewood Derby Products
The original article highlights Revell’s broader entry into the pinewood derby market. Besides the axle alignment tool, Revell offers a range of products, including:
- BSA Pinewood Derby Wheels and Axles: Revell packages official BSA wheels and axles, making them more accessible in hobby and craft stores. These are the standard components for most pinewood derby competitions.
- Wheel Mandrel: A wheel mandrel helps in truing and polishing wheels for smoother rotation and reduced friction.
- Balance Scale: Weight distribution is crucial for pinewood derby car speed. A balance scale assists in achieving the optimal center of gravity for maximum performance.
- Graphite Lube: Revell-branded graphite lubricant, similar to Tube-O-Lube, helps to further minimize friction between axles and wheels.
- Blocks and Kits: Revell offers pre-cut kits and slotted blocks. The article notes potential quality issues with the slotted blocks and pre-cut kits, particularly regarding slot dimensions and wood quality. However, for beginners or casual racers, these might still be convenient options.
Alt text: Revell branded pinewood derby slotted wood block and pre-cut car kit packaging, showcasing included components like wheels, axles and decals.
Conclusion: Revell Tools for Pinewood Derby Precision
The Revell Pinewood Derby Car Axle Alignment Tool is a valuable addition to any serious pinewood derby racer’s toolkit. Proper axle alignment is a fundamental aspect of car performance, and this tool simplifies and improves the accuracy of this crucial step. While Revell’s entry into the pinewood derby market brings competition and wider availability of BSA-standard components, it’s essential to be aware of the potential quality considerations mentioned in the original article regarding some of their wood products. However, for tools like the axle alignment tool, Revell offers a promising option for achieving the precision needed to reach top speeds on the pinewood derby track. By focusing on details like axle alignment, and utilizing tools like the Revell alignment tool, you can significantly enhance your car’s performance and increase your chances of victory.
