Think Outside the Boxcar

This Instructable has two parts... the main part outlines the creation of a Pinewood derby car based on nature. The second outlines my desire to use a 3d printer to reproduce these types of designs and give to kids to as examples of what they can achieve with a little imagination.

Pinewood derby cars help young kids learn about creating something from nothing... as part of an effort to teach kids that there is truly no limitation to what can be achieved I want to use a Form1+ to 3d print new and interesting Pinewood derby designs. These will be stage one in showing young kids the potential of being creative outside a simple wooden block. A way to stretch their imagination with a visual design that they have never seen before.

In follow on projects I hope to teach kids in my children's elementary school how the ability to create anything is within their grasp and nothing should hold them back.

Design pinewood derby cars based on architecture, animal mimicry and basically any idea that can open a child's imagination to the impossible.

Lets start with a Whale Shark... google it to see an image. I was going to include the one I used but I didn't take the picture so I don't own the rights.

using a pencil and paper or a sketching program... draw out the car you want to create.

then plan your sketch for the block from all sides

it's important to gather all the tools you will need ahead of time so you will be able to work without interruption.

I used a scroll saw, dremel with various bits, sand paper and an edger pattern tool

after drawing the design on both the top and the side, use the scroll saw to rough cut the pattern

using various sanding wheels and burs, refine the shape.

use the edge pattern tool as needed to help maintain symmetry in the design

User smaller bits and sand paper to refine the design and add finishing touches

once the sanding is complete, add the paint job.

special touches make the design really stand out.

Not only will you have a potential winner... you will have a cool unique car all your friends will talk about.

The same design can be created using 3d modeling software.

once modeled, print out these designs and use them in class demonstrations.

Work with the teachers and especially the librarian to promote imaginative thinking and have these cars as props to spur them along

Sit back and watch these kids change the world.