DERBY RACES - Well, we've begun the countdown. In a matter of hours we'll know if Team Wiren produces another winning derby car! Our two youngest are involved in AWANA at a local church. They have two derby races each year and this will be our 3rd. The first time Christopher had the winner with his "Spidey" car, based on Spider Man. Abbey had the misfortune of dropping hers a few times and knocking her wheels out of alignment and, thus, out of competition. Our next race had Abbey's car burning up the track and bringing home the trophy from her "Sparks" division. Christopher's car was the one with wheel trouble this time. So...the pressure is on for this 3rd race.
It all begins when the little plastic bags come home. Inside is a block of wood, some stickers, and the wheels. Next comes lots of discussion over the type of car each child wants (this year Abbey has a pick-up-truck and Christopher has a dragster). Dad prints out grid paper and they draw out the ideas, change, tweak and adjust until the designs are deemed "just right!" Now the work moves out to the garage and the scrollsaw. That part is still done by Dad. After the shape is cut the sanding begins. Sanding, painting, drying, weighting, painting, sanding, detailing, etc. And then...
THE WHEELS - It is my understanding that the wheels are the key to a winning racer. Frankly this is not my area of expertise - and the process is handled chiefly by Kenneth and the kids. He cuts the wood, works with the weights, attaches the wheels, and sweats. The kids design, sand, paint, detail, and worry. And that's where we are now. When Ken gets home he'll double, triple check the weights and check the wheels - again. The kids are putting on the finishing touches with markers, stickers, and numbers (21 and 25 respectively).
Eight hours...
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