the least possible - tance. The 8 months Curtis “put into building his car fe Jim. June 29, 1977 Not exactly a soap box "Curtis Palmer, age 10, of 23 W. Market St., Mariet- ta, recently spent 8 months reparing to roll down a ill. That’s not as silly as it sounds: Curtis is going to participate in the Soap Box ~ Derby at York on July 16th. Derby cars don’t have engines, but are designed "to roll down an incline with resis- were intended to minimize © that resistance, thereby ‘winning him the Derby. ee ‘Curtis is a natural mechanic,” says his father ‘““‘He_ likes to grab ’ wrenches and do things.’ “Jim, who used to build and ‘race his own motorized autos, advised Curtis on a the assembly procedure © and design, but Curtis did all the actual work himself. Starting with a kit from the Derby organization (consisting of axles, steer- ing gear, and brake ca- bles), Curtis carefully framed out, fastened, and sanded his pine boards and plywood until they assumed the correct aerodynamic form. Extra attention to detail is evident throughout his vehicle. He even var- nished the inside, as well as applying three coats of enamel, by hand, to the outside. Because of the many strict rules which govern the event, there are only a few areas in which to innovate. The mechanical parts are identical on each car, and the wheels, the biggest influence on speed, are assigned at random at the track. Body materials and overall dimensions are fixed, so air resistance becomes the biggest factor in building Curtis Palmer in his Soap Box Derby racer ‘‘The competition is fer- ocious,’’ according to Jim. Before a race, Curtis tapes all the tiny slots in the body where axles and cables pass through it. He even turns the screws so that the slots are aligned fore-and-aft, in hopes of cutting air drag. So far Curtis has won five of the seven races he has entered his car in. On the 16th, at York, he will again roll down a 1000 foot track, reaching about 40 m.p.h. at the end. He told us that he gets quite a sensation of speed toward the end of a run. The car doesn’t have ordinary brakes, but is fitted with a drag shoe. When Curtis pushes his brake pedal, a wooden block nestled into the underbody is jammed onto the pavement. It’s covered with rubber, and stops the 220-pound car quickly. 220 pounds is the most the car is allowed to weigh. All Derby racers bolt scrap metal into their cars to reach this figure. Everyone agrees that heavier cars go faster, but where to put the weights is disputed. Curtis has all his weight over the rear axle. Jim and Curtis are look- ing for a sponsor. A sponsor pays certain fees for the car and in return gets his or her name placed on the vehicle. Any one who is interested should drop in on Jim at 23 W. Market. The value of all things, even our own ‘time and life, depends on the use we make of them. Advance planning eliminates doubt and uncertainly it is a symbol of true consideration for your family. our help, your family is assured that your personal wishes are met in every respect. Personalized Service Within The Means Of Every Family. With Richard D. Smedley FUNERAL HOME 29 NORTH GAY STREET, MARIETTA 426-3614 SUSQUEHANNA TIMES—Page 11 June 29—July 8 Features—Self-propelled 5 speeds Rear catcher 21" cut BRANDT’ S MOWER PHONE 653-5795 — Nationally known for our Frosted Root Beer Try our Delicious Broasted Chicken spi Steak Sandwich & french fries $ 1 19} Call in Order §53-1791 Clean Facilities — Fast Courteous Service! Family Prices Open 11-117 Rie aie ems eae JE days a week 811 E. Main St, Mount Joy i a .ay “Bay Colony collection in solid hardrock maple. I'll haul it from the factory direct to your home on the ’» WAREHOUSE open to the public ! 1to 9 daily, 9to 6 Sat. Easy terms FURNITURE 17 New Haven Street, Mt. Joy
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