Information AboutSoapbox Car |
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In the United Kingdom a soapbox car is called a buggy, '''trolley''', '''cart''' or '''cartie'''. It is also sometimes called a '''go-kart''', although that more properly refers to A Similar Vehicle With A Motor . In addition to being something often built by children, there are organised competitions and races ("soapbox derby") that often engage the enthusiasm of adults. However, these things are usually entered into in a spirit of fun rather than serious competition. Often these will be fund-raisers for Charity . Many, but not all, events impose the following rules:
Soapbox cars weigh an average of 150 pounds and reach top speeds of 19 to 30 mph. {Link without Title} Many cities have permanent tracks where drivers compete for prizes. CONSTRUCTION A typical soap-box cart is made of Wood , and has four Wheel s, arranged as a fixed rear Axle , and a steerable front beam axle - usually with a very simple single central Pivot . A seat is arranged at the back, and perhaps the seat area is enclosed, as in the original soap-box design. More sophisticated designs might employ a fully-enclosed body. The types of wheels employed vary according to what can be obtained easily - wheels from baby carriages, pushchairs, prams, and discarded Bicycle s being common. Ready-made wheels are also available from hardware suppliers. Steering is typically effected using foot control, or perhaps using a rope connected to the ends of the steerable beam (which can then double as a useful manual pulling device). More sophisticated steering methods are rarely seen. Brake s are also not commonly used, though some soap-box cart racing contests require these. Often a simple friction brake operated by a lever which bears on one of the tyres is all that is needed, which will be of dubious effectiveness. Soap-box carts are unpowered, and are either pushed by willing helpers, or are run down a suitable slope. Races will usually take place downhill and the most efficient and skillfully driven cart will win - Gravity applying equally to all. Soap-box carts also make great construction projects for children, requiring only an intuitive sense of Engineering , and a few basic construction skills. There are also predesigned kits available, though for many this defeats the purpose of the exercise. HISTORY OF THE SOAP BOX DERBY In 1933 , ''Dayton Daily News'' newspaper photographer Myron Scott of Dayton , Ohio had covered a race of boy-built cars in his home community and was so taken with the idea that he acquired its copyright; the national-scale Soap Box Derby grew out of this idea. In 1934 , Scott had managed to persuade fifty cities across the United States to hold soap box car races and send a champion each to Dayton for a major race, later held in Akron . Scott later went on to work for Chevrolet . EXTERNAL LINKS
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