Way cool!
That is great Steve. It sure doesn’t look anything like the kit I bought 30 years ago! I still have one!
I like those added “Nut” bumpers, necessary to bring it up to the recommended max of … ummm… 5 ounces. (I think its 5 ounces, anyway.)
Did Grandpa help some with the engine erring? Great Idea…
Dave Taylor said:Nope.
Did Grandpa help some with the engine erring? Great Idea...
I think that Dad may have purchased the parts, though, but knowing Balin, he did the assembly and painting, himself.
His Dad, my son, took great pride in his workmanship when he was a Cubbie. I’m sure that was passed on to Balin.
BTW, what is an “engine erring?” Is that part of the smokebox? :lol:
Steam engine design and conversion
Steve, cool… 
Cool…:)…
Don’t tell him I cut them locos up!
David Russell said:You cut everything up ;)
Cool.....:)... Don't tell him I cut them locos up!
Coolest Derby car I’ve seen, Steve
Ralph
This brings up an interesting thought that many of you may want to pass on…
I am a professor of science education at a small Cambridge, MA based college. One of the things that we have recognized is that children who have participated in the various scouting programs are exposed to a valuable skillset of Engineering / Design standards (these programs subscribe to what is referenced as “project-based science”. These concepts have been recently adopted by the National Science Content Standards for public school science instruction (K-12).
In short, children who build these types of projects (and construct model railroads, planes and models as such), score much higher on the National and State tests…they are the future scientists and engineers of tomorrow!
Great looking Derby Car Steve. Tel you grands son ‘Fine Job’.
john papadonis said:
This brings up an interesting thought that many of you may want to pass on.... I am a professor of science education at a small Cambridge, MA based college. One of the things that we have recognized is that children who have participated in the various scouting programs are exposed to a valuable skillset of Engineering / Design standards (these programs subscribe to what is referenced as "project-based science". These concepts have been recently adopted by the National Science Content Standards for public school science instruction (K-12).In short, children who build these types of projects (and construct model railroads, planes and models as such), score much higher on the National and State tests…they are the future scientists and engineers of tomorrow!
That’s not surprising. I’d like to see the same study of children who never play outside or build things, but are content to keep their faces glued to video games. Wonder what skill set they will bring to the workforce.
Jon Radder said:Computer geeks, making new computer games for the next generation ....;)
I'd like to see the same study of children who never play outside or build things, but are content to keep their faces glued to video games. Wonder what skill set they will bring to the workforce.
Jon Radder said:
Great looking Derby Car Steve. Tel you grands son 'Fine Job'.That’s not surprising. I’d like to see the same study of children who never play outside or build things, but are content to keep their faces glued to video games. Wonder what skill set they will bring to the workforce.
The studies have, apparently, been done.
Research supports the theories that people who play video games possess improved visual ability, higher reaction time on average, and enhanced motor skills.[2] Studies have also demonstrated a reduction in attentional blink among video game players, increasing their ability to recognize more stimuli as they are presented in quick succession (as fast as blinks of the eye). Such findings are important because they infer that video games are sufficient enough of a supplement to the teaching of trades involving quick decision making and precise movement.
Research also supports the possibility of video game players having better hand-eye and motor coordination. Their ability to find targets regardless of distractors while at the same time pay attention to intricate details outside of their immediate vision (such as “hit points” at the corner of the screen) in the video games they play are perhaps the factors involved in increased cognitive ability.
Way cool Pinewood Derby car!
The discusiion: This is why there are less and less model train repair people. You have to be able to “figger out” how something works, take it apart, and best-put it back together.
When I worked as a Customer Engineer, a lady had a fit because one of our guys, when he had to order a part, told her - “I’m only the take-apart guy, the put-together guy works on Monday.”
@HJ Fighter pilots come to mind, buts thats a pertty limited workforce…
Dave Taylor said:Abrams Tank drivers and gunners are also in that lot, as are air controllers and such.
@HJ Fighter pilots come to mind, buts thats a pertty limited workforce..