Prototyping Pros: While the prototyping phase is often eliminated due to time constraints, it is an excellent learning opportunity and helps racers improve their designs.
Details Matter: A well-built car can be slowed to a snail's pace by carelessly positioned screw eyes. Make sure they don't cause the guideline to bind on the car!
Template Alternative: Use adhesive spray to attach blank-shaped templates to the top and a side of the blank. Drill and cut the blank with paper templates attached.
Waste Pieces: After cutting the profile view, fit the waste pieces and body back together and secure with masking tape. This simplifies the cutting of the top view.
Haste Makes Waste: Take time and care when using power tools to shape your car body. With soft balsa wood, it's very easy to remove more material than you intended.
Paint Adds Weight: Applying several coats of paint can add some weight to your car. Remember to plan for this.
Fill 'er Up!: Want a super smooth finish on porous balsa wood? Before painting, use a wood filler and sanding primer to fill problematic end-grain areas.
Smooth Coats: Put your car under an incandescent bulb between paint coats. The warmth smooths the surface of the paint as it dries.
Finish Protection: Clear coats provide glossy protection for paint and decals, but read paint labels for compatibility information.
Painting Caution: Take care when painting inside the power plant housing. Excess paint can prevent the cartridge from fitting properly.
Custom Graphics: Pitsco offers an extensive selection of decals and pinstripes specially designed for CO2 racecars.
