In reply to Soapbox race safety barriers:

We use small hay bales and they do have a problem if hit hard The big bales are too big and to hard to hit and move. They have a motorcycle race here in Nelson NZ on New Years day and they were using the big bales and a rider crashed and got quite badly hurt so the next year they moved to wood sacks filled with recyclable plastic milk and drink bottles . These are quite big, 700 x 700 x 980 mm, but are light and easy to move around but do a good job on absorbing impact ... they can be clipped together along the back side with 4" nails or similar ... so each one does 1 m of track if you lay on their side ... you just have to sew up the tops you can get the white nylon , polypropylene and high-density polyethylene (HDPE) packs should all be readily available in Scotland as used ones from wool brokers ... here there are tons that people use for gardening etc.... you could get plastic bottles from your local recycler and return them after the event and just fold up the bags and shore somewhere. Forms a pretty good barrier .... does not look that great .... but you could stencil logos and ads on them on the side that faces the track just a thought yours Tim

In reply to A-LEVEL REVIEW:

Some in-car shots for those of you wanting to see more details of the sterring setup

http://postimage.org/image/y9wqy48ch/ 

http://postimage.org/image/9ztsr0mor/ 

In reply to A-LEVEL REVIEW:

have tested it down the lane opostite our hous, a fast, steep road with lots of good bends that is rarely used by other vehicles barring the odd tractor etc.. 

admittadly fitting the car without susspension is something i have come to regret a bit, but the steering is very accurate and precise and the ride is suprisingly very smooth.

 can get some good speed out of it aswell, very addictive and fun :D 

In reply to A-LEVEL REVIEW:

Have you done a test run yet? What is it like to drive? My guess is it's quite a handful to steer and I'd advise you to keep to low speeds to start off with and gradually get faster as you learn how it handles. And don't forget to wear a helmet, gloves, etc.

Are you planning to race it anywhere? Check out our map of UK soapbox races to find your nearest one.

In reply to A-LEVEL REVIEW:

the steering was massivly modifed at the end of the project deadline, as i had the pivot points mounted behind the wheels, but now i have changed it so that the pivots are mounted to the side of the axles.

 the steering system is quite a simple one, with the forks being mounted to the chassise via a sleeve and pin with it bolted down, the forks are then joined by a support beam, and then steered by levers mounted at the neds of the forks, with the brakes applied to the levers. 

In reply to A-LEVEL REVIEW:

Hi Sean,

Your build looks not to bad, althought your steering method is evading me. any better pictures.

Your seet needs to be taller with the belts running through it other wise the good belts you have will not work properly. As is the belts will be trying to fold you backwards, never good for your back.

Regards

Roo4

keep ir rubber side down

http://teamrooket.webs.com/

In reply to A-LEVEL REVIEW:

Hi Sean, great you got your project finished. Well done.Have you tried it on a hill yet and....does it steer?. Looking at it I d have thought it wouldnt but would be really pleased to be told it steers fine.I would have to review my opinions of what works and what doesnt. Why not post a video of a run? Hope you get a good grade. Rick

In reply to Racer- Designs:

We have found that 20" BMX wheels are more than adequate for the job and that is by far the most common choice because there is a good selection of tyres for that wheel size. 16" and 18" bike wheels are also used.

Some people use gocart, scooter or minimoto wheels. These are very strong, but I've neve seen anyone who is using them win anything.

In reply to Racer- Designs:

In making your own race car, a heavy duty wheel is a must. It should be properly installed on your racing equipment.

In reply to Known Soapbox Races in the UK and Ireland:

I've heard from the organisers of another race, this time in Devon. East Allington Whacky Races has been running since 2005.

The event comprises a go-kart or soap-box style race through the village of East Allington, with competitors racing time trial style for the prestigous Luscombe Trophy.  A sophisticated timing system will time each of the karts as they race down East Allington’s steep hill, starting at the school, passing the church, the Fortescue Arms and the treacherous Fortescue corner and finishing outside the Village Hall.  There are categories for adults as well as children and a variety of fun prizes.  

The concept is simple and anyone can enter, all you need is a kart. The kart must have 4 wheels, a proper steering system and brakes and be deemed by the event safety advisor as being safe to race.  Competitors must then sign their safety waiver, don their crash helmets and make their way to the top of the hill. The road is transformed into a Silver Stone style race track for the day, with safety barriers, straw bales, advertising banners and bunting lining the route and hundreds of eager spectators cheering the brave racers through the village.

As well as the racing there will be a whole host of stalls and attractions including a bouncy castle, face painting, gladiator style giant cotton bud duels, donkey rides, sports day style races, live music and a feast of food and drinks to keep the crowds sustained throughout the day.

  

In reply to Scottish Carties in Screwfix Go-Kart Rally Finals:

Take a look at this bargain if you need a new steering wheel, they are made from cast aluminium with plastic moulded grips. The top lugs allow brake lever to be fitted if required. Just a shame all the fun is so far from Devon!! http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/190626281518?ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1497.l2649