Altoids Danger Demolition Racer

Step 8 Zoom !

Close the lid.

Wind the propeller clockwise as you look at it from the front.

Start with 50 winds.

Hold the Altoids tin on the floor while also holding the propeller.

Let go of the propeller first, once it is whizzing, let go of the tin.

It should go screaming 20 feet or more across the floor.

Tips:

• Bend the wheel struts until the beads roll smoothly
• For bottle cap wheels, use tiny beads as washers
• Try different size rubber bands
• Do not use near pets
• Works best on smooth floors
• Experiment with a cardboard rudder for curved runs

Comments

[kuhldad]

Wow! Your simple design overcame our biggest challenge, the pull of the rubber band displacing the propeller support. I didn't know about Instructables back when we built our propeller car or we would have done some things differently. Thanks for the posting.

[iectyx3c]

Thanks - your propeller car looks like it works great. Why not build both and race 'em? I use Altoids tins because they are light and strong. And paper clips so I would not have to break my rubber band plane stick.

[kuhldad]

I'll have to give that a try and post the video results! That is if I haven't used all my Altoids tins for geocaching. v/r Kuhldad

[DotatDabbled]

this is way cool! altoids and duct tape.. what's not to love!?

[TRL1087]

This is great! The construction is simple, and the parts are common (that's a biggie). I might suggest a more aerodynamic body, just to increase speed and distance. Great Job!

[iectyx3c]

You are so right. I thought of making light cardboard or card stock fairings to streamline it and I bet it would go faster and further just like you say. The Altoids tin is super light and very rigid which is essential for a good sturdy frame. If you build it, you'll be amazed at how fast it goes. Experimenting a bit, I learned that the red caps from milk jugs look very cool and make it go faster than the beads shown here.