Timer Builds

This page showcases different timer builds by cub scout packs, individuals or other groups. These timer designs can be used as a starting point for your own build or at least give you some ideas. Click on the picture to see the full gallery for each timer.

If you would like to have your build added to this page please email a few photos, your pack information (number and area) and any additional information you would like to share to the contact email.

Pack 3865 - Chicago, Illinois

A 4 lane Space Derby timer using 8x8 matrix displays to show each lane's place order in addition to the finish time.

Da Vinci Art Alliance - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

This track and timer were designed and built by Leroy Sibanda and Don Pancoe for Bryant Girsch and the Da Vinci Art Alliance. The PDT utilizes custom hardware and software to support the 8 lane track.

Pack Track - Chris

This 3 lane PDT features 8x8 matrix displays showing each lane's place order.

Pleasant Hill Baptist Church - Ohio

This 4 lane PDT has several unique features:

The lights/detectors are projected/placed in front of the timer which gives the audience an unobstructed view of the finish line.
A clever track design and two sets of (selectable) lights & detectors allows for either Pinewood Derby (on the rails) or Hot Wheels (between the rails) racing.
The bridge design allows the timer's electronics to be easily accessed.

Pack 77 - Venice, Florida

This 3 lane PDT features a colorful finish lane.

Mechanical Engineering students - Clemson University

This science experiment apparatus built by Mechanical Engineering students utilizes a PDT to help demonstrate forces and motion experiments to local 2nd graders. They are shown the effects of weight (heavy or light blocks), friction (smooth or sandpaper blocks) and the height of ramps on the time taken for the blocks to reach the bottom of the ramp.

World's Longest Pinewood Derby Track - Mid America Council, BSA

On October 15, 2016 the record for the World's longest Pinewood Derby track was set in Ashland, NE by the Boy Scouts Mid-America Council. The track was 1,819' 3.75" (554.5m) long and utilized a PDT to time the runs.