Red Bull Soapbox Race - Frame Design and Build

[@ianburton5444]

Hi, we are entering a soap box race here in the UK. Do you think making the frame is the way to go? I ask because there seem to be a lot of kart frames for sale second hand that could me nodded.

[@ianburton5444]

Modded

[@EngineeringAfterHours]

The rules we had required frames to be custom. If that didn't exist I would just use a kart frame.

[@constantinedeligiannis5383]

What is the total cost for this soap box?

[@EngineeringAfterHours]

For just the frame and mechanical components...probably $125. I dont remember honestly. After all the bodywork and such...maybe $200.

[@constantinedeligiannis5383]

@@EngineeringAfterHours can you please send me somehow the electronic form of the specific soap box ??

[@constantinedeligiannis5383]

@@EngineeringAfterHours from an email??

[@EngineeringAfterHours]

@@constantinedeligiannis5383 I don't think I even have these files anymore.

[@constantinedeligiannis5383]

@@EngineeringAfterHours Ok, don't worry man. Just look for them as much as you can, and if you have them message me here👍🏼

[@weilando7470]

i cant find the one that you used got any links for the one you bought

[@EngineeringAfterHours]

I bought it secondhand, but I think it originally came from Tractor supply. I can't find it anymore.

[@weilando7470]

Ill look for it there if I can thanks

[@destrafe_3361]

Give me the link to the race so i can see how it did go :)

[@Carlosmartinez-vg5ws]

What was the weight it came out to?

[@EngineeringAfterHours]

I dont remember at all. It was well within the competition limits though.

[@Carlosmartinez-vg5ws]

@@EngineeringAfterHours was it hard to get your aplicación accepted?

[@yungoc606]

How they move ? Engine or just like bicycle ?

[@Cidou9210]

gravity

[@zaccapotatoes7130]

do the rules of soapbox permit suspension on the cars to lessen the impact of jumps and such?

[@EngineeringAfterHours]

Yep!

[@mariner1358]

82 kg weight limit tho

[@aeeeeeeeeeee]

How did you make the turning system?

[@EngineeringAfterHours]

I ripped them straight off the donor cart and just welded extensions on the make it wide enough. At 1:27 you can see what the basic steering looks like.

[@Cobonos]

What are the frames dimensions?

[@EngineeringAfterHours]

I dont remember

[@superbmediacontentcreator]

You need to learn what gussets are.

[@EngineeringAfterHours]

What failure mode from these videos do you think gussets have prevented?

[@superbmediacontentcreator]

@@EngineeringAfterHours The gussets would prevent the front and rear frame collapse which is often seen as the wheels bend or fly off. This is important with square tube construction. I think round tube has a strength and weight advantage over square tube though you would need a bender and hole cutter to make good solid welds. I also see that the direct steering in most "boxes" is way too twitchy and needs a second linkage to reduce and buffer the steering input. Perhaps a gear reduction would be a good solution even if the wobbles happen. It also seems that bigger-diameter wheels/tires have an advantage over smaller ones. I love these races and would love to build a car with a team sometime.

[@EngineeringAfterHours]

@superbmediacontentcreator that failure mode didn't happen in this case...so it wouldn't have been an improvement but it would have taken time that I didn't have. The frame is also deliberately designed to flex since there is no suspension I think you're over thinking the point of the redbull soapbox races. The car in this case had several failure points deliberately designed in because it was modeled after the crash scene from wolf of Wallstreet.