pitsco AP Dragster Launcher User manual

59893 V0810
User Guide
AP Dragster
Launcher

2 AP Dragster Launcher User Guide 59893 V0810
Materials Included
• AP Dragster Launcher • Tension spring
• Finish plate • 2 paper clips
• String • 2 brass replacement tubes
Items Required (not included)
• Air pump • Safety glasses
• Scissors • Heavy items such as books (optional)
• Tape measure • AP dragsters to race
• Masking tape (optional) • Glue (optional)
Assembling the Spring Tensioner
1) Cut two pieces of string eight to 10 inches long. Tie one
string rmly to one end of the spring. Tie the other end of
the string rmly to the paperclip as shown (a dab of glue
can help hold the knots more securely). Slightly bend out
the end of the paper clip (Figure 1).
2) Repeat Step 1 on the other side of the spring.
3) Place the spring in the middle of
the double posts on the nish
plate. Thread one paper clip
through a double post on one side
(Figure 2). Do the same on the
other side with the other paper
clip.
The nish plate is ready to be used.
Setting up the Track
1) Find a level surface. Smooth tile,
linoleum, or a gym oor are ideal
for the track – the dragsters will
not run as well on carpet.
2) Place the AP Dragster Launcher where you want the start of the race to be. The brass tubes should be
pointing down the race track. Measure the length of track you want – it should be between 20 and 40
feet long (40 is preferred; the shorter the distance, the more you will need to reduce the suggested air
pressure). You can mark the track nish line with masking tape.
3) At the nish line, place the nish plate with the post side closer to the track (Figure 3 on the next page).
Figure 1
Figure 2

AP Dragster Launcher User Guide 59893 V0810 3
4) Using string from the roll, tie a loop in the
end of the string. Hook it onto the bent-
out part of one of the paper clips on the
nish plate. Unroll the string and move
toward the launcher. Cut the string just
an inch or two past the post at the back
of the launcher. Tie a loop in the end and
hook it over the post (Figure 4).
5) Repeat Step 4 on the other side of the
track to lay down the second line of track
string. When nished, adjust the nish
plate to make sure the line is taut – the
spring tensioner will even out the tension
between the two lines. If the nish plate
moves, you can put a book on it to hold it
in place.
Running a Race
1) Attach the air tube on the launcher to the air pump. Caution: Do not pump at this time.
2) Remove the loop from
one of the posts on
the launcher. Thread
the loop through a
dragster’s front string
guide and then its
back string guide
(Figure 5). Replace the
loop over the post.
3) Repeat this on the
second track string
with the other
dragster.
Figure 4
Figure 3 – the above image demonstrates the placement of the nish plate (at right) – it is not a proper length track
Figure 5

4 AP Dragster Launcher User Guide 59893 V0810
4) Slide the dragsters’ launch
tubes over the brass tubes on
the launcher (Figure 6).
5) Make sure everyone is clear
of the track. You can have
one or two people wearing
safety glasses near the nish
to determine the winner of
the race. Anyone running
or assisting with the race
should wear safety glasses.
6) When everything is ready, use the air pump to pressurize the launcher to 40 psi (pounds per square
inch) for a 40-foot track – the launcher’s gauge will show the air pressure. The launcher will not
pressurize any higher than 40 psi. For a shorter track, you should use a lower pressure, though you may
have to experiment to see what will propel the cars to the end without being too forceful.
7) Press the Launch button to launch the dragsters down the track. You can remove the vehicles on either
end of the track – either unhook the string loop from the paper clip at the nish plate or unhook the
loop over the post on the launcher.
Replacing the Brass Tubes
If the brass tubes on your AP Dragster Launcher
become bent, they can be removed and replaced
with the two brass replacement tubes that came with
the launcher.
1) At the base of each brass tube is a plastic collar
that sits in the valve that goes into the mechanism
of the launcher. Press this in while pulling out the
bent brass tube (Figure 7).
2) Insert the straight brass tube into the collar. Push
and twist the tube until it is set into the collar.
Safety
• Anyone running or assisting with the race should wear safety glasses.
• Everyone else should be several feet back from the track when it is in use.
• No one should put a hand or foot in the path of the track.
• Do not allow anyone to use the launcher to launch anything other than air-powered dragsters.
• Never aim the launcher at a person.
Figure 6
Figure 7
P.O. Box 1708 • Pittsburg, KS 66762
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