Some More Close-Up Details of the Pack 412 Space Derby System
FRONT OF SPLASHDOWN STATION
When a rocket reaches the end of the course, its carrier encounters the horizontal timing rod and pushes it back. This sends a “stop timer”signal for that lane to the computer (see next picture for details).
The blue towels decellerate the rockets so the are not (usually) damaged (much)... :-)
REAR OF SPLASHDOWN STATION
When a rocket (actually, its carrier) pushes back the timing rod, it pushes a tab out a slot. This breaks an electrical circuit which generates the “stop timer” signal (for that lane) to the computer. In the picture above, the tabs are silver-colored squares resting in slots in the yellow crosspiece.