Rollercoaster Modeling

I'm not sure if this is the correct forum, but what is a good site to get the materials to make a model coaster?

To buy, or just find out what you need?

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Both

What type of model are you going to make?  Will it be staic?
You can find most of the supplies at Hobby shops and Hardware stores.
Check my profile and send me an email if you need more help since I am making a static model of a wooden coaster.

*** This post was edited by Magnus on 10/15/2001. ***

I want to make a moving "steel" coaster... but this would be my first one. I need some site or someone who can explain to me how to do them and what materials i need. I also want to know if making inversions on a moving coaster is hard. So I'll appreciate any help,
Thanx.

*** This post was edited by daniel74 on 10/15/2001. ***

While doing some reseasrch on RC models, I found that making a "moving" coaster is next to impossible if you want it to look like a scaled down version of your favorite coaster.

 

www.rollercoastermodels.com is a site about wooden static models and there is another one in the link section of this site.

 

Just remember, you cannot scale gravity, SO, your working modle will be not be to exact scale of the real thing.

 

BTW, most help sites that you are looking for will be from schools doing working RC models in class as a project.  The main emphasis is on Physics.  So, unless you are looking for a Physics lesson, you will not find much.

Here's some of my endeavors and links to other modelers from which I have drawn great inspiration! I hope this helps, email me if you want more info.
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Moxie: Not quite Cola, not quite Root Beer, not quite Asphalt!
Scale model rides: www.angelfire.com/oh4/tk173/models.html

*** This post was edited by ARROW GUY on 10/16/2001. ***

By the way ARROW GUY, we have the same birth date!!1 what a coincidence...

:) LOL! So you're 92 years old too?
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Moxie: Not quite Cola, not quite Root Beer, not quite Asphalt!
Scale model rides: www.angelfire.com/oh4/tk173

Very nice work Arrow Guy!

I have some pic's of my model (including in my info...;)), I finally came up with a name too! Afterburn. So, now here are my "things to do list"

1. TRACK IT! can't really come up with any good flexible, wood looking, items for track. And yes, I have tried cardboard but I think it makes my coaster look smaller...

2. LIGHTS! I can't really find time (with school and a new hockey season about to begin) to drill wholes in between the supports and put lights in them.

3. LOGO'S! Hey! Something that is almost done, just need to write the word afterburn on the front of my trains.

Well, looks like I got my work cut-out for me...
What the heck am I posting this for, I'M Wasting time!!!;)

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-formally known as Elroy
"Your to old for Jr. Gemini." "I am 4! Only I am just dressed as a teen for halloweekends!"

Thanks Yoda, but as you see from my profile photo, the wrong kind of force is with me......:) Mu hahahahaha!

Elroy, I mean Mathyou, here are some tips: #1, The best way to get a “wood” effect is to use balsa wood strips from a hobby store. You can also use basswood as it is stronger, plus there seem to be more sizes available. The only problem is that they must be soaked in water so they can be bent......sometimes more trouble than it’s worth. If it is a static model, then basswood should be fine since it will bend slightly, and it won’t matter if you have tiny imperfections. The Mean Squeak model at Cedar Point is a good example of this. My solution was to use plastic strips for my operating wood coaster rails......this way I could easily and quickly lay track. Plus wheels run smoother on plastic. A company called Evergreen (also available at hobby stores) makes the flexible white plastic strips and are easily glued with CA to other materials like wood or metal. You would then have to paint them a wood color (Testors makes this), but since my coaster is white I don’t have to. Just a thought.

#2: There are some very tiny Christmas light strings out there.....not sure how small you need the lights, but that is usually cheaper than getting the miniature lamps and chaser circuit systems from hobby shop catalogs. Some of the holiday light strings also have a pre-set chaser effect. Good luck!
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Moxie: Not quite Cola, not quite Root Beer, not quite Asphalt!
Scale model rides: www.angelfire.com/oh4/tk173

Hey, Arrow Guy, Thanks for all the help! Now, I just need to fine the time to go out to the hobby store.;)

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-formally known as Elroy
"Your to old for Jr. Gemini." "I am 4! Only I am just dressed as a teen for halloweekends!"

Hey Arrow Guy, where did you get the FALLER HO Big Dipper coaster?

Thanx

Daniel74, I got it at a local Hobby Retailer, in this case HOBBYLAND in Columbus. But any good hobby store should do. If they don't have it in stock they should be able to order it through Walthers, a hobby distributor in Wisconsin. It runs between $110 and $160, depending on where you get it. And if you do have to order it, do it now! With good 'ol Saint Nick approaching, these stores have a difficult time getting special orders in before Xmas. I found that out the hard way. :) You may also try ordering it directly from Walthers at www.walthers.com (but it will probably be full price at $160.00).
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Moxie: Not quite Cola, not quite Root Beer, not quite Asphalt!
Scale model rides: www.angelfire.com/oh4/tk173