I decided to take a trip to the local Target last week and picked up the new K'Nex Rippin' Rocket for $80 (the K'Nex website lists it for $90.) And after spending an entire day at the office putting the thing together (it was a slow day, to say the least), I now have my very own launched coaster!
If you've ever worked with the Screamin' Serpent set, this one should be no problem for you. The most troublesome part of the entire thing was getting the loop to be just right- I spent about an hour trying to get it to look fairly circular, as following the instructions made for a quite odd-looking loop. Everything else is pretty straightforward- just remember to have 6 'C' batteries on hand- three for each booster (which are quite heavy, even without batteries.)
The coaster works really well- my only issue with the design is that it feels very flimsy, which can be attributed to the fact that the thing stands about 5 feet tall! The entire structure flexes and twists and shakes as the car is launched up the hill and over the top. I am going to buy a second set so I can beef up the structure, at which time I want to eliminate the loop and replace it with an overbanked turn, a high-rising zero-G roll and perhaps a speed hill and helix (I'll probably make it a double oval because the thing takes up a lot of real estate as it is.)
It has its few minor faults, but if you love coasters and loved the Screamin Serpent, you'll go nuts for this one. And K'Nex also has a new musical Ferris Wheel set that builds a Ferris Wheel, a new Boom Ride, and an inclined Spin Ride. Real people, real passenger "tubs" and a speaker for carnival music are included!
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-Rob
A.C.E. member since 1990
Posting @ Coasterbuzz since 2000
E.C.C. member since 2002
Another suggestion is the knex Storm Mountain roller coaster! It is cheap ( $30) and it provides you with glow and the dark stickers, a new car, track, supports, and also if you buy it from wal-mart it comes with a bonus motor that is a $10 value!!
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My top 3 Coasters!
1. Millennium Force
2. Raging Bull
3. Magnum
Closed topic.