LSM or Wheel Launch - CoasterBuzz

Hey, Im trying to determine which launching mechanism would be easier and more effective on my mr. freeze model.

Well beings the fact you proabbly couldn't figure out an LSM as easily as tire I'd go for tire launch.
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Joe Barnett
Moderator
http://www.pkiunlimited.com

ok thanx

any ideas on how to make a tire launch, any comments

Like i said before... rubber band...

Easy AND effective. If the rest of the model works they won't even be paying attention to the launch mechanism.

barring that, tire launch would be easier than lsm.

rubber band?? this is a science fair project and they kinda will want to know the launching mechanism. How would you do a tire launch??

I was thinking of kinda like a flywheel launch. I have some copper wire in like a circle and maybe i could attach that to the train but how could I get the copper wire to move?

Didn't I already tell you how to do a flywheel launch?

Dolly attached to string which is attached to a drill.

Vroooooooooooooom Launch!

Just like a real flywheel lauch for all intents and purposes.

Geez after you bugged me for an hour about how to get your model to work you sure didn't listen.
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Da Poodle

Coming in 2003-The Spawn Of Magnum!

If you want to do a tire launch, small DC motors are available from many sources including Radio Shack. A model railroad power pack can supply the electricity and is readily adjustable. The tire design can vary depending on how you want to do it.

I'm dead serious about the rubber band. Unless your project is actually about the launch mechanism, in which case go "research" it. If your model works otherwise, no one will care. I believe the arrow launched loops used springs. So use a spring. If you're going tire launch its not mr freeze anymore anyway, so why not? You could _do_ a spring.

heres what ya do....you put your finger and thumb together, and flick the little model train down the track :) not sure whatd youd call that....but hey, it would work:)

haha...if it valleys, you can just tell the judges its a working Vekoma model:)

(i cant believe i just dissed Vekoma..im usually the only one who defends them)
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proud PKD homer :)
(currently a Dorney Park homer though...thanks to college:))

Im talking about the flywheel launch mechanism used on Anton Schawfkoft (sp?). Anybody who has done a Greased Lightning model will know. I heard its easy and cheap

If you take the time to read the replies in this thread you'll see you've already gotten your answer.

Moosh

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Humor Ingredients: all natural flavors, some artificial additives. Sold by weight, not volume. 100% satisfaction not guaranteed. Void in Texas and Puerto Rico.

You're still working out how to launch your "coaster?" People have given you countless suggestions (and tips on how NOT to kill yourself) on how to accomplish your launch. Asking the same question over and over again isn't going to return any new ideas after a while.

You are not going to be able to build a LIM/LSM launch unless you've got some electrical knowhow. The drill and string idea sounds like it might be your best bet.

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- John
Dag, yo
Support Rob in the Great DDR Challenge!

OMG As if I didn't explain the flywheel idea. You said you didnt have a drill, WELL BORROW ONE! But hell first get the dang thing to actually run on the rails or your are screwed one way or another. Coming pretty close to your science fair isn't it?

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Da Poodle

Coming in 2003-The Spawn Of Magnum!

It is getting old there jrhodes07, you IM'ed me and bugged me about it so I went on the US patent site and sent you the patent (with diagram) of Schwarzkopf's flywheel mechanism. Besides, from what you told me you don't even expect the train to make it back through. Also while I'm on the topic, how about some more of those pics? The ones you IM'ed me of it made me wonder if the thing would even stay standing during the ride. **Done ranting**

It's a wonderful day today isn't it? :)

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The only difference between stupidity and genius is genius has limitations.

a rubber band (probably work better with more than one rubber band) would be quite viable, even for a science fair where "they will kind of want to know the launching mechanism." if you cannot figure out how to justify a rubber band as a launch, maybe you shouldn't be doing this project. (a hint: <-----|==>) a simple weight drop/pulley system might also be effective, but you'd possibly run into friction problems.

Actually, I think the track will be the major source of friction problems. I think there's an inch or two that's not jagged somewhere.

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- John
Dag, yo
Support Rob in the Great DDR Challenge!

i'd place my bet on the rolling stock for causing the most friction. my point, however, was that he'd probably have difficulties getting enough speed with a weight drop to overcome all the friction. (relative to rubber band and drill methods)
*** This post was edited by hogfat 2/19/2003 2:22:41 AM ***

Maybe not if he actually did what i told him to do after he bugged me for 2 hours about it.

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Da Poodle

Coming in 2003-The Spawn Of Magnum!