Realistic working model

Exactly what I was thinking, Bob--Intamin or B&M style. I'd even love Arrow/Vekoma and Schwarzkopf style. Not sure how feasible molding so many track styles would be, though, but it's a nice thought...

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-Mike B.
Son of Hulk
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That's what I meant by recreations (what vater said)... Even if it didn't actually RUN, if I could build a realistic model of a real coaster, that'd be awesome.

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« adix@nedesigns.com »

Raging Bull is best when you're first. [6/16/03]

I built two very large woodies out of flat toothpicks a few years ago. Both models are heavily detailed and non-operational. I love working displays, although I get more thrill out of seeing all the detail that someone creates in their models. I get asked a lot why my coasters don't operate. I tell everyone because the momentums don't scale down properly since its entirely dependent on gravity. Eventually I will build a real working woodie, just not out of toothpicks.

I plan on ordering this model when it becomes available because I love tinkering around with the things. I know this kit will be well worth the price alone if it's the one I think it is. Believe me, this will be the 'No Limits' of coaster kits. I don't think we'll be disappointed with this one people.

Besides, a lot of "toys" cost more than $500!!!!

Jon Blakemore - creator of the Mile Sky Chaser, and Thriller

Wood ..err toothpicks - anything else is an imitation

K'nex really doesn't do it for me as I'm interested in models that look realistic. I've toyed around with the Banzai kits for years and found them enjoyable but they don't look much like a coaster so half the experience is missing for me.

This concept sounds interesting. Too bad I won't be able to swing the $500 for a while. :( It would be nice to have an alternative to the Faller kits.

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Ripple Rock Amusement Park
Flying Scooter coming soon!

Jack,
sounds like great fun, but for $500 it better have a heck of a lot of track and features. I don't see many people shelling out that kind of cash to recreate a Vekoma Roller Skater.
I for one would be interested if it has enough 'value'. Merry Christmas to me.

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Touchè, teacher, touchè.

What is your scale?

Is it wood or plastic?

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http://said.uc.edu/students/oakleysd/cp/CP.jpg
Now tell me Cedar Point is running out of space.

The Problem I've found with the KNEX and SF coasters is to much give in the track, which absorbs alot of the energy from the train. If the track were made of a more ridged plastic...or metal, it would be ideal for making models/recreations. When I made my own model I used some strong plastics to help let the train flow better throughout the course.

Also Lubing the wheels, or getting really nice bearing will work nicely in helping the friction part. Add some weight low on the train if you don't plan on using upstop wheels, or else you'll find your train flying through the air headed for destruction.

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Fear the Wrath of the Orient Express!!
www.pkixtreme.tk

Congo Falls - 90 (one day)

...I'd very much like to see/hear more on this...... hell I spend $500 or so at the comic book store on a bad week...lol

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..."so many coasters,so little sick time"....

I built and desgined my own model coaster, as of right now it dosen't work but could if I wanted it too.

Overall it would have costed me around $150.00. The scenery is the most expensive part. You can get wood at hobby lobby, and it is priced well.

I also hand bent all the track so it dosen't look as professional as some of the other ones on the internet.

This was the final product, http://community.webshots.com/user/furymodel

Oh my scale was 1"=10'

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http://said.uc.edu/students/oakleysd/cp/CP.jpg
Now tell me Cedar Point is running out of space.

Five hundred dollars sounds good to me. Go price high quality model railroad models, brass or LGB for example, or rc car and planes and see that $500 is very resonable for a good quality model.
I got around that much in just my train and lift hill, which, can be seen here :)

http://hometown.aol.com/jimwolg/myhomepage/photo.html
(shameless plug ;) )
I like the modular idea that others mentioned. Making the trains as heavy as possible and using bearings to keep friction down would be crucial.
Any idea as to what scale? O, G, 1/32, HO ?

Jim Wolgamuth
*** This post was edited by JWolg 8/7/2003 3:06:39 PM ***

Nice job Fury, I like the layout a lot. It's so traditional and the mansard roof on the station is unique. I'll give you a lot of credit for designing something on your own and completing it. How long did you work on it?

We should have a specific model building thread on this site. Anything from Faller kits through Knex and hand made originals would be eligable. I just wish I had a digital camera so I could show you my coasters right now. I don't mind sharing tips and ideas with fellow enthusiasts. That's half of the fun, just like riding coasters together.

Wood - anything else is an imitation

*** This post was edited by Thrillerman 8/7/2003 3:17:15 PM ***

I assure you that this model is very scale. The pictures I have right now are of the first generation prototype. The train is machined aluminum. We have now a molded train which is both easier to manufacture and infinitely more scale. The molds are not 100% complete and I would hesitate to get ahead of ourselves by showing pictures when we are perhaps 6 months from release. That would be premature and would create immediate demand and frustration at not being able to have the kits. We will release photos at the appropriate time. This forum is to gauge interest so we may plan how we want to market the kit. I am thrilled that most people are enthused about our project. I know we are!

I'm familiar with Jack's project, and I assure you that it is very real, and has the potential to be very cool. I agree that the price point is a bit high though, and that's the greatest barrier to ever hitting the mass-market.

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Jeff - Webmaster/Admin - CoasterBuzz.com - Sillynonsense.com
DELETED! What time does the water show start?

It took me around 6 months and thanks for the comments Thrillerman.

How big are you talking Jack? If you can what scale do you plan on using? At just about a foot tall and, using the correct physics equations, my model was 5 feet long, from lift to turn.

If you have any questions about anything, or just not sure about something, I would be glad to help, just email me.

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http://said.uc.edu/students/oakleysd/cp/CP.jpg
Now tell me Cedar Point is running out of space.

JWolg,

If you want to save space go with HO scale, but if you want more detail, and a better working model go with S or O scale (On32 is fine). G scale might be pushing it unless your planning on doing it outside.

I've made three working models myself. I tore the previous one down to make way for the new...and never took pictures of any of them :( , but life must go on. I'll probably make a small woodie for my HO layout.

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Fear the Wrath of the Orient Express!!
www.pkixtreme.tk

Congo Falls - 90 (one day)

OrientExpressKid,
I am building mine in G because at first I was going to put it outside but decided not to due to concerns that punks might be tempted to mess with it plus the harshness of weather.
I have a bunch of G scale engines and rolling stock so the plans is to have a train going around the coaster.
Might, years down the road, make an O scale coaster because I would like to get some of the new On30 equipment that is popping up in my local hobby store. The G scale coaster is going to be on the small side because of the scale where as an HO thru O scale would give you a lot more coaster in the same size area.

Jim Wolgamuth
*** This post was edited by JWolg 8/8/2003 9:40:21 AM ***

modelrollercoasters.com

for working rollercoasters

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I am one.
I am Turbo.
Top Thrill in the front row... anything else is lame

Jack, I think I spoke with you at Kennywood! I am all for its success......I can assure everyone that there will be MUCH rejoicing around the amusement park community.

I for one get a lot of enjoyment out of building my own, but I also give credit to those who have made kits commercially available. The Screamin Serpent and SF Cool Coaster are two outstanding kits, though I would love to see something more accurate to scale. Most of us that want an Arrow or B&M style model have to make it ourselves, which gets costly. Most of us would spend this much trying to make one ourselves, so it makes sense that one is commercially available, which will already be proven to operate well.

There is another problem with models....when everything is scaled down, you end up having hundreds of tiny parts, from supports to train pieces, which make it impractical for the average household. Think of the care needed in not only making something HO scale or smaller, but also the kids that will get their hands on it! So, the price reflects both the cost of making something very intricate, and it will also let parents know that it is NOT just another toy.

With what I know of this project, I think it will be very popular and provide a tremendous amount of enjoyment, both for those who want an operating model coaster, and those who need something that looks and acts more like the prototype. Many people want a realistic looking model but don't have the time or resources to make their own.

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Brad Sherman
Hurricane Arrow hits New England, August 9-17: 7 States, 35 Parks, 92 Coasters......leaving Dark Knight with bad transitions!

JWolg, what store do you go to?

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ROYALS!!!

Wow that modelrollercoasters.com site is cool. Those steel coasters are awesome. I wanna try and build one.
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There are 3 types of people in this world, people who can count, and people who can't.