148 replies to this topic

[Josh Monster]

Huge Update!!! Finished the last turn, the brakes (using copper and magnets to make eddie currents) and did some theming. We are hoping to finish the launch soon but there is so much tension our pieces keep breaking, we are trying to come up with solutions.

Three car test, we ordered more magnets to increase the power.
Brake test













Broken pieces. The black rod snapped because of tension and the red rod broke because the launch string sliced through it.

[REXENK]

On the zero g roll...why do you use the black connectors then the flexis

[Josh Monster]

^It is a heartline roll not a zero-g-roll. I use them because it makes it easier for me to shape the roll.

More comments?

[alpal]

Comments????????? Come on people, one comment for tons of work and progress, including magnetic brakes on a large scale.

[Spitfire]

The mechanics in this are very impressive. If we're talking about accuracy, the vertical heartline is a bit too abrupt/quick and doesn't go down far enough. Also, the tophat is too rounded- it needs to peak a bit more. Otherwise, don't let that get you down about the effort you put into everything; I'm really impressed. Nice work!

[Josh Monster]

^The heartline roll ends and starts at the correct points it just looks too short because the track is wider than in the real ride. I will fix the tophat, thank you for your comment.

[REXENK]

Thanks for telling me about the heart line roll. Do the brakes slow it down enough.

[Josh Monster]

^You're welcome. The brakes slow it down perfectly, I just got more magnets and tested with the full train and it stopped in exactly the right spot.

[Josh Monster]

Update!! Almost done! Automation is almost complete, station roof has been put on, path almost finished, Alpal set up an automatic audio that plays the "arms up, head back" thing, an automatic launch assistant has been made to take tension off all of the gears by the station, and the hallway has been cleaned, all in one day (I am very tired). Still need to place station chains, station gates ( they will not be automated, just for decoration), finish automation of launch, and finish scenery and path.


Overview


Station


Path and speakers for audio


Overview


Station area


This is the pullback assist, it is in the building at the end of the launch, when tension is placed of the launch string the gears on the motor and the gears connected to the string connect therefore assisting in pulling the launch, what is genius about it is that when the launch releases near the station the gears on the assist come apart and release.

We are going to start moving it to our school on Wednesday. Feel free to comment!

[Helmut]

Impressive work!

[-=TK=-]

That's impressive! Great work on all the details, i love it

-=Tk=-

[CowmanBearPig]

Its so pretty, I would be extremely nervous working with this, only because of the fact that it cleanly split a rod in two. Imagine what that would do to a finger....or a hand......

[alpal]

^I feel the same way. It is extremely hard to fully automate a powerful launch. the tension also ripped a black rod in half. The automation has been the most difficult thing I have done in my life.

About the mechanism that I designed, the assist motor is on a hinge. That piece moves back and forth when the main string of the launch moves across the pulley that is connected to the assist motor. When the automation is pulling back, the string makes the assist motor and gear fall into place, and it begins to help crank up the launch. When the automation lets go, then the string moves the other way, immediately lifting the assist motor out of the way, allowing the assist spool to be free, and releasing the launch. It works without fail.

[JPCoaster]

It looks awesome! Nice details and I love the station, can't wait to see this in action

[Josh Monster]

After many months of waiting we finally present to you: The final video of Top Thrill Dragster! As you will notice in the video, there is no automation. This tragedy was due to the fact that knex are plastic, and cannot withstand 50+ pounds of torque. It was a sad but glorious day when we launched the coaster in front of our fans. But, despite the uselessness of the automation on Top Thrill Dragster, we have found another use for it. Stay tuned...

[IOAgeek]

Nice coaster overall, I love this ride, I've been on it twice!

[rollercoasterfanatic919]

Awesome video! Whether the automation worked or not, it was still a great recreation.

[timtimlaz]

When I went to Cedar Point the puul in and out were shaking. Even without the carts going through that part. Thats one of the reasons I didn't go on that coaster!

[SamIsSoAwsome]

This turned out quite good. I really like the whole station part of it. It looks so good!!!!