98 replies to this topic

[pkiknex25]

^ You mean "different" or "unique" color coding?

[LaMbChOpZ]

Yay, someone else is coming to the dark side and doing colour coding

Are you using felxies for your lift hill? I would suggest using grey rods or stiff rods for the lifts, especially if you are using tubes, for the lifts.

Hahaha, school colors actually look pretty cool. Too bad the yellow crossties aren't exactly the gold/yellow, but it's close enough. I am using stiff rods for the lift hills. Debating about using them for the entire layout, but the inversions will be too tight.

^ You mean "different" or "unique" color coding?

You could say that, but going to the dark side sounds cooler





Finally, over a month later, I have a good amount of progress to post about. Building was slow during March, since I had PJAS meet to practice for, I had Delaware County Science Fair to work on, and I had the Delaware Valley Science fair to work on later in the month. Finally, after all of that is over and spring break ends today, here is my progress.


Here is a list of things I would like to note:

• The angle of the track compared to the base is what I would like it to be
• The station was a major challenge. I know I should do it last, but since this is going to be in an expo, it's important to get it out of the way (refer to pictures)
• The base actually became thinner than expected, but also grew a foot in length
• The amount of cars right now is 4, but I am now debating about using 5 if I can get my hands on another middle car
• The big lift hill support was broken down and the 2 smaller lift hill supports were made (connectors were also changed to metallic blue)
• Plans were made to make a backbone, but all were unsuccessful

Tell me what you think!!!!


Overview




Lift Hill Angle




...and release...




Overhead view




Supports




Lift Hill pull-in (supports are temporary and will be replaced with tubes)




Station and the base-to-station connection




Now, what could these be for....?




And why does one have gears for a chain, and the other doesn't....?

[Unendingride]

I think your going to have a chain attached to a string that loops all the way around the second lift. But, you never no. Overall, it looks great!

[ickus305]

Everything is looking good. Heck you may finish this before I finish my boomerang.

Are you going to make the base into a double? or why are the 3D's upside-down?

Cheers and keep up the good work.

[IonZer0]

I agree with Unending Ride. There are probably 2 strings wrapped around the really skinny part of the chain link.
PS For the extra car, you can use my tutorial. Link

[Dragon]

Everything is looking good. Heck you may finish this before I finish my boomerang.

Are you going to make the base into a double? or why are the 3D's upside-down?

Cheers and keep up the good work.

i tried this kind of base and its amazing you do not have to make a double base (wich use alot of pieces) and you can easily connect tubes into it

[LaMbChOpZ]

I think your going to have a chain attached to a string that loops all the way around the second lift. But, you never no. Overall, it looks great!

You're on the right track, but not quite. Thank you!

I agree with Unending Ride. There are probably 2 strings wrapped around the really skinny part of the chain link.
PS For the extra car, you can use my tutorial. Link

Again, on the right track, but still not exactly what's happening. Thank you for posting the link for an extra car, but I don't have an extra socket for my cars. I broke my 2nd back car a few months ago and threw it out. I will look into your design and will hopefully use it in the future!

Everything is looking good. Heck you may finish this before I finish my boomerang.

Are you going to make the base into a double? or why are the 3D's upside-down?

Cheers and keep up the good work.

I'm debating about making a double base. I don't have the parts for it, but it would make my tube supports a lot stronger since I could extend them into the base. I'm also putting this at school and it will have to sit on a table, so the better the base, the better. Can't say your coaster helped to inspire this.

i tried this kind of base and its amazing you do not have to make a double base (wich use alot of pieces) and you can easily connect tubes into it

I've been using this type of base since I first joined. Double bases need to be strong, well designed, and well thought out. Even if I don't use it, this base will suffice.



I'll be posting another update in a little while once I finish the final lift support. But, what could this be? Was I up to some buying during my spring break....? Guess you'll have to find out later in the update!

[LaMbChOpZ]

... and double post!


How does everything look?

Ooooh.....



Ok, I'll stop dragging it on. 3 large gears, 200 brown ladder connectors and 50 grey rods.




Finally, it's finished.....


Also,

Look closely at the lift hill.....



It's at a 35-45* angle and I think it looks fine. The car looks so small on the lift because I'm missing another middle car. Still need to get one. It's also missing something else......




Hmmmm....

[sonicriders789]

lookin good

[ickus305]

I like the catch car. Very creative.

[kid26120]

I used magnets to get the car hang on and snap off..
Can wait to see what's next

[LaMbChOpZ]

lookin good

Thanks!

I like the catch car. Very creative.

Thank you, and there's more to come! I'm surprised you figured it out that quickly, although I did try to hint it for a while now. Even when I said this:

It's also missing something else......

The catch car itself is going to be a challenge, not to go and pick the car up out of the station, but to get it to release. I don't really have an idea for that yet, but I have an idea. I'm also going to automate it, so the catch car will start it's decent while the coaster is rocking back and forth throughout the station slowing down (as the ride is ending).

I used magnets to get the car hang on and snap off..
Can wait to see what's next

I have about 25 small little cubes I'll be using (N-40) for both lifts, but I'm not revealing that just yet......



More comments? I really need to know this is good so I can move on without problems about something here in the future (lift hill angle, size, etc).

[alpal]

Very good, I see no problems whatsoever.

[TheRandomGuy]

Its looking great! And I bet you're using the pieces in the fourth picture for the catwalk!

[The Stig]

This is looking good. You've got a talent for detail.

[LaMbChOpZ]

Very good, I see no problems whatsoever.

Thank you!

Its looking great! And I bet you're using the pieces in the fourth picture for the catwalk!

Thanks! And yes those funny looking parts are for the catwalk, although the 3D piece was changed to a half-moon connector, seen in the pictures in this next update.

This is looking good. You've got a talent for detail.

Thank I do try my best to make my coaster as real a possible, and hopefully this next detail will be even cooler and show just how much I want this coaster to be as real as possible!





Well, not a lot of trackwork was done, but I can't say the same for the mechanics.... .... or not?





Well, at least the construction crew has made an appearance for once.





Hey, get back to work!





Now, what you all have been waiting for, the catch car. It's extremely complicated and too me a good 10 minutes to make. Don't worry, it's very straightforward. 2 wheel assemblies, 8 single grey connectors, 4 green rods (preferably black), hot glue, and 3, N40 Neodymium magnets.





Back of the car. Where does it connect...? (HINT: Magnet is black)





Well, looks good to me!





Soon there'll be a Cobra Roll, Loop, and 2nd lift hill, but for now, this will suffice.

[Jumpge]

I really like it! The catch car is awesome, and really resembles the real rides a lot which will be super easy to automate with the NXT for sure. The catwalks definitely add detail to it as well, and as we all know your great at that.

[Turtle Man 24]

Looks awesome so far! I love the catch car.

[sonicriders789]

i have to ask, what will cause the catch car to release from the train?

[Helmut]

^I was wondering the same.

I really like this, you put a lot of detail in the ride!