I guess you guys want to know what you will be making, therefore I have got a few pictures and a test video for you. The tower is (of course) not included in the test video, but it was just there to check how heigh I could reach. So far I have easily reached 2,40m. That is about 8 feet. So this launch is both suitable for lower and higher speeds.
BE AWARE!
Before you're going to start, make sure you don't mind cutting 19 cross ties like in the picture below and offer one ladder connection and two grey connectors. (If you really don't want that, you can try it without cutting these first. Later on I definitely recommend it, because otherwise it will damage the bottom of your train over time.)
Also make sure you have quite a lot of rubber bands (some stronger ones for the actual power you need) and you'll need some good strong wire that won't snap that easily.
Part #1
Spoiler
This is the very first thing you're going to make, scroll down for more detailed pictures.
This is a separate part, which you are going to connect later on to the above part. Make sure you connect the y-clips to the 90* connectors.
Connect it like this.
And then you're left with this. Leave it like this until you need it later on.
End of Part #1
This is a separate part, which you are going to connect later on to the above part. Make sure you connect the y-clips to the 90* connectors.
Connect it like this.
And then you're left with this. Leave it like this until you need it later on.
End of Part #1
Part #2
Spoiler
This is the very first thing you're going to make for part 2 .
Make sure you have connected the half moon (with a white rod to the 90* connector) and put a spacer on the white rod.
Then you're left with this.
This is the left side.
Make sure to add this tan clip which is connected to the red gear.
This is the right side.
Also on this one, add a tan clip to the red gear.
Attach it like so.
Don't forget this one.
There you go!
Good job, you're now left with this.
Yes, those are 8 tan clips in total. Two for every black full moon connector.
It's flipped 180* in this picture and it provides a closer look.
From the back to the front (or right to left, no matter what ).
Connect it like so.
It's looking complex!
Rubber bands are incoming, it's becoming an invasion later on .
Connect these three spots (there is another one behind my finger but you'll probably notice that).
A closer look.
Another close look.
And this is how it should be.
Connect these on both sides.
Yes, that connector should be there.
Connect it like so.
You still get it?
Don't forget to add some of your wire. DO NOT CUT IT YET! It simply saves you time and painful fingers if doing right now.
If you don't have these little orange connectors, just leave the diagonals out and replace the 3d's on the bottom for 135* connectors.
The top grey rod should be put into the half moon connector and the lower grey rod should be put into the 3d connector on the bottom.
So it results in this.
No more mechanics from now on, I guess...
Nope!
You're almost there! Come on you can do this!
Don't forget all four of these.
Connect like so.
WEWT! You're there, part #2 is done! Still more to come .
End of part #2
Make sure you have connected the half moon (with a white rod to the 90* connector) and put a spacer on the white rod.
Then you're left with this.
This is the left side.
Make sure to add this tan clip which is connected to the red gear.
This is the right side.
Also on this one, add a tan clip to the red gear.
Attach it like so.
Don't forget this one.
There you go!
Good job, you're now left with this.
Yes, those are 8 tan clips in total. Two for every black full moon connector.
It's flipped 180* in this picture and it provides a closer look.
From the back to the front (or right to left, no matter what ).
Connect it like so.
It's looking complex!
Rubber bands are incoming, it's becoming an invasion later on .
Connect these three spots (there is another one behind my finger but you'll probably notice that).
A closer look.
Another close look.
And this is how it should be.
Connect these on both sides.
Yes, that connector should be there.
Connect it like so.
You still get it?
Don't forget to add some of your wire. DO NOT CUT IT YET! It simply saves you time and painful fingers if doing right now.
If you don't have these little orange connectors, just leave the diagonals out and replace the 3d's on the bottom for 135* connectors.
The top grey rod should be put into the half moon connector and the lower grey rod should be put into the 3d connector on the bottom.
So it results in this.
No more mechanics from now on, I guess...
Nope!
You're almost there! Come on you can do this!
Don't forget all four of these.
Connect like so.
WEWT! You're there, part #2 is done! Still more to come .
End of part #2
Part #3
Spoiler
Make all of these. As you can see, the one on the right is different.
A closer look.
Another closer look.
Connect all of them.
Connect it like so to Part #1.
And the other side to Part #2.
Well done! You have finished Part #3. Now get on to the actual launch track.
End of Part #3.
Make all of these. As you can see, the one on the right is different.
A closer look.
Another closer look.
Connect all of them.
Connect it like so to Part #1.
And the other side to Part #2.
Well done! You have finished Part #3. Now get on to the actual launch track.
End of Part #3.
Part #4
Spoiler
As I have shown you before, you have got to cut 19 of these pieces now.
Next up, make the front, the middle and the back section of the launch. You should make the middle 7 times and connect them as shown in the picture. I'll start with the instructions for the front of the launch (or the start). After that you'll probably get an idea of how the guide for the catch car is built.
This is how it will finally look like.
Start with this.
Connect it like this.
Put the other two cross braces on there.
Connect the wheel like this...
...and slide everything together
Connect the track like this.
Make sure the wheel is spinning freely.
Add the catch car guide to the empty 45* connectors.
And this is your result!
BE AWARE! This is the middle part, the front part is done.
The middle part isn't too hard, it's about the same as the front part. Don't forget to make seven sections of this!
Overview of the back part, I'll provide some detailed pictures so you should be able to make this.
I'll show you this picture once more, so you know how to connect everything .
Good job, you've got the launch track done!
End of Part #4
As I have shown you before, you have got to cut 19 of these pieces now.
Next up, make the front, the middle and the back section of the launch. You should make the middle 7 times and connect them as shown in the picture. I'll start with the instructions for the front of the launch (or the start). After that you'll probably get an idea of how the guide for the catch car is built.
This is how it will finally look like.
Start with this.
Connect it like this.
Put the other two cross braces on there.
Connect the wheel like this...
...and slide everything together
Connect the track like this.
Make sure the wheel is spinning freely.
Add the catch car guide to the empty 45* connectors.
And this is your result!
BE AWARE! This is the middle part, the front part is done.
The middle part isn't too hard, it's about the same as the front part. Don't forget to make seven sections of this!
Overview of the back part, I'll provide some detailed pictures so you should be able to make this.
I'll show you this picture once more, so you know how to connect everything .
Good job, you've got the launch track done!
End of Part #4
Part #5
Spoiler
Now that you have got the longest part of the launch track done, you'll get on to the more detailed part of it. Start by making all of these.
Connect the tension wheel like this...
...and add two white rods on the 45* connectors. (this prevents the wheel from snapping off of the connectors, since it is going to endure quite a lot of force.)
Have this part ready...
...and put the tension wheel on it.
Lock it in place like this.
http://i1185.photobu...zps989e4069.jpg
Next up: another wheel!
http://i1185.photobu...zps7569e4c8.jpg
Slide it on there...
http://i1185.photobu...zpsad15321d.jpg
...and don't forget the spacers.
http://i1185.photobu...zps168a2ec8.jpg
Have this ready for the next part...
http://i1185.photobu...zpsf38786b6.jpg
...and this.
http://i1185.photobu...zpse1d661cf.jpg
From now on it is getting a little bit more complicated, so make sure you don't forget anything. Start with this simple piece.
http://i1185.photobu...zps51b465ec.jpg
Next up is this one.
http://i1185.photobu...zps2358da88.jpg
Some details.
http://i1185.photobu...zps9106ae24.jpg
http://i1185.photobu...zps439b5e20.jpg
http://i1185.photobu...zps1c12b29f.jpg
Start with these cross braces and the other two will be easy!
http://i1185.photobu...zps04edf5d8.jpg
It's this what you're left with.
http://i1185.photobu...zps11979651.jpg
Make sure you have got the middle two holes ready. Also make sure this side is towards you, check the RED BOX to ensure you have got it right!
http://i1185.photobu...zps38338db7.jpg
Then slide these two granites through there (with the space and connector).
http://i1185.photobu...zps466078e3.jpg
And connect it on the OTHER SIDE like this.
http://i1185.photobu...zpsfd2e9b43.jpg
This is what you've got then.
http://i1185.photobu...zpsa172a2f4.jpg
Slide a gear on a white rod with a tan clip in there.
http://i1185.photobu...zps40f3df6f.jpg
And lock it in place like this.
http://i1185.photobu...zpsd99b518b.jpg
*Click*
http://i1185.photobu...zps03d104f3.jpg
This is how it looks now, let's get on to the next part.
http://i1185.photobu...zps59d5103c.jpg
This overview might help you getting everything connected correctly.
http://i1185.photobu...zps5a0baec6.jpg
Some detailed pictures.
http://i1185.photobu...zps195ff52a.jpg
http://i1185.photobu...zps949d245c.jpg
Take the part you finished a few pictures ago (still within part #5 of course), and connect it like this.
http://i1185.photobu...zps3e47f806.jpg
Make sure you click the white half moon connectors on the granite rods.
http://i1185.photobu...zps8521514e.jpg
This is what you're left with.
http://i1185.photobu...zpsd52db098.jpg
Next up: take the front (or the start) of the long launch section you made in part #4 and follow the steps on the pictures carefully.
http://i1185.photobu...zps81d1bb6b.jpg
Like this on the other side (the granite rods of the track should be connected to the 3D-connectors closest to the wheel).
http://i1185.photobu...zpse02dad02.jpg
And then it looks like this.
http://i1185.photobu...zpsa4196afb.jpg
http://i1185.photobu...zps0252c4d0.jpg
That's rather long!
http://i1185.photobu...zps878a9c72.jpg
We're going to focus on this part (the front or start of the launch).
http://i1185.photobu...zpsfb837994.jpg
Connect the little track piece you made like this.
http://i1185.photobu...zpsb255db85.jpg
*Click*
http://i1185.photobu...zps73fcfbd0.jpg
http://i1185.photobu...zps5fe5e6a7.jpg
Connect this one to the white half moons (remove a blue rod if it isn't working and then click the blue rod in there again). Also, take a look on the overview above if you don't know where it belongs.
http://i1185.photobu...zps706d451d.jpg
http://i1185.photobu...zps414eefac.jpg
Connect this wheel to the white half moon connector.
http://i1185.photobu...zps2c18fa91.jpg
http://i1185.photobu...zpsb20005bc.jpg
http://i1185.photobu...zps79f3901b.jpg
Let's get on to the tension wheel now. You better flip the whole thing upside down for that (so it rests on the top of the cross ties). Make sure the tan rod without the spacers is connected to the black full moon connector.
http://i1185.photobu...zpse84f7be5.jpg
This shouldn't be too hard then.
http://i1185.photobu...zps4ae63ad7.jpg
You probably see the granite rod above the tan rod, it doesn't matter if it isn't there.
http://i1185.photobu...zps488cf04d.jpg
http://i1185.photobu...zpse71459dc.jpg
This is how it looks like! You're almost there!
http://i1185.photobu...zps5628d078.jpg
Now connect the tubing to the orange clips, make sure you have enough orange clips on there so the tubing is nice and straight.
From the beginning...
http://i1185.photobu...zps09a9407a.jpg
...to the end.
http://i1185.photobu...zps2af8367b.jpg
And of course the main tubing.
http://i1185.photobu...zps6d99ba1b.jpg
That's it! You're ready with part #5!
End of Part #5
Now that you have got the longest part of the launch track done, you'll get on to the more detailed part of it. Start by making all of these.
Connect the tension wheel like this...
...and add two white rods on the 45* connectors. (this prevents the wheel from snapping off of the connectors, since it is going to endure quite a lot of force.)
Have this part ready...
...and put the tension wheel on it.
Lock it in place like this.
http://i1185.photobu...zps989e4069.jpg
Next up: another wheel!
http://i1185.photobu...zps7569e4c8.jpg
Slide it on there...
http://i1185.photobu...zpsad15321d.jpg
...and don't forget the spacers.
http://i1185.photobu...zps168a2ec8.jpg
Have this ready for the next part...
http://i1185.photobu...zpsf38786b6.jpg
...and this.
http://i1185.photobu...zpse1d661cf.jpg
From now on it is getting a little bit more complicated, so make sure you don't forget anything. Start with this simple piece.
http://i1185.photobu...zps51b465ec.jpg
Next up is this one.
http://i1185.photobu...zps2358da88.jpg
Some details.
http://i1185.photobu...zps9106ae24.jpg
http://i1185.photobu...zps439b5e20.jpg
http://i1185.photobu...zps1c12b29f.jpg
Start with these cross braces and the other two will be easy!
http://i1185.photobu...zps04edf5d8.jpg
It's this what you're left with.
http://i1185.photobu...zps11979651.jpg
Make sure you have got the middle two holes ready. Also make sure this side is towards you, check the RED BOX to ensure you have got it right!
http://i1185.photobu...zps38338db7.jpg
Then slide these two granites through there (with the space and connector).
http://i1185.photobu...zps466078e3.jpg
And connect it on the OTHER SIDE like this.
http://i1185.photobu...zpsfd2e9b43.jpg
This is what you've got then.
http://i1185.photobu...zpsa172a2f4.jpg
Slide a gear on a white rod with a tan clip in there.
http://i1185.photobu...zps40f3df6f.jpg
And lock it in place like this.
http://i1185.photobu...zpsd99b518b.jpg
*Click*
http://i1185.photobu...zps03d104f3.jpg
This is how it looks now, let's get on to the next part.
http://i1185.photobu...zps59d5103c.jpg
This overview might help you getting everything connected correctly.
http://i1185.photobu...zps5a0baec6.jpg
Some detailed pictures.
http://i1185.photobu...zps195ff52a.jpg
http://i1185.photobu...zps949d245c.jpg
Take the part you finished a few pictures ago (still within part #5 of course), and connect it like this.
http://i1185.photobu...zps3e47f806.jpg
Make sure you click the white half moon connectors on the granite rods.
http://i1185.photobu...zps8521514e.jpg
This is what you're left with.
http://i1185.photobu...zpsd52db098.jpg
Next up: take the front (or the start) of the long launch section you made in part #4 and follow the steps on the pictures carefully.
http://i1185.photobu...zps81d1bb6b.jpg
Like this on the other side (the granite rods of the track should be connected to the 3D-connectors closest to the wheel).
http://i1185.photobu...zpse02dad02.jpg
And then it looks like this.
http://i1185.photobu...zpsa4196afb.jpg
http://i1185.photobu...zps0252c4d0.jpg
That's rather long!
http://i1185.photobu...zps878a9c72.jpg
We're going to focus on this part (the front or start of the launch).
http://i1185.photobu...zpsfb837994.jpg
Connect the little track piece you made like this.
http://i1185.photobu...zpsb255db85.jpg
*Click*
http://i1185.photobu...zps73fcfbd0.jpg
http://i1185.photobu...zps5fe5e6a7.jpg
Connect this one to the white half moons (remove a blue rod if it isn't working and then click the blue rod in there again). Also, take a look on the overview above if you don't know where it belongs.
http://i1185.photobu...zps706d451d.jpg
http://i1185.photobu...zps414eefac.jpg
Connect this wheel to the white half moon connector.
http://i1185.photobu...zps2c18fa91.jpg
http://i1185.photobu...zpsb20005bc.jpg
http://i1185.photobu...zps79f3901b.jpg
Let's get on to the tension wheel now. You better flip the whole thing upside down for that (so it rests on the top of the cross ties). Make sure the tan rod without the spacers is connected to the black full moon connector.
http://i1185.photobu...zpse84f7be5.jpg
This shouldn't be too hard then.
http://i1185.photobu...zps4ae63ad7.jpg
You probably see the granite rod above the tan rod, it doesn't matter if it isn't there.
http://i1185.photobu...zps488cf04d.jpg
http://i1185.photobu...zpse71459dc.jpg
This is how it looks like! You're almost there!
http://i1185.photobu...zps5628d078.jpg
Now connect the tubing to the orange clips, make sure you have enough orange clips on there so the tubing is nice and straight.
From the beginning...
http://i1185.photobu...zps09a9407a.jpg
...to the end.
http://i1185.photobu...zps2af8367b.jpg
And of course the main tubing.
http://i1185.photobu...zps6d99ba1b.jpg
That's it! You're ready with part #5!
End of Part #5
Part #6
Spoiler
For this part, make sure you have the launch track and the base ready. Also make all of these...
http://i1185.photobu...zpse5abdec3.jpg
...and make sure you have these pieces ready.
http://i1185.photobu...zps0f2e282c.jpg
Make sure all of these are attached.
http://i1185.photobu...zps51835256.jpg
http://i1185.photobu...zps3fa06ea5.jpg
http://i1185.photobu...zpsed8fed21.jpg
Then connect all the pieces you just made to the base as follows. Scroll down for an overview picture to check out where they should belong.
http://i1185.photobu...zpsc4c63f9a.jpg
http://i1185.photobu...zps12f8787b.jpg
http://i1185.photobu...zps5b4a34c7.jpg
http://i1185.photobu...zps0e6d500b.jpg
The overview provided for you to make sure everything is on the right place.
http://i1185.photobu...zps5413c97d.jpg
Next up: Take the entire launch track and place it on the base. Take a look at the picture below, it shows the gap exactly drops into the place of the black rod. Do this correctly and the rest of connecting the launch track to the base will be easy.
http://i1185.photobu...zps74fba563.jpg
Then go to the very front of the launch and connect the track as follows.
http://i1185.photobu...zpsb5eb4e21.jpg
And do so for this connection too.
http://i1185.photobu...zps100c237a.jpg
Then go to the very end of the launch and connect these two first on both sides.
http://i1185.photobu...zps1e65eb16.jpg
http://i1185.photobu...zps50bad4d6.jpg
And then continue with the front where you left before going to the end...
http://i1185.photobu...zps6eebaeaf.jpg
http://i1185.photobu...zpsbcafb855.jpg
http://i1185.photobu...zps38dba4db.jpg
http://i1185.photobu...zps20db5f44.jpg
Fill this gap on both sides with the white rods...
http://i1185.photobu...zpsd48c2fb7.jpg
...and do the same for these two granite rods.
http://i1185.photobu...zps33b329a5.jpg
http://i1185.photobu...zps374ffc2b.jpg
Now you've got this (except for the wire, but that will be done in the next part!)
http://i1185.photobu...zpsb52366be.jpg
End of Part #6
For this part, make sure you have the launch track and the base ready. Also make all of these...
http://i1185.photobu...zpse5abdec3.jpg
...and make sure you have these pieces ready.
http://i1185.photobu...zps0f2e282c.jpg
Make sure all of these are attached.
http://i1185.photobu...zps51835256.jpg
http://i1185.photobu...zps3fa06ea5.jpg
http://i1185.photobu...zpsed8fed21.jpg
Then connect all the pieces you just made to the base as follows. Scroll down for an overview picture to check out where they should belong.
http://i1185.photobu...zpsc4c63f9a.jpg
http://i1185.photobu...zps12f8787b.jpg
http://i1185.photobu...zps5b4a34c7.jpg
http://i1185.photobu...zps0e6d500b.jpg
The overview provided for you to make sure everything is on the right place.
http://i1185.photobu...zps5413c97d.jpg
Next up: Take the entire launch track and place it on the base. Take a look at the picture below, it shows the gap exactly drops into the place of the black rod. Do this correctly and the rest of connecting the launch track to the base will be easy.
http://i1185.photobu...zps74fba563.jpg
Then go to the very front of the launch and connect the track as follows.
http://i1185.photobu...zpsb5eb4e21.jpg
And do so for this connection too.
http://i1185.photobu...zps100c237a.jpg
Then go to the very end of the launch and connect these two first on both sides.
http://i1185.photobu...zps1e65eb16.jpg
http://i1185.photobu...zps50bad4d6.jpg
And then continue with the front where you left before going to the end...
http://i1185.photobu...zps6eebaeaf.jpg
http://i1185.photobu...zpsbcafb855.jpg
http://i1185.photobu...zps38dba4db.jpg
http://i1185.photobu...zps20db5f44.jpg
Fill this gap on both sides with the white rods...
http://i1185.photobu...zpsd48c2fb7.jpg
...and do the same for these two granite rods.
http://i1185.photobu...zps33b329a5.jpg
http://i1185.photobu...zps374ffc2b.jpg
Now you've got this (except for the wire, but that will be done in the next part!)
http://i1185.photobu...zpsb52366be.jpg
End of Part #6
Part #7
Spoiler
This port focusses on the catch car, the wire, rubber bands and stuff like that.
So first of all, you got to have to make the catch car, for this you have to offer three pieces.
http://i1185.photobu...zps44d409d5.jpg
http://i1185.photobu...zps077b82a5.jpg
Then grab the wire you earlier attached to the winch drum and pull it through as shown on the following pictures (ignore the rubber bands).
http://i1185.photobu...zpsc2105aa2.jpg
http://i1185.photobu...zpse5237eab.jpg
http://i1185.photobu...zps660f2f95.jpg
Attach the wire to the catch care and pull it all the way through the cable guide (to the end of the launch).
http://i1185.photobu...zpsa7d24e3a.jpg
http://i1185.photobu...zps5d5a1377.jpg
Make sure when the winch drum is fully 'rolled out', the catch car can't reach any further than this (that means it is blocked by the wire not being any longer, so in this way you know what the length of your wire should be).
http://i1185.photobu...zps9de11434.jpg
Keep the catch car on its place and take a new wire and pull it through the wheels as follows.
http://i1185.photobu...zps50e2fe85.jpg
You're wire should lead back to the very front of the launch again...
http://i1185.photobu...zpsb875a748.jpg
...until you meet the wheel with the "gears" surrounding it. Attach the rubber bands (or surgical tubing) to the wire as follows.
http://i1185.photobu...zpsad4a1918.jpg
As you can see the rubber band is wrapped around the wheel.
http://i1185.photobu...zpse11f4aea.jpg
Then connect the rubber bands (or surgical tubing) to a place where you think the tension is right, you should just experiment a little with this.
http://i1185.photobu...zps229e7169.jpg
For the ratchet mechanism, take a rubber band and attach it as follows (on both sides).
http://i1185.photobu...zpsfbb8f54b.jpg
http://i1185.photobu...zps03b11b5c.jpg
Make sure your tension wheel is held in equilibrium approximately like so.
http://i1185.photobu...zps7e58b87c.jpg
End of Part #7
This port focusses on the catch car, the wire, rubber bands and stuff like that.
So first of all, you got to have to make the catch car, for this you have to offer three pieces.
http://i1185.photobu...zps44d409d5.jpg
http://i1185.photobu...zps077b82a5.jpg
Then grab the wire you earlier attached to the winch drum and pull it through as shown on the following pictures (ignore the rubber bands).
http://i1185.photobu...zpsc2105aa2.jpg
http://i1185.photobu...zpse5237eab.jpg
http://i1185.photobu...zps660f2f95.jpg
Attach the wire to the catch care and pull it all the way through the cable guide (to the end of the launch).
http://i1185.photobu...zpsa7d24e3a.jpg
http://i1185.photobu...zps5d5a1377.jpg
Make sure when the winch drum is fully 'rolled out', the catch car can't reach any further than this (that means it is blocked by the wire not being any longer, so in this way you know what the length of your wire should be).
http://i1185.photobu...zps9de11434.jpg
Keep the catch car on its place and take a new wire and pull it through the wheels as follows.
http://i1185.photobu...zps50e2fe85.jpg
You're wire should lead back to the very front of the launch again...
http://i1185.photobu...zpsb875a748.jpg
...until you meet the wheel with the "gears" surrounding it. Attach the rubber bands (or surgical tubing) to the wire as follows.
http://i1185.photobu...zpsad4a1918.jpg
As you can see the rubber band is wrapped around the wheel.
http://i1185.photobu...zpse11f4aea.jpg
Then connect the rubber bands (or surgical tubing) to a place where you think the tension is right, you should just experiment a little with this.
http://i1185.photobu...zps229e7169.jpg
For the ratchet mechanism, take a rubber band and attach it as follows (on both sides).
http://i1185.photobu...zpsfbb8f54b.jpg
http://i1185.photobu...zps03b11b5c.jpg
Make sure your tension wheel is held in equilibrium approximately like so.
http://i1185.photobu...zps7e58b87c.jpg
End of Part #7
Thank you for reading my tutorial and building the launch, I hope you understand a little bit more of cable launches now. If you have any questions or suggestions, make sure to tell me. I want this tutorial to be understandable for everyone!
I hope to get a separate part for the surgical tubing done sooner or later, because it handles a little bit different than average rubber bands!
Edited by maarten12, 09 July 2013 - 09:47 AM.