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Cable Launch Tutorial


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#1 maarten12

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Posted 17 June 2013 - 01:11 PM

In this tutorial I will explain to you how to make a successful Cable Launch. I have gotten quite a lot of questions about them lately, so I thought this was the best solution to answer all of your questions. The tutorial will in total consist of quite a few separate sections (or known as parts), probably about 6 or 7 parts. Make sure to follow each step securely in this tutorial. If you have any questions don't hesitate to ask and ideas are always welcome!

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.

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:)

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.)

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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.
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Part #1
Spoiler


Part #2
Spoiler


Part #3
Spoiler


Part #4
Spoiler


Part #5
Spoiler


Part #6
Spoiler


Part #7
Spoiler


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.


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#2 mitch

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Posted 17 June 2013 - 01:20 PM

cool really cant wait, but what is a cable launch.
also I only have one of the small blue gears connecting to the red wheels but I do have one that doesn't have the tan connecter spot is that okay

Edited by mitch, 22 June 2013 - 07:25 PM.



#3 Muzz135

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Posted 18 June 2013 - 12:40 PM

Thanks so much for making this I can't wait!!!!!

By the way I really like the knex stand for the ss boxes

Edit: I was wondering if you knew where I could get some surgical tubing for the launch?

Edited by Muzz135, 20 June 2013 - 04:47 PM.



#4 Witting

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Posted 25 June 2013 - 02:58 PM

quick question: does the launch track need to be inclined?

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#5 maarten12

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Posted 25 June 2013 - 03:03 PM

quick question: does the launch track need to be inclined?


Yes, it definitely has to be inclined. That is because the train rolls properly back in the catch car then, gravity all the way :).

I have take all of the pictures needed for this tutorial, it's just a matter of finding some time to put them up. I hope to do so Friday afternoon, right now I'm having a rather busy test week.

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#6 Witting

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Posted 25 June 2013 - 03:32 PM

forgot to ask it but do you need that piece-eating base?

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#7 maarten12

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Posted 25 June 2013 - 04:13 PM

forgot to ask it but do you need that piece-eating base?


Yea, definitely. It will provide the strength you need, because the rubber bands will be at high tension.

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#8 Turtle Man 24

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Posted 25 June 2013 - 07:47 PM

There's more than just the 3 parts, isn't there? Can you just use fishing line for the wire? If you can, I might just use that if I use this launch.

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#9 Maxlaam

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Posted 26 June 2013 - 05:59 AM

Lovely detailed!


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#10 Witting

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Posted 26 June 2013 - 10:02 AM

do you need it to be as long as in the tutorial or can I shorten it up?

Sorry for me asking so many questions.

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#11 RNB

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Posted 26 June 2013 - 10:47 AM

Very nice and detailed system so far!


#12 timtimlaz

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Posted 26 June 2013 - 03:43 PM

Is this the launch that you used on Kingda Ka? I might use this on my next coaster....


#13 maarten12

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Posted 26 June 2013 - 03:56 PM

do you need it to be as long as in the tutorial or can I shorten it up?

Sorry for me asking so many questions.


No, you can definitely shorten it up, however you probably won't reach the 2,40m I reached.

Is this the launch that you used on Kingda Ka? I might use this on my next coaster....


Nope, Kingda Ka was the simplest launch I ever made, just putting rubber bands behind the back of the train worked great ;).

I'm noticing there is quite a bit of interest for this cable launch, so I definitely hope to get all the pictures up this Friday afternoon. Test week is preventing me sometimes though :(.

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#14 Witting

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Posted 26 June 2013 - 04:17 PM

No, you can definitely shorten it up, however you probably won't reach the 2,40m I reached.


that's way to much for my next recreation. [/spoiler]

Edited by Witting, 26 June 2013 - 04:24 PM.


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#15 maarten12

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Posted 28 June 2013 - 02:38 PM

cool really cant wait, but what is a cable launch.
also I only have one of the small blue gears connecting to the red wheels but I do have one that doesn't have the tan connecter spot is that okay


A cable launch is simply a launch with a catch car in the track that is being propelled by a cable. The train hooks on the catch car and then it'll launch because of the rubber bands on one side.
You can't have a gear that is not connected to the rod, you should have a blue or gold gear with a tan clip on there.

I have got one more part up, guys! Make sure to check it out while I'm working on the next parts.

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#16 timtimlaz

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Posted 28 June 2013 - 08:18 PM

Would you be able to use surgical tubing instead of rubber bands?


#17 maarten12

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Posted 09 July 2013 - 09:54 AM

Would you be able to use surgical tubing instead of rubber bands?


Yes definitely. I will provide a separate part for that as stated in the tutorial now!

I have got the last part up guys! Make sure to take a look :)!

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#18 Helmut

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Posted 09 July 2013 - 03:11 PM

Cool tutorial, very detailed and easy to understand.

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#19 timtimlaz

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Posted 10 July 2013 - 01:27 PM

I'm guessing that I have to buy the orange clips since I only have two.


#20 Witting

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Posted 10 July 2013 - 01:30 PM

I'm guessing that I have to buy the orange clips since I only have two.


You don't have too I made the launch but used another cable guide I didn't need to cut pieces nor use orange clips.

edit2:
but I made the launch but why don't you show the motor set-up for the tire drive and how does the trigger work?

Edited by Witting, 10 July 2013 - 02:11 PM.


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