24 replies to this topic

[Beethoven]

This is going to be a large scale project. After getting some practice with tube supports and how to build stronger, more properly shaped track,I am going to go for a larger scale project. I have 100 feet of track tube on the way and another RR set which will hopefully be enough to finish this project. Unfortunately, Revelator has been cancelled.

The ride will be innovative in several ways -

>A new track design, with the goal in mind to strengthen the track and reduce the need of many supports ;most notably on the lift hill.

>An automated cable lift system

>A magnetic braking system similar to ones seen on early coasters such as Millennium Force, Goliath, Super ROS, etc.

I'm trying to make this entertaining, so I'm slowly going to leak details of the coaster. Here's the first update.



The main support, for something, standing about 6'5. Now now...I know what you're thinking. It's not sturdy. Well, surprisingly, it is sturdy with minimal sway. Additionally, two further supports will be added which will make this structure very stable.




The base of the tower. You can see a lot of internal supports bracing the main tubes which helps keep it well grounded.





Here is one of the most important parts to the structure- notice the green rods that run straight through the ladders in the tube supports. This was a huge pain to build, but, they are highly important to ensuring the structural integrity of the support. Also, the white rods connecting the two main tube supports together do wonders.




Some pieces waiting to be lifted to the top of the support.These are the individual tube supports the coaster will use for parts that need extremely strong supports. They are extremely annoying to make and it's rather frustrating, but sadly, a lot will be needed.




A look from near the top. It stays pretty true and straight.




This is the reinforced track. It is very stable and hopefully will reduce the need for many supports. This piece is almost ready to be lifted up.

[sdrawkcaBsihTdaeR]

Looks very interesting. However, I don't think that you can get away with not using at least one tube support for the crest, despite using a backbone. You're going to need to support it more in a certain way to reduce side-to-side motion on the lift hill and drop.
Other than that, this looks pretty good so far.

[+Timmeh+]

That is a small crest, unless you're doing some sort of Intamin blitz or something

[Cobra Roller]

I actually like your crest. Reminds me of every Intamin gigacoaster ever You do have quite a large empty space near the crest through. You may want to add a crosstie or two.

[Beethoven]

UPDATE

Things have been moving slowly but surely on this project. It has proven to be very, very frustrating for me so far but I'm happy with what I have so far. The re-enforced track design will be used throughout the entire circuit I've decided for ultimate speed preservation and stability. The lift is nearly done and after the two main supports have been connected by the lift track, I'm happy with how sturdy it is.


The overall progress so far. I'm not sure if I'm going to keep the shape of the crest




I made this small hill as well, it will be installed further down the line somewhere in the circuit




Another view of the airtime hill. Once the tube track is installed it should smooth out more




Some 'specialized' pieces on standby waiting for installation.




Overall look at the progress. Minimal sag on the lift




From a different angle




A look from ground view of the start of the drop




Another view from the front




And again....




It took forever to build the main box support for under the track but it was well worth it .




There's a few kinks I need to work out but for the most part the lift is straight




The secret to minimal sag- I've zip tied a copper pipe into the internal structure of the box support. Not only does it strengthen the crap out of the support, but it is also going to serve as a clean cable return guide for the cable lift system.


Any questions or suggestions greatly appreciated!

[Coasterman345]

The curve upwards on the airtime hill looks too sharp and small. Fix it and it'll be better.

[soggyhotdoggg]

Your crest looks awfully sturdy, but you've reached nearly vertical at only 1/4 of the way down on the drop, which might look a bit strange when finished.
Otherwise it looks pretty good!

[+Timmeh+]

I agree with ^, like I said before that crest is really small.
I like the way it looks so far.

[sdrawkcaBsihTdaeR]

I was thinking that you should try to elongate the crest to a more proportional state. And also, try to fix the bump on the beginning of the crest (my OCD is driving me crazy). Other than that, the coaster looks good so far.

[Beethoven]

Thanks for the suggestions ! I'm at a loss how to elongate the crest right now, because there is literally no where else to go with the crest. The reason it is the shape it is right now is because I've reached the ceiling, I cant move it up any. And additionally, the only other option would be to lower the main support which would require modifying basically everything at this point because the other support at the lower level would need to move.

[+Timmeh+]

You don't need to raise or lower it you just need to stretch it out

[IonZer0]

The airhill needs much bigger pullouts. I've also made a picture for you.

The red is the shape you have now.
The black is the shape you should have with the structure you have already built.
The green is a more preferable radius.
The orange is just to show you that connecting the two structures would solve most of your problems. Just connect the crest structure directly to the lift structure, and get rid of the green 145* connector section

[Beethoven]

UPDATE: Progress has been moving slowly but surely. I've been taking way too long on this project but it's coming along. I've had to order many more pieces already for this which has delayed things considerably. Any feedback and comments welcome!


The airtime hill under construction.


Another view of the airtime hill half done and the spine being used under all the trackwork.



Overview of progress


View of the completed airtime hill and overbank turn in progress


Another view of the overbank and airtime hill


Overall progress so far

[CartRacer56]

your gonna want to raise that overbank...

[Jay 314]

I really like the style of tube supports for this coaster! Also the large air hill has some sharp spots, and I think you should make the over bank a little taller and more spread out. But other wise I really like it!

[Beethoven]

your gonna want to raise that overbank...

Agreed the more I look at it, the more I'm thinking it's too tight.

[Beethoven]

Quick update - I'm working mostly on developing accurate eddy current brakes for the coaster right now. There is a thread in the general construction section regarding this. I have also fixed some shaping on the overbank but I'm still tweaking with it.


Here's a preview of the eddy current brakes. I'm working on a way to mount a fin to the side of the coaster car. Based on preliminary testing, I have a feeling these magnets are so strong the train would stop by the end of the strip even if you dropped it from the top of the lift hill. Time will tell



The drop after the first airtime hill. I'm content with this




The first drop. I did my best to shape out the crest better. I'm "kind of" content with this




A look at the overbank... I'm not too content with this shaping

Edited by Beethoven, 06 January 2015 - 05:11 AM.

[CartRacer56]

have you weighted your train? if you havent adding weights will increase your speed giving you a longer layout (in theory) and like i said before i still think the over bank needs to be raised AT LEAST a gray rod

[Maxlaam]

The overbank could use some work, yes. The crest should be easy to fix. You really just need to prop up the straight part to make it a more consistent curve. You could get away with a big crest as a "design choice".

[Beethoven]

have you weighted your train? if you havent adding weights will increase your speed giving you a longer layout (in theory) and like i said before i still think the over bank needs to be raised AT LEAST a gray rod

A long gray rod or the short one you mean? (the one that also comes in yellow)

Either way, I'm not happy with the overbank and will probably completely redo it.
http://vid1027.photobucket.com/albums/y340/ValkyrieCoasters/10902593_10153004985449907_1507633925_n_zpsvfhic2r g.mp4
Also here's a video of the brakes in action, with the train bein dropped from a little less than half the lift hill.

Edited by Beethoven, 07 January 2015 - 08:07 PM.