I like it alot! Especially the bobby-pin. What kind of a launch is it? The last element isn't shaped perfectly as I'm sure you know. Keep up the great work!
Thanks. It's a cable launch. Okay, so it's not a cable launch right now, I just need to find a string strong enough. The last element will be shaped again and merged with the second inversion.
Looks great so far, but could you support the last element more so you don't lose a lot of speed when the train goes upside down for the rest of the layout.
Thanks. Yeah, I'll support it more once I get to it. I took it down to rebuild the second inversion.
I'd seriously recommend making your supports more rigid. All of the deflection is lost kinetic energy, which means lost speed, which means a shorter layout. Building on carpet makes anchoring a challenge, but heavy weights such as books or dumbbells work great for helping to secure your foundation. Look for places where it starts to rise up off the ground and place your weight there.
Adding additional braces will help too. Whether they are just single rods or entire box supports: think triangles. You have to be careful because the connectors that form the 3D joints (snow flakes? I'm talking about the grey and blue ones) will start to pull apart if you place too much tension on them. Just in general, I find its best to place knex in compression loading. Even though buckling starts to become a concern, I find that when your supports are in tension your foundation starts to lift up off the ground and your joints start to pull apart. Tape/Weighting to the floor and glue can help secure things together but that is probably not an option.
You shaping is just so so. Take it look at how actual immelmann loops are shaped and I think you will see where you went wrong.
I see your point. To the dive loop, I have added a side support to the main support structure to combat the force of the train. There is now no shaking from what I can tell. Although I haven't yet used books... it's the one recommendation from you that I forgot to do. *shrugs* Ah, well, that'll be for next time. Finally, the dive loop has been completely taken apart and re-assembled so it mimics actual dive loops. I used some reference pictures during the rebuilding process.
These are some great points. Especially on how k'nex support better when under compression. When in tension, the 3D pieces constantly will come apart. I've actually had to scrap builds because of this problem. However, I don't find foundation lifting to be to much of a problem because I normally place weights on top.
Yeah, they are some great points.
Forum, it's been a while, but now, I am back! With the new and improved dive loop. I think I got it to be close enough, with everything lookin' good except for the heartlining. I'm just not that good at it. Reminds me of when I was making Toxic's dive loop and was having problems with the heartlining. So, uh, yeah, let me know how I did. I'll add more TTS connections after I know for sure that you guys like it enough...
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