16 replies to this topic

[ThomasFerguson]

So this is my first real attempt at creating a decent knex coaster, and I'm running into some issues. The only sets I have are 2 new education sets and a used rippin rocket, so I have none of the car connectors. Also, on previous coasters and on this one, when I do test it with just the one car, I lose a lot more speed than what I see in videos of other knex coasters. What can I do to minimize lost speed and does anyone know where can I get some car connectors?

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[SCM]

Hi, welcome to SSC! the Rippin' Rocket car doesn't have the ability to attach itself to other cars. There is also a lot more wind resistance on an RR car because of the people and fins. Additionally, a lot of people lube the axles of their car and/or add weights to the car to gain more speed. If you want to get yourself some Screamin' Serpent cars, sites like Ebay are a good place to check. If you're worried about running out of pieces and don't think you'll be able to get more, then you should scale down your build. Having a fair amount of track to support connections, smooth track shaping, and middle tubing will also help with speed loss. By the way, this is looking great so far, and I'll be keeping an eye on this. 

[ThomasFerguson]

Thanks for the feedback!  Found a 3D model of a piece that can allow me to use the single cars from the education sets as middle cars in a train, so I 3D printed some of those. I have additionally built the crest of the hammerhead/overbanked turn, but the train couldn't make it, so I went out and got some synthetic motor oil to use as lubricant. It worked great, and now the train makes it over the turn really nicely. Sadly, I probably won't be able to build much for a while, with finals and AP tests, plus the fact that I'm going to have to buy more yellow rods, blue and grey connectors, and crossties lol.

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[Sporech]

I'm a big fan of the supports you have made, I love how it follows the track.

 

Can you go into more detail about how you made the cars into middle trains?

 

Good luck!

Edited by Sporech, 25 April 2017 - 06:55 AM.

[SCM]

I'm really loving the color scheme of the track. If only I had some blue tubing... 

[Muzz135]

Looks very nice!
For speed conservation I would also add some weights to your can (batteries work best in my experience) as it has much more of an impact than lubricating alone.

[Inswerver]

Hey welcome to SSCoasters. Can't help but notice you're using links for you pictures. Not that I'm complaint too much. But looks decent so far.

[CW5X]

Loving that super steep drop and for your first attempt at a decent coaster, this is definitely decent. As long as you stay committed and work out what you'll need in terms of extra pieces, you'll be flying in no time. Good luck

[ThomasFerguson]

Thanks to everyone for the feedback on my first coaster! Feeling pretty good about this one! I've ordered some more pieces and got them in, and built the next bit of the coaster - an airtime hill.

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Here are some pictures to show how I turned the front cars (all that I have because of the Knex Education Sets) into middle cars using the 3D printed piece (the yellow one). It basically just snaps in to the place where the nose of the front car would go and then snaps into the ball joint of the car in front of it.

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[sean9782]

Looks amazing so far! The only thing I can see an issue with is in the 2nd picture it looks like the exit of the turn has a stright spot. really impressed otherwise, keep up the good work!

[SCM]

You might want to get those chain dogs - except for the one(s) needed for the lift - out of the way. It could scrape against the track at some points. Maybe tape it down, or take a small rubber band and stretch it along the four circle holes. The hill looks great to me. I just love the structure for it. Side note: are you going to do a cable lift or just a traditional chain lift? 

[Inswerver]

Looks good from what I can see. But I would like to see POV shots for some of the wonky looking areas.

Keep up the good work

[rgarner42]

Looks really good overall for a first coaster. I hope it really flies over that airtime hill; test video soon? 

 

I agree its probably best taking out some of the chain dogs as they can scrape along the track and lose you some speed. 

 

I'm quite impressed with the shaping generally but there are two major areas where you could improve it. The transition out of the turnaround doesn't look quite right, the turn isn't quite smooth and there's a large straight section on the exit. The other is at the start of the first drop.  

[Dragunov!]

Very very nice! Definitely getting a leviathan vibe from this coaster!

[YolosweggLord]

I like the look of this! Good thing you were able to get thpse car connectors. Call me crazy, but this feels more like Millenium Force to me, maybe because of the box supports.

[Coastercam123]

Looks very nice!
For speed conservation I would also add some weights to your can (batteries work best in my experience) as it has much more of an impact than lubricating alone.

Hello, I am new to ssc and someone commented on one of my youtube videos telling to check out lubricating and/or weighting, because in my latest project, I was loosing a lot of speed quickly. Is there any was that you could give me some guidance on how do such a thing?

[Muzz135]

This looks fantastic so far! Really great work you've done.
As for your trains, NEVER USE WD40. It acts as a solvent for dirt and grime but also corrodes you're wheels in the process (it works well temporarily as a lubricant due to its oily texture). As for what you should do to get the best out of your trains (what I do to get the best out of mine) is as follows:
1 - Lubricate the trains using a form of silicon spray - to do this spray directly into the axel, then wipe the train and wheels clean (you don't want any of this on the wheels or track, only in the axel). Following this, run the train for a bit to warm up and spread the silicon spray, then remove you're train from the track and wipe off the excess spray again (also wipe down the track).
2 - Weight the trains using 1 AA battery and 2 AAA batteries per car, with the exclusion of the front car which only has 1 AA and 1 AAA. Place the AA battery in the centre of the underside of the train (betweeen the 2 sets of pins for the people). Then place the first AAA battery between the AA and wheel assembly (this may seem like it juts out however it won't get in the way). These two batteries can then be fixed in place using sellotape (make sure they are secure and unable to move). Finally the second AAA battery can sit inside the little space under the front of each car - push it in and it should click into place and is already secured by the car to car ball connection so no need for excess sellotape.
3 - Don't use the people in your cars! It raises the centre of gravity and makes the trains shake more, losing speed.
Photo for reference:
IMG_2164.JPG
Hope this helped!

This was a post I put and another recent thread regarding weighting and lubricating - I find this works best of all methods I've tried. (The photo won't show but the link should work)

Edit: Link didn't work for me so here's the photo:

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Edited by Muzz135, 05 August 2017 - 04:31 AM.