88 replies to this topic

[DJMK]

Volume one:
Chapter 1- Turns
Okay, no one on this site, not even the newest noob should not know extremely basic building, (Like how to use a 3D connector).

So for all the other noobs/dummies on the site who are having trouble with turns , here is help for the structures of the turns.

Here is what the SS instruction booklet teaches you to use, and it does work great:


Another kind of turn is mostly used on wooden style coasters. To prevent pieces from breaking, use a white connector, or full 3D connector on the inner curve. Here is the base of it:



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Chapter 2-How to save pieces
Both of these are good ideas on how to save pieces on wooden coasters, and others as well.

Here is the most common method for saving pieces. By using this method, you will save 3D connectors, and what rod you are using as the width. This is built by snapping the next rod size up into a yellow half moon connector or white full connector.


The next method is not used as much, but saves 1 3D connector and two blue rods each time you use it. You slid a rod rod through a yellow half moon connector and connect it just like a 3D connector.


Next is how to make strong supports!

[KingsIslandFreak]

Awesome!!! this would teach noobs alot!

[Antinos]

I was thinking of doing something like this! I'll probably add to this sooner or later, so expect some help.

[mophead999]

maybe you should add a side view of the first turn to see how the suuports are built better.

[poizone]

You should not the names also.

2. is Radii

4. is Hybrid

[DJMK]

Okay, anyone who has something to contribute may do so, as long as you can write in english nd not lik dis!.

^Ill see if there's another angle that I can get of the turn that will help people.

[Antinos]

^I used the exact same supports as number 4 on Fission and it wasn't a hybrid. It was just a way to conserve pieces.

[poizone]

But we seem to identify those supports as hybrid for the most part. Its not a defined coaster type by use, but if we can tell what supports they plan to use, it may as well be named.

[Antinos]

Chapter 2: The perfect lift.

Lifts should be one of the least supported parts of the ride. Unless you have another element attached to it, a lifthill doesn't need half the pieces.

Your lift should be shaped like a right triangle, with one tower at the tallest point supporting it and another diagonal tower at a 45 degree angle. The towers should be full of lattice. Snake-eyes is a perfect example of what it should look like:

http://sscoasters.ne...album=391&pos=1

You can clearly see the shape of the lifthill. Depending on the size of your lift, you may have different types and sizes of supports. Here are just some of many examples:

http://sscoasters.ne...album=305&pos=5

http://sscoasters.ne...?album=28&pos=1

http://sscoasters.ne...lbum=221&pos=12

Also, depending on the size of the lift and type of supports you use, you may have to add extra supports so it doesn't sag. Anarchy shows an excellent way of doing this without using too many pieces:

http://www.sscoaster...Anarchy_007.jpg

Center tubing is always recommended and securing the ends so the chain has a clean transition onto it is a good idea. Watch the placement of your gears. If you look at all those photos, you can see that the axle is just above the flexi rods. An easy way to start with the gears on the bottom is to build the SS base of the lifthill and then build your own custom version from there. Always check your profile(sideview) of the lift. Make sure it looks realistic. If it looks too tight for the height, fix it, and vice versa. The rest should be common sense. Any questions?

[rippinrocketlover08]

Hello i'm new here but when i try to load the chain lift pictures they dont work can anyone help please

[nickostick]

Great job DMJK and Rollerdude. I will be sure to send people here.

[DJMK]

^^Okay...
Upload to the new gallery? Or photobucket or something else?

[Coasteradict]

someone should sticky this lol this is good

[Jogumpie]

I think there should be a set of web pages containing really useful tips and tricks about 'Basic Building for Dummies'. Although I stickied the thread, I wonder if people will re-read this in the far away future.

[rippinrocketlover08]

Are the pictured in the gallery DJMK??

[untd4eva]

Ive got a tip for a smooth transision from the chain onto the centre tube.If you put the centre tube in boiling water for half a minute then bend it downwards.Hold it there for about a minute and then it stays like that permanently untill you boil it again and bend it back straight. It really helps stop the chain jerk each time a chain link goes on/off the tube.

[Britfag]

hey does anyone know (seems as its to do with corners)
does anyone know how to do a twister woodie turning drop??
THE ONE AFTER THE CHAIN LIFT (or atleast large straight up hill.)
ive tried atleast 4 times
anyone are to help?

[untd4eva]

Use the knex men joint parts to attatch the track at different angles. Use the
Radi supports and build it like steps to keep close with the level of the track.Ill show pics in a minute.

[lazor 22]

ok i ve got one. its for slim-track.

CAPTER 3: the basics of slim-trak.

the other type of track used with knex roller coasters is commonly referd to (on this site) as 1.slim-trak 2.micro track

Basic Supporting:
DO NOT build structres out of micro knex. Use the micro-standerd connecter to make normal supports.

Turns/ Helixs:
Basicly since all turns must be overbanked (90 deggre) you should just conect the track to the side of your support. DO NOT make a sharp turn. turns get down drasticly on you speed.

Inversions (all):
After you have experimented with drops and turns your ready for your fist inversion!
to keep up your speed you must support these just right. lets say you have a 3 foot lift/drop, a loop, immelmen, or dual cobra roll should be about 1 foot high. a in-line-twist, heartline roll, or barrel roll should (at minimum) be 2 track pieces long, (at most) 4 track pieces long.


Chainlifts:
OK, so youve now got your coaster built. Now all you need to do is install the "electronics". to build a chain lift you must build a support for the motor. then attach the motor. then at the bottom of your lift hill you must use another gear to make the chain run smooth. you must then attach little black chain gurards to your track. Then attach all chain links and you have a chainlift.

Launches:
The alternative to a chainlift is a launch. for info on how to attach these look here:
http://www.sscoaster...gade-t6195.html
it is a dead theard though so please DO NOT post.


pictures will be up tonight.

[Britfag]

Use the knex men joint parts to attatch the track at different angles. Use the
Radi supports and build it like steps to keep close with the level of the track.Ill show pics in a minute.

i figured it out before i read this, but thanks for replying
i did a reaally complicated way which might be up in a few weeks, (tops)
with a tutorial