Everyone I am please to annoce that I will be taking on the biggest project of my 19 year life so far. I will be building a steel model of the roller coaster Vortex. I will be taking this down to just about what the real coaster desginers do. I am going to be making drawings using auto CAD so I can get the parts down. I will then be erecting the ride with steel supports and track. I will keep this thread updated as the work gets done. As of right now I am planning on making the ride about 15-18 feet tall and with a computerized program that will operate the ride. Wish me luch as I embark on this huge project.

Have fun and good luck!

Good luck Joe! This is an ambitious and very cool project. I built a wooden model coaster for my draw and design class this year as part of one of my senior projects. Best of luck to you! cant wait to see some updates.

Some say "Break A Leg!"

I say "Bend a Coathanger!"

Good luck i cannot wait to see what this thing will look like when it gets done.

I am planning on using thin peices of steel to build the ride. I am not sure I think I may sodder the joints together depending on how strong it feels.

*Starts humming a certain Weird Al song*

I am planning on using thin peices of steel to build the ride. I am not sure I think I may sodder the joints together depending on how strong it feels.

Hmmm.

Toomer used coathangers!

*Starts humming a certain Weird Al song*

I already know what that means

LOL

Good Luck Joe can't wait to see it!

Right now while I am working on these drawing is that the only problem I am currently running into is that the track looks too much like a B&M style coaster.

Sounds like fun!

Your going to have to go into detail an explain to me more about design, materials, and construction of the ride, as this is something that really intrest me.

As I get complete each section of the ride I will do post how I did it. Just be sure to keep watching this thread for update. I should have all the planning done and actually start building the ride some time in early Feburaruy but I will update this thread wiht drawings for the ride.

One more question...

Where are you constructing this ride? 15-18 feet as metioned above seems very ambitious, though, I am in no way doubting your ability.

Outside in my backyard Where I will be able to dig and pour some small footers.

Before CoastersRZ gets here and says it:

That's footINGS.

We have are first update for this It is the Auto CAD drawing of the back view of what the track will look like. I am not really digging the B&M looking style track but since the trains side wheels will be running on the outside of the track I didnt have much option. Comments are welcome.

Good Luck with the project. Look forward to watching your progress!

you go now!

ACAD rocks! I haven't learned anythng recently on it, but when Release 10 came out (quite some time ago) I could kick tail with it. Looking foward to the updates, ACAD shots, and pics of the project as it progresses.

Technical question: If Vortex's wheels roll on the inside of the track, why are you building the model with outside wheels?

Well I have a wheel asslemby all ready built for me and I'm not sure how to make a better looking one. I may just change the coaster to a B&M hyper do to this fact. IM still just trying to plan out what the track will look like. Net Update Sunday.

I dont really like the "V" shape , I think a >> l____l <<<< is a good track

Yea I think so too. I am doing a redesgin of the track style this weekend beings a |_| shaped track will be easier to work with.