hillflyer

I used my Bent template to make...a bent template. This way, multiple bents can be constructed at the same time. Another one will be built later for the 8' bents. Bent Template

Here is my bent master which I will build my bent template. Each piece as excruciatingly measured and well placed on point. For those that might find this interesting, on Church coasters, (like this one and the Belmont Park Giant Dipper) the basic construction methods were the same. On all turn-around curves, the bents (for a single run) are 9'-0" o.c. (on center) and on tangents, 8'-0" o.c. So this bent would be a total of 18'-0" o.c. (or 3" and 19/32 actual). Basic upright and horizontal measurements for a Church Coaster.

It made sense to me, that the Dragon coaster would be green, because - dragons are usually depicted as being green. I think of sky when I think of Airplane, so I chose blue and cream (similar to that of Rye's kiddie coaster). Because of the complex color scheme, I thought it would be easier to paint the pieces first.

A casual observer would look at all the black and white photos of the Airplane and conclude that it was all white. As I discovered later, the airplane was actually multi-toned. There was MUCH discussion over what the colors actually were, some memories say it was yellow and green, some say it was cream and green, and there have been others. I tried cream and green (Dragon colors up to the 90's) as pictured. Color Test

The following series of photos shows step by step, the initial process of constructing a scale model of the Airplane. The plans for the layout are done as are the lateral elevation drawings. I'm still working on the bent-by-bent elevation drawings - I should be done with those between a month or two. An older mock up of "anycoaster USA" to test use of styrene plastic as a medium. When I build this, I planned using the scale 3/16 = 1' with 6" x 8" uprights. Since, I've learned the taller uprights are 4" x 8" and the shorter ones 4" x 6" and my scale has enlarged slightly, now at 1" = 5'.

On 8/26/2012 at 4:20pm, the first bent begins to take shape. Interestingly enough, Bent 27 is banked 27 degrees at the top. One of uprights was exactly 14" tall (same as what the strips come in) so it didn't need any cutting!

I heard rumors that footings for a curve have been spotted....

When I built my model of the Cyclone, the very first thing I made was the "Cyclone Safety Coaster" sign. I think I'll start a tradition.

The bent factory under construction. These are for the bents on all the corners and spirals.

Here is my main upright painting template. Very simple - this will allow me to paint two sides of the main uprights (the sides that are unencumbered by connectors) prior to assembly.

Just ordered my first bulk shipment of all the plastic pieces I need to build the bottleneck turn. 5,230 inches!! Should be here next week. This weekend, I'll attempt to start making a painting template, and then a bent-buiilding template so that when it gets here, I can begin. The complex painting scheme on this coaster requires me to paint the pieces first, then assemble. I'm excited!!!

Here's a REALLY rough mock up of the complicated corner. I used a 3-D model to better understand clearances since 4 layers of track run through this small area.

Mapping out a difficult section - this is where 4 layers of tracks converge in to one corner. Next step is to build a rough mock-up of this section to study clearances and what posts need to be re routed so as not to go right through the middle of track.

Wow - the calculations I came up with are correct. I suppose the bents are 6" wider than normal because of the intense nature of the spiral. Plus there are some other odd a-bit-off-normal areas needing examination. Progressing a little slower than I wanted to, but that's due to double checking and correcting. That's a GOOD thing.

ARRRG - after carefully scaling the layout of the Airplane, I've discovered the possibility that the bents on the first drop/bottle necked curve and the first spiral may have been 19 feet wide instead of 18. On the Mission Beach Giant Dipper, most of the bents are 8'-0" o.c. wide. Around the turns on each end, they are 9'-0" o.c. (18'-0" for two paths). So we assumed that it was the same for the Airplane - but maybe not. If that's true, back to the drawing board! Consulting now and waiting for a reply.

That'd be a long way for me to travel!

I plan on going to the college library tonight to do some research. I'm looking for NYT articles published around the time Rye Playland opened. The San Diego Union had a whole special section in 1925 announcing the Memorial Day opening of the Mission Beach Amusement Center (now Belmont Park). They described practically the whole color palette of the park including mentioning that the roller coaster (Giant Dipper...just started construction at that time) would be painted all-white. Hopefully my research will reveal the original colors of the Airplane Dips coaster. 1009 Like the 1925 Belmont article, I hope I find rare photos of the Airplane coaster never seen since 1928. Stay tuned....

Quick and dirty example of what color the coaster may have been. The discussion is now on the color of the Airplane structure. Is there ANYONE who remembers the colors in the coaster's earlier days? Possibilities are: A mostly green structure with the main upright posts a rich cream (as hap-hazardley created in photo. I have someone who remembers it being dark beige. The trains are thought to have been green, and then red later. Any help of how we can find out what colors they were, please let me know! If I decide to depart from my original white concept, I will have to paint the structure as I build it, so by month's end I'll need to know. Thanks! 995

Thanks for this information. Maybe I'll half bury a little hand somewhere in that area. LOL. That was a problem that occured on the restored Belmont Park Giant Dipper. There was one spot where someone would smack their hand - this happened about once a month. One guy claimed he was an airforce pilot. Returned from convention at Dollywood. Still working on drawings and more drawings before I start actual construction of the model. Hopefully the first bents will rise this month.

The model will be made of styrene plastic supplied by Evergreen Plastics. It's available in many sizes for accurate lumber sizes, it's a little more sturdy (in terms of flexibility but I have to be careful about any bending), it's VERY light, and if I want a white coaster, I won't have to paint it! I built my Traver Cyclone of this material and never regretted it. Bent construction could start taking place in mid-July. I'm debating on building the bottleneck first, or the first spiral. That bottleneck could be more challenging so I might tackle that first.

And the professional drawing begins. Here is the initial layout/reference lines for my model. Almost like when they put those orange stakes in the ground on a construction site. These determine where the spirals/turrets go which is vital for the rest of the design.

Someone referred me to a site that has a 1954 aerial of the Airplane. I've printed it out, and now I'm studying angles and the exact placement of the turrets. I'm a little off on my last draft, since I have to do it again anyway..

Hey that's a really great model. It sort of looks like a model CCI would present as their next project.

Wow, this part is a BEAR!! Coming out of a turn under the first drop...what I see down below doesn't match what I'm seeing in another photo on top! Arrrrgggg - I resorted to snapping stills of youtube, and printing them out and taping together. This should help...? 790

Thanks but no worries, I know of the book. There is one beautiful shot of the south side of the coaster that is also in the RollerCoaster! Volume 5 issue 4 along with other great shots not included in the Traver book.