KCForce

Thanks so much. I have contemplated and worked on a prototype inverted coaster. Probably not going to happen. Doesn't work as well as you think it might. But who knows, someday when I have some time (ha ha ha - I have no life or time currently with this exhibit!) and the patience (that's a whole other funny!) If you'd like to finance that camera, by all means feel free. I understand what you're saying. But I like for folks to see what it looks like in person, which is fairly close to what you see on my YouTube videos. Model roller coaster haul @ss as speed doesn't scale down. Peace, KC

So, bummed you missed the Project 31 Exhibit debut? Live far away? You should come to Kansas City anyway, WOF's Prowler is worth the trip alone - and believe it or not, KC is in my opinion, the MOST underrated major city in the US. - and first time visitors who come to visit us are always surprised. Well, Project 31 opens next June 1st and runs through August 11 at Union Station, Kansas City! The Project 31 exhibit will be just to the left of the entrance to Science City, on the "Midway". The exhibit is FREE. You have no excuse not to go. There's even going to be a GOBO with my exhibit title. Yeah, I'm excited because they are putting my exhibit title up in lights! What in blue blazes is a gobo? This is a Gobo Mine will be in red projected on the wall behind my models. What's that? Oh, still no plans to come to KC? Okay, well, then. I have a surprise for you. Even though you really don't deserve it (SPOILER ALERT! - Don't watch if you plan on coming and viewing the exhibit in person as you should..... How's about a first person walk through video then? Enjoy. Oh, and no cracks about the West Bottoms neighborhood/business district - it's one small section of KC and actually we're lucky to have it, many of the buildings were built in the late 1800's, turn of the 20th century. The Doc's Caboose building was built in 1899! Enjoy! Peace, KC "Gobo man" Force

I used plywood and styrofoam for the supports under wire mesh and plaster cloth.

The track has white rails and a "faked" blue spine, blue supports on the lift (the 76 version had an all white track and structure), added the tunnel I forgot to put on the 76 version (and we all know I love my tunnels - there's very few of my original design models that don't have a tunnel, lol), and this one is almost perfectly to scale (about 75 feet tall vs. actual 70 feet tall). The 76 versions lift was just over a 100' tall, as I had never before tried to build a real world model and wanted to make sure it had enough momentum to make it through the course consistently, which turns out was not an issue with any of my real world models, with the exception of Zinger, it was a pain in the you know what to get working properly, the display model is actually the 4th version of it I made (there's a video coming out soon to talk all about that and some bloopers too). There is actually a couple of things I haven't finished on the 1980 version of the Screamroller model yet, can you spot them? Peace, KC

1/8" diameter wood dowels, painted after each piece was completed with glossy crimson red spray paint (one of the larger expenses for this model!)

I lost count . Actually, I built the Orient Express in a couple of weeks. The Zambezi Zinger took 3 days. The Screamroller a couple of days. The Schussboomer about a week (all the intricate supports) and the Silly Serpent in a day. Plus there was adding the scenery and doing little touch ups here and there. But if we add in moving the models (OE is 10' X 10', Screamroller is 3' X 7', Zinger is 6' X 8', Schussboomer is 3'x4' and Serpent is 1' X 2.5), copying all the pictures and mounting them, plus the blue prints and all that, I put in about 400 hours worth of work to get the exhibit ready. But it was worth it, many have been to see the exhibit so far. It takes them back and gets them talking about the past history of Worlds of Fun, and everyone seems impressed with the models and the pictures and other neat stuff in the exhibit. Will I ever do anything like this again? Probably not, unless I have another mid-life crisis! Peace, KC

Well folks, here are the two final videos from Project 31, the Silly Serpent and the Screamroller. Also this Sunday the Blue Djinn Gallery will be open from Noon until 5 p.m. Normally it is not open on Sundays. It's "Meet the Builder" day. I'll be available to answer questions about my models and the Project 31 exhibit. We'll have free wine, beer and bottled water. As always, this exhibit is free and open to the public. The exhibit will run here through May 28th. After that it will be moved to Kansas City's Union Station, opening June 1st. However, due to space limitations at Union Station there may not be room for all the pictures and "artifacts" so if you want to see the exhibit in it's entirety, I encourage you to go see it before May 28th. So if you have time, come check it out Sunday, see the information on the exhibit up a few posts back. Silly Serpent Model Roller Coaster Video I will be posting an exhibit walk through video after it closes at the Blue Djinn Gallery so those who weren't able to see it in person will be able to experience it. It'll be about a 5 minute video that will show all the pictures and artifacts briefly, but you can pause it on a particular item to take a better look. Peace, KC

Woo hoo! A million posts. Who made it?

One defunct coaster - the Orient Express at WOF. Of currently operating coasters, I'd have to say that one would be Timber Wolf. And yes, I do go to other parks other than WOF Peace!

The theming on this ride is just gets even more amazing day by day. I've only visited once, back when Montu was the new kid on the block, but it's one of those parks with great, consistent theming. I feel that too many parks have really gotten away from keeping consistent theming. Busch parks are definitely some of the best at doing proper theming! I can not wait to go back this winter and ride all the new rides they've added since my last visit. Peace! KC

No, not right now. I've been up to my you know what with this project. And once I finish the Silly Serpent this week, I'm taking a break from model building for a bit. I will be updating my website how to videos in the near future. I've let everything else in my life go to the wayside, and I have to get some balance back. But it's been a lot of fun! Yes, if you watch the video above, lol, you'll see. I did not do a motorized spring lift as I planned. It would have been too expensive at this time to have a custom spring made for it. So for now, it's a hand pushed lift. I don't think it takes away anything from the Zinger model. The motorized lift would add to it for sure, but I already spent WAY too much building all these models, making color, and blue print copies and laminating (the Zinger blue prints and laminating were over 60.00 for both!), buying foam to mount the pictures on, etc. But I'd do it all again. It was worth it a few examples: Two guys from St. Louis drove over on Saturday, just to see the exhibit. Of course they went to WOF after, but the main reason was the exhibit. A grandmother brought her 15 year old enthusiast grandson to see the exhibit. She read about it in the local paper and brought him on Saturday. Very special to me as my Grandmother, of blessed memory, took me to WOF for the first time and took me to other parks (including Disneyland) for the first time when I was growing up. This exhibit is dedicated to her. I teared up a bit seeing the two of them after learning their relationship. A pair of Grandparents were explaining to their grandson's that the Schussboomer and Zinger were the big rides at the park when it opened in 1973, that there was no Mamba, Prowler or Patriot. This is why I did this show. So people could remember and share their memories and perhaps someday when that 15 year old young man's Grandmother is no longer around, he'll remember how she found something coaster related and made sure he got to see it, and he'll cherish that memory. And the last picture needs no explanation, other than they sat there the last half hour of the show, just watching the Schussboomer and Orient Express models go around: Peace, KC

Hey all. The opening of my "Project 31" Exhibit was very nice, about 150 folks turned up from 6 - 9 p.m. this past Friday evening. I've also added then next Project 31 video, the Zambezi Zinger: Here's a few pictures from the opening reception. I should have the Silly Serpent done Tuesday, and videos for it and the Screamroller hopefully Wednesday. Enjoy! A shot of the crowd. One of the gallery walls. In addition to the working models, I got folks to let me use their pictures and memorabilia, a lot of it from 1980! The Zambezi Zinger model. I love the gallery lighting, I may have to get some for my coaster cave... The Orient Express model on display.

I really like that! If you want to join the cars, I'd suggest a rubber o ring cut into about a 1" connector. For the base of your cars, brass sheets will give it weight too, and then you can make the car bodies out of styrene plastic. Do let us know what you used. It looks like it could be Coaster Dynamix for the track. Great job! Peace, KC

I may be stating the obvious, but how about Boomers take it over? I'm kind of gathering that Boomer's is run down a bit though. Is this even a possibility? It's right there and they have other rides too, correct? Do they own the land it sits on or lease it? Such a shame if we loose another woodie, one that seems to be fairly well regarded.

Thanks so much. Oh, and here's a hanky, you got a little drool on your monitor I hear what you're saying. I think my wheel sets have a pretty low co-efficiency, the Orient Express model is only off by literaly a few scale feet in heights in just a couple areas, everything else is pretty much spot on. Plus I use silicone lubricant. The main road wheels are Kato's (not quite as expensive as yours) and roll just like what you described. I have to use the plastic wheel sets for the side friction / up stop wheels as they pull off to reconfigure into a single wheel. The metal one's actually are too heavy for this purpose and won't work on a model that the plastic side friction up stop wheels ones will. I'll keep those trucks in mind though, thanks and peace!

Update and an Invitation to the TPR community - Hi all. I have the next coaster ready to show. The Schussboomer Model Roller Coaster from Worlds of Fun, from my upcoming Project 31 exhibit. Exhibit you say? Yes. I am thrilled to share that my models along with historic photos (some I guarantee you haven't see before), and a few artifacts will debut on May 6th at the Blue Djinn Gallery in Kansas City, MO. After the exhibits opening show there, the exhibit will go to Kansas City's Union Station from June 1st through August 11th. Let me stress that this is a Free exhibit open to the public at both locations. There is NO admission charge and nothing is for sale, it's simply a project I've wanted to do for quite a while. Of course the main draw will be the working 1:48 scale (O Scale) model roller coasters of all 5 coasters at Worlds of Fun in 1980: The Orient Express, Screamroller, Schussboomer, Zambezi Zinger and of course, the Silly Serpent. If you're into roller coasters, models or Worlds of Fun, this is an exhibit you'll want to see! And of course opening night on May 6th, we will be serving wine, beer, coffee, soda and water. This is an all ages exhibit and invitation, families welcome. So come see my working models in person! Hope to see you all there! Schussboomer Model Roller Coaster, come see it at the Project 31 Exhbit! Here's your sign, er invitation. Hope to see you!

Thanks Axel for the video. It IS going much faster, and I'm sure they're running it at a slower clip so it can "break in" a little. Can't wait til January when I go down to ride! Peace, KC

No, no, no, no. It's "Take the Rave Tunnels", as it appears the first and second tunnels are all rave like now. Definitely going to ride this one this year. I had my reservations when I first heard about this project, but I do believe we can call this a success at this point? As I've said before this could be the first number one wood coaster to be the first number one steel coaster. We'll see when Mitch Hawkers poll comes out next year, but I'm putting my money on very close or at number 1. Yeah, I haven't ridden it yet, and I'll reserve final judgment until then. But man, what a great looking coaster. I'm glad they didn't go all X on it with the effects. I love the Agnus Oil derrick, and the 60's theming. Oil tower is a great nod to the creator of Six Flags . Peace, KC

^ Dang you got to my post before I got it edited to not look foolish. I realize it wasn't the author, something else. KC (I'm embarrassed on the internet) Force

AAAAAAAAaaaannnnd, incorrect. There is a video from r c pro that shows that it's made it to the MCBR already! Here's the facebook post: https://www.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.rollercoasteregomaniacs.com%2Fupdates%2Fbgt4.19.11%2Fch2ndtesting.wmv&h=f83da The link didn't work, so I tried to do what you did and guess what? I'm thinking it may be blocked, I honestly don't know. It put the same link in as yours which does not work. For what ever bizarre reason, I can't even get a link to paste in for that sites homepage and correctly work. The video is there, on RC Pro's home page, in Hi Def and a smaller quality. Untill I figure out what's going on, you'll have to navigate there on your own. Thanks dragonskeep for the sweet video and heads up! Peace, KC

Typically if you go during the week, especially during the summer, the lines and crowds on my aren't typically horrendous at BGT, from my personal experience. On my last visit there were lots of people there, but it's a pretty spread out park with many rides and on most coasters my wait was 10 minutes or less, or walk on. I wouldn't know about a weekend days because I try to avoid parks on Saturdays at all costs, occasionally will do a Sunday. I hope that's the case when you go, but I can't make promises. With a new coaster, you may have a longer wait. I remember I went the year Montu opened and I only waited about 15 minutes, Of course none of this applies to Gwazi. Prepare to wait for that one even with a short line.

Thanks, glad you like my models. Someday, I have an idea of how to do this. I've been on a kick lately of doing lost coasters. So I can think of a lost suspend coaster, hint hint. I have a few other models I'd like to build first. Finishing the Project 31 coasters is whats in the works currently. I also am working on a chain lift tutorial for my website and YouTube channel. I also have been eying a certain Disney coaster I've been wanting to try out, but that's a ways off for now.

Hey all. A quick update with a couple of new models to show you. First is "Patriots Charge" named after a local elementary schools mascot. I am friends with one of the 2nd grade teachers and she invited me to come and do a presentation for all 4 second grade classes on my models. I didn't have one that would easily transport in my car, so I built one just to show them. They loved it. Small, but intresting. It comes apart in 2 sections to fit in my backseat and trunk of my car. The other is Elissa's favorite Arrow roller coaster, the Orient Express! Okay, NOT, but if she could have rode it back in the day, I swear it was smoother, or I was to young to notice it beat me silly. Actually, I last rode it in 1999. It wasn't to bad. Regardless, I loved this coaster, it was my favorite for years and I literally rode it thousands of times. I worked on the ride in 1985 and 1995. Be sure to check out the videos for the models! The Orient Express is probably my best model thus far, though the Shock Wave and Pulsar are pretty cool too. KC Force's YouTube Channel There's some more info on Project 31 on my website. Link for it is under my Avatar. Enjoy and peace! KC Overview of the Patriot's Charge model. Note the "Independence Hall" station. The station for Patriot's Charge. My first attempt at some serious theming, lol. But hey the 2nd graders thought it was awesome. The interlocking loops of the Orient Express. I'm building all the coasters from Worlds of Fun in "Project 31, the roller coasters of Worlds of Fun, 1980". It was a great year to be living in Kansas City. The worlds first boomerang, called the Kamakazie Curve by the park. Kind of an artsy shot. Overview of the Orient Express working model. If it were square it would measure 10' X 10'!

Several coasters....Orient Express at Worlds of Fun many times (I used to work on the ride, and no one else at night wanted to ride around to park the train) , Timber Wolf, Roller Coaster at Joyland, Hi Milern (when it was set up at Santa's seasonal theme park south of Phoenix), Bronco Buster (Wacky Worm - I'm a dirty whore) and Wild Mouse at Wild West World, The Legend at Arnolds Park, Avalance (now HellCat) at Timber Falls Adventure Park in WI Dells, Runaway Ore Cart at Silver Dollar City (whoring again), Zingo at Bell's, Twister II at Elitch's (worked there too), Cyclone at Lakeside (Denver), Meteor at Little America, Tree Topper at Upper Clements Park, Nova Scotia, High Roller at Valleyfair, Flyer Comet at Whalom Park, and I think that wraps it up. Man, I've actually ridden alone quite a bit But no more, now that I'm married....wait, a few of those rides my spouse sat out...but it's all good, I get waved at as I zip by.

I say I would call this new element an "overbanked inside half top hat cobra roll" or "OIHTHCR" for short. Second thought my feeling is it should be called a "WTF" - Wicked Top Flip. Seriously. Peace! KC