The AXIS 4D Coaster Model Construction Forum

[ECZenith]

Wooo! Flattered my name was chosen, looking forward to seeing this project develop. Good luck bro!

[coasterguy4]

I, personaly would like any kind of update. I JUST WANT AN UPDATE!!

[ECZenith]

*BUMP* what's goin on with this thing? If it's got my name on it I demand to see some progress!

[Ccron10]

Sorry for the lack of updates, I was just sorting out some things with the project in the terms of what to do. Here are the changes.

 

-I'll try to add 2 small updates and one large update with a video.

 

I was talking to my Tech Ed. teacher about my project and he gave me some good pointers of what I should do.

 

-Spead the word about the project like going to not just one website, but some others too to see what others think about the project.

 

-Talk to some experts to see what they think.

 

There's so many others that are not really that important to mention right now, but another big thing is doing an Inventor drawing of the project. Inventor is a program that allows you to create 3D images of objects which means that it can give you an image of the whole project before it's even built! It also can transfer it into an AutoCAD drawing which kills two birds with one stone.

 

I'll try to get a big update together soon with a possible video.

-Chris

[Gav]

Have you tried creating the layout in NoLimits before going to autocad?

[Ccron10]

I don't have No Limits, I want it, but my parents won't let me buy it. I told them about it around X-mas time and they said, they'll think about it. I'll ask them again.

[Gav]

Im sure if you told them it was necessary for your project, and gave them the money for it you would be fine.

[ECZenith]

Yup, definately would be worth gettin NL for someone who gets so hands-on with coaster design. A great tool to have really, go wash some cars or something and COP THAT!

[scooterdoug]

I'm very impressed by your ambition. When I was your age, it was a miracle if simply turned in my homework on time. I have to agree that No Limits is a very worthwile investment. The CAD-type interface is very easy to use, and the physics simulator (gravity, g-forces, etc.) is very accurate. However, they do not have 4D coasters available. However, there is a similar game called Scream Machines (http://www.wounded-heart.com/) that does have a 4D design. I've only owned No Limits, so I do not know how they compare. However, from what I've seen, the design and simulator modules seem to be pretty much the same (though the graphics seem crisper and cleaner in No Limits).

Good luck with your project.

-Doug

[Ccron10]

My parents still say no about no limits because they aren't willing to pay for it! Even if I offered to pay for it they'd still say no. Looks like I'm going to have to go on with the project without it. Oh well.

[Vekoma Fan Boy]

Ummmm just a question, isn't AutoCAD around $1500 in price? NL is only $30.

[Gav]

My parents still say no about no limits because they aren't willing to pay for it! Even if I offered to pay for it they'd still say no. Looks like I'm going to have to go on with the project without it. Oh well.

Perhaps a good course of action to take would be to get the money together before asking them to buy it, and then hand the cash over and tell them you need it and that they have the money so its OK.

Its pretty much necessary as you really need it to do a realistic design.

You never know till you ask.

However, at the moment its probably better you design and build the cars, simply because the way the cars end up working, and their characteristics really dictates how your ride will be. Its no good to design this cool layout, and then find out its impossible to make a car that works properly.

However if you make the trains first, you can then make test sections of simple things like turns etc and see how the train works on them (for example you can work out the tightest turn your train can take) and then design the layout based upon that.

 

EDIT! I just had the best idea for you, why dont you just download the FREE demo from http://www.nolimitscoaster.com/Download/download.html ? It still has the editor, except you cant save in it. But you can atleast show it to your parents in action (Best to show the editor so it looks more like a CAD program and less like a 'game'. You can also experiment and learn how to make realistic elements.

[Ccron10]

Ummmm just a question, isn't AutoCAD around $1500 in price? NL is only $30.

 

Yes it is, but my dad works at home designing car batteries using it, so his company got it for him.

 

 

Gav, I've got an idea for the cars. 2 cars will equal a train and each car has 2 seats per a side with 2 rows per a car. The part I'm stuck on is the design for the chasis in the middle of the cars. I'll try to put a pic of it up later.

-Chris

[Ccron10]

UPDATE

 

I've put together a schedule to update on. There will be 3 updates per a month, one update at the beginning of the month that discusses objectives for this month. One in the middle of the month that will review what has or is going to happen. And one at the end of the month that will discuss what has happend.

 

While working on Inventor, I've got the station platform done along with the spine and track crossmembers done inside the station. I still need to add the stairs, operator's booth, railings, and the roof. The roof will be modeled to look like Hydra: The Revenge's station, but with few changes.

 

I still need to figure out the design for the body of the trains because I want something different from the normal 4D coaster trains.

 

I also said about spreading the word about my project on other sites to get some opinions on the project. So far I joined about 2 other sites, so it's a start.

 

Tomorrow, I'll put up my goals for the month ahead.

[coasterguy4]

Could we have some pics please.

[Gav]

Have you downloaded the NL demo and had a play around in that yet?

[Ccron10]

UPDATE

 

Yes I got NoLimits and I have to say it's a lot better than RCT3, too bad I can't get the full version.

 

Since I've been kind of slacking off on the project over the last month, my goal for this one is to get the station finished, jojo roll completed with it being lengthened too, and part of the lift done. The design I picked for the station is Hydra coaster-like with the wedge-shaped roof. I also still need to do a tad bit of more work on the train design.

 

Maybe some of you know, but I've joined some other coaster websites too, in hopes of getting the work out about my project and getting some more comments and suggestions on the project if the admins. allow me, if not, it's okay.

 

Below is an Inventor pic of my progress as of today and a concept drawing of the station design.

Here's what's done on Inventor so far. I still need to put on the track, roof and railings.

A close-up of that angled view.

In the middle is the front view and the top, right corner is an angled view.

[coasterguy4]

Wheres big update? ME WANT UPDATE!!!

[Vffreak07]

Yeah me too. This looks awesome.

[Ccron10]

Okay, okay. This weekend, I just started working on the railings for the station and they look cool! They are flat red and look just like those generic railings on RCT 3. I didn't get a chance to print out pics yet, but I'll try to get some soon.

 

Also, I went to this one Amish Lancaster County hardware store and I found what type chain I want to use for the lift.

 

Future updates will be posted on my signature.

[Vffreak07]

Amish

[Ccron10]

I have a new update, a new finishing date, and a new picture.

 

After having a meeting in school about the project, I've found out that instead of a February 2009 deadline, it's now a late december 2008 or early January 2009 deadline. Despite the earlier due date, I am pretty sure that this project will be finished on time.

 

As far as progress, it has been coming along a little slow. The railings are all up and all that's left is to add the roof. The roof will be similar to Hydra: The Revenge's and will be supported by beams connecting to each support. Following that is the track and support work along with the lift hill.

My goal is to get the whole drawing done by June or July 2007 so the actual construction phase begins.

 

Also. If possible, could a moderator take away the poll at the top of the screen? It's use is no longer nessesary.

This is the station as of April 7th.

[texashorns82492]

This is hardcore

[thrillrideseeker]

This looks great! Keep up the great work!

~Matthew

[ECZenith]

Good to see some progress on aXis, keep up the good work mang.