KCForce Posted June 11, 2010 Share Posted June 11, 2010 (edited) Hi all. I thought I'd share my scratch built working model roller coasters with some pictures and some information. I've been modeling coasters for several years. Most of my models have been original designs, but I've started building some real life coasters in the past year. You can find the answers to most of your questions I suspect you may have on my YouTube home page in the channel description. Also there is (obviously) video of most of my recent model coasters for you to check out. Just click on my YouTube link over to the left under my name. Keep in mind, these are built from scratch including the trains. If you read the description on my YouTube page and your answer isn't there, please feel free to ask me. I hope you enjoy. Peace! Updated November 26, 2012 - Added the Tidal Wave shuttle loop from Marriott's - Page 12. An older model built a few years ago, "Flash". "Screamroller" actual coaster from Worlds of Fun. "Shock Wave" Six Flags Over Texas. "Shock Wave" under construction. My latest model, a custom design, "Falcon". I really like the way the station turned out. "Falcoln". I did an over banked turn under a waterfall, how cool (and wet) would that be on a real coaster? "Falcon" over all view. Edited November 26, 2012 by KCForce Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
andyuk200523 Posted June 11, 2010 Share Posted June 11, 2010 Words do not describe how awesome this is! You are very talented, keep up the great work! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
deathbydinn Posted June 11, 2010 Share Posted June 11, 2010 Too cool! I saw these on Youtube a while ago, great to know someone from TPR made them! Keep up the great work! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Yamez Posted June 11, 2010 Share Posted June 11, 2010 I did the math on Falcon (just for kicks), on your page it says its O scale, so that would make Falcon 192 ft tall in person. That is epic sir. Nice job on all of these! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dmaxsba2408 Posted June 12, 2010 Share Posted June 12, 2010 Too cool! I saw these on Youtube a while ago, great to know someone from TPR made them! Keep up the great work! Quoted for reading my mind. The working transfer tracks, brakes and stations are just amazing. How many of your coasters are still standing? Easily the best working coaster ever built by anyone. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KCForce Posted June 12, 2010 Author Share Posted June 12, 2010 The only model coasters still standing are two: The Zucker Express (I gave it to the couple whose wedding I made it for), and the latest coaster, the Falcon. Two reasons I don't leave them up. One, they can be quite large and though I have a large coaster model room, I don't build them to be transportable. When I want to build a new one, I usually take the previous model down. Two, I usually reuse some of the wooden support dowels on the next model. Eventually the paint gets pretty thick or the dowels aren't quite right for the new one so I'll use some new dowels in the new model. The largest expense is the track ($12 for a 4X8 sheet), dowels($10 for a few new ones), and aluminum support wire for the track($8 for 50 feet), and usually new material to build the new station for a new model (varies in cost depending on what I do). On average I probably spend around 30 dollars US for each new model, occasionally more. As I already have the train, K'nex micro coaster chain, chain channel for the lift and motors it helps keep the cost down. A scratch built train costs about $60-70 bucks for a six or seven car train. My current train cost more than that as the car bodies were custom built for me by a master coaster model builder in Germany. I attached my wheel system to his non-working trains. He actually builds models of coasters and other rides made by Gerstlauer. He also makes unbelievable static (non-working) Schwarzkopf coasters, including the Thriller and Olympia Looping (you can find his web address in the Shockwave Model video, though his site is in German, you'll see "gallerie" and most of his pictures are there. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jcoasters Posted June 12, 2010 Share Posted June 12, 2010 Those are most impressive. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mastersax68 Posted June 12, 2010 Share Posted June 12, 2010 Wow! Excellent job! Keep working! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FLIPDUDE Posted June 13, 2010 Share Posted June 13, 2010 Those are amazing, man! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bravo Posted June 19, 2010 Share Posted June 19, 2010 Awesome! You must be so proud of your work, that's very impresive. Now and because of you, I am an addict of the models. Please upload a video!!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CorkscrewFoley Posted June 19, 2010 Share Posted June 19, 2010 What's the name of this model set? I know it's definitely not Faller... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dmaxsba2408 Posted June 20, 2010 Share Posted June 20, 2010 ^Non of these are model kits, they are all custom made by him. The track, supports, trains* and buildings. *For one of the coasters he did mention in the YouTube description that a train was custom made by a different person. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CorkscrewFoley Posted June 21, 2010 Share Posted June 21, 2010 Yeah, I simply had a brain fart, that's all it was...Still, I can't help being overly impressed with his work. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mightbeawannabe Posted June 22, 2010 Share Posted June 22, 2010 These are great! You have inspired me to build my own (let's see ho long it takes to get that one done) but is there a less visually obstructive way to attach the trains to the track similar to the K'nex micro cars? I looks pretty solid as is but a little silly with those beautiful Schwarzies. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KCForce Posted June 22, 2010 Author Share Posted June 22, 2010 These are great! You have inspired me to build my own (let's see ho long it takes to get that one done) but is there a less visually obstructive way to attach the trains to the track similar to the K'nex micro cars? I looks pretty solid as is but a little silly with those beautiful Schwarzies. Thanks. This system works best with a styrene plastic flat track. I've tried other things (over the years) and this works the best, as well as being the easiest and most cost effective way. Trust me, I've tried tons of different ways. I'd say if you want to try something else, go for it, but unless you have hundreds of dollars (small wheels, bearings and axles can be quite expensive) to invest in a more accurate wheel system that has a good co-efficiency, I don't know of any other way. I get that you are NOT taking me to task over the way I make my models. That being said, some folks do. And I find out that none of them have ever built a successful working model. I find that people who have no expertise in a particular area are the first to attack something they don't usually know the first thing about. I've been modeling working coasters for almost 30 years now. My objectives for finding a way to model coasters were: fairly inexpensive, a good co-efficiency with the wheels (meaning rolls pretty well and somewhat produces realistic track layouts, simple and easy and quick to build, and to look somewhat realistic. I realize my track isn't realistic as it is a solid piece of styrene, but I have tried to make tubular track (too expensive and hard to work with), my flat track with rectangles punched out of the center (causes the track to be bumpy and not very co-efficient), and assembling two flat rails with cross ties (again too complicated and time consuming.) I always encourage folks when they ask me about something new to try it out for themselves and see if it works. And occasionally, I do learn something from someone else making a suggestion to me. There is very little I haven't tried with my models. Good luck to you. As for your question about the knex micro coasters (love the chain and motors, it's what I use on my models, I'd suggest googling miniature wheels and other working model coasters sites. Brads Coaster Station has a neat idea for an Arrow Demon (GA) model he was going to work, you may be able to use his wheel and axle idea in the Schwarzkopf style of coasters. Feel free to PM me or ask another question here, I'll try to help. Peace! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mightbeawannabe Posted June 22, 2010 Share Posted June 22, 2010 ^I was saying your wheelbase system looked quite solid in principal and physical strength. It looks to be near foolproof and durable for it's cost. When I saw it the K'nex models instantly came to mind. I like the look of the track and supports, honestly; it looks futuristic in a sense! Thanks for the input though, and leading me to that site with the Demon model! Maybe I could clear away some of my extra HO trucks for a train... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KCForce Posted February 11, 2011 Author Share Posted February 11, 2011 Hi all. It's been a while. I asked Robb if I could just bump this thread as I had a few more of my model coasters to show you all. I also started a web site a few months ago to showcase my models. I also have been working on a "Build a Model Roller Coaster" series of video tutorials, of which 2 are now live on my site and YouTube page. The link for my working model roller coasters web site is: www.modelrollercoasters.webs.com There are videos and picture galleries as well as the new "How to Build a Model Coaster" page if you're interested. There are several models on there that were never on my YouTube page, as I didn't make videos of them, but you'll find pics of them in the photo gallery. Some of them are older models, so not as "nice" as my latest models. The Stinger model was officially my first model to ever be shown outside of the Coaster Cave (heard of a Man Cave? Yeah, but mines for model building and all things coaster and park related). I was amazed at how many people really liked the model for as small as it is. Proof again that bigger isn't always better. Over 300 people saw the model. It sold for $90.00! I donated it to a local synagogue's silent auction to benefit their youth. I'll be adding more tutorial videos in the "Build a Model Roller Coaster" series soon. I totally think the most important category at the Academy Awards is Editing now. Doing the editing is more frustrating than any model I've ever built. Enjoy! KC This is the Pulsar. It's on a 4 X 8 foot base and features 5 inversions and 2 (take the) tunnels Overhead of the criss cross corkscrews interlocking with the vertical loop. Wish someone would do this in real life. Over banked turn around a drop between the two criss cross corkscrews. This is my latest model, The Stinger. It's on a 20 X 48 inch base and not too big as...... ....it had to fit in the back seat of our car. A local Jewish youth group had a silent auction. $90. is what it sold for! I was stoked! I've heard of having sex in the back seat, but a model roller coaster? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BkkMan13 Posted February 12, 2011 Share Posted February 12, 2011 Very impressive my friend! How did ya make the trains and supporting? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KCForce Posted February 12, 2011 Author Share Posted February 12, 2011 Very impressive my friend! How did ya make the trains and supporting? HO scale model train trucks and wooden dowels for the supports. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BkkMan13 Posted February 12, 2011 Share Posted February 12, 2011 Did you make the cars yourself? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KCForce Posted February 12, 2011 Author Share Posted February 12, 2011 Did you make the cars yourself? All but the bodies on the Shockwave, a friend from Germany made those, but I put them on my wheel chassis design. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KCForce Posted April 7, 2011 Author Share Posted April 7, 2011 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'! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SoCalCoasters Posted April 7, 2011 Share Posted April 7, 2011 WOW! That is absolutely incredible! Great job! Do you plan in doing a suspended coaster sometime? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KCForce Posted April 7, 2011 Author Share Posted April 7, 2011 (edited) WOW! That is absolutely incredible! Great job! Do you plan in doing a suspended coaster sometime? 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. Edited October 7, 2011 by KCForce Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
QueerRudie Posted April 7, 2011 Share Posted April 7, 2011 Absolutely astounding... and they remind me of something i saw in ACE's RollerCoater! magazine about 20 years ago- Could these be the off-shoot from those that I once replicated using aluminum tubing, wooden supports and cardboard for track? (I did have some success in that- it took some time, and some effort, but in 1991 I knew -nothing- of how to build coasters from scratch! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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