Model Coaster Weekend in Kansas City

[KCForce]

Some of you may be familiar with my scratch built models I build from my TPR Thread, YouTube channel or website. I use the K'nex micro coaster motors, cogs, chain and rods on my working models, everything else is scratch built.

 

I have a permanent display of some of my models at Science City, a science center in Kansas City, Missouri that includes the first five roller coasters at Worlds of Fun and one rotating/changing model on display in the showcase model window.

 

The reason I am posting this is to pose a question to the many members here at TPR to get some feedback.

 

We (my self and the Union Station Staff - where Science City is located and is a part of) are in the preliminary stages of planning either an amusement park physics/roller coaster/model roller coaster weekend at Science City. I am a member of their volunteer staff, I make no money whatsoever, just to be clear. While I realize that many of the TPR members are located outside of the U.S., I was wondering if there is any interest from any of the members who might be near or in the Kansas City area (or outside of it!) who would be interested in bringing one or more of their working model coasters or amusement rideto Science City one weekend in January, 2013?

 

I'm kind of envisioning it as a model coaster/amusement convention of sorts.

 

A few facts: Keep in mind please, this is all tentative, nothing is set in stone yet!

 

One weekend in January TBD.

 

The hours for Science City that weekend would be 9:30 a.m. - 5 p.m. Saturday and 12 noon - 5 p.m. Sunday.

 

There would also possibly be other activities that weekend that are related. I'm possibly doing a workshop on building my flat track style of models (for free). Maybe someone out there would like to do another on some other type of model building? Also a program on the physics of real life rides in our Science on a Sphere and other demos related to amusement park/roller coaster physics.

 

Your model should be a working one. No static models please. It should be of a roller coaster or other amusement ride that you have scratch built using K'nex, Coaster Dynamics or scratch built. The exception to this would be if anyone has any of the standard production CoasterDynamix working models, and of course custom CD model are encouraged as well. We'd also consider any of the HO scale built working models from kits.

 

There would be no charge to set up a model coaster (or other working) ride display. It would be an opportunity to display your work to the visitors to Science City that weekend and to tell folks about your model - what inspired it, how long you've been modeling, etc.

 

Set up would be on a Friday evening after Science City closes at 5 p.m. - probably til 8 or 9 that evening - possibly longer if needed. We may be able to let folks set up early on Saturday morning if there is a need, but we'd need to have the models up and ready for when Science City opens that weekend Saturday at 9:30 a.m.

 

You would not be able to take your model down until 5 p.m. on Sunday when Science City closes.

 

Union Station/Science City would promote the event in advance on their websites, and blast emails to members and possibly through other media. Weekends are the busiest time during the winter. There is not real way to gauge what the turnout would be, but I anticipate on the low end between 500 - 1,000 folks at day. Sometimes the turnout for special events is much higher than anticipated. Weather, what else is going on that weekend, all factor into attendance. I can't guarantee how big the crowds may or may not be. I of course am hoping for a large turnout, but who knows.

 

You probably would have time to go check out the rest of Science City for free as an exhibitor sometime during the weekend - just not everyone at once. We'd more than likely do it in staggered shifts.

 

You would be responsible for the transport, setup, manning of your ride (you could bring another person, possibly more depending on how large your display is) and tear down of your model/area as well as your own expenses related to travel to the KC area (meals, hotel, etc.). Science City is a non-profit organization and Science Center. The "payment" for participating would be the impressed visitors. I can tell you from personal experience, people go NUTS over working custom built model roller coasters, in fact many have never even heard of or seen a working model roller coaster or ride before. They will ask you all sorts of questions, and the compliments flow all day long. This happens every day that I work at my exhibit. The same I think would be true for any other type of working ride as well. If it moves, people are mesmerized!

 

You can bring as many models as you wish, the more the better - however if we have lots of interest, we may have to limit the number - which I hope is the case. I will have between 2 - 5 working models depending on how many I have built beforehand and what the participation rate is.

 

So, let me know if you think you would be interested in participating and what type of model you would bring and how big it is (feet X feet or m X m). This is open to anyone, anywhere who is willing and able to travel to Kansas City that weekend. It'd be great if you just post here in this thread, so I don't have to check email or my website - just keep it all in one place.

 

We're not sure what we're calling the weekend. I originally envisioned a Model Coaster Con I, but who knows. Maybe Model Rides Weekend or something. Also, any input or ideas you'd like to share would be great as well! I'll keep you all posted as I get feedback and the planning moves forward. Thanks for your input! It would also give fellow builders a chance to meet one another, and perhaps we could do an activity that weekend - there is a (whore) credit (a Python Pit, but hey, it'll be open, and it gets me through the winters here) in the area. Union Station is in the Crown Center area of KC, which is one of the main tourist areas with lots to do and see. And of course even if you don't participate, you can visit that weekend as see what we end up having that weekend.

 

Peace,

KC

[-Edge of Beast-]

This sounds great! I actually do live in Kansas City, but I don't make models. I'll have to come check out yours though, they seem interesting from the pictures you have posted!