Roller coaster Designer

[xX-Linde-Xx]

HI i'm new here and was wondering if anybody had any infomation on how to get into the designing industry.

 

If anybody has any information on it please post. Thank You.

[trustkill22]

Learn german if you haven't already.

[xX-Linde-Xx]

Why would I need to learn german, Isn't there comapnies in the U.S and Canada.

[trustkill22]

I remember someone on this forum or some where said they were involved in the industry and they say that German is a very recommended language in the coaster world. I don't know why thats what I just heard.

 

Maybe some drafting or some computer design and physics too.

[mightypotato]

Why would I need to learn german, Isn't there comapnies in the U.S and Canada.

 

Probably for the big two companies, Intamin and B&M.

 

I think S&S Power/Arrow is US based. But they mainly focus on flat rides than coasters now.

 

To get into the business, you'd definitely need drafting experience as well as a well versed background in physics and mathematics. This would be the real deal, not RCT or even No Limits.

[BiCoastal Kid]

^Actually, if he learned how to use the math programs for NL it would be good practice.

[SLUSHIE]

I think the best bet at getting into the coaster business really is to start your own. I really don't know to much about the indusrty, but what I do know is that B&M has a grand total of 30 employees, so it would be fairly hard to get into. I don't expect the other companies to be all that different.

 

Starting your own company would be much easier than getting into an existing one, but it would be much more work. I also think starting a wood roller coaster company would be much easier, as you can buy most of the parts for the structure from lumber warehouses, where as for steel you would need to contract with a steel fabricator.

[ParkTrips]

Probably for the big two companies, Intamin and B&M.

considering both are based in a french-speaking nation...

 

Apply for the next Stengel school (do a search for the 'roller coaster acadamy' thread)

[trustkill22]

So Switzerland is a french-speaking nation. Never knew that and ya check out that Stengal School thingy. It's at Holiday Park I think but... ya

[DRWP2005]

Your best bet would be to get some kind of engineering degree from college. A mechnical engineering degree would be best. And if you couldn't get into the industry, a degree in that really comes with a lot of options. But like mentioned its hard to actually get into these companies.

 

Starting your own company isn't a bad idea, but it would be too hard to get yourself out there. You have to have someone trust you enough to buy that first coaster, and once they do it has to be awesome to get others to follow.

[mightypotato]

considering both are based in a french-speaking nation...

 

I thought Switzerland spoke French and German. I guess I'm mistaken.

[Guy T. Koepp]

I would say definitely yes on the engineering degree. Then one word comes to mind after that. Internship. Internship. INTERNSHIP! Find one of the many companys that do ride engineering and check out the opportunities as an intern. Everybody loves free help. Then you can knock off one of the ride designers, steal his ideas, and presto! Your the next Allan Schilke!

 

It's that easy.

 

Actually, most of my advice is pretty good. Except for the whole murdering part. Unless your into that kind of corporate ladder.

 

Anyway, good luck!

[DATman]

^Exactly! You need the degree, and an internship is the best way to make yourself known. No Limits is great practice! I'm planning on trying to get into Disney, but I know that it will take a lot of work...

[xX-Linde-Xx]

Thanks everyone. I'm can speak french so thats good news. I think the internship is a great idea. I'm am also enrolled at university of waterloo in mechanical engineering. Thanks again for everyones help.

[coasterguy618]

Why would I need to learn german, Isn't there comapnies in the U.S and Canada.

 

Probably for the big two companies, Intamin and B&M.

 

I think S&S Power/Arrow is US based. But they mainly focus on flat rides than coasters now.

 

To get into the business, you'd definitely need drafting experience as well as a well versed background in physics and mathematics. This would be the real deal, not RCT or even No Limits.

 

Intamin and B&M are both Swiss.

[mightypotato]

Thanks everyone. I'm can speak french so thats good news. I think the internship is a great idea. I'm am also enrolled at university of waterloo in mechanical engineering. Thanks again for everyones help.

 

Since you're in engineering at UW, you're most likely in co-op. Why not try to approach a company about a possible co-op position with them for your next work term? It never hurts to try, and this could be your first foot in the door.

[Guest]

If you want the answers from real coaster desginers, check out In the Loop. We chatted with Jeff and Chris from Great Coasters International. They know what they are doing. Check out the podcast from Rumblefest.

 

Here is the link:

 

http://www.thrillnetwork.com/in_the_loop/?action=castview&cast_id=148

[xX-Linde-Xx]

Since you're in engineering at UW, you're most likely in co-op. Why not try to approach a company about a possible co-op position with them for your next work term? It never hurts to try, and this could be your first foot in the door.

 

Thats a great idea thanks