Model Rollercoaster

[nolan134]

I am making a model roller coaster for my son.
How do you think I can best go about it?
I have an idea of using c channel for the tracks, so I don't have to make parallel tracks. But I am aware that this is very hard to bend.
So firstly, what is the best way to bend c channel, and how tight can you bend it.
And secondly, are there any ideas for the completion of my coaster, on track supports base etc.
MANY THANKS!!

 

[rtbcomp]

Welcome to the forum, sounds an interesting project!

What sort of size will it be?

 

[Finalreminder]

Wouldnt tube be better for this sort of thing?
I can see C-Section buckling/kinking when bending.

 

[peterd51]

Hi,

depending on size, scaffold tube for the rails and two sets of wheels, above and below to keep it on the track...assuming it's a 'ride-on'.

If you talking about a 'model', say a couple of feet long, then choose a smaller diameter pipe...car brake-pipe for instance, or 1/2" (12mm) copper water pipe.

Sounds interesting in either case!

Regards
Peter

 

[malcolm]

Had a little search for roller coaster wheels on the net. Looks like the norm is to have three wheels each side running on tube - one on top, one to the side and one to the bottom. I'd imagine there is some sort of spring mechanism between wheels on each side to take up tolerance if the track isn't perfectly parallel.

I'd favour tube too - C section would be a nightmare to bend.

 

[nolan134]

size

hi guys
thanks for all the responses!
my coaster will be about 6ft x 6ft x 3ft
and I'm not sure about using tubing... is it cheaper than c channel
what type of tube
how thick
how wide

MANY THANKS!!

 

[Finalreminder]

Depends if it's a ride on or not?

 

[nolan134]

no it is not a ride on
it is just a model roller coaster

 

[peterd51]

Hi,

car brake pipe. There's two types over here, copper is a bit too soft but the other (can't remember the name) is quite stiff. It's around 1/4" (6mm) diameter with wall thickness around 1mm so it can be easily bent but it'll take a fair bit of strain.

Regards
Peter

 

[seriesonewelder]

Hi,

car brake pipe. ....but the other (can't remember the name) is quite stiff....

Kunifer?

 

[Tig man aza]

The stiffer brake pipe is copper nickel or CuNi ask a motor factors for copper nickel brake pipe