A New Lead (Car)

Here's the iterative process paying off.

The portions in gray are printed using the MK4S. So far, I have tested the prints to verify fit. Much to my surprise, since I like machining more than additive manufacturing, things fit perfectly. A friend of mine made a comment on how there are many pieces involved, too. Well, yes, it is a shrunken down version of a roller coaster car. The lead, to be exact.

The remaining cars will be comprised of trailer style vehicles, and with the exception of the lead coach not having articulating front wheels, the ride will navigate a path to design. What happens to train designs like this one (non-pivoting front wheels) is a build of friction due to "sliding" into turns. GCII, older RMC, and older companies have this issue. More modern vehicles from GCII and Gravity group feature articulation in the front axles to allow tighter turns by following the track rail exactly. 

To give an idea of relative size on this, not so mini, mini coaster the wheel spacing is 50.825mm center to center (2.001inch).

Bolting hardware has been ordered, and by the end of the week...and man I hope this to be true...a prototype car will be assembled. To test dynamics and fit, the seats and fancy shit will be left until the end. This car is also designed to be wide enough to mount a GoPro 4 (the same one I recorded Busch Gardens' InVadR POV during commissioning). The center for rotation, or "heartland" as B&M refers to it is at the height of the lens of the camera. But I am getting ahead of myself, and that happens often. Enjoy!

Side note, though I want things to be heavy to account for inertia and track errors, these cars are also designed to be CNC milled in the future for added weight and desired feel.