Most Popular Amusement Posts of 2011

Everyone is doing it so I might as well too. We're taking a minute to review some of the highlights in the amusement industry from 2011 by linking to our most popular posts from 2011:

1. S&S Worldwide's new thrill ride
2. Roller Coaster Tycoon 4 Under Development 
3. Fun Facts: Disney Hollywood Studios Tower of Terror 
4. What are the mechanics of Mission: Space at EPCOT? 
5. EPCOT's Spaceship Earth Layout Ride Diagram 

Now let's look at some of my amusement park related videos I put together, including my winning K'nex Demon Drop model (in no particular order):

Read More...

Check out our sister site: Zoo Tails!

Not only am I a fan of amusement parks, I also really enjoying visiting different zoos across the country. I have created another blog called Zoo Tails to post all of my zoo related news, stories, pictures, and trip reports. As an engineer, I am think I am drawn to zoos because I love to see how the exhibits are designed. I especially like exhibits with creative, innovative, or interactive features, such as the "Sniff Ports" in the Polar Bear exhibit at the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium (my "home zoo").

Embedded below is a quick video I put together from my visit to the Cleveland Zoo in June. Check it out!

Read More...

Six Flags Goliath Train Rendering

Six Flags New England has posted some great renderings of the new 4-across trains designed by Premier Rides that will be put to use on Goliath (formerly Deja Vu at Six Flags Magic Mountain) when it opens. One of the first questions in the comments is what type of software did they use to create the 3D CAD model? Well, to my untrained eye, it looks very much like a SolidWorks model.

One of the most common questions asked by aspiring roller coaster engineers is what software do roller coaster designers use. I already pointed out that Dynamic Structures use AutoDesk Inventor while it appears S&S Worldwide and Premier use SolidWorks.

Learn more about roller coaster design software.

Read More...

Holiday Gift Ideas for Theme Park Fanatics

The holiday gift giving season is upon us and if you’re looking for that special gift for a theme park fan or a roller coaster enthusiast I've got a couple of suggestions for you.
 

Coaster Dynamix Launched Sidewinder Roller Coaster  

CoasterDynamix, Inc - "The Comet" Wooden Roller Coaster - Kit HO

Do you like assembling your Christmas presents? The Lego Carousel is right up your alley. Unfortunealty, the set is no longer being made or sold at Lego stores, so the best you can do is to find it online. At $720.95 on Amazon, it’s not a cheap buy, but the carousel “spins and plays music while the horses and swing boats move up and down.” This is the perfect addition for any special edition collection.

K'NEX Collect & Build Amusement Park Series #2 - Ferris Wheel. Combine with Corkscrew Coaster and Vertical Viper for a working amusement park (each sold separately).

 

Theme Park Design: Behind The Scenes With An Engineer. Have you ever gone to a theme park and wondered, "How did they do that?" At last there's a book that shows you. Theme Park Design reveals the secrets behind some of the world's greatest attractions. Take a peek behind the scenes, with a theme park engineer.

Another great book for any readers is the American Amusement Park. This marvelous photographic retrospective distills more than 100 years of the sights, sounds, smells and vertigo-inducing thrills associated with the American amusement park.

Have you ever wondered what it takes to design and build a roller coaster? At last, there’s a book that shows you. A mix of engineering and art, roller coasters are complex three-dimensional puzzles consisting of thousands of individual parts. Designers spend countless hours creating and tweaking ride paths to push the envelope of exhilaration, all while maintaining the highest safety standards. Coasters 101: An Engineering Guide to Roller Coaster Design examines the numerous diverse aspects of roller coaster engineering, including some of the mathematical formulas and engineering concepts used. This is an e-book only but you should be able to download a free e-book reader for your PC.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/feature.html/ref=kcp_pc_mkt_lnd?docId=1000426311

Read More...