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):

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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!

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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.

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