From the beginning of The Roller Coaster Project, I had always wanted to make a smaller version of a working coaster that could sit happily on a desktop. What I mean is that the original model is closer to “G” scale and would require many feet (or meters) of space to develop curves and profiles. Sadly, that ride has been postponed due to constant moving. However, with the launch of the Kickstarter and a reward of working model coming about for those who contributed greatly I began working on a desktop coaster.

Enter the desktop model roller coaster…

Now, I know there have been some “others” who have attempted or claimed to have made the most realistic working models, previously. However, this will definitely take the prize position. This model has been in the works for some time, but with some successes in the recent month a full prototype is on the horizon.

With the help of a few CNCs, the layout of this desktop beauty can be accurately achieved. I mean, who doesn’t have their own CNC machines laying around? It seems like everyone has a 3D printer at this point, so I’ll do you one better. All kidding aside, using a CNC router definitely has improved progress by leaps and dips…uh, bounds. Sorry, roller coaster joke.

So how large (or small) is this thing?

Funny you should ask, the coaster footprint will be 31”x12.5” and roughly 8” tall. The sizing is roughly “O-scale” for you model railroad peeps. So, if you need a mini amusement park for you model trains, then this will match your train’s quality and sizing.

But will it work? Tell me, David!!!!

Yes, or that is the goal. The margin on friction in the design should be appropriate for a level ride model. So don’t hang it from a wall or anything.

Some upgrades in the future might incorporate some type of computer control for station release and chain lift. Yes, chain lift with full anti-rollback (ARB).

This model has been designed to incorporate all that a real world wooden coaster entails. Profiling and banking come from years of design experience and some best practices featured on many real world rides.

This coaster is simply the “Mini Coaster - Standard” since I’ll be working on some new ideas for “twister” style models. Also that is a working title, so some clever will be assigned later.

To show progress, I’ll be updating on the blog regularly. Also, I’ll be making longer YouTube videos for each section of the ride with releases every Friday around noon (EST).

The pictures show final designs, but you’ll see more later. With much in the works, I hope you enjoy it as much as I do…assuming it works. Take care!

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The Desktop Coaster

The Roller Coaster Project