Building a Roller Coaster, John Wardley Construction

John Wardley: Construction

Where are components made, what type of crew generally

installs a coaster, and how long does it take to

build a new coaster?

Although the chosen manufacturer will operate from one base, frequently the

components – track, support structure, cars, brakes, lifts, control

systems etc. etc. – will be fabricated in many different locations around the world, and only come together for the first time on site. Civil engineers will prepare the foundation, steel erectors will put up the structure and track, and mechanical and systems engineers will install and commission the ride.

From initial concept to opening day can take up to three years.

BUILDING A ROLLER COASTER

The Coaster Builder Toolbox

Open the Coaster Builder Toolbox by clicking on the Construction Button of the Ride Control Panel. You’ll notice a good selection of track pieces are available for constructing your coaster or other track ride.These vary from ride to ride.The grayed-out pieces cannot be used at the present time.

Coaster Building Checklist — the Essentials

Here are a few tips to get you started on the right path to building a successful coaster.

Prepare the Terrain

Use the tool that Flattens Terrain In Increments For Rides And Scenery to prepare the land around where you plan to put the ride entrance and exit.This will ensure that you’ll be able to build a path to the ride. If the auto-flatten option is enabled, the game will do this automatically.

Make Your Boarding Station Long Enough

If you increase the number of cars per train, the boarding station must be longer than a single track length. As a rule of thumb, your boarding station should be at least three track-lengths long.

Start with a Lift Chain

Most rides require you to add a lift chain to the entire incline at the beginning of the ride. As a pre- caution, extend the lift chain to the first level track-piece after the incline as well.

Test While Building

After you’ve created your first incline, change the ride status from Closed to Test.This will cause the ride to run as you build it so you can see the results of each new section of the track you build as you build it, and will help you identify ride failures quickly.

Change the Banking Setting for Curved Track Pieces

You’ll manage the g-forces and intensity better this way. Properly banked turns also help keep the ride from breaking down frequently.