Modeling Supports
/It seems like every time I write an update the explanation begins with “So, I redid…etc.” Well, this is the case, here. I remodeled aspects of the little ride to dial in what was in the works for many months.
As my programming journey travels deeper into the woods of debugging Hell, I have had some successes. Utilizing Python and math modeling through MATLAB, I have been able to expedite layout design and modeling. Since the values are pulled directly from MATLAB into Alibre via Python script, the track sections are easily inserted in correct orientations. The goal is to limit the amount of error stack-up as things travel from one program to the next. Finally, the closer I get the models to match up in the machine, the better they will mate once fabricated.
The real difficulty in all of the programming and design is to make something that works within the limitations of the method of fabrication. However, these designs can actually be fabricated using varying machinery. Remember, at the beginning of all of this was to generate real ride layouts and shrink them to desktop(ish) scale. Now, I cannot scale effects like gravity and inertia, but I can adjust layouts to match my scenario.
All of this is to say, I have remodeled the supports and completed the foundation modeling. I am still working on handrail data, but the ride supports and foundations can be made!
To begin, I will only use the latter half of the ride as an example to refine some configuration. The initial portion of the ride will incorporate station, lift, and twisting drop; therefore, the complexities with lift design, braking, and track connections under twisting will have to be created. My hopes are the later half will prove the concept, then I can learn a few things to carry into the front half of the ride. Once everything is connected forming a full circuit, I will let the train go from the top of the lift.
If it fails…well, I will weep.
