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The motorized HO Scale (1/87) Comet, from Elkton Virginia USA based Coaster Dynamix®, is the only replica of a classic wooden roller coaster currently available to modeling and model train enthusiasts. Touted by Coaster Dynamix® as “The world’s most incredible, operating HO Scale roller coaster model”, the Comet is highly detailed, a joy to build, and would be right at home with the Faller® Wilde Maus and Big Dipper in any model collection, scale model amusement park, or model train layout.
Unlike the Faller® models, the many high quality parts arrive, mostly,
in labeled plastic bags and require no removal or trimming from the
ubiquitous racks of parts common to most model kits. As it is with any
complex HO Scale model, there is delicate work to be found with the
Comet, especially with assembling the cleverly designed structure cross
members and walk boards. Also, several assembly steps absolutely
require that the glue be completely set, so patience in assembly is
definitely a virtue. Average time of actual assembly should be about
twelve hours. Be prepared to take several breaks and to take your time.
The Comet Instruction Manual is well written and contains no glaring
omissions. As always, it’s a good idea to become familiar with the
manual before actually beginning assembly while paying special
attention to the “Helpful Hints” near the end. Though the assembly
process is smooth and generally trouble free, we do have a couple of
minor suggestions to streamline the process:
- While you are waiting for the “Bents” to dry from Page 6, jump ahead to Page 8, assemble the Motor House and allow to dry.
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While waiting for the “Bents” to dry from Pages 10, 11, and 12, jump
ahead and assemble the track segments on Pages 13 and 19. Make
absolutely sure that the glue on these has set completely.
Additional tools and materials required are as follows:
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Modeling Glue. We not only highly recommend using Faller® quick drying
Expert Plastic Cement (Part#1704892 available on our site) but also recommend that you have two bottles of
this cement and some sort of glue solvent handy. (We used a product called "Goof Off" available at most grocery stores.) Even if you ALWAYS
replace the cap of this, or any other glue, and clean the applicator
stem after each use you will still find that the very thin metal
applicator will occasionally clog. When this occurs, and it will occur,
squirt a drop or two of solvent into the cap, replace the cap, invert
the bottle of glue and set aside while you use the second bottle of
glue to continue assembly. When this one clogs simply repeat the
process and use the previous bottle which should now be unclogged.
Faller Glue is available through our site. If you are adding the Comet
Neon Sign you will also need Gel type Super Glue . (Part #KG76648R, available on our site) Standard modeling
glue will not adhere to the sign.
- Modeling Knife , such as our Part #540-5001
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Fingernail Clippers for trimming the structure cross members.
- A small file, such as our Blue Cushion Board (Part #C0305E) for smoothing track section joints.
The Comet can be powered either by a 12VAC/DC power supply or by the
16VAC accessory output of a model train transformer. A 12VAC/DC power
supply is not included but is available on our site. (Part #CD-S501 )
Though lacking some of the detailed flourishes of the Faller® models,
unlike its German counterparts, the Comet begs to be customized. It
most cases we build the models we sell just as they come out of the box
but with the Comet we couldn’t resist just a bit of personalization.
Applying some sort of surface to the base such as grass, dirt or
whatever, though one of the simplest modifications to implement, yields
dramatic results. Our first step was to apply readily available
modeling grass to the base. Though there are many theories on the best
way to do this, we chose the following method:
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Assemble the base and allow to dry.
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Lightly sand the assembled base with medium sandpaper for better adhesion.
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If you are planning on adding the Comet Neon Sign , modify Hatch #1 (and #2) now and replace. (See below)
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Spray the base with a fairly heavy coat of clear lacquer.
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Evenly sprinkle on a good layer of modeling grass.
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Allow to dry for about twenty minutes and shake off any excess grass.
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Apply two more coats of clear lacquer allowing it to dry between coats.
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Trying, as best as you can, to not touch or rub the base, finish assembling the model.
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Touch up as necessary.
Our second modification was to paint the main canopy and the train cars
a red color matching the red of the handrails and walk boards. Possible
color combinations with the Comet are endless. Use your imagination.
Our third, and last modification, was to add the Coaster Dynamix® Comet
Neon Sign (Part #CDCNeon ) to the structure opposite to the standard
Comet sign. The minimal instructions provided with this very cool
addition do not include wire routing directions but the Comet base does
provide two removable “Hatches” one of which can be used for wire
egress. On Page#5 of the Comet Instruction Manual it shows the location
of Hatch #1. This is the one you will use. This stock Hatch fits very
snuggly. To allow the sign wiring harness egress, use a Modeling Knife
(Part #540-5001, available on our site) to cut a notch roughly 1/16 inch deep and ½ inch wide along one side of
the Hatch and in the corresponding Hatch support ridge in the base
below the Hatch. (If you are planning to add lighting to the canopy,
also similarly modify Hatch #2) The Comet Neon Sign operates on three
AAA Batteries which are not included. Of course, if you purchase it
from us, we do include the batteries at no additional charge!
Though this was our final addition, don’t feel like you have to stop
there. Adding the following accessories, available on our site, will
certainly up the realism ante:
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Miniature Lighting Kit (Part #180677 )
- Faller (8) Piece Roller Coaster Figure Set (Part #1014027)
To get some ideas on customizing your Comet, or just to be entertained,
be sure and check out the radical Comet mods in our Design Shop.
Conclusion
The Comet is a well engineered and accurate representation of a real
world classic wooden roller coaster that is fun to build and, should
you choose, a real blast to customize. Though custom designs can be
time intensive to build, they are both entertaining and rewarding to
assemble and operate and, with the Comet, offer a world of creative
possibilities for roller coaster enthusiasts and modelers everywhere.
Though an age suitability rating is not suggested by the manufacturer,
due to some fairly small parts and overall complexity we have rated
this product for ages 12 and above.
We are interested in hearing about building experiences with this model
and would like to share your impressions with other visitors to our
site.
*Categories are rated on a scale of from one to ten where
applicable and reflect only the opinions and experiences of our staff.
We provide these ratings only as a guideline to aid you in your product
choices. Your building experience may vary.
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