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Miniature Amusements “RollerCoaster Tycoon Roller Coaster Construction Set”
The motorized “O” Scale (1/48) RollerCoaster Tycoon Roller Coaster Construction Set, or RCCS, from Colorado USA based Miniature Amusements®, is a remarkably flexible and entertaining representation of real world steel roller coasters. Custom roller coaster layouts with the RCCS are simple and intuitive to build, virtually anywhere. Small tabletop designs, like the one pictured above, large rip-roaring floor standing designs (check out our Design Shop) and layouts running over, under, and around your living room furniture are all possible. Layouts typically take only an hour or two to construct and can be disassembled and back in the box in fifteen or twenty minutes.
The over three hundred included parts are high quality and brightly
colored. A signature feature of the RCCS, the ingenious self titled
“Child Safe” lift track mechanism contains no belts or pulleys and
features an interesting ratcheting motion to carry the train to the
top. Lifts over four feet tall are possible with the included parts
though, by adding more lift track, even higher lifts are possible. The
speedy four car train has machined brass wheels and eight colorful “O”
Scale passengers. Bases for the Pylon supports have “hooked” Velcro® on
the bottom which will adhere to any short pile carpet. Adhesive backed
“fuzzy” Velcro® pads are provided for use on hard surfaces.
The Motorized Station module comes with a universal 12VAC/DC Power
Supply. No batteries or additional tools are required for assembly and
operation.
Though initial part tolerances are somewhat tight, the instruction
manual is the only real drawback to the RCCS. More text than picture
driven, the very detailed step by step instructions can appear
intimidating at first glance and lead one to believe that assembly is
much more complicated than it really is. Fear not. The manufacturer has
provided us with a Manual Excerpt teaser from a future product, the
“Loopy Monster”, which provides some great and far more accessible
basic assembly hints. A contributor to our Design Shop has also
included a document titled “Note to Assembly Crew ”, along with some
terrific layout templates, which together, frankly, provide better and
more concise information than the actual manual. All of these
resources, including the RCCS Manual, are available in the Information section of our site.
Performance Test
 click for video
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Though coming up with a test to evaluate and compare the overall
performance of several model roller coaster construction sets, all of
which employ vastly disparate engineering philosophies to achieve their
own unique appeals, is too complex for our purposes, there is a simple
and fun test which can be performed.
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Real world steel roller coaster trains are extremely efficient and
retain a very high percentage of the energy which they accumulate upon
descent. Limited only by the height and slope of the lift hill, the
degree of energy retention or “efficiency” is responsible for the
incredible speed and breathtaking loops, twists and turns demanded by
today’s roller coaster riding (and modeling) enthusiasts. All model
roller coasters are also, to varying degrees, limited by the height of
their lift hill. With this in mind, the “efficiency” of the model
coaster trains will also contribute to the type, complexity, and length
of the model coaster circuits which can be built.
Testing what we call the “inline efficiency” of the various coaster
trains can provide some indication of just how well, and accurately,
they do their job. To perform this simple test, we built (or you can
build) a track with identical descending and ascending slopes. (See
image above) By starting the train from a fixed point on the down slope
and measuring how far it makes it toward the same point on the upslope
we can determine how much energy is lost and, therefore, the inline
efficiency of the train. In this case, the RCCS achieved a best-in-class rating of 98%. This is a fun test and one which you can certainly perform at home or in the classroom.
This basic test measures only inline performance and there are many
other factors which contribute to how well a model coaster train will
perform. For example, the Coaster Dynamix® Scorpion (see review ) train
is the only one tested which has wheels on the sides of the rails, as
well as above and below, which will certainly provide superior
performance around curves. Our intent is simply to suggest a testing
benchmark common to all manufacturers.
Conclusion
If you want to build lots of fast and fun custom model roller coaster
layouts, anywhere, without a major investment in time or money, you
should certainly give the RCCS a good look. Though not as detailed or
complex as some other model roller coaster construction sets, the
simplicity and flexibility of design are unparalleled. With the parts
included in the base set, your own imagination, and an available full
line of inexpensive accessories (the Dual Bunny Hop Kit and extra
Double Ball Joints are must haves) to expand your creative horizons,
there is virtually no limit to the design possibilities offered by the
RCCS.
Due to some fairly small parts and the hand strength required, at least
initially, for assembly and disassembly, this terrific construction toy
is rated for kids nine and above though, with adult supervision, could
certainly be an appropriate family activity involving younger children
as well. Be sure and check it out.
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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Information 
