AMUSEMENT RIDE
MODELS and TOYS
Following are sources for models
and toys that
coaster fans might like. Note that not all items
are still available but are shown here as they
may come up on the used market.
At the end of the commercial
section is a
Resource Section
for persons that have built retail models, or their own
custom-designed ones, or computer models.
Please contact the companies directly.
The CEC does NOT sell any of these products.
THE FOLLOWING MAY NOT BE REPRODUCED
WITHOUT PERMISSION FROM THE AUTHOR ©
BANDAI AMERICA INCOPORATED
5551 Katella Avenue
Box 6054
Cypress, California 90630-6054
U.S.A.
Voice: (714) 816-9500
Fax: (714) 816-6711
SPACEWARP
Bandai made the famous "Spacewarp" Ball-on-a-Track
coaster kits. There were several models to choose from with prices ranging
from $70 to $125 (Canadian). The kits consisted of plastic tubing and
supports, with layouts up to the imagination of the builder. Six ball
bearings roll around the track and on to an elevator that takes them to the
top to start all over again. Additional accessories include lighting kits,
a staircase, bell ringer, escalator and more.
NOTE: Spacewarp is not available from Bandai anymore but they do offer parts. Otherwise, look at flea markets and garage sales. You might also ask employees at science-oriented stores and hobby outlets. They may have one they'd be willing to part with. See also the Links Section at the end of this page.
UPDATE! "Spacewarp 5000" is now available. It is a Japanese import but appears to be the same as the previous Bandai five-track versions. When built as shown in the instructions, it is about half a metre wide. The price is a low $49.99 (U.S. Funds). Note that as an import, the instructions are in Japanese, but there are pictures.
BARRA
Skyrail Roller Coaster
This company has four sets from which to choose. The largest (250-piece)
set allows one to build a marble roller-coaster over 14 meters long. The
track will fluoresce under blacklight.
The 150-piece set is $39.95 (Cdn. Funds).
This product is available in Canada from:
-Mastermind Toys
CHAOS WORLD of MOTION
Millennium Builder
A marble-type coaster setup available in three kits
ranging in price from about $25 - $100 (U.S. Funds).
-Chaos World of Motion
CMG MODELS
A company which offers digital modeling techniques
to clients that wish to see how a ride might fit into an existing area. The
site features several models and a client list.
-CMG Models
COASTERDYNAMIX
600 Shenandoah Ave
Elkton, Virginia
22827-3058
USA
CoasterDynamix produces amusement ride models. Its first product is
The Dragon, an
outside-looping roller coaster kit.
-CoasterDynamix
COASTERSHOP
An on-line service for models, along with books, video
tapes, and other coaster-related products.
-Coastershop
COASTERTECH
They offer a toy roller coaster with modular track
layouts. One may design one's own layout and negotiate it with a train
brought to the top by an elevator system. It is currently in developement
and promises to be very flexable.
CoasterTech
CUMMONS SCALE AMUSEMENTS
286 State Park Drive
Bay City, Michigan
U.S.A. 48706
(989) 684-0113
* csai@chartermi.net
Makes HO scale Amusement Rides including Bumper
Cars, Carousel, Cobra, Flying Bobs, Gravitron, Octopus, Pirate Ship,
Tilt-A-Whirl, Zipper, and many more.
-Cummons Scale Models
CONNECTRO SET TOY COMPANY
Hatfield, Pennsylvania
U.S.A. 19440-0700
K'NEX COASTER
This large model called "The K'Nex Roller Coaster" has a layout that is
quite big - around 1 X 2 meters, with about a 1-meter lift hill. There is
more than one design available. It's typically sold in large toy & hobby
shops, or in some science-oriented stores. List was $149.95 (Canadian), but
typically sells in Canada for about $100.
An optional motor and power supply is available for the lift hill which uses an actual chain. Price is around $75 (Canadian).
K'NEX FERRIS WHEEL #15116
This kit will build a 1-meter high ferris wheel, swing ride (similar to
a Chance "Chair-O-Plane"), or a boom ride. Cost is typically about $100
(Canadian).
SCREAMIN' SERPENT ROLLER COASTER #63153
This K'Nex kit consists of a two meter long layout with a battery powered
motor that pulls the chain up the lift hill. An audio module at the crest of
the hill features the sound of clanking chain dogs and riders' screams. Two
different models are available. Requires 3 AAA and 2 AA cells.
Assembly time is 1.5 - 4 hours depending upon level of familiarity with
K'Nex products, although people have reported much longer times. There are
over 1200 parts in this kit! List is $149.99 (Canadian Funds).
RIPPIN' ROCKET ROLLER COASTER
This is a launched roller coaster with 8 meters of track and standing
1.5 meters high. Price is $150, Canadian, and may be found for $100.
STORM MOUNTAIN ROLLER COASTER
No Information other than it sells for $30 U.S.
DISCOVERY CHANNEL STORE
ROLLERSCAPE
This toy consists of Tinkertoy-like parts which go together to form a
coaster layout. Ball bearings may then be rolled around the track. Two
sizes are available at $20 and $30 (U.S. funds).
-Discovery Channel Store
Also available from:
-European Coaster Club
-ThinkGeek
EURO RAIL HOBBIES
This company provides scale models of roller coasters and other
amusement rides.
-Euro Rail Hobbies
GEBR.FALLER GMBH
D-78148
Gutenbacht/Schwarzwald
Germany
BIG DIPPER
This is an HO-scale coaster model kit with a motorized lift hill and
the rest is gravity "driven". It lists for $153.00 (U.S. Funds) and is
typically available at hobby stores. It may also be ordered from Walther's:
-Big Dipper Roller Coaster
FREE FALL TOWER RIDE
A Faller HO-scale model where riders are taken to the top then dropped
to the ground at a rapid speed. The model stands 70cm high and operates
Qusing a 12-16 volt motor. Includes electronic control sequence, a ticket
booth, background, and lighting poles. Cost is $149.99 in U.S. funds.
Here is the Walther's link to The
Free Fall Tower.
WILD MAUS
A new model from Faller, it's a classic Mack "Wild Mouse" roller
coaster. Here is the Walther's link to The
Wild Mouse Roller Coaster
-Faller Gmbh Company Page
FISHER PRICE
This company has a coaster toy with a lift hill and loop. It's available at many toy stores.
LANGLEY MINIATURE MODELS
166 Three Bridges Road
Crawley, West Sussex
England RH10 1LE
Voice: (129) 351-6329
Fax: (129) 340-3955
This company has among its products fairground attractions such as
bumper cars and a ferris wheel. Others include a zoo enclosure and rifle
range.
Email: pam@langleymodels.co.uk
Website: -Langley Minature Models
LAPOINTE COASTER MODELS
St-Laurent, Quebec
This company will custom build a roller coaster model to your specifcations.
LEGO
ROBOLAB Amusement Park Set/Activity Pack
This company offers a set of 293 elements, including two 9-volt motors,
one light sensor, two touch sensors (without wires), and six wires. One
may build a ghost train, a bumper car, a merry-go-round, or a tour bus.
Cost is $115, with an additional 21 lego bricks available for $3.50. (All
U.S.Funds)
The Activity Pack has 30 worksheets used to guide students through a series of exercises using the Amusement Park Set. Also includes instructions on how to use the worksheets, curriculum references, and theme ideas. $30.00 (U.S.Funds).
LITTLE TIKES
2180 Barlow Road
Hudson, Ohio
U.S.A. 44236
Toll Free: (800) 321-0183
RACING ROLLER COASTERS Item No. 0610
This is a child's toy about a meter high, consisting of 2 trough-type
tracks with one a long downward spiral and the other a vertical loop and
spiral. Includes 2 die-cast coaster cars which may be linked together to
form a train. Additional cars available. The cars are manually placed at
the top of the two tracks. They race to the bottom where both tracks end in
a "winners circle".
May be expanded by adding Mattel "Hot Wheels" race track (not included). Approximate size is 86 X 76 X 91 cm.
ROLLER COASTER MOUNTAIN
A toy that uses die-cast coaster trains which run on a spiral or a
looping drop track, similar to Hot Wheels. (Discontinued)
INTERNATIONAL HOBBY CORPORTAION
413 East Allegheny Avenue
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
U.S.A. 19134
IHC makes models for train layouts. They include a number of HO scale fairground rides like The "Break Dancer", "Sea Dragon", "Falling Star", "Octopus" and many more. Carnival-style buildings & concession stands are also available. When last contacted by The CEC, a roller coaster was under development.
Prices for the rides are in the $25.00 - $30.00 (Canadian) range. Motors are also available at extra charge. Check large hobby and model railroader shops.
A Canadian Supplier for IHC is:
George's Model Trains
802 Main Street
Dartmouth, Nova Scotia
B2W 3V3
Voice: (902) 434-0268
Fax: (902) 434-6887
Some fair ground models are in stock, others will be ordered upon request.
MODEL POWER
Haunted House
An HO scale model of an old house, it sells for $18
(U.S.Funds).
It is available from Walther's:
-Model Power "Haunted House"
MOUSESHOPPE
The Walt Disney World Monorail Kit
This is a battery-operated train model with two main
units and three passenger cars. It has a small sound system which utters
phrases such as those an attendent might say. The basic kit consists of:
Order from: -MouseShoppe
PARKER BROTHERS
Roller Coaster Tycoon
A board game, playable by up to four persons, it consists of an
amusement park layout with rides and attractions, and various cards.
Players are given money and two attractions to start. Game play continues
so that drawing cards allows one to deal with the operations of a typical
theme park, as is done with the computer game version. Players may also
buy new rides via auctions.
Points are awarded to a ride/attraction concessionaire (player) when guests land on his attractions (provided they are in operation at the time). The game is won by the player with the most points at the end of two seasons.
PHANTOM
This coaster toy is about 1 meter tall and features a loop, corkscrew, spiral, and boomerang elements. It retails for $150.00 (U.S. Funds).
POLA
Haunted House:
This is an HO scale model of a weathered, dilapidated old house. A red
light appears on a balcony. It measures 20 x 21 centimeters and sells for
$70 (U.S. Funds).
This is available from Walther's:
-Pola "Haunted House"
R.A.H. MODELS
R.A.H. makes fair ground rides in HO scale. Most are under $25.oo U.S.
RAILROAD PRESS COMPANY
This company specializes in model reproductions of antique rides. No further information.
RENAULD'S MIDWAY MINIATURES
32 Warsaw Avenue
Ludlow, Massachusetts
U.S.A. 01056
(413) 589-9173
This company offers models of carnival rides from manufacturers like
Eyerly Herschel, Hrubetz, King, and Mangels. All are built and painted.
Typical prices are $25 to $200 (U.S. Funds). Custom color schemes are
available.
Website: -Renauld's Midway Minatures
E-Mail: * Pwrenauld2@aol.com
ROLLERSCAPE
This is a marble-type coaster similar to Bandai's "Spacewarp". There
are two kits available: 102-piece and 194-piece, each comprising track and
supports. The track is flexible and can be banked, curved, and looped.
Kits are available from The
European Coaster Club
Costs are 15.00 and 25.00 (U.K. Funds)
SCHYLLING
SPACE CAROUSEL
Launch these space capsules into orbit. They're sure to stay on course
since they are actually part of an 18-centimeter tall toy space carousel.
When you pull back the lever the space capsules fly around the space
station. Made of tin. $18.99 (U.S. Funds).
-E-Toys
STEP2 CORPORATION
10010 Aurora-Hudson Road
Streetsboro, Ohio 44241
U.S.A.
Toll Free: (800) 347-8372
Fax: (330) 655-9685
"UP & DOWN" ROLLER COASTER Model 7114
This is a child's toy that is built of plastic and is set up like a
miniature playground slide except there is a high-backed car to ride in.
The car must be manually put on the "lift" hill and then is free to roll
down, over a little bunny hop, and along a straight away to a bumper stop.
There are about 3 meters of 3/4 meter-wide track and the whole thing
weighs 17 kilos. Price is $100 - $110 (U.S. Funds).
THINKGEEK
ROLLERSCAPE
This toy consists of Tinkertoy-like parts which go together to form a
coaster layout. Ball bearings may then be rolled around the track. Two
sizes are available: 102 Pieces for $20 and 194 Pieces for $30 (U.S.
funds).
WALTHER'S MODELS
They sell models from a number of manufacturers including Faller, International Hobby Corporation, Pola, and others:
WAYFUN
Manufacturers HO Scale carnival and circus models.
No further information.
WILESCO
This German company makes steam & friction-driven models and toys.
Here are links to persons or groups
that have built Amusement Ride Models
for their personal enjoyment.
Some are actual models, while others
are computer generated. Other sites
here are tribute pages to various
models or manufacturers.
