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The coaster track is being added to the curve over the lake, as seen above. The track itself is actually 2"X12" and 2"X10" boards laminated on top of each other. The first lamination (layer of lumber) is secured to the track, and then additional laminations are nailed into each lower layer, staggering the ends so that they overlap each other, preserving the strength and integrity of the track.
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Here, you can see how the track takes its form at the bottom of the first 157' drop. After several laminations of smaller boards, the top two layers are attached. The top laminations are a couple inches wider than the first few layers, because it needs to overhang towards the center of the track. The reason for this is because the safety wheels travel under the overhang section, preventing the train from coming out of the track. [The only way to get the trains off the track is by unbolting a removable section of track near the station, or by rolling each car back to the end of the storage track, and then picking it off with a crane.]
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Later, the track steel will be added. For now, building the track correctly and accurately is the priority. Track steel will be placed on the upper running surface of the track, for the "Track Wheels" which support the direct vertical load of the cars. Also, the side surface of the (overhang area of track) will get track-steel for the side-rolling "Friction Wheels," that support the side-movement of the cars, and finally the safety wheels, or "Upstop" rollers will also have track to ride on, but only in the areas where there are negative G-force applications, such as the times when you would feel lift, and would be lifted up from the seat. Track steel is not needed for the safety wheels in places such as valleys and dips, where the safety wheels have no chance of ever touching the track. There is normally a small overall clearance between the friction/ safety wheels and the track, to keep the cars from wedging in the track, but only about 3/16" to 1/4" inch of potential movement. Track gagues are used to make sure that the track rails are at the proper distance from each other.
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| This is section of structure is being started because it is in an area that will be hard to reach with a crane later, so it had to be among the first sections of structure to be erected. |
