Building a Backyard Coaster

2023-01-19

Download

In this episode of the ACE Ride with Us podcast, we had the opportunity to talk to two coaster enthusiasts who took on an awesome task – building roller coasters in their backyards! First, we meet with Justin Nolte, John’s neighbor and backyard coaster builder. He built both a treehouse and a coaster in his yard. Check out his video: https://youtu.be/t7VLPrTd3gE We then talk to ACE member Ben Densmore, who designed, built and operates Ohio's fourth largest indoor roller coaster, the Whipper Dipper. We’d like to see the first...

In this episode of the ACE Ride with Us podcast, we had the opportunity to talk to two coaster enthusiasts who took on an awesome task – building roller coasters in their backyards!

First, we meet with Justin Nolte, John’s neighbor and backyard coaster builder. He built both a treehouse and a coaster in his yard. Check out his video: https://youtu.be/t7VLPrTd3gE

We then talk to ACE member Ben Densmore, who designed, built and operates Ohio's fourth largest indoor roller coaster, the Whipper Dipper. We’d like to see the first three largest indoor coasters, too!

First up is Justin Nolte, co-host John’s neighbor and backyard coaster builder.

[01:14] Justin’s son asked for a treehouse, his daughter asked for a roller coaster – so he did both!

[02:05]Researched the project online

[02:17]Fabricates for a living

[02:37]Built the car himself

[04:00]Motorized lift mechanism

[05:10]John didn’t know his neighbor was building a coaster

Bryant Yeager from ACE South Central is our guest host for the second segment, he chats with Ben Densmore, creator of the Whipper Dipper.

[10:03] First ride was The Racer at Kings Island

[11:12]First ACE event: Aug 5, 2012 tour of Gravity Group

[12:16]Enjoys the smaller ACE events at regional parks

[12:57]Introducing Ben’s wooden coaster

[13:07]Ben’s background – physics degree but ended up working in food service for a while

[13:37]Used his physics background to build a coaster in his backyard

[14:15]Talked to contractors at Home Depot – learned a lot

[15:00]Designing the track and the car

[15:16]Started as a greenhouse to meet local building requirements and keep the project secure

[17:05]Tight turns in a small space

[17:27]Ball casters instead of wheels

[17:50]Car modeled after an old PTC car

[18:55]Got materials off Facebook Marketplace and Craigslist

[20:31]Ben now works at Gravitykraft Corporation, sister company of the Gravity Group!

[20:55]Neighbors' reactions to Ben’s coaster

[23:00]Considering moving the coaster

Watch for Whipper Dipper on Facebook later this year!

Share your ideas and thoughts about this podcast via email: podcast@aceonline.org

Visit www.ridewithace.com to learn more about the non-profit organization American Coaster Enthusiasts.

Coaster Con 45 will be held at Dollywood and Carowinds from June 18-23 2023. ACE members worldwide are starting to make travel plans – will you be there?

Thanks to the Ride with Us podcast team

Producer & Guest Interview Segment: Bryant Yeager

Editor: Bob Randolph

Show Notes: Liz Tan