Project Details:

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• My original plan for my Flying Coaster project was to include a lift hill chain that would pull the train up the track. 

• While both chain and sprocket assembly would move in an animation in their separate assemblies, when adding them into the main assembly motion study, the file size was simply to much.

• In the long version of the track, I lost most SolidWorks functions, such as the ability to smoothly navigate around the assemble, move parts, or show any previews of selections when moving your mouse around.

• Due to the length of the chain, the assembly had close to 700 components.

• The simpler chain and sprocket assembly was a little better because I scaled all the parts up by 10 so there would be less chain pieces needed but would still not react well to motion without crashing SolidWorks.

• I then made the decision to use only a Path Mate and Path Mate motor to propel the train, compared to the mated bogies reacting to the track and hooking on to a chain powered lift.

• Chain was made by using a Finished Bore and Roller Chain from McMaster-Carr, which was then scaled up and put together using the Belt and Chain Patter tool.