Wooden Coaster Model You Have to See to Believe

Last March, we interviewed Brad Corben, who was working on an incredible Rocky Mountain Construction wooden roller coaster model.

After 14 months of hard work and patience, Brad’s “Ironside – The Viking Warrior” coaster model is complete — and it looks amazing:

It may be one of RMC’s smaller coasters, but from the reaction of similarly sized RMC coasters like Wicked Cyclone at Six Flags New England, I don’t think anyone will notice the difference.

The coaster’s compact layout snakes around itself, remaining more-or-less close to the ground, ensuring a fast-paced ride experience.

The coaster doesn’t stand alone — Brad built a quaint amusement park scene around the ride, complete with an S&S double-shot tower and a Starbucks.

The S&S tower, Shield Blast, acts as a nice counterpart to the coaster.

Although the coaster model is static (the trains don’t actually traverse the track), the use of miniature figurines throughout the model bring a lifelike presence to the model.

The attention to detail throughout is truly spectacular. From the weathered look of the midway path to the illuminated streetlamps, Brad’s model looks like the marriage of an actual amusement park with the miniature, contained environment of a Rollercoaster Tycoon park.

Even the greenery and decorative in the “slice of a park” receive carefull attention.

Even though the model isn’t “operating,” it’s a realistic layout. It’s not hard to imagine the train maneuvering these elements at a high speed as the RMC coasters often do so well.

The coaster’s layout has “RMC” written all over it. This trick-track element captures perfectly some of RMC’s flagship low-to-the-ground twists and turns.

The six-car train is nearly identical to the style found on many RMC coasters such as Goliath at Six Flags Great America.

The station features a unique Viking-style design and is adorned with the Viking Warrior’s menacing head (horns included).

I love how one of the coaster’s banked turns sweeps over the station.

I should note that Brad’s photography skills are also top-notch, bringing an added layer of realism to his work.

The coaster’s lift hill stands over the midway, allowing onlookers not ready to ride the opportunity to see the ride in action.

I think the least “realistic” aspect of the model may be the number of people in line to ride the coaster. The coaster would surely draw a huge crowd (but I understand that positioning hundreds of human figurines may be a little unnecessary!).