Scorpion Roller Coaster

• Realistic twisting and bending of the semi-flexible track system enabling infinite options for track paths.
• All structural supports are infinitely adjustable in both horizontal and vertical directions.
• All joints for the train, structure and track are either snap-together, friction-fit or bolted - no glue joints for an infinite number of iterations.
• Well-designed instructions guide the user through the more intricate tasks involved.
• With or without the included simple directions, the model can be quickly and easily assembled.

An Excellent Product:
I have owned CoasterDynamix products for years now. Yes, it is true that this is not some simple little toy. This is a precision working model that requires patience. The instructions are really only needed to build the layout you see in the photo and is more to help familiarize you with the system. Once you figure it out, then you can make all sorts of configurations, limited only by your imagination. I have never had a problem with the train making it through the course, it worked perfectly from the first time I used it. This seems to be the case with the majority of people I speak with. If there are ever any problems, a few adjustments do the trick. Now, onto some specific concerns that people seem to have. 1. The trains are not flimsy and do not break easily. They are indeed somewhat delicate and require care when handled. Many people make the mistake of removing them from the strip of cardboard that they come mounted on and playing with them. This can cause the wheels to become loose. In this case, the train will not complete the course. Make sure all the wheels are snapped into place and it will run just fine. If the thing does come apart, they snap back together quickly. 2. I have never had a problem with the rails and joints. The joints are long enough and stay together even in tight turns (and I make some seriously twisty designs). If they are coming apart, then simply move the crossties closer together at the rail juncture, and that keeps things together. The rail itself isn't flimsy at all. I have owned the same kit for 3 years now, and it is still going strong. 3. The track is not too rigid. In fact, it is very flexible. However, many people make the mistake of placing the track, snapping on the rails, then trying to change the shape. The rails make the track rigid, to hold the shape that you created. If you shape the track and then want to change it, remove the rails first. If you try to re-shape it with the rail in place, then the rail joints could come apart. Also, if you are re-shaping the track, you might have to adjust your supports (which is incredibly easy to do). If you keep the supports where they are and tug at the track, then it will pull the supports apart. Simply moving the supports is a very easy solution. 4. Track shape is what you make of it. If your loop or twist does not look perfect, then adjust the supports and track. The more time and attention you put into your model, the better it will look. Imagine you are building a model airplane. If you slop on a lot of glue, slap the pieces together quickly, and carelessly pour on the paint, then your model will look bad. However, if you only use enough glue to put the pieces together, take care when assembling it, and are detailed with your paint work, then the model will look good. It's as simple as that. All in all, this is a good looking and fully functional model. The important thing is that this takes time to get right. But, let me assure you, the time spent is fun time. I have built many designs, and I have made them look good and they all work just fine.

Buyer beware!!:
First, this is not a toy. It's a model that requires an adult to assemble. The instructions for putting it together are surprisingly good, although there is very little text. If you're good at following "visual instructions", you'll be in good shape. Assembly will take between 6-12 hours total. Once assembled, very few people I've chatted with can get the train to complete the circuit, myself included. Typically it makes it about 3/4 of the way through the track. There are some people that have got it working (do a search for "Scorpion coaster" on YouTube), but most seem to not be able to. Specific problems: 1) The trains are flimsy and fall apart. If the wheels come loose or fall off, it's very difficult to get the train put back together and back on the track once the track is fully assembled. 2) The rail connectors are too short and the rails are too flimsy. The rail joints, especially when there is a lot of track curvature, tend to separate, creating a bump that slows the train down. 3) The track is too rigid, and when combined with the amount of twisting and turning required, it pulls the supports apart and adds additional pressure to the rail joints. 4) Despite measuring (and re-measuring) the tracks to mark their support intersection locations, the track shape is not perfect. This is mainly because the supports can twist and the instructions aren't specific about the angle or direction of the supports in every case. My vertical loop looks more rectangular than oval no matter how much I've toyed with it. In the end, this model looks nice but isn't functional. Finally, since this is made in China, beware of small children putting anything in their mouthes (yellow support rails have an odor I've never smelled before, and it's not a good one).