a better/ more reliable mechanism
I have an idea for a simple mechanism based on the “drop” ride that I brought to Q4 last week.
Walter’s original drive mechanism (correct me if I get it wrong @whitesidewjw) used a link chain with one dozer tread link. The chain was on its side relative to the track. The one tread link would pull the car up the track, then back down. The other car was attached with string over a pulley at the top, so its movement was opposite of the “lifted” car.
My idea is to take the chain and turn it to run parallel to the track. It would be above the track going up the incline, then wrap around under the track on the way down (like a roller coaster chain–this also eliminates the need for the open channel runnning the length of the track allowing a much stronger track.) The chain would need to fit between the track and the undercarriage of the cars. The car would have something on the bottom to catch the dozer link, in turn lifting the car to the top. When it gets to the top, the dozer link goes under the track, releasing the car, allowing it to crash to the bottom, right? Build an identical lift on the other lane of the incline, with the dozer treads at exact opposite locations in the cycle. Keep the cars attached with the string-and-pulley. While each car is lifted, the other is slowly lowered by gravity.
The real benefit to the design is that the drive direction is constant. Simple = more reliable, right?
I have an idea for a chainless operation also, but that one would need to switch direction. This could be accomplished with a timing mechanism and transmission like the “round up” ride I also brought to Q4. This solution has many more moving parts. I prefer the first solution, if it works.