2/22/2006: Man builds own rollercoaster

Via Neatorama comes this item featured on PRI's The Next Big Thing. The gentleman shown above has built his own rollercoaster, in his own back yard. Sure, it may not be the greatest coaster ever built, but it's his, and that's something.



Looks like a car seat?

I want one!

The insurance companies frown on pools in your backyard. I bet they'd have a blast with one of these.

The cool idea about this is that it could be an ongoing thing, depending on how much property he owns. Cool.

I saw this a few years ago - the guy has a webpage, and if I remember correctly the guy has/ had a webpage with video clips of the coaster in action.
It was one of the funnier things I've seen.

Hey - check this one out! It sure looks alot safer! http://home.austin.rr.com/nordyke/

And then there's this one. No thanks. http://www.jeremyreid.com/

Okay, the one with the kid riding a pallet is pretty lame. The wooden one is a remarkable achievement...but the steel rig with the frigging corkscrew roll is *awesome*!

How does he mow the grass under the corkscrew? I imagine it's well fertilized.

Yes, the pallet one is somewhat lame, but it's about all I would be able to handle.

My husband's grandfather built a rollercoster in his backyard for his kids (my father-in-law and his sister). Must have been in the early 50's. He was manic-depressive, very rich and had lots of cool hobbies. Wood carving, gem cutting, butterfly collecting, roller coaster building....He killed himself long before my husband was born but left him his manic-depression and his passion for interesting pursuits but no money. Here's to modern pharmaceutical advancements.

Now that would be a good family story.

Beats the hell out of building your own telescope!

Ipecac is cheaper, thanks.

True, but did you ever taste a roller coaster?