Frequently Asked Questions

 
What program do you use to create these coasters?
We use a program called 3D Studio Max.  It is a powerful 3D modeling program mostly used in the creation of video games.
How much is this program and where can I obtain my own copy?
3D Studio Max costs several thousand dollars.  You can find it here.  Keep in mind that this program was not made for the specific task of creating roller coasters and it does not come easy to anyone, even us.
Are there any other similar programs that I could use?
There are many 3D modeling programs available today; however, you will get what you pay for.  3D Studio Max is not a game nor a toy and was created for industry professionals.  However, I would like to add that 3D Studio Max is not the ultimate solution.  Most professionals model in other programs and import their models into 3D Studio Max to make them look good with lighting and textures.  Other powerful programs with capabilities above and beyond 3D Studio Max are Lightwave and Maya.
I have 3D Studio Max and I want to know how to know how you make your coasters.
Since most people who ask us how we create our coasters are those who have no knowledge of how 3D Studio Max works and obtained a copy simply for creating coasters, it would be ridiculous for us to answer questions that can be found in the help files.  Please feel free to check out the tutorials that we have supplied, which are located in the "More" section of this site.  If you find that you do not understand certain steps, please look in the help files and online before emailing us with questions.  We apologize in advance, but certain techniques or scripts that we use to create our animations are proprietary to our professional company (Virtual Image Productions, Inc.) and cannot be disclosed.  Have fun modeling!
Could you please model <insert coaster name>??
As much as we would like to fulfill all requests for future coaster projects, most of our designs are chosen based on our own interest in creating them.  Our motivation in completing our designs comes from our own desire to make whatever coaster we feel like.  However, if there comes a time when we are lacking ideas or need your help on choosing what coaster to model, we will post a request on our site.  Suggestions are always welcome, just don't expect us to jump on any ideas you may have.

However, when new coasters are announced, a lot of the time there is not enough visual information to create models until construction is almost complete.  If you have any information and/or drawings, layouts, anything, then please do not hesitate to email them to us!!! Our second motivator for modeling is having an adequate amount of reference material, because we like to be as accurate as possible!
Could you please send me one of your 3D Studio Max files?
Absolutely not.  You would not believe the amount of time we put into these 3D files.  We like to keep these files our own because they are our only form of a real copyright on the images that we create.  Sorry!
Can I use your images and/or animations on my site?
 IMAGES: Please email either Badnitrus or Viper requesting the usage of our images.  We consider them our personal property as we put much of our spare time and effort into them, so please ask permission before displaying or using anything we have available on this website.

 VIDEOS: All videos located on this site may only be accessed through this website.  You may link to a certain page on this website, but you are not allowed to link directly to videos, to host any of these videos on your site, or share these videos over peer to peer software.  Thank you very much for your cooperation!