Re: How do I build a model rollercoaster?

HI Shannon

Your crank and pulley idea is a good one.  You mention that you will be 
using a ball to demonstrate the physics involved in roller coasters.  By 
choosing a ball, I am assuming that you have at least two rails or some 
sort of chute to retain the ball while it is on the track.  If this is so 
then you might be able to fasion a lift device the runs between the rails 
to lift the ball.  IF your ball is steel then you might try using a magnet 
to lift the ball up the first hill.  

Bsck to the crank and pulley system:  I think this is probably the easiest 
and simplest way to get the ball up the first hill ( other than simply 
lifting it ).  You may be able to mount something like a measuring spoon 
between the rails of the rollercoaster to act as a lift bucket.

I hope this is helpful.

Greg