TSO-E Day 6: Rolling Through Setbacks

When collaborator, Julie, met with senior Tinkerers Friday morning to discuss their project, many were exasperated at what she proposed. Remove all the stakes securing the 100’ or so of completed track they had built, which had taken the Tinkerers several days to construct, and rework the route of the rail using modified supports and stakes. What she proposed seemed impossible in the amount of time they had left.

Collaborator, Julie, works with senior Tinkerers on next steps to creating a functional roller coaster rail.

“We can pull an all-nighter. That would be fun,” said senior Tinkerer, Lucy, one of the few seemingly undaunted by the next steps that were being proposed.

Yes, it was clear that a full loop was no longer feasible in the remaining time. However, the cart team had finished a functional vehicle. Also, few supports, of which some were impeding the moving cart, needed modification for the changing rail route. Perhaps, the most valuable asset was that the learning experience thus far made for quick cutting of new but shorter stakes.

Surrounded by his teammates, senior Tinkerer, Isaac, offers some feedback on the railway design during a group meeting.

“It seemed really dangerous [around the bank turn,] like a 45 degree angle,” Isaac, a senior Tinkerer, noted. “We couldn’t get enough speed to get around the turn.”

With collaborative effort in full force, the seniors managed to accomplish the once seemingly impossible by dinner time.

“It was fun. I would 100 percent do it again if they fix it,” senior Tinkerer, Michaela said. “I didn’t think we would finish so I’m proud of everyone.”

Senior Tinkerer, Lucy, rides a functional roller coaster on the final build day.

Meanwhile, the junior teams all experienced great successes with few setbacks overall. The zip line team spent most of the day testing their ride with the many willing participants waiting to try the ride. Improving the brake system and adding a landing platform were much needed modifications.

With some fear for his younger brother, Viggo, collaborator, Morgan said, “He’s a tough little nugget, but he’s definitely not stopping.”

Senior Tinkerer, Michaela, test rides the zip line on the final build day.

All ended well though and the ride was modified to allow for a smoother and softer landing.

The merry-go-round team completed their project after testing several center pin options that allowed for rotation without the platform sliding off the casters they used in their build. Soft seating was also added to aid in a comfortable ride.

The Fun Zone tree house bracing was secured, handrails added, flooring reinforced, and the space decorated with balloons. Several of The Fun Zone challenges were secured to the tree house including a rope ladder and a rock climbing wall. Bowling, Jenga and Plinko stations surrounded the area below the tree house.

Junior Tinkerers, Arianna and Yuval, decorate The Fun Zone tree house with balloons.

As Tinkerers finished for the day, a general mood of happiness overtook the camp. The accomplishments were many, and at least one Tinkerer checked a lifelong goal off his bucket list.

“I always wanted to make a tree house for me and my family. It looks easier than it is,” junior Tinkerer, Yuval, said. “I think the balloons will be nice.”

Check out the photo slideshow and videos of our Tinkerers’ fourth and final day of collaborative building, and the evening bonfire.